Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body size at birth predicts hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to psychosocial stress at age 60 to 70 years.

BACKGROUND Studies in humans and animals have suggested intrauterine programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) function as an important mechanism in linking fetal life conditions with adult disease. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess how body size at birth, a marker of intrauterine conditions, is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to psychosocial stress in late adulthood. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a clinical study in the Helsinki Birth Cohort. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred eighty-seven men and women born between 1934 and 1944 whose birth measurements and gestational age came from hospital records participated in the study. MEASUREMENTS We measured salivary cortisol and, for 215 individuals, plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations in conjunction with a standardized psychosocial stressor (Trier Social Stress Test). RESULTS There was a linear relationship between low birth weight and low plasma ACTH but no linear relationship with cortisol. There were, however, quadratic relationships between birth weight and salivary (mixed model P = 0.001) and plasma cortisol (P = 0.005) but not with plasma ACTH (P = 0.1). The lowest peak salivary cortisol concentrations were seen in the lowest third of birth weights (adjusted for gestational age and sex): 12.9 nmol/liter (95% confidence interval of mean 11.2-15.0), compared with 17.1 nmol/liter (14.8-19.8) in the middle and 14.1 nmol/liter (12.6-15.7) in the highest third of birth weights. Corresponding figures for plasma cortisol were 418 nmol/liter (380-459), 498 nmol/liter (455-545), and 454 nmol/liter (428-482), and for plasma ACTH 8.17 pmol/liter (6.98-9.57), 12.42 pmol/liter (10.64-14.51), and 11.50 (10.06-13.14), respectively. Results for areas under the curve were similar. CONCLUSIONS We found an inverse U-shaped relationship between birth weight and cortisol concentrations during psychosocial stress. The lowest cortisol and ACTH concentrations were seen in subjects with the lowest birth weights. These results support the hypothesis that both hyper- and hypocortisolism may be programmed during the fetal period.
Apelin: A potential link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease in end stage renal disease patients

Abstract Background and objectives. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Increasing evidence suggests a role for apelin in the pathology of the cardiovascular system. In the present study, the plasma level of apelin was studied in patients with hemodialysis to assess the effect of renal transplantation and dialysis session on plasma apelin and whether circulating apelin levels reflect cardiovascular homeostasis and inflammation in these patients. Patients and methods. Plasma apelin, high sensitive CRP (hsCRP) and IL-6 levels were investigated in 30 end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), a group of 15 HD patients scheduled for renal transplantation and a group of 15 HD patients on maintenance HD, as well as ten healthy volunteer subjects who served as controls. An echocardiography was performed for all subjects. Results. Plasma apelin levels were significantly lower in hemodialyzed patients compared to controls. Plasma apelin was also found to be positively correlated with left ventricular end systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), interventricular septum (IVS), right ventricle (RV), left atrium (LA), Aorta (Ao), while, it was negatively correlated with hsCRP and IL-6 in ESRD patients. Regarding the effect of hemodialysis on plasma apelin levels, no significant effect was found after a single hemodialysis session, while levels increased significantly in the early post-transplant period. Conclusions. Apelin is related to echocardiographic features and inflammatory markers in hemodialyzed patients. Apelin may provide a mechanism for systemic inflammatory monitoring and adaptive regulation of cardiovascular function.
What are the effects of medication adherence interventions in rheumatic diseases: a systematic review

Objectives Consistent reports of suboptimal treatment adherence among patients with inflammatory arthritis underscore the importance of understanding how adherence can be promoted and supported. Our objectives were to identify and classify adherence interventions; and assess the evidence on the effects of adherence interventions on outcomes of patients with rheumatic diseases. Methods We conducted a mapped search of Medline, Embase and International Pharmaceutical Abstract databases to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria of: (1) patient population with inflammatory arthritis; (2) evaluation of an intervention or programme targeting medication adherence directly or indirectly; (3) reporting of one or more measures of medication adherence and disease outcome; (4) publication in English, French or Spanish. For our first objective, we applied a structured framework to classify interventions according target (patient vs provider), focus (educational vs behavioural vs affective), implementation (generalised vs tailored), complexity (single vs multifaceted) and provider. For the second objective, we appraised the evidence of effects of interventions on adherence and disease outcomes. Results We identified 23 studies reporting adherence interventions that directly or indirectly addressed treatment adherence in rheumatic diseases and further appraised included RCTs. Interventions that were shown to impact adherence outcomes were generally interventions directed at adherence, tailored to patients and delivered by a healthcare provider. For interventions that were not shown to have impacts, reasons may be those related to the intervention itself, patient characteristics or study methodology. Conclusions Our systematic review shows limited research on adherence interventions in rheumatic diseases with inconsistent impacts on adherence or disease outcome.
The association of intracranial aneurysms and meningiomas: a hospital‐based case−control study

