Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic fields counteract IL‐1β activity during chondrogenesis of bovine mesenchymal stem cells

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease associated with articular cartilage degeneration. To improve the therapeutic options of OA, tissue engineering based on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged. However, the presence of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), during chondrogenesis reduces the efficacy of cartilage engineering repair procedures by preventing chondrogenic differentiation. Previous studies have shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) stimulate anabolic processes in OA cartilage and limit IL‐1β catabolic effects. We investigated the role of EMFs during chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, isolated from bovine synovial fluid, in the absence and presence of IL‐1β. Pellets of MSCs were differentiated for 3 and 5 weeks with transforming growth factor‐β3 (TGFβ3), in the absence and presence of IL‐1β and exposed or unexposed to EMFs. Biochemical, quantitative real‐time RT–PCR and histological results showed that EMFs alone or in the presence of TGFβ3 play a limited role in promoting chondrogenic differentiation. Notably, in the presence of IL‐1β and TGFβ3 a recovery of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis, PG content and aggrecan and type II collagen mRNA expression in the EMF‐exposed compared to unexposed pellets was observed. Also, histological and immunohistochemical results showed an increase in staining for alcian blue, type II collagen and aggrecan in EMF‐exposed pellets. In conclusion, this study shows a significant role of EMFs in counteracting the IL‐1β‐induced inhibition of chondrogenesis, suggesting EMFs as a therapeutic strategy for improving the clinical outcome of cartilage engineering repair procedures, based on the use of MSCs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the impact of evidence-based continuing education on nonpharmacologic management of cancer pain.

BACKGROUND Following a survey of health professionals' familiarity with 19 non-pharmacologic interventions for cancer pain, evidence-based continuing education sessions were conducted on the five therapies about which the professionals reported being most interested in learning more. METHODS Three months following the education sessions, the original questionnaire was re-administered. Responses from the original survey were compared with those on the post-education survey. To further analyze the data, the post-education survey responses of the health professionals who had attended the education sessions were compared with those who had not attended. RESULTS Compared with the original survey, the respondents were more familiar with therapeutic touch and massage therapy and more aware of the research regarding these interventions, and perceptions of effectiveness had significantly increased for all five interventions. For all five interventions, those who had attended the sessions were significantly more aware of research than those who had not attended. CONCLUSIONS The continuing education sessions improved familiarity and awareness of research but had little influence on the health professionals' perceptions regarding the effectiveness, risk, and planned future use of the interventions. The low response rate and other limitations of this project warrant a cautious interpretation of the findings.
A New Goodness-of-Fit Test for Event Forecasting and Its Application to Credit Defaults

We develop a new goodness-of-fit test for validating the performance of probability forecasts. Our test statistic is particularly powerful under sparseness and dependence in the observed data. To build our test statistic, we start from a formal definition of calibrated forecasts, which we operationalize by introducing two components. The first component tests the level of the estimated probabilities; the second validates the shape, measuring the differentiation between high and low probability events. After constructing test statistics for both level and shape, we provide a global goodness-of-fit statistic, which is asymptotically χ2 distributed. In a simulation exercise, we find that our approach is correctly sized and more powerful than alternative statistics. In particular, our shape statistic is significantly more powerful than the Kolmogorov--Smirnov test. Under independence, our global test has significantly greater power than the popular Hosmer--Lemeshow's χ2 test. Moreover, even under dependence, our global test remains correctly sized and consistent. As a timely and important empirical application of our method, we study the validation of a forecasting model for credit default events. This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Adsorption behavior of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions on cellulose-based hydrogels

Removal of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions using cellulose-graft-acrylic acid (C-g-AA) hydrogels was investigated. Various factors affecting the adsorption capacity, such as pH, time, initial ions concentration, and competitive ions, were tested. The results showed that the adsorption of hydrogels was very pH dependent, and maximum adsorption was obtained at a pH of 5.0. The adsorption capacities of hydrogels for the heavy metal ions were 562.7 mg/g (Cd2+), 825.7 mg/g (Pb2+), and 380.1 mg/g (Ni2+), respectively. The adsorption behavior can be very well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The observed affinity order of competitive ions adsorption is Pb2+>Ni2+>Cd2+ in mmol/g. The hydrogels can be regenerated after releasing heavy metal ions and reused three times with 15% loss of adsorption capacity. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra before and after ion adsorption on the hydrogels revealed that the complexation between heavy metal ions and carboxyl groups on hydrogels was the main adsorption mechanism.
Depression in Family Practice Patients

