Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of vitamin and mineral supplement users differentiated according to their motives for using supplements: results of the German National Nutrition Monitoring (NEMONIT)

Abstract Objective To characterise German vitamin and mineral supplement users differentiated by their motives for supplement use. Design Data were obtained from the German National Nutrition Monitoring (2010/11) via two 24 h dietary recalls and a telephone interview. Motive-based subgroups of supplement users were identified by factor and cluster analysis. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, health and dietary characteristics and supplement use were examined. Differences were analysed using χ 2 tests, logistic and linear regression models. Setting Germany, nationwide. Subjects Individuals (n 1589) aged 18–80 years. Results Three motive-based subgroups were identified: a ‘Prevention’ subgroup (n 324), characterised by the motive to prevent nutrient deficiencies; a ‘Prevention and additional benefits’ subgroup (n 166), characterised by motives to prevent health problems and improve well-being and performance; and a ‘Treatment’ subgroup (n 136), characterised by motives to treat nutrient deficiencies or diseases. Members of the two prevention subgroups had a higher Healthy Eating Index score and tended to be more physically active than non-users. Those in the ‘Prevention and additional benefits’ subgroup supplemented with a greater number of micronutrients. Members of the ‘Treatment’ subgroup tended to be older and have a lower self-reported health status than non-users, and supplemented with a smaller number of micronutrients. Conclusions The majority of supplement users take supplements for preventive purposes and they are more health conscious than non-users of supplements due to their concerns about developing health problems. Those supplementing for treatment purposes may have underlying health indications and may be more likely to benefit from supplementation than those supplementing for preventive purposes.
T Cell Subpopulations and IL‐2R in Vitiligo

Immunological alterations have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo. The aim of this study was to determine peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations and interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) in patients with vitiligo. Forty‐five vitiligo patients (24 female, 21 male) and 34 healthy controls (11 female, 23 male) were included into the study. Eight (17.8%) of the patients had the segmental type, and 37 (82.2%) had generalized vitiligo. The disease was active in 25 (55.6%) patients; the other 20 (44.4%) patients had static vitiligo. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentages of total T‐lymphocytes, B‐lymphocytes, helper/inducer T cells, suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, activated T cells and interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) with the use of CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8, CD16, HLA‐DR and CD25 monoclonal antibodies, respectively. The mean value of helper T cells showed a significant difference (p=0.01) between the two groups with the value being 32.5% in patients and 38.1% in control subjects. CD4/CD8 was significantly lower in vitiligo patients (p=0.04). There was also a statistically significant difference in the mean percentage of activated T cells between vitiligo patients and control subjects (4.7 and 8.1, respectively; p=0.001). No statistically significant differences were found when the values were compared between segmental and generalized vitiligo patients, or between active and static cases. In conclusion, T helper/inducer cells, CD4/CD8 ratio and activated (HLA‐DR+) T cells are decreased in vitiligo patients, suggesting a role for changes in cellular immunity.
Investigating Aeroelastic Performance of Multi-Megawatt Wind Turbine Rotors Using CFD

Recent trends in wind power technology are focusing on increasing power output through an increase in rotor diameter. As the rotor diameter increases, aeroelastic effects become increasingly important in the design of an efficient blade. A detailed understanding of the fluid elastic coupling can lead to improved designs; yielding more power, reduced maintenance, and ultimately leading to an overall reduction in the cost of electricity. In this work, a high fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology is presented for performing fully coupled FluidStructure Interaction (FSI) simulations of wind turbine blades and rotors using a commercially available flow solver, AcuSolve. We demonstrate the technique using a 13.2 MW blade design.
Functional, social and psychosexual adjustment after vaginal reconstruction.

