Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking medical and dental health record data: a partnership with the Rochester Epidemiology Project

Purpose The purpose of this project was to expand the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records linkage infrastructure to include data from oral healthcare providers. The goal of this linkage is to facilitate research studies examining the role of oral health in overall health and quality of life. Participants Eight dental practices joined the REP between 2011 and 2015. The REP study team has linked oral healthcare information with medical record information from local healthcare providers for 31 750 participants who have resided in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Overall, 17 718 (56%) participants are women, 14 318 (45%) are 40 years of age or older and 26 090 (82%) are white. Findings to date A first study using this new information was recently completed. This resource was used to determine whether the 2007 guidelines from the American Heart Association affected prescription rates of antibiotics to patients with moderate-risk cardiac conditions prior to dental procedures. The REP infrastructure was used to identify a series of patients diagnosed with moderate-risk cardiac conditions by the local healthcare providers (n=1351), and to abstract antibiotic prescriptions from dental records both pre-2007 and post-2007. Antibiotic prescriptions prior to dental procedures declined from 62% to 7% following the change in guidelines. Future plans Dental data from participating practitioners will be updated on an annual basis, and new dental data will be linked to patient medical records. In addition, we will continue to invite new dental practices to participate in the REP. Finally, we will continue to use this research infrastructure to investigate associations between oral and medical health, and will present findings at conferences and in the scientific literature.
The prevalence, metabolic risk and effects of lifestyle intervention for metabolically healthy obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to firstly obtain a reliable estimation of the prevalence of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individuals in obesity, then assessed the risk of developing metabolic abnormalities (MA) among MHO individuals. At last, we evaluated the effects of traditional lifestyle interventions on metabolic level for MHO subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline were conducted, and original studies were searched up to December 31, 2016. The prevalence of MHO in obesity from each study was pooled using random effects models. The relative risks (RRs) were pooled to determine the risk of developing MA for MHO compared with metabolically healthy normal-weight (MHNW) subjects. For the meta-analysis of intervention studies, the mean difference and standardized mean differences were both estimated for each metabolic parameter within each study, and then pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Overall, 40 population-based studies reported the prevalence of MHO in obesity, 12 cohort studies and 7 intervention studies were included in the meta-analysis. About 35.0% obese individuals were metabolically healthy in the obese subjects. There were dramatic differences in the prevalence among different areas. However, 0.49 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.38 to 0.60) of the MHO individuals would develop one or more MA within 10 years. Compared with MHNW subjects, the MHO subjects presented higher risk of incident MA (pooled RR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.53–2.11). Following intervention, there was certain and significant improvement of metabolic state for metabolically abnormal obesity (MAO) subjects. Only diastolic blood pressure had reduced for MHO individuals after intervention. Conclusions: Almost one-third of the obese individuals are in metabolic health. However, they are still at higher risk of advancing to unhealthy state. Therefore, it is still needed to advise MHO individuals to maintain or adopt a healthy lifestyle, so as to counterbalance the adverse effects of obesity.
B cell memory to thymus‐independent antigens type 1 and type 2: the role of lipopolysaccharide in B memory induction

Several studies have indicated that thymus‐independent (TI) antigens, unlike their thymus‐dependent (TD) counterparts, are poor at generating memory antibody responses (Immunol. Today 1981.3: 217). In contrast to this view, the present report shows that the TI type 1 (TI‐1) antigen, 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl‐lipopolysaccharide (TNP‐LPS), elicits good secondary responses in rats. These secondary antibody responses are not only greater in magnitude than the primary responses, but display a different pattern of Ig classes with more IgG and IgA antibodies produced. In transfer experiments between congenic strains of rats which differ in their kappa light chain Ig allotype, it is shown that this memory is attributable to persistent B cell clones. The TI‐2 antigen, 2,4‐dinitrophenyl‐hydroxyethyl starch (DNP‐HES), given alone did not elicit B cell memory. However, when DNP‐HES is presented to the immune system in association with LPS, the pattern of the anti‐DNP response is similar to that elicited by TNP‐LPS.
Effects of dietary energy density and L-carnitine supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of broiler chickens

