Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum total antioxidant status in cardiovascular patients and in healthy individuals

The previous studies suggest that low serum total antioxidant status (TAS) might be related to oxidative stress. To further examine the TAS, we investigated its relation in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Total 39 samples of males and females were collected; age ranged from 18 to 86 years and divided them into two groups. Group 1 included 30 samples of cardiovascular patients; group 2 included 9 healthy individuals as control group. In group 1, patients suffering from Myocardial infarction (MI) showed low TAS values compared to the patients suffering from angina. The rest of the patients in group 1 showed TAS value within the reference range (1.31.77mmol/L). The present study concluded that the TAS value in MI patients is lower than patients suffering from angina pectoris, further it was also concluded that aging and smoking both leads to the decrease in the level of TAS.
Yoga, Physical Education, and Self-Esteem: Off the Court and Onto the Mat for Mental Health

Researchers studied increases in self-esteem of eighth-grade students after participation in regular physical education and yoga-enhanced physical education classes. Self-esteem was measured by the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. The Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory was given pre, mid, and post test in both the experimental and control group. The results showed that over the course of the eightweek intervention, self-esteem did increase in both the experimental and control groups. There was no significant difference in self-esteem between regular physical education activities and yoga. The study revealed the importance of physical activity, including yoga, for enhancing self-esteem. Theories for why self-esteem increased over time are discussed in the study.
Multiple Personality Disorder: A Clinical Investigation of 50 Cases

To study the clinical phenomenology of multiple personality, 50 consecutive patients with DSM-III multiple personality disorder were assessed using clinical history, psychiatric interview, neurological examination, electroencephalogram, MMPI, intelligence testing, and a variety of psychiatric rating scales. Results revealed that patients with multiple personality are usually women who present with depression, suicide attempts, repeated amnesic episodes, and a history of childhood trauma, particularly sexual abuse. Also common were headaches, hysterical conversion, and sexual dysfunction. Intellectual level varied from borderline to superior. The MMPI reflected underlying character pathology in addition to depression and dissociation. Significant neurological or electroencephalographical abnormalities were infrequent. These data suggest that the etiology of multiple personality is strongly related to childhood trauma rather than to an underlying electrophysiological dysfunction.
Reducing the number of emergency department visits and costs associated with anxiety: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the economic effects of an intervention for members discharged from the emergency department (ED) with anxiety diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled study. METHODS Adults with commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid insurance coverage enrolled in a health maintenance organization and discharged from an ED with anxiety diagnoses were randomly assigned to receive usual care (n = 300) or a stepped-care intervention (n = 307). Psychiatric ED and outpatient visit utilization and cost data identified by claims were collected for 6 months following the initial ED visit. RESULTS Members assigned to receive the intervention demonstrated significantly fewer ED visits and lower associated facility costs in the 6 months following discharge compared with those assigned to usual care. No significant differences in psychiatric outpatient visit costs were observed. Members receiving usual care made 117 visits to the ED for a psychiatric condition during the follow-up period, for a mean of 0.39 visits per member and a mean facility cost of 118.15 dollars per member, while members receiving case management services made 79 visits to the ED for a psychiatric condition during the follow-up period, for a mean of 0.26 visits per member and a mean facility cost of 70.63 dollars per member. The intervention resulted in a savings of 7.92 dollars in ED costs per member per month for all psychiatric diagnoses during the 6-month study period. CONCLUSION The case management-based intervention effectively reduced psychiatric ED recidivism and costs for members discharged from the ED with an anxiety diagnosis, without significantly affecting psychiatric outpatient visit costs.
Identification of Unrelated Cord Blood Units For Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

This study examined the theoretical availability of compatible unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB) units for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) of children with sickle cell disease (SCD), matched for DRB1 at high resolution. UCB units registered via Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide were matched with patients who had been previously typed for possible HSCT. Suitable matching was determined after typing at antigen level at A and B loci and allele-level typing at DRB1. Forty patients met criteria for analysis. All matched at four of six loci with at least two UCB units, and 50% (n = 20) matched at five of six loci with at least one unit. In patients matched at four loci or more, significantly more units per patient (median 19 vs. 2 units; P = 0.03) at higher cell dose (median 205 vs. 113 best nucleated cell dose per unit; P < 0.01) were identified compared with patients matched at five loci or more. Hypothetically, at a dose of at least 5 × 107 nucleated cells/kg, 54% of patients weighing 40 kg would match with units at four or more of six loci and 5% at five or more of six loci. This study suggests that cord blood units matching at four or more of six HLA loci at acceptable cell doses can be identified for a majority of children with SCD weighing 40 kg or less. Availability of units matched at five or more of six HLA loci was more limited. Defining procedure-related risks and benefits remains a challenge.
On the Form of the Residue Function for Brain Tissue

