Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health Literacy in Taiwan

Data on health literacy (HL) in the population is limited for Asian countries. This study aimed to test the validity of the Mandarin version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) for use in the general public in Taiwan. Multistage stratiﬁcation random sampling resulted in a sample of 2989 people aged 15 years and above. The HLS-EU-Q was validated by confirmatory factor analysis with excellent model data fit indices. The general HL of the Taiwanese population was 34.4 ± 6.6 on a scale of 50. Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher general HL is significantly associated with the higher ability to pay for medication, higher self-perceived social status, higher frequency of watching health-related TV, and community involvement but associated with younger age. HL is also associated with health status, health behaviors, and health care accessibility and use. The HLS-EU-Q was found to be a useful tool to assess HL and its associated factors in the general population.
Effects of testosterone administration (and its 5‐alpha‐reduction) on parenchymal organ volumes in healthy young men: findings from a dose‐response trial

Animal data shows that testosterone administration increases the volume of some parenchymal organs. However, the effects of exogenous testosterone on solid abdominal organs in humans remain unknown. The present study evaluated the effects of testosterone administration on the volume of liver, spleen and kidneys in a dose‐response trial. Young healthy men aged 18–50 years participating in the 5α‐Reductase (5aR) Trial. All participants received monthly injections of 7.5 mg leuprolide acetate to suppress endogenous testosterone secretion and weekly injections of 50, 125, 300 or 600 mg of testosterone enanthate, and were randomized to receive either 2.5 mg dutasteride (5 α‐reductase inhibitor) or placebo daily for 20 weeks. Liver, spleen and kidney volumes were measured at baseline and the end of treatment using 1.5‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. The dose‐effect of testosterone on changes in the volume of parenchymal organs was evaluated by linear regression model. The association between changes in total testosterone (TT) levels and changes in organ volumes were assessed. Testosterone administration increased liver volume dose‐dependently (17.4 cm3 per 100 mg of weekly testosterone enanthate; p = 0.031); the increase in liver volume was positively associated with changes in TT levels (R2 = 0.08, p = 0.024). A dose‐dependent, but non‐significant, increase in kidney volumes was also seen. Inclusion of dutasteride use into the models showed an independent association of randomization to dutasteride group with liver volume increase. In conclusion, Testosterone administration increased the liver volume in a dose‐dependent manner. The potential changes in parenchymal organs should be considered when interpreting apparent changes in lean mass in response to anabolic interventions.
THE ROLE OF MERGERS IN EARLY-TYPE GALAXY EVOLUTION AND BLACK HOLE GROWTH

Models of galaxy formation invoke the major merger of gas-rich progenitor galaxies as the trigger for significant phases of black hole growth and the associated feedback that suppresses star formation to create red spheroidal remnants. However, the observational evidence for the connection between mergers and active galactic nucleus (AGN) phases is not clear. We analyze a sample of low-mass early-type galaxies known to be in the process of migrating from the blue cloud to the red sequence via an AGN phase in the green valley. Using deeper imaging from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82, we show that the fraction of objects with major morphological disturbances is high during the early starburst phase, but declines rapidly to the background level seen in quiescent early-type galaxies by the time of substantial AGN radiation several hundred Myr after the starburst. This observation empirically links the AGN activity in low-redshift early-type galaxies to a significant merger event in the recent past. The large time delay between the merger-driven starburst and the peak of AGN activity allows for the merger features to decay to the background and hence may explain the weak link between merger features and AGN activity in the literature.
Functional Outcomes of Persons Who Underwent Dysvascular Lower Extremity Amputations: Effect of Postacute Rehabilitation Setting

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of postacute rehabilitation setting on functional outcomes among patients who underwent major dysvascular lower extremity amputations. DesignThis is a population-based prospective cohort study conducted in Maryland and Wisconsin. Data collected from medical records and patient interviews conducted during acute hospitalization after amputation and at 6 mos after the acute care discharge were analyzed using multivariate models and instrumental variable techniques. ResultsA total of 297 patients were analyzed on the basis of postacute care rehabilitation setting: acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), skilled nursing facility (SNF), or home. The majority (43.4%) received care in an IRF; 32%, in an SNF; and 24.6%, at home. On the Short Form–36 subscales, significantly improved outcomes were observed for the patients receiving postacute care at an IRF relative to those cared for at an SNF in physical function, role physical, and physical component summary score. Patients receiving postacute care in IRFs also experienced better role physical and physical component summary score outcomes compared with those discharged directly home. In addition, patients receiving postacute care in an IRF were significantly more likely to score in the top quartile for general health in IRF compared with SNF or home and less likely to score in the lowest quartile for physical function, role physical, and physical component summary score in IRF compared with SNF. Lower activity of daily living impairment was observed in IRF compared with SNF. ConclusionsAmong this large and diverse cohort of patients who underwent major dysvascular lower limb amputations, receipt of interdisciplinary rehabilitation services in an IRF yielded improved functional outcomes 6 mos after amputation relative to care received in SNFs or at home.
Nigerian Indigenous Fermented Foods: Processes and Prospects