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary metabolisable energy (ME) density and L-carnitine supplementation on the performance, carcass traits and blood parameters of broiler chickens. The experiment was designed with three levels of dietary energy (low, medium and high) and two levels of L-carnitine (0 and 100 mg/kg diet) in a 3x2 factorial arrangement. L-carnitine supplementation did not significantly affect body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, FCR and BWG showed a significant improvement as dietary energy density increased. No significant interactions were observed between energy density and L-carnitine supplementation in the performance and carcass parameters studied in the study. Carcass yield and proportion of carcass sections were not affected significantly by any of the treatments. Chemical composition of the leg (thigh and drumstick) and breast muscle was not significantly influenced by dietary energy or carnitine, with the exception of the dry matter (DM) content of breast muscle. A low ME diet caused a significant increase in the DM content of chicken breast muscle. Furthermore, blood parameters did not show any differences between treatments. However, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity in blood was elevated in chickens fed a high ME diet compared to those on a low ME diet. The results of the investigation showed that L-carnitine supplementation produced no significant improvement in broiler performance and meat quality. Higher levels of diet ME increased broiler performance, though no significant interactions could be found between energy and carnitine levels. South African Journal of Animal Science Vol. 37 (2) 2007: pp. 65-73
TWENTY-FOUR HOUR BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILE AND LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY EARLY AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy is common in renal transplant patients but the factors influencing its development remain to be determined. The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of blood pressure load on the left ventricular mass of recently transplanted patients using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Methods: We studied 30 renal transplant (RT) patients (36.1 ± 13.7 years old, 11 males, 26 Whites, 4 diabetics, 15 under antihypertensive medication, 21 recipients of cadaver donors, and all treated with steroids, cyclosporin and azathioprine and with adequate (serum creatinine< 1.8 mg/100 ml) renal function). The median duration of dialysis treatment before transplant was 37 months, and the studies were performed during the first 40 days post-transplantation. Blood pressure was measured after a 15-min rest (casual blood pressure) and during a 24-h period with a SpaceLabs™ apparatus. Echocardiograms were obtained from all patients. Results: Mean left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was 153 ± 44 g/m2; casual systolic and diastolic BP (mmHg) was 152 ± 25 and 92 ± 13, whereas systolic and diastolic 24-h BP was 133 ± 12 and 85 ± 8, respectively. The systolic sleeping BP/awake systolic BP (SSBP/ASBP) ratio was 0.94 ± 0.07, and 73% of the patients did not show a significant (>10%) fall of systolic blood pressure during sleep. Multivariate analysis showed that awake systolic blood pressure was the only variable that independently influenced LVMI after adjusting for confounding factors (regression coefficient = 0.49, p = 0.01). Casual systolic and diastolic BP, sleeping systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 24-h heart rate, age, race, gender, smoking, body mass index, duration of dialysis, diabetes, antihypertensive and immunosuppressive drugs and levels of hematocrit, creatinine and serum lipids did not correlate with LVMI. Conclusion: The data indicate that left ventricular hypertrophy during the early post-transplant period is mainly influenced by awake blood pressure load. They also suggest that ABPM may be more useful in the diagnosis and management of post-transplant hypertension than casual BP. The findings emphasize the importance of rigid blood pressure control in renal transplant recipients.
Heart-to-Heart: Promoting Walking in Rural Women Through Motivational Interviewing and Group Support

Background: Walking can significantly increase cardiorespiratory fitness and thereby reduce the incidence of heart disease in women. However, there is a paucity of research aimed at increasing walking in rural women, a high-risk group for heart disease and one for which exercise strategies may pose particular challenges. Purpose: This study tested Heart-to-Heart (HTH), a 12-week walking program, designed to increase fitness through walking in rural women. Heart-to-Heart integrated individual-oriented strategies, including motivational interviewing, and group-based strategies, including team building. Methods: Forty-six rural women were randomized to either HTH or a comparison group. The primary outcome of cardiorespiratory fitness and secondary outcomes of self-efficacy and social support were measured preintervention and postintervention. Group differences were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Women in HTH group had a greater improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (P =.057) and in social support (P =.004) compared with women in the comparison group. Neither group of women experienced a change in exercise self-efficacy (P =.814). Conclusions: HTH was effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in a sample of rural women. Further research is needed to refine HTH and determine the optimal approach in rural women to increase their walking.
Mycotic Pneumonia and Meningoencephalitis due to Aspergillus terreus in a Neonatal Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Received for publication 2 November 1984. ‘To whom correspondence should be addressed. adult red-tailed hawk represents one of the few such cases reported in the United States. The potential for spread of the virus to other hawks may occur particularly during the nesting season when an infected adult could conceivably pass the virus to a mate and nestlings by direct contact or fomites. The foot lesions in this bird were severe and probably partially attributable to secondary infection with Staphylococcus aureus and fungi. The lesions grossly resembled “scaly-leg” caused by mites of the genus Knemidocoptes, however, none was found in our examination of the red-tailed hawk. Foot lesions as severe as those we observed were noted also by Pearson et a! (1975, op. cit.) and undoubtedly can result in a diminished ability to capture prey. The apparent systemic bacterial infection was also a major reason for debility in this case. Little is known of the natural history of avian pox infection in birds of prey. In other birds it is generally considered mild and self-limiting; however, eye lesions resulting in impaired vision may lead to starvation (Karstad, 1971, In Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Wild Birds, Davis et a! . (eds.), The Iowa State Press, Ames, Iowa, pp. 34-41). We appreciate the technical assistance of Kathy Lauhala for the electron microscopic efforts. This work was supported by Department of Energy under contract number DE-ACO6 76RL
Does anyone survive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma? A nationwide study re-evaluating the data of the Finnish Cancer Registry