Introduction Dynamic susceptibility weighted (DSC) perfusion MRI is a widely applied technique in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Basing on the tracer kinetic model [1], the hemodynamic parameters blood volume (CBV), blood flow (CBF) and mean transit time (MTT) can be computed by deconvolution of the tracer kinetic equation ct = CBF (ca*R) where * denotes the convolution, ct is the tissue concentration and ca the arterial input. CBF and MTT can be determined from the residue function R(t) that characterizes the tissue. Being an ill-posed problem, the deconvolution requires a model free regularization approach or alternatively the assumption of a functional form of the residue function which allows an optimization of the functions parameters. Mouridsen et al have presented [2] such a model-based approach using incomplete gamma functions that enables an interpolation between the commonly used exponential and box-car function that characterize two extreme cases of tissue compositions. Studies carried out by using ASL [3] however indicate that the use gamma variate functions for the parameterization of the residue function is not correct. In this work we present the framework from which the form of the residue function can be derived from the laws of laminar flow and a vascular tree model. Theory Laminar Flow. The blood flow in the brain vasculature can be assumed to be laminar. The vessel segments between bifurcations are assumed to be cylindrical pipes, a situation in which the radial velocity distribution is well known. From this, the transport function, which is the distribution of the transport time trough the pipe takes the form h(t) = t0/t for t>t0, where t0 is the transit time of blood in the central streamline. The transport trough a network of connected pipes is then given by a chain of convolutions of h(t) for each segment yielding the total transport function. Scaling Rule. According to the ideas described in [4], the arterial tree is self-similar and obeys Murray’s Law. Assuming the splitting in two equal vessels, their size is reduced by the factor 2 at each bifurcation. So do the segment lengths, l, and the central velocity, v0 keeping t0 invariant. Residue Function. The vascular system is modeled to consist of vessels between rmax = 1.5 mm and rmin = 3.7 μm (26 levels of the vascular tree = Nmax). The proportionality constant between the vessel radius and its length was estimated to be 40. The minimal transit time, t0=50ms. The apparent residue function Rtot as measured by deconvolution between the tissue curve and the global arterial input function (AIF) is composed of two contributions, the transport through the vasculature (htree) to the given site and the transport through the voxel at this site (Rtrue). The voxel is defined to entirely contain the complete segment of the vascular tree, whose total length is smaller than half the voxel size. The venous tree is assumed to be symmetric to the arterial tree. This defines the number Nvox from which on the following sub-tree is contained in the voxel. Thus
Urban Growth and Rural Transition in China Based on DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Data

Nighttime light (NTL) images provide uniform, consistent, and valuable data sources. Based on four reference regions, the NTL imagery of China was fully intercalibrated during the period 1992–2012. Using lit areas and the intensity of NTL imagery, this study synthetically analyzed the urbanization process and rural transition in China. The results showed that, over the whole country, the pixel numbers of urban areas increased by 173% from 1992 to 2012. During the 2000s, urban areas expanded much more quickly than during the 1990s. Urban growth varied greatly across the four regions, which could be pictured using the flying-geese paradigm. In the 1990s, East China experienced the most rapid rate of growth, while a decade later Middle China had the highest growth rate. NTL imagery can also be used to describe changes in rural human activities if the imagery is corrected using completely dark rural pixels. In China, because of the massive rural-urban migration, some marginal regions experienced a decrease in nighttime light intensity (NTLI) and rural areas went through a period of transition.
Trim and Fill: A Simple Funnel‐Plot–Based Method of Testing and Adjusting for Publication Bias in Meta‐Analysis

Summary. We study recently developed nonparametric methods for estimating the number of missing studies that might exist in a meta‐analysis and the effect that these studies might have had on its outcome. These are simple rank‐based data augmentation techniques, which formalize the use of funnel plots. We show that they provide effective and relatively powerful tests for evaluating the existence of such publication bias. After adjusting for missing studies, we find that the point estimate of the overall effect size is approximately correct and coverage of the effect size confidence intervals is substantially improved, in many cases recovering the nominal confidence levels entirely. We illustrate the trim and fill method on existing meta‐analyses of studies in clinical trials and psychometrics.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Linking Clinical Presentation to Pathology