The deliberate fermentation of foods by man predates written history and is possibly the oldest method of preserving perishable foods. Evidence suggests that fermented foods were consumed 7,000 years ago in Babylon (Battcock and Aza-Ali, 1998). Scientist speculates that our ancestors possibly discovered fermentation by accident and continued to use the process out of preference or necessity. Preserving by fermentation not only made foods available for future use, but more digestible and flavourful. The nutritional value produced by fermenting is another benefit of fermenting.
Hypertensive Heart Disease

Hypertensive heart disease encompasses anatomical changes and altered physiology of heart muscle, coronary arteries, and great vessels. Left ventricular hypertrophy is not only a target organ response to increased afterload, but is also the most potent cardiovascular risk factor. Regression of hypertrophy reduces morbidity and mortality. Heart failure may be present in the absence of a reduction of myocardial contractility. Ischemic heart disease occurs in the absence of epicardial coronary disease. Left atrial size and atrial fibrillation are associated. Potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are more common in hypertensive patients. The relationship of aortic root size to blood pressure is weaker than expected; however, the relationship to aortic dissection is stronger. Careful attention and treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and atrial fibrillation will improve survival.
Paired‐pulse facilitation and depression at unitary synapses in rat hippocampus: quantal fluctuation affects subsequent release.

1. Excitatory synaptic transmission between pairs of monosynaptically coupled pyramidal cells was examined in rat hippocampal slice cultures. Action potentials were elicited in single CA3 pyramidal cells impaled with microelectrodes and unitary excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded in whole‐cell voltage‐clamped CA1 or CA3 cells. 2. The amplitude of successive unitary EPSCs in response to single action potentials varied. The amplitude of EPSCs was altered by adenosine or changes in the [Mg2+]/[CA2+] ratio. We conclude that single action potentials triggered the release of multiple quanta of glutamate. 3. When two action potentials were elicited in the presynaptic cell, the amplitude of the second EPSC was inversely related to the amplitude of the first. Paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF) was observed when the first EPSC was small, i.e. the second EPSC was larger than the first, whereas paired‐pulse depression (PPD) was observed when the first EPSC was large. 4. The number of trials displaying PPD was greater when release probability was increased, and smaller when release probability was decreased. 5. PPD was not postsynaptically mediated because it was unaffected by decreasing ionic flux with 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) or receptor desensitization with aniracetam. 6. PPF was maximal at an interstimulus interval of 70 ms and recovered within 500 ms. Recovery from PPD occurred within 5 s. 7. We propose that multiple release sites are formed by the axon of a CA3 pyramidal cell and a single postsynaptic CA1 or CA3 cell. PPF is observed if the first action potential fails to release transmitter at most release sites. PPD is observed if the first action potential successfully triggers release at most release sites. 8. Our observations of PPF are consistent with the residual calcium hypothesis. We conclude that PPD results from a decrease in quantal content, perhaps due to short‐term depletion of readily releasable vesicles.
The supernatant of Bacillus pumilus SQR‐N43 has antifungal activity towards Rhizoctonia solani

For clarification of the antagonistic mechanism of Bacillus pumilus SQR‐N43 (N43) against Rhizoctonia solani Q1, production of antibiotics by N43 was determined, and the effect of the antibiotics on the pathogen mycelium was microscopically observed. Further more, the control efficiencies of the antifungal compounds on damping‐off disease were investigated. The results obtained are listed as follows: N43 produced antibiotic substances towards R. solani Q1 at logarithmic growth phase. The antibiotics caused hyphal deformation and enlargement of cytoplasmic vacuoles in R. solani Q1 mycelia. 70% saturation of ammonium sulfate made a complete precipitation of the antibiotics in culture broth. When treated with protease K and trypsase, the activities of antibiotics were decreased by 79% and 53%, respectively, compared with control. The antibiotics were sensitive to high temperature and were alkaline stable. The molecular weights of the substances were about 500–1000 Da. The bio‐control efficiencies of the antibiotics had no significant difference with that of N43 cell suspension. It is a first report that B. pumilus strain produced oligopeptides which had inhibitory effect on R. solani Q1 at logarithmic growth phase.
Cyclin D1 is an essential mediator of apoptotic neuronal cell death.