PURPOSE We assessed the long-term functional, social and psychosexual outcome in children who underwent vaginal reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS We interviewed and assessed the psychological development of 16 women 17 to 28 years old (mean age 22) who underwent vaginal reconstruction only or in combination with other urogenital reconstructive procedures at ages 11 months to 18 years (mean 8.8). Psychological measures included the Beck Depression Inventory, Draw-a-Person test and Linkowski acceptance of disability scale as well as a standard questionnaire evaluating the sexual adjustment, social adjustment and ability for self-support of these women. RESULTS Mean Beck Depression Inventory was 8.5 with less than 9 defined as minimal depression. Mean acceptance of disability score was 83.9 (range 54 to 94), indicating that patients were well adjusted with respect to the disability. Functionally 10 women were satisfied with the appearance of the vagina, 4 were neutral and 2 were dissatisfied. A total of 12 patients had no doubts about their female identity but 2 had occasional, 1 had significant and 1 had chronic doubts. Of the 16 patients 12 have completed high school, 3 are still in high school and 1 has withdrawn from high school. Of the 12 women who have completed high school 9 are currently in college and 3 have completed college. Socially all 16 participants rated family relationships as good and 13 were at least satisfied with their social life. Of the 16 women 12 have had a sexual encounter, including 1 who did not achieve orgasm. Six women are involved in long-term relationships, of whom 1 is married. In regard to the future all patients believe that they will be independent and financially stable with a fulfilling career. CONCLUSIONS While women who have undergone vaginal reconstruction may be at risk for avoiding interpersonal relationships and sexual intimacy, we did not note this finding in our series. The majority of these patients were well adjusted to their physical condition, and had a high level of education and a stable family life.
The effectiveness of relative dose response to retinol intake as an evaluation of vitamin A status of cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND The liver is the main organ involved in homeostasis, metabolism and the storage of retinol. During the fibrotic process, hepatic stellate cells lose their lipid drops, and retinol reserves may deplete. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate serum retinol levels (RL), hepatic retinol storage and dietary vitamin A intake in cirrhotic patients. METHODS RL were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in fifty-eight cirrhotic patients. Fasting RL <1.05 μmol L⁻¹ indicates vitamin A deficiency (VAD). A relative dose response (RDR) to oral retinol ≥20% indicates an inadequate hepatic retinol reserve (positive test). Severe malnutrition was defined as a mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and/or triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) below the 5th percentile and moderate malnutrition as MAMC and/or TSF below the 10th percentile. Vitamin A daily intake was estimated by a specific questionnaire. The Child-Pugh classification of liver disease severity and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease were used. RESULTS Low RL were found in 60% of the patients. Twenty-three cirrhotic patients had adequate fasting RL (RL = 1.34; 1.05-2.12 μmol L⁻¹) and negative RDR, indicating efficient liver stores. Among thirty-five cirrhotic patients with low RL, 43% had negative RDR (RL = 0.42; 0.06-0.82 μmol L⁻¹) and 57% had positive RDR (RL = 0.45; 0.09-0.93 μmol L⁻¹). Malnutrition (36%) and inadequate vitamin A intake (55%) were not associated with fasting RL or RDR. CONCLUSIONS VAD was highly prevalent in cirrhotic patients. However, in those with low serum RL and negative RDR, factors other than inadequate vitamin A intake, such as impaired hepatic vitamin A mobilization and intestinal vitamin A malabsorption, which were not examined in the present study, could have influenced the negative results obtained by the RDR method.
Communicating in multinational organizations

PART ONE: THEORETICAL AND RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS Communication in Multinational Organizations - Robert Shuter and Richard L Wiseman Conceptual, Theoretical, and Practical Issues Intercultural Organizational Communication Research in Multinational Organizations - J C Bruno Teboul, Ling Chen and Lynn M Fritz Minimizing Threats to the Validity of Cross-Cultural Organizational Research - Jeffrey C Ady PART TWO: CULTURAL BASES FOR COMMUNICATION IN MULTINATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Communication in Japanese Multinational Organizations - Alan Goldman Communication in Latin American Multinational Organizations - Lecia Archer and Kristine L Fitch Communication in Multinational Organizations in the United States and Western Europe - Donald P Cushman and Sarah Sanderson King PART THREE: DIVERSITY AND ADJUSTMENT IN MULTINATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Intercultural Challenges and Personal Adjustments - Young Yun Kim and Sheryl Paulk A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of American and Japanese Co-Workers Co-Cultural Communication Within the Organization - Devorah A Lieberman and Ellene Gurtov Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Training in Multinational Organizations - Rosita Daskal Albert
Quality of life and utility in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Quality-of-life Study Group of the Master 2 Project in Pharmacoeconomics.