Dear Editor, Several reports [1] and one case control study [2] have suggested a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in patients with meningiomas. To further assess the relation between IAs and meningiomas the prevalence of meningiomas in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) was studied and compared to controls. A prospectively collected series of 1161 aSAH patients and 1487 patients with ischaemic stroke as controls were used. Both patients and controls had undergone routine non-contrast computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography on admission; the reports were reviewed for the description of meningiomas and when a meningioma was described the images were reviewed to confirm its presence. Proportions of aneurysms and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare the proportions of meningiomas between patients and controls, and multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for possible confounding by age, sex, smoking and hypertension. Thousand one hundred and sixty one aSAH patients and 1487 controls with ischaemic stroke were included. Meningiomas were identified in 11 aSAH patients (0.9%; 95% CI 0.5–1.7) compared to 18 controls (1.2%; 95% CI 0.8– 1.9). The crude OR for the presence of meningioma in patients with aSAH was 0.78 (95% CI 0.37–1.66); the adjusted OR was 0.69 (95% CI 0.29–1.68). It is concluded that in our series of patients with IAs the prevalence of meningiomas was comparable to estimates of the prevalence of meningiomas of 0.9% in the general population [3] and was not increased in comparison with patients with ischaemic stroke from the same institution, even after adjustment for confounders. Thus, the presence of an IA does not increase the risk of meningiomas. In the case control study comparing the prevalence of unruptured IAs in patients with meningiomas with that in ageand sex-matched controls [2], the prevalence of IAs in patients with meningiomas was higher than estimates in the general population and statistically significantly higher than in controls. The lower prevalence of meningioma in general (0.9% [3]) compared to that of IAs (3.2% [4]) could explain why more IAs are found in patients with meningiomas whilst on the other hand the prevalence of meningiomas in patients with IAs is not found to be increased. Although meningiomas could possibly be a risk factor for the occurrence of IAs, our study shows that IAs are not a risk factor for the occurrence of meningiomas, A common risk factor for meningiomas and IAs is therefore unlikely.
Longitudinal Study of Achievement Related to Anxiety and Extraversion

The High School Personality Questionnaire was administered to over 300 sixth and seventh grade children and 3 mo. later these same children completed standardized achievement tests in social studies, science, mathematics, and reading. Treating the achievement scores as dependent variables and various personality scales as independent variables, analyses of variance were performed for each achievement area. Results indicated several significant main effects and interactions but perhaps most important was the finding that extreme scores on either end of the extraversion or anxiety dimensions were related to high achievement. Possible implications for teachers, counselors, or researchers are discussed.
Differential effects of gonadal function on bone histomorphometry in male and female rats

The effects of castration on bone histomorphometry and mineral homeostasis were compared in male and female rats. Measurements were performed 4 weeks after sham operation or gonadectomy. Orchiectomy produced increases in serum calcium and decreases in serum testosterone and androstenedione, whereas ovariectomy produced decreases in serum estradiol and testosterone. Orchiectomy did not alter static bone histomorphometric measurements of the tibial diaphysis, whereas ovariectomy increased cross‐sectional and medullary areas, lowered endosteal tetracycline‐labeled surface length, and markedly increased endosteal nonlabeled surface length. Orchiectomy decreased mean periosteal bone formation rate and mean periosteal bone apposition rate, whereas ovariectomy increased both measurements. Orchiectomy and ovariectomy markedly diminished trabecular area and trabecular surface length at the tibial metaphysis. Orchiectomy did not alter the number of osteoclasts per mm trabecular surface or the percentage of trabecular surface covered by osteoclasts, whereas ovariectomy increased both measurements. These findings indicate that gonadal hormones produce separate and distinct effects on bone metabolism as determined by histomorphometry in male and female rats.
Pediatric Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) occurs when air enters the pleural space in the absence of a traumatic or iatrogenic etiology and is an uncommon phenomenon in the pediatric population. Although the typical presentation has been well described in the literature, much debate still surrounds the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition in the pediatric population. To date, much of the emphasis in the pediatric literature has been on surgical options. Questions still remain regarding the true incidence of this disease in children, appropriate diagnostic imaging, and treatment recommendations for practitioners in the emergency department setting. This review of the evidence seeks to elaborate on current knowledge and clinical practice, as well as the applicability of adult recommendations to the pediatric population.
Photostability and Skin Penetration of Different E‐Resveratrol‐Loaded Supramolecular Structures