Many neurons in the developing nervous system undergo programmed cell death, or apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is largely unknown. In the present report, we present evidence that the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 is involved in the regulation of neuronal cell death. During neuronal apoptosis, cyclin D1‐dependent kinase activity is stimulated, due to an increase in cyclin D1 levels. Moreover, artificial elevation of cyclin D1 levels is sufficient to induce apoptosis, even in non‐neural cell types. Cyclin D1‐induced apoptosis, like neuronal apoptosis, can be inhibited by 21 kDa E1B, Bcl2 and pRb, but not by 55 kDa E1B. Most importantly, however, overexpression of the cyclin D‐dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4 protects neurons from apoptotic cell death, demonstrating that activation of endogenous cyclin D1‐dependent kinases is essential during neuronal apoptosis. These data support a model in which neuronal apoptosis results from an aborted attempt to activate the cell cycle in terminally differentiated neurons.
Small round cell tumor with divergent differentiation: Cytologic, histologic, and ultrastructural findings

A case study of desmoplastic small round cell tumor with divergent differentiation in a 13‐yr‐old boy is presented. Clinical, cytologic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural findings are reported. There was a close correlation between the various histologic and cytologic patterns. Immunohistochemical studies revealed strong positivity of many of the tumor cells for cytokeratin, vimentin, and desmin. Ultrastructurally, some of the tumor cells contained aggregates of cytoplasmic intermediate filaments. Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy may suggest the diagnosis of desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Confirmation of the diagnosis may be provided by immuhistochemistry and electronmicroscopy. Diagn Cytopathol 1994; 11:159–164. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Women and HIV infection: a cohort study of 483 HIV-infected women in Bordeaux, France, 1985-1991. The Groupe d'Epidémiologie Clinique du SIDA en Aquitaine.

OBJECTIVES To study the epidemiological trends, clinical patterns, evolution and prognosis of HIV infection in women. DESIGN Cohort study of 1816 HIV-infected patients. RESULTS Up to 1 January 1991, 483 (26.6%) of the patients reported to the Groupe d'Epidemiologie Clinique du SIDA en Aquitaine surveillance system were women. The male-to-female ratio has decreased progressively (3.4:1 in 1985; 2.7:1 in 1990) over time. Fifty per cent of HIV-infected women are or have been intravenous drug users (IVDU). The proportion of heterosexually acquired HIV infection increased from 11.6 to 34.6% over the last 5 years; 46.9% of the women infected through heterosexual intercourse reported sexual contacts with male IVDU. Excluding Kaposi's sarcoma, no significant difference was observed between men and women in the overall distribution of AIDS-defining events. The observed trend of a slower progression to AIDS in women, compared with men, disappeared when controlling for prognostic variables. However, female sex significantly enhanced survival after AIDS diagnosis in multivariate analysis (relative risk, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.2). CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of HIV infection in female patients and prevention of HIV infection among women is now a priority for public health interventions, both in industrialized and in developing countries.
Engaging individuals recently released from prison into primary care: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES Individuals released from prison have high rates of chronic conditions but minimal engagement in primary care. We compared 2 interventions designed to improve primary care engagement and reduce acute care utilization: Transitions Clinic, a primary care-based care management program with a community health worker, versus expedited primary care. METHODS We performed a randomized controlled trial from 2007 to 2009 among 200 recently released prisoners who had a chronic medical condition or were older than 50 years. We abstracted 12-month outcomes from an electronic repository available from the safety-net health care system. Main outcomes were (1) primary care utilization (2 or more visits to the assigned primary care clinic) and (2) emergency department (ED) utilization (the proportion of participants making any ED visit). RESULTS Both groups had similar rates of primary care utilization (37.7% vs 47.1%; P = .18). Transitions Clinic participants had lower rates of ED utilization (25.5% vs 39.2%; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Chronically ill patients leaving prison will engage in primary care if provided early access. The addition of a primary care-based care management program tailored for returning prisoners reduces ED utilization over expedited primary care.
Criteria for an Ethanol Molecular Target

Ethanol produces a wide variety of behavioral and physiological effects in the body, but exactly how it acts to produce these effects is still poorly understood. Although ethanol was long believed to act nonspecifically through the disordering of lipids in cell membranes, proteins are at the core of most current theories of its mechanisms of action. Although ethanol affects various biochemical processes such as neurotransmitter release, enzyme function, and ion channel kinetics, we are only beginning to understand the specific molecular sites to which ethanol molecules bind to produce these myriad effects. For most effects of ethanol characterized thus far, it is unknown whether the protein whose function is being studied actually binds ethanol, or if alcohol is instead binding to another protein that then indirectly affects the functioning of the protein being studied. In this Review, we describe criteria that should be considered when identifying alcohol binding sites and highlight a number of proteins for which there exists considerable molecular-level evidence for distinct ethanol binding sites.
A Zigbee based smart sensing platform for monitoring environmental parameters