ABSTRACT Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide in the elderly population. Optometrists, as primary eye health care providers, require the skills and knowledge to accurately diagnose and manage AMD patients. There is an overwhelming body of research related to the clinical presentation, etiology, epidemiology, and pathology of this disease. Additionally, the evolution of new imaging modalities creates new opportunities to clinically detect and analyze previously uncharacterized and earlier changes in the retina. The challenge for optometrists is to combine all this information into an applicable knowledge base for use in everyday clinical assessment of AMD so that timely and accurate referrals can be made to retinal specialists. This review attempts to address this issue by linking the clinical presentation of AMD with the underlying disease biology. We emphasize the contribution of recent noninvasive imaging technologies to the clinical assessment of early and more advanced AMD including optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, and infrared reflectance.
Calcium signalling of human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes

Abstract Loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs), which lack the innate ability to regenerate, due to ageing or pathophysiological conditions (e.g. myocardial infarction or MI) is generally considered irreversible, and can lead to conditions from cardiac arrhythmias to heart failure. Human (h) pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), including embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), can self‐renew while maintaining their pluripotency to differentiate into all cell types, including CMs. Therefore, hPSCs provide a potential unlimited ex vivo source of human CMs for disease modelling, drug discovery, cardiotoxicity screening and cell‐based heart therapies. As a fundamental property of working CMs, Ca2+ signalling and its role in excitation–contraction coupling are well described. However, the biology of these processes in hPSC‐CMs is just becoming understood. Here we review what is known about the immature Ca2+‐handling properties of hPSC‐CMs, at the levels of global transients and sparks, and the underlying molecular basis in relation to the development of various in vitro approaches to drive their maturation.
Searching gene transfers on Bacillus subtilis using hidden Markov models

We present an analysis of the Bacillus subtilis chromosome, to search horizontal gene transfers. DNA statistical composition differs according to species, and therefore, hidden Markov models, which can cut up a sequence into segments, on the basis of their local oligonucleotide composition, provide good statistical tools to identify horizontal transfers in the sequence. Crossing statistical results with a featured DNA physical map, and on the basis of gene sequence homologies, we detected four new resistance bearing potential horizontal gene transfers. A fifth segment shows all characteristics of an integron, issued from the transposon family.
Issues and Innovations in Nursing Education

The primary and secondary care interface: the educational needs of nursing staff for the provision of seamless care The primary and secondary care interface: the educational needs of nursing staff for the provision of seamless care Aim. To identify nurses' perceived de®cits in the knowledge and skills required to provide effective seamless care, so that appropriate training could be provided. Background. A clear understanding of nursing staff roles, skills and resources is paramount to work at the primary/secondary care interface. Nursing staff require an educational model that will provide a clear understanding of how their roles coalesce with other healthcare professionals. There is little evidence that examines the educational needs of nurses related to changing care boundaries. Design/Methods. The study used methodological triangulation to explore these issues within current practice. Focus groups were used to generate items for inclusion in the questionnaire. Questionnaire design was based on an importance-performance analysis. This procedure has been effective in developing health care marketing strategies. A strati®ed random sample of nursing staff (n  722) from the participating trusts received the questionnaire, eliciting a response rate of 172 (23á8%). Results. Factor analysis provided a list of seven training categories in order of training need priority: information technology, awareness of roles, communications within seamless care, working across boundaries, professional issues, practice-related issues, delivery of patient/client care issues. There were no differences in nurses' training needs across NHS trusts. However, differences were highlighted for staff located in primary or secondary settings or working across the interface. Conclusions. Despite there being a vast range of training issues the majority of nurses appear to have a clear idea of their training needs for the provision of seamless care. A training programme required which targets the speci®c needs of nursing staff working at different positions across the primary/secondary care interface.
Efficacy of a glutamine-based oral rehydration solution on the electrolyte and water absorption in a rabbit model of secretory diarrhea induced by cholera toxin.