Background: Worldwide survival data for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas are the lowest among the 60 most frequent types of organ cancers. Hence published data on long time survivors of this disease are controversial. We performed a nationwide study comprising all Finnish patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the period 1990–1996 who survived for at least five years after diagnosis. Methods: Data on patients registered as five year survivors of pancreatic cancer were obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry and Statistics Finland. Slides or paraffin blocks were collected from patients recorded as having histologically proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and were re-evaluated in a double blind fashion by three pathologists with special expertise in pancreatic pathology. Results: Between 1990 and 1996, the Finnish Cancer Registry recorded 4922 pancreatic cancer patients, 89 of whom survived for at least five years. Reviewing this series of patients revealed 45 (49%) non-PDACs and 18 cases without histological verification. In 26 patients recorded as having histologically proven PDAC, re-evaluation of histological specimens confirmed PDAC in only 10 patients. Conclusions: This study indicates that (1) the prognosis of PDAC remains poor and (2) careful histopathological review of all patients with pancreatic cancer is mandatory if survival data are to be meaningful.
Particle transport and transient storage along a stream-size gradient in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest

The transport and deposition of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) is an important flux linking upstream and downstream reaches of stream ecosystems. However, few studies have attempted to identify physical controls on particle transport. One reason has been the lack of relatively simple, inexpensive methods. We describe a new technique for measuring fine particle transport in streams using fluoresently labeled yeast as FPOM analogs. We used steady state injections of yeast and a conservative tracer (Cl) in 6 reaches along a stream continuum at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest to explore the relationship between hydrologic properties of stream reaches and particle transport. The yeast technique is relatively easy and inexpensive, and measures of fine particle transport derived from this approach were comparable to those obtained for natural seston and other seston analogs in similarly sized streams. The transport distance of yeast particles (Sp) increased along the stream continuum. Sp was negatively correlated with relative transient storage (k1/k2) and positively correlated with hydrologic exchange rates of the main channel (k1) and transient storage (k2). The depositional velocity of yeast (vdep), which normalizes average transport distances for stream velocity and depth, showed no trend along the continuum and was not related to k1, k2, or k1/k2. Together, these results suggest that velocity and depth were the most important factors in determining differences in particle transport along the continuum.
Efficient ray-tracing method for indoor propagation prediction

This work presents an efficient implementation of the 2.5D ray-tracing method for modeling indoor propagation. The implementation is made by means of graphic software tools using the shooting and bouncing rays (SBR) technique, in combination with the uniform theory of diffraction (UTD). A database is built to record geometrical characteristics and environment materials that allow flexibility and robustness to model news scenarios. Some comparisons between computed predictions and measurements show good agreement. The theory is also verified by comparison with previously published data.
Correlation models for childhood epidemics

One of the simplest set of equations for the description of epidemics (the SEIR equations) has been much studied, and produces reasonable approximations to the dynamics of communicable disease. However, it has long been recognized that spatial and social structure are important if we are to understand the long–term persistence and detailed behaviour of disease. We will introduce three pair models which attempt to capture the underlying heterogeneous structure by studying the connections and correlations between individuals. Although modelling the correlations necessarily leads to more complex equations, this pair formulation naturally incorporates the local dynamical behaviour generating more realistic persistence. In common with other studies on childhood diseases we will focus our attention on measles, for which the case returns are particularly well documented and long running.
Diabetes trends in Japan