The ability to monitor environmental conditions is crucial to research in fields ranging from climate variability to agriculture and zoology. Being able to document baseline and changing environmental parameters over time is increasingly essential important and researchers are relying more and more on unattended weather stations for this propose. A Zigbee Based Smart Sensing Platform for Monitoring Environmental Parameters has been designed and developed. The smart weather station consists of SiLab C8051F020 microcontroller based measuring units which collect the value of the temperature, relative humidity, pressure and sunlight. These units send their data wireless to a central station, which collects the data, stores and displays them into a database. The facility of adding a few more sensors and a few more stations has been provided.
Sickle Cell Disease : An Opportunity for Pall iative Care Across the Life Span

People living with sickle cell disease (SCD) face many types of morbidity and early mortality. SCD is an inherited hemoglobin disorder characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, increased susceptibility to infections, end-organ damage, and intermittent episodes of vascular occlusion that result in acute and chronic pain. In some African countries, nearly all babies born with SCD die in early childhood. In the United States,
The molecular basis of HIV capsid assembly—five years of progress

The assembly of HIV is relatively poorly investigated when compared with the process of virus entry. Yet a detailed understanding of the mechanism of assembly is fundamental to our knowledge of the complete life cycle of this virus and also has the potential to inform the development of new antiviral strategies. The repeated multiple interaction of the basic structural unit, Gag, might first appear to be little more than concentration dependent self‐assembly but the precise mechanisms emerging for HIV are far from simple. Gag interacts not only with itself but also with host cell lipids and proteins in an ordered and stepwise manner. It binds both the genomic RNA and the virus envelope protein and must do this at an appropriate time and place within the infected cell. The assembled virus particle must successfully release from the cell surface and, whilst being robust enough for transmission between hosts, must nonetheless be primed for rapid disassembly when infection occurs. Our current understanding of these processes and the domains of Gag involved at each stage is the subject of this review. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
β‐Oestradiol rescues ΔF508CFTR functional expression in human cystic fibrosis airway CFBE41o− cells through the up‐regulation of NHERF1

Background information. CF (cystic fibrosis) is a disease caused by mutations within the CFTR (CF transmembrane conductance regulator) gene. The most common mutation, ΔF508 (deletion of Phe‐508), results in a protein that is defective in folding and trafficking to the cell surface but is functional if properly localized in the plasma membrane. We have recently demonstrated that overexpression of the PDZ protein NHERF1 (Na+/H+‐exchanger regulatory factor 1) in CF airway cells induced both a redistribution of ΔF508CFTR from the cytoplasm to the apical membrane and the PKA (protein kinase A)‐dependent activation of ΔF508CFTR‐dependent chloride secretion. In view of the potential importance of the targeted up‐regulation of NHERF1 in a therapeutic context, and since it has been demonstrated that oestrogen treatment increases endogenous NHERF1 expression, we tested the hypothesis that oestrogen treatment can increase NHERF1 expression in a human bronchiolar epithelial CF cell line, CFBE41o−, with subsequent rescue of apical ΔF508CFTR chloride transport activity.
Catastrophes, sleep, and public policy: consensus report.

Following the 1986 annual meeting of the Association of Professional Sleep Societies (Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A., June 15–22, 1986), a committee of scientists was formed to review recent reports and related information on the role of human sleep and brain clocks (time-of-day variation in physiology and alertness) in the occurrence of medical and human error catastrophes. This is a report of the committee's findings and recommendations. The committee evaluated scientific and technical reports on the distribution throughout the 24-h day of medical incidents (such as heart attack and stroke) and performance failures (such as vehicular accidents and human errors in industrial and technical operations that can affect public safety). We found that these events occur most often at times of day coincident with the temporal pattern of brain processes associated with sleep. It thus appears that the occurrence of a wide range of catastrophic phenomena are influenced by sleep-related processes in ways heretofore not fully appreciated. The committee recognizes that there are now some efforts to assess the influence of sleep-related processes on performance in key sectors of our society. For example, the United States military participated in the NATO seminar entitled “Sleep And Its Applications for the Military” (Lyon, France, March 16–17, 1987). An obvious and major concern in connection with military applications is the possibility of human error in performance or judgment when dealing round-the-clock with allied and adversarial personnel and weapons systems located in many time zones all over the earth. The committee recommends an increase in the number and scope of such exercises to develop awareness in both the public and private sectors of the vulnerability of humans to suffer catastrophes as a function of these processes. We also recommend the development of policies within appropriate government agencies to facilitate the study of these processes, the application of measurements to identify sleep-related risks in the workplace, and the adoption of countermeasures to minimize their detrimental influence on human welfare and public safety.