Multiple factors have been described as significant contributors to depression in medical patients. This study attempts to asses the relative significance and interrelationship of variables associated with depression. A group of 199 family practice were studied. Using a multivariate research design, significant depressive symptoms were found in 41% of the sample. A stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the five most important factors associated with depression, in order of significance, were socioeconomic status, recent stress, use of birth control pills, serious physical illness, and distant life events. This study supports the thesis that depression is a final common pathway syndrome in which biologic and social forces coalesce into syndrome expression. The primary care practitioner needs to be aware of the multiple risk factors for depression to develop effective detection and intervention strategies.
Elevated blood pressure, pulse rate and serum creatinine in Negro males deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Abstract Elevated diastolic and systolic casual blood pressures, pulse rates and serum creatinine levels were found in G-6-PD-deficient Negro men as compared with nondeficient age-matched controls. There is thus a possible role of G-6-PD in the metabolic systems concerned with regulation of blood pressure.
Decentralization, Democratization, and Health: The Philippine Experiment

In 1991, the Philippines joined a growing list of countries that reformed health planning through decentralization. Reformers viewed decentralization as a tool that would solve multiple problems, leading to more meaningful democracy and more effective health planning. Today, nearly two decades after the passage of decentralization legislation, questions about the effectiveness of the reforms persist. Inadequate financing, inequity, and a lack of meaningful participation remain challenges, in many ways mirroring broader weaknesses of Philippine democracy. These concerns pose questions regarding the nature of contemporary decentralization, democratization, and health planning and whether these three strategies are indeed mutually enforcing.
Proposal of guidelines for the appraisal of SEMen QUAlity studies (SEMQUA).

STUDY QUESTION Is there a need for a specific guide addressing studies of seminal quality? SUMMARY ANSWER The proposed guidelines for the appraisal of SEMinal QUAlity studies (SEMQUA) reflect the need for improvement in methodology and research on semen quality. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY From an examination of other instruments used to assess the quality of diagnostic studies, there was no guideline on studies of seminal quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Through systematic bibliographic search, potential items were identified and grouped into four blocks: participants, analytical methods, statistical methods and results. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING AND METHODS Our findings were presented to a panel of experts who were asked to identify opportunities for improvement. Then, a checklist was designed containing the questions generated by the items that summarize the essential points that need to be considered for the successful outcome of a SEMQUA. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Eighteen items were identified, from which 19 questions, grouped into four blocks, were generated to constitute the final checklist. An explanation for the inclusion of each item was provided and some examples found in the bibliographic search were cited. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION We consider that not all items are equally applicable to all study designs, and so the hypothetical results are not comparable. For that reason, a score would not be fair to critically appraise a study. This checklist is presented as an instrument for appraising SEMQUAs and therefore remains open to constructive criticism. It will be further developed in the future, in parallel with the continuing evolution of SEMQUAs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The final configuration of the SEMQUA is in the form of a checklist, and includes the items generally considered to be essential for the proper development of a SEMQUA. The final checklist produced has various areas of application; for example, it would be useful for designing and constructing a SEMQUA, for reviewing a paper on the question, for educational purposes or as an instrument for appraising the quality of research articles in this field. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
Validation of the Sinhala version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

INTRODUCTION Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a widely used standardized instrument to assess sleep quality in clinical and research settings. Objective of the study was to translate the PSQI into Sinhala language and validate using a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. METHODS Every fifth patient aged 18-60 years who attended the out-patients department of a tertiary care hospital was recruited. PSQI was translated into Sinhala using a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the scores in patients who were identified as having depressive disorder according to the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and those without depressive disorder. RESULTS Forty-six participants with depression were compared with 159 non depressed controls. Mean PSQI component scores were significantly higher in depressed patients in 5 components. Factor analysis identified a single component explaining 53.53% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 indicated a high internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS The Sinhala translation of the PSQI is a valid and reliable tool to assess sleep quality.
Combination of two anti‐CD5 monoclonal antibodies synergistically induces complement‐dependent cytotoxicity of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells

The treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been improved by introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that exert their effect through secondary effector mechanisms. CLL cells are characterized by expression of CD5 and CD23 along with CD19 and CD20, hence anti‐CD5 Abs that engage secondary effector functions represent an attractive opportunity for CLL treatment. Here, a repertoire of mAbs against human CD5 was generated and tested for ability to induce complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) both as single mAbs and combinations of two mAbs against non‐overlapping epitopes on human CD5. The results demonstrated that combinations of two mAbs significantly increased the level of CDC compared to the single mAbs, while no enhancement of ADCC was seen with anti‐CD5 mAb combinations. High levels of CDC and ADCC correlated with low levels of Ab‐induced CD5 internalization and degradation. Importantly, an anti‐CD5 mAb combination enhanced CDC of CLL cells when combined with the anti‐CD20 mAbs rituximab and ofatumumab as well as with the anti‐CD52 mAb alemtuzumab. These results suggest that an anti‐CD5 mAb combination inducing CDC and ADCC may be effective alone, in combination with mAbs against other targets or combined with chemotherapy for CLL and other CD5‐expressing haematological or lymphoid malignancies.
[A study on mortality around six municipal solid waste landfills in Tuscany Region].

OBJECTIVE Describing mortality of populations residing in the neighbourhoods of selected waste landfill sites and contributing to the definition of their health status. DESIGN Descriptive study of mortality at municipality and aggregated municipalities level. SETTING AND METHODS Mortality from 1995 to 2000 in six areas of five provinces of Tuscany Region where municipal and/or hazardous waste landfills are located. Areas considered at higher exposure were those including municipalities where inhabitants mainly reside within 5 km from selected landfills. Comparison was made with rates observed in the five provinces in the same period. Statistical comparisons were perfomed using standardised mortality ratios (SMR) and bayesian mortality ratios (BMR) adjusted for age. MAIN OUTCOMES Mortality for all causes, groups and specific causes of cancer and non-cancer diseases. RESULTS Statistically significant mortality excesses were found for circulatory system and cerebrovascular diseases, for lymphohematopoietic system, liver and bladder cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. CONCLUSION Methods utilized have produced preliminary indications on associations between residence in areas with landfills and mortality. These excesses, also due to the limitations of macrogeographic studies, indicate that further insights at microgeographic level are needed.
Using Arrest Charge to Screen for Undiagnosed HIV Infection Among New Arrestees: A Study in Los Angeles County

Despite high documented HIV prevalence, few jail systems offer universal HIV screening, nor is this always feasible. The authors evaluated undiagnosed HIV infection and HIV risk history by arrest charge among 1,322 new arrestees to examine whether specific charges may help prioritize jail-based screening. Undiagnosed HIV prevalence was 2.7% and 1.0% among males and females, with 32% and 45% reporting recent STD diagnoses or high-risk behaviors for HIV. HIV risk history distinguished HIV-infected males but not females. Males with parole violation, sex, or theft charges had high undiagnosed HIV infection rates relative to other males. A weaker trend was observed for females with parole violation, drug, or violent charges. These charges represented 30% and 66% of males and females studied and 56% and 100% of their undiagnosed HIV infections, respectively. Using arrest charge to target screening may efficiently increase HIV diagnosis in jail inmates where universal HIV screening is not possible.
Effect of polymorphisms in the leptin, leptin receptor and acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) genes and genetic polymorphism of milk proteins on bovine milk composition

The relations between cow genetics and milk composition have gained a lot of attention during the past years, however, generally only a few compositional traits have been examined. The aim of this study was to determine if polymorphisms in the leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR) and acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) genes as well as genetic polymorphism of β-casein (β-CN), κ-CN and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) impact several bovine milk composition traits. Individual milk samples from the Swedish Red and Swedish Holstein breeds were analyzed for components in the protein, lipid, carbohydrate and mineral profiles. Cow alleles were determined on the following SNP: A1457G, A252T, A59V and C963T on the LEP gene, T945M on the LEPR gene and Nt984+8(A-G) on the DGAT1 gene. Additionally, genetic variants of β-CN, κ-CN and β-LG were determined. For both the breeds, the same tendency of minor allele frequency was found for all SNPs and protein genes, except on LEPA1457G and LEPC963T. This study indicated significant (P<0·05) associations between the studied SNPs and several compositional parameters. Protein content was influenced by LEPA1457G (G>A) and LEPC963T (T>C), whereas total Ca, ionic Ca concentration and milk pH were affected by LEPA1457G, LEPA59V, LEPC963T and LEPRT945M. However, yields of milk, protein, CN, lactose, total Ca and P were mainly affected by β-CN (A2>A1) and κ-CN (A>B>E). β-LG was mainly associated with whey protein yield and ionic Ca concentration (A>B). Thus, this study shows possibilities of using these polymorphisms as markers within genetic selection programs to improve and adjust several compositional parameters.
Arthropod succession in exposed carrion in a tropical rainforest on O'ahu Island, Hawai'i.