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in Japan, and it is estimated that more than 12 million Japanese people are hyperglycemic. This high prevalence is most likely the result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors specific to Japan. The lifestyle and diet of the Japanese population have changed significantly since the end of World War II. In general, the Japanese have become more sedentary and they consume more fat than in the past. Among Japanese men, these changes have been associated with a steadily increasing body mass index (BMI), a well‐known risk factor for the development of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes. Genetic characteristics common to many Japanese may also contribute to their higher prevalence of diabetes. The Japanese have a higher prevalence of polymorphisms for at least three genes that code for proteins thought to play key roles in lipid and glucose metabolism: the beta 3‐adrenergic receptor, the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ, and calpain‐10. The interaction between changes in lifestyle and the ‘thrifty’ genotype characteristic of many Japanese people may play a significant role in the increasing prevalence of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk in this population. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ACE/SWICS OBSERVATIONS OF HEAVY ION DROPOUTS WITHIN THE SOLAR WIND

We present the first in situ observations of heavy ion dropouts within the slow solar wind, observed for select elements ranging from helium to iron. For iron, these dropouts manifest themselves as depletions of the Fe/H ratio by factors up to ∼25. The events often exhibit mass-dependent fractionation and are contained in slow, unsteady wind found within a few days from known stream interfaces. We propose that such dropouts are evidence of gravitational settling within large coronal loops, which later undergo interchange reconnection and become source regions of slow, unsteady wind. Previously, spectroscopic studies by Raymond et al. in 1997 (and later Feldman et al. in 1999) have yielded strong evidence for gravitational settling within these loops. However, their expected in situ signature plasma with heavy elements fractionated by mass was not observed prior to this study. Using data from the SWICS instrument on board the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE), we investigate the composition of the solar wind within these dropouts and explore long term trends over most of a solar cycle.
Feasibility and effectiveness of cognitive remediation in the treatment of borderline personality disorder

ABSTRACT Several studies have demonstrated that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with neuropsychological deficits and there is evidence that the neurocognitive profile of patients with BPD may be related to the outcome of this disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and the effectiveness of a cognitive remediation intervention in patients with BPD. Thirty patients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of BPD were assessed on clinical, neuropsychological and functional outcome measures at baseline and after 16 weeks of a computer-assisted cognitive remediation (CACR) intervention or treatment as usual (TAU). Patients who received CACR showed a greater improvement in working memory and psychosocial functioning measures than patients treated with TAU. Symptom severity was not significantly affected by CACR treatment. The findings of this pilot study suggest the feasibility and potential effectiveness on specific cognitive domains, but modest clinical usefulness of a computerised modality of cognitive remediation in the treatment of BPD.
Career progression and destinations, comparing men and women in the NHS: postal questionnaire surveys

Objective To study the career progression of NHS doctors, comparing men and women. Design Postal questionnaire surveys. Participants and setting Graduates of 1977, 1988, and 1993 from all UK medical schools. Results The response rate was 68% (7012/10 344). Within general practice, 97% (1208/1243) of men, 99% (264/267) of women who had always worked full time throughout their career, and 87% (1083/1248) of all women were principals. Median times from qualification to principal status were 5.8 (95% confidence interval 5.6 to 6.0) years for men, 5.6 (5.4 to 5.8) years for women who had worked full time during training, and 6.8 (6.5 to 7.0) years for all women. Of the 1977 and 1988 graduates in hospital practice, 96% (1293/1347) of men were consultants, compared with 92% (276/299) of women who had always worked full time throughout their career and 67% (277/416) of women who had not. Median time to first consultant post was 11.7 (11.5 to 11.9) years for men, 11.3 (11.0 to 11.6) years for women who worked full time during training, and 12.3 (12.0 to 12.6) years for all women. Women who had not always worked full time throughout their career were over-represented in general practice and under-represented in most hospital specialties, substantially so in the surgical specialties and anaesthetics. Women who had always worked full time were under-represented not only in the surgical specialties but also in general practice. Conclusions Women not progressing as far and as fast as men was, generally, a reflection of not having always worked full time rather than their sex. The findings suggest that women do not generally encounter direct discrimination; however, the possibility that indirect discrimination, such as lack of opportunities for part time work, has influenced choice of specialty cannot be ruled out.
A prospective cytogenetic study of third‐trimester placentae in small‐for‐date but otherwise normal newborns

Data in the literature suggest that confined placental mosaicism might be associated with intrauterine growth retardation. However, this association may be coincidental and due to bias of ascertainment. We therefore started a prospective study based on the cytogenetic evaluation of placentae derived from growth‐retarded newborns. We further minimized possible bias by excluding those small‐for‐date infants displaying findings which already could explain intrauterine growth retardation (mothers who are smokers, multiple pregnancies, gestosis, dysmorphic infants). In a collection of 71 small‐for‐gestational age newborns, we did not see a single case of true confined placental mosaicism.