It is desirable and challenging to prevent E‐resveratrol (E‐RSV) from photoisomerizing to its Z‐configuration to preserve its biological and pharmacological activities. The aim of this research was to evaluate the photostability of E‐RSV‐loaded supramolecular structures and the skin penetration profile of chemically and physically stable nanoestructured formulations. Different supramolecular structures were developed to act as carriers for E‐RSV, that is, liposomes, polymeric lipid‐core nanocapsules and nanospheres and solid lipid nanoparticles. The degrees of photostability of these formulations were compared with that of an ethanolic solution of E‐RSV. The skin penetration profiles of the stable formulations were obtained using vertical diffusion cells (protected from light and under UVA radiation) with porcine skin as the membrane, followed by tape stripping and separation of the viable epidermis and dermis in a heated water bath. Photoisomerization was significantly delayed by the association of resveratrol with the nanocarriers independently of the supramolecular structure. Liposomes were the particles capable of maintaining E‐RSV concentration for the longest time. On the other hand, E‐RSV‐loaded liposomes reduced in size showing low physical stability under UVA radiation. In the dark, the skin penetration profiles were very similar, but under UVA radiation the E‐RSV‐loaded nanocarriers showed increasing amounts in the total epidermis.
Modulation of the endogenous omega-3 fatty acid and oxylipin profile in vivo—A comparison of the fat-1 transgenic mouse with C57BL/6 wildtype mice on an omega-3 fatty acid enriched diet

Dietary intervention and genetic fat-1 mice are two models for the investigation of effects associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA). In order to assess their power to modulate the fatty acid and oxylipin pattern, we thoroughly compared fat-1 and wild-type C57BL/6 mice on a sunflower oil diet with wild-type mice on the same diet enriched with 1% EPA and 1% DHA for 0, 7, 14, 30 and 45 days. Feeding led after 14–30 days to a high steady state of n3-PUFA in all tissues at the expense of n6-PUFAs. Levels of n3-PUFA achieved by feeding were higher compared to fat-1 mice, particularly for EPA (max. 1.7% in whole blood of fat-1 vs. 7.8% following feeding). Changes in PUFAs were reflected in most oxylipins in plasma, brain and colon: Compared to wild-type mice on a standard diet, arachidonic acid metabolites were overall decreased while EPA and DHA oxylipins increased with feeding more than in fat-1 mice. In plasma of n3-PUFA fed animals, EPA and DHA metabolites from the lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 pathways dominated over ARA derived counterparts.Fat-1 mice show n3-PUFA level which can be reached by dietary interventions, supporting the applicability of this model in n3-PUFA research. However, for specific questions, e.g. the role of EPA derived mediators or concentration dependent effects of (individual) PUFA, feeding studies are necessary.
The fractional Fourier transform and time-frequency representations

The functional Fourier transform (FRFT), which is a generalization of the classical Fourier transform, was introduced a number of years ago in the mathematics literature but appears to have remained largely unknown to the signal processing community, to which it may, however, be potentially useful. The FRFT depends on a parameter /spl alpha/ and can be interpreted as a rotation by an angle /spl alpha/ in the time-frequency plane. An FRFT with /spl alpha/=/spl pi//2 corresponds to the classical Fourier transform, and an FRFT with /spl alpha/=0 corresponds to the identity operator. On the other hand, the angles of successively performed FRFTs simply add up, as do the angles of successive rotations. The FRFT of a signal can also be interpreted as a decomposition of the signal in terms of chirps. The authors briefly introduce the FRFT and a number of its properties and then present some new results: the interpretation as a rotation in the time-frequency plane, and the FRFT's relationships with time-frequency representations such as the Wigner distribution, the ambiguity function, the short-time Fourier transform and the spectrogram. These relationships have a very simple and natural form and support the FRFT's interpretation as a rotation operator. Examples of FRFTs of some simple signals are given. An example of the application of the FRFT is also given. >
The Role of Cognitive and Learning Theories in Supporting Successful EHR System Implementation Training

Given persistent barriers to effective electronic health record (EHR) system implementation and use, the authors investigated implementation training practices in six organizations reputed to have ambulatory care EHR system implementation “best practices. ” Using the lenses of social cognitive and adult learning theories, they explored themes related to EHR implementation training using qualitative data collected through 43 key informant interviews and 6 physician focus groups conducted between February 2009 and December 2010. The authors found consistent evidence that training practices across the six organizations known for exemplary implementations were congruent with the tenets of these theoretical frameworks and highlight seven best practices for training. The authors’ analyses suggest that effective training programs must move beyond technical approaches and incorporate social and cultural factors to make a difference in implementation success. Taking these findings into account may increase the likelihood of successful EHR implementation, thereby helping organizations meet “meaningful use” requirements for EHR systems.
Levels of biological organization: an organism-centered approach.