Arthropod succession in exposed carrion in a tropical rainforest on the island of O'ahu, Hawaiian Islands, was observed. A total of 45 species of arthropods in 10 orders, 27 families, and 40 genera was recorded. Five stages of decomposition were recognized as follows: fresh, bloated, decay, postdecay, and remains.
Effect of Endogenous Cortisol Levels on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Healthy Humans

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of increasing and decreasing endogenous cortisol levels on natural killer (NK) cell activity in vivo. Normal healthy volunteers participated in the following studies: baseline (n = 27), metyrapone challenge test (n = 10), dexamethasone suppression test (n = 10), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test (n = 8). Each subject served as his own control for each study. Each subject was tested for NK activity and plasma cortisol levels at 9 a.m., just before the challenge drug administration, and at 10 a.m., except for the dexamethasone study, in which only the 9 a.m. blood was drawn, 10 h after the dexamethasone administration. On the baseline study day, a significant decrease in plasma cortisol levels was found from 9 to 10 a.m. (p <.02) along with a significant increase in NK activity (p <.001). On the metyrapone test day, plasma cortisol levels at 10 a.m. were significantly reduced (p <.005) as expected, while NK activity at the same time point was not affected and was increased to an extent equivalent to the baseline study day. On the dexamethasone test day, plasma cortisol concentrations were significantly decreased (p <.0001) as compared to the same time point on the baseline day, without any significant change in the NK activity. On the ACTH test day, plasma cortisol rose significantly at 10 a.m. (p <.02), with no change in NK activity. We conclude that plasma cortisol alone has no significant effect on NK activity in vivo.
Socio-economic differences in long-term psychiatric work disability: prospective cohort study of onset, recovery and recurrence

Objectives To examine the associations between socio-economic position (SEP) and the onset of psychiatric work disability, return to work and recurrence of disability. Methods Prospective observational cohort study (1997–2005) including register data on 141 917 public-sector employees in Finland. Information on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnosis-specific psychiatric work disability (≥90 days) was obtained from national registers. Results During a mean follow-up of 6.3 years, 3938 (2.8%) participants experienced long-term psychiatric work disability. Of these, 2418 (61%) returned to work, and a further 743 (31%) experienced a recurrent episode. SEP was inversely associated with onset of disability owing to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia and substance-use disorders. No association was found between SEP and disability owing to bipolar disorders or reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders. High SEP was associated with a greater likelihood of a return to work following depressive disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia and substance-use disorders, but not bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders or reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders. Low SEP predicted recurrent episodes of work disability. Conclusions High SEP is associated with lower onset of work disability owing to mental disorders, as well as return to work and lower rates of recurrence. However, the socio-economic advantage is diagnosis-specific. SEP predicted neither the onset and recovery from disability owing to bipolar disorders and reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders, nor recovery from disability owing to anxiety disorders. SEP should be taken into account in the attempts to reduce long-term work disability owing to mental disorders.
Perceived efficacy and satisfaction of patients with subcutaneous hypoallergenic high-dose house dust mite extract a

Allergy Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain Allergy Unit, Hospital de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain Allergy Unit, Hospital Universitario Dr Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Allergy Unit, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, Ferrol, Spain Allergy Division, Hospital Universitario del Henares, Coslada, Spain Medical Affairs Department, Merck SLU, Calle María de Molina 40, Madrid, Spain
Age and sex differences in variation of nutrient intakes among U.S. adults.

Studies assessing associations of diet with health frequently use multi-day dietary records to estimate usual dietary intakes. We examined variation in intakes of 13 nutrients for 13,388 U.S. adults using 3 days of dietary data from the 1977-1978 Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. Ratios of within-person variability to between-person variability in intakes were large and would result in attenuated linear regression estimates of diet-health associations. For many nutrients, the magnitude of the attenuation decreased with age for both sexes but particularly for men, implying that fewer days of dietary intake per person would correctly assess diet-health associations among older adults than have been suggested for younger adults.