BACKGROUND Glutamine is absorbed in the intestinal tract coupled with sodium and is the principal metabolic substrate for the enterocyte. Therefore, an oral rehydration solution containing this substance might provide an effective oral means of restoring electrolyte losses as well as speeding repair of mucosal damage. The objective of this work was to investigate the use of an oral rehydration solution based on glutamine in vivo in the perfused rabbit ileal loop model of secretory diarrhea induced by choleratoxin. METHODS Phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP, 50 mg/l) was used as a nonabsorbable marker for calculations of net water and electrolyte transport. Solutions tested included: (a) a glutamine-based oral rehydration solution with 111 mmol/l glutamine, (Gln-ORS); (b) the oral rehydration solution recommended by the World Health Organization; (c) modified Ringer's solution. Choleratoxin (1 microg/ml) was injected into the lumen of the ileal rabbit segments for 30 minutes prior to the initiation of the perfusion. RESULTS Choleratoxin induced significant secretion of sodium in the control modified Ringer's solution (10.8 +/- 2.95 vs -14.05 +/- 5.95 microEq/g/min, n = 10; p < 0.01) and of water (0.06 +/- 0.03 vs -0.15 +/- 0.06 ml/g/min, n = 10; p < 0.01) with a maximum effect at 60 minutes after initiation of perfusion. World Health Organization oral rehydration solution was able to significantly reduce the intestinal secretion of sodium (control with cholera = -14.34 +/- 2.18 vs oral rehydration solution with cholera = -0.50 +/- 0.48 microEq/g/min, n = 10; p < 0.01) and water (-0.15 +/- 0.02 vs -0.012 +/- 0.005 ml/g/min, n = 10; p < 0.01). For comparison, glutamine-based oral rehydration solution had an even greater effect on sodium and water absorption (glutamine-based oral rehydration solution with choleratoxin = 10.31 +/- 1.21 microEq/g/min, n = 5; p < 0.01 for sodium and 0.08 +/- 0.008 ml water/g/min; n = 5; p < 0.01). Choleratoxin did not change the effect of glutamine-based oral rehydration solution on sodium and water absorption (12.90 +/- -1.09 microEq sodium/g/min, n = 5; and 0.11 +/- 0.01 ml water/g/min; n = 5). In addition glutamine-based oral rehydration solution also induced a greater absorption of potassium and chloride in the intestinal ileal segments treated with choleratoxin compared with World Health Organization glutamine-based oral rehydration solution. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the superior efficacy of glutamine-based oral rehydration solution in electrolyte and water absorption compared with modified Ringer's control solution or even with World Health Organization-recommended oral rehydration solution.
Comparison of Two Standard-setting Methods for Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training

Background This study used the Angoff and Hofstee standard-setting methods to derive minimum passing scores for six advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) procedures. Method An expert panel provided item-based (Angoff) and group-based (Hofstee) judgments about six ACLS performance checklists on two occasions separated by ten weeks. Interrater reliabilities and test-retest reliability (stability) of the judgments were calculated. Derived ACLS passing standards are compared to historical ACLS performance data from two groups of ACLS-trained internal medicine residents. Results Both the Angoff and Hofstee standard-setting methods produced reliable and stable data. Hofstee minimum passing scores (MPSs) were uniformly more stringent than Angoff MPSs. Interpretation of historical ACLS performance data from medical residents shows the MPSs derived in this study would yield higher-than-expected failure rates. Conclusion Systematic standard setting for ACLS procedures is a necessary step toward the creation of mastery learning educational programs.
Impact of ulcerative colitis from patients' and physicians' perspectives: Results from the UC: NORMAL survey

Background: Two national internet surveys were conducted to understand how patients perceive the impact of ulcerative colitis (UC) relative to gastroenterologists. Methods: In total, 451 patients with UC (20% mild, 63% moderate, 13% severe, 4% unsure [patient self‐assessment]) were recruited for one survey and 300 gastroenterologists (not associated with the patients) were recruited for the other survey. Results: Patients reported, on average, 8 (self‐defined) flares per year; this was more than the number anticipated by gastroenterologists. Sixty‐two percent of patients with UC reported that their disease made it difficult to lead a normal life, compared with gastroenterologists' estimations of 36%. Only 42% of patients believed that being in remission could mean living without symptoms. Both patients and gastroenterologists reported that it is difficult for patients to take medication as prescribed every day (42% and 90%) and that managing UC medication is a struggle for patients (49% and 41%). Forty‐six percent of patients admitted nonadherence to their therapy over the previous week, while gastroenterologists believed that 41% of their patients were not adherent. Conclusions: These surveys identified disparities between patients' and gastroenterologists' perceptions of the impact of UC on patients' lives. The results suggest that more patients than gastroenterologists estimated chose to adapt their lives to accommodate UC rather than act to optimize therapy and adherence. Improved communication between patients and gastroenterologists, as well as better management strategies and education are necessary. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Cell proliferation, migration and differentiation in the cerebral cortex of the golden hamster

This work was undertaken: (1) to determine the sites of cell proliferation in the cerebral cortex of the hamster during prenatal life and shortly after birth; (2) to study the migration pattern of neuroblasts before and shortly after birth; and (3) to examine the differentiation of the neuroblasts during migration and after arrival at their final location.