Early treatises concerned systems at the level of the organism or below. At the same time, basic concepts of hierarchies above the organism level were being formulated by ecologists, though in a comparatively diffuse manner. Rowe (1961) provides an extensive review of the history of "levels-of-organization" concept in the ecological context. In addition, he alludes to the importance of the individualistic approach (a la Gleason 1927). Increased interest in levels of organization may have been due to schematic presentations in textbooks (e.g.,
Phosphorylation of caldesmon by mitogen‐activated protein kinase with no effect on Ca2+ sensitivity in rabbit smooth muscle.

1. Recombinant, activated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (3.3 microM; p42mapk) phosphorylated caldesmon in phasic (rabbit portal vein) and tonic (rabbit femoral artery) smooth muscle strips permeabilized with Triton X‐100. 2. Phosphorylation of caldesmon by p42mapk neither induced contraction of relaxed smooth muscle nor affected the Ca2+ sensitivity of submaximally contracted permeabilized phasic or tonic smooth muscle.
Enhancement of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Its X Protein in Transgenic Mice

ABSTRACT Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X gene encodes a multifunctional protein that can regulate cellular signaling pathways, interact with cellular transcription factors, and induce hepatocellular oncogenesis. In spite of its diverse activities, the precise role of the X protein in the viral life cycle of HBV remains unclear. To investigate this question, we have produced transgenic mice that carry either the wild-type HBV genome or a mutated HBV genome incapable of expressing the 16.5-kDa X protein. Our results indicate that while the X protein is not absolutely essential for HBV replication or its maturation in transgenic mice, it can enhance viral replication, apparently by activating viral gene expression. These results demonstrate a transactivation role of the X protein in HBV replication in transgenic mice.
Short-term load forecasting: A power-regression approach

The short-term load forecasting problem is addressed by means of a power regression approach. Exploiting the highly correlated nature of the explanatory variables, just two loads are deemed sufficiently informative for prediction purposes: one day before and one week before. The notion of “similar day” is then used to extract a meaningful training set from the historical records. The presence of a significant trend throughout the years suggests that invariance should be rather searched across load ratios, an observation that motivates the use of logarithmically transformed load data, thus leading to power regression model. When tested against the Italian national consumption during 2011 and 2012, the new LIST-4 predictor performs better than Sibilla, the forecaster currently used by the Italian TSO.
AD Award Number : DAMD 17-011-0442 TITLE : Increasing Manimographic Breast Density in Response to Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer Risk

Rationale and Objectives: Changes in breast density, which are commonly associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use, may imply changes in breast cancer risk. This study explores the ability of different methods to detect hormone replacement therapy (HRT) associated increases in breast density Materials and Methods: Between 1997 and 2001, 51 postmenopausal women were reported to have HRT associated increases in breast density at our institution. Twenty postmenopausal women not reported to have an increase in density during the same period were selected as controls. Mammograms from date of report and earlier comparison were used. BI-RADS density categories from both dates were obtained from the mammography report. Mammograms were reviewed at separate time points and density changes evaluated by assigning BI-RADS density categories, visual assessment, and computer assisted quantitative analysis. Results: Mammogram reports were not available for two patients. The remaining 49 women with reported HRT increases in density were included. Reported BI-RADS categories resulted in detection of 57%, simultaneous BI-RADS assignment in 61%, visual assessment in 100%, and quantitative assessment in 94% of women with HRT associated increases in density. Reported BI-RADS category change was the only method that resulted in false positive increases in density for control patients. Minimal HRT associated increases in density were the most difficult to detect, with 90% of these 21 cases not detected by simultaneous BI-RADS category assignment and 3 cases not detected by quantitative methods when defined as an increase of at least 5%. Conclusion: Visual and quantitative assessment best identified women with HRT associated increases in density, including those with minimal increases. Simultaneous assignment of BI-RADS categories was considerably better than use of reported BI-RADS categories. This information may be helpful in guiding research design of studies evaluating changes in density due the HRT use.
Distribution of Sulfonamide Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli and Salmonella Isolates from Swine and Chickens at Abattoirs in Ontario and Québec, Canada

ABSTRACT Sulfonamide-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolates from pigs and chickens in Ontario and Québec were screened for sul1, sul2, and sul3 by PCR. Each sul gene was distributed differently across populations, with a significant difference between distribution in commensal E. coli and Salmonella isolates and sul3 restricted mainly to porcine E. coli isolates.