BACKGROUND Although several studies have determined quality of life in patients with lung cancer, there is still little information about the use of generic questionnaires [e.g. the 36-item Short Form health survey (SF-36)] and utility questionnaires [e.g. the EuroQOL instrument (EQ-5D)] in this disease. OBJECTIVES To (i) measure quality of life and utility in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the SF-36 and the EuroQOL questionnaires; (ii) to evaluate the impact of some clinical variables on quality of life and utility; (iii) to assess the correlation between the measurements produced by the 2 questionnaires. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS 95 patients from 15 Italian hospitals with NSCLC (93% male, mean age 62 years) completed both questionnaires. RESULTS The mean scores for the 8 domains of the SF-36 ranged from 20.8 (physical role) to 63.0 (social functioning). The mean physical and mental summed scores of the SF-36 were 36.8 [standard deviation (SD) 9.8] and 43.0 (SD 11.5), respectively. The EuroQOL mean score was 0.58 (SD 0.32) in the self-classifier (SC) version and 0.58 (SD 0.20) in the visual analogue scale (VAS) version. Among the clinical variables that affected quality of life and utility, the presence of metastasis had the greatest impact: patients with metastasis had statistically significantly lower scores for 2 domains of the SF-36 (physical functioning, p = 0.009; bodily pain, p = 0.016), for the physical component summed score of the SF-36 (p = 0.015) and for both utility estimates (EuroQOL-SC, p = 0.027; EuroQOL-VAS, p = 0.038) than patients without metastasis. Both the SC and VAS EuroQOL scores showed a statistically significant correlation with each of the 8 domains of the SF-36. The scores for both the SF-36 and the EuroQOL in patients with NSCLC were considerably worse (relative differences ranging from -8 to -73%) than the corresponding values (normative data) previously reported for healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS Our study quantified the degree to which quality of life is impaired in patients with NSCLC, showed that the presence of metastasis had an important role, and indicated a strong correlation between the measurements produced by the 2 questionnaires. The EuroQOL measurements obtained from these patients will aid evaluation of the cost-utility ratio for NSCLC therapies.
Structure of a Viral Cap-independent Translation Element That Functions via High Affinity Binding to the eIF4E Subunit of eIF4F*

RNAs of many positive strand RNA viruses lack a 5′ cap structure and instead rely on cap-independent translation elements (CITEs) to facilitate efficient translation initiation. The mechanisms by which these RNAs recruit ribosomes are poorly understood, and for many viruses the CITE is unknown. Here we identify the first CITE of an umbravirus in the 3′-untranslated region of pea enation mosaic virus RNA 2. Chemical and enzymatic probing of the ∼100-nucleotide PEMV RNA 2 CITE (PTE), and mutagenesis revealed that it forms a long, bulged helix that branches into two short stem-loops, with a possible pseudoknot interaction between a C-rich bulge at the branch point and a G-rich bulge in the main helix. The PTE inhibited translation in trans, and addition of eIF4F, but not eIFiso4F, restored translation. Filter binding assays revealed that the PTE binds eIF4F and its eIF4E subunit with high affinity. Tight binding required an intact cap-binding pocket in eIF4E. Among many PTE mutants, there was a strong correlation between PTE-eIF4E binding affinity and ability to stimulate cap-independent translation. We conclude that the PTE recruits eIF4F by binding eIF4E. The PTE represents a different class of translation enhancer element, as defined by its structure and ability to bind eIF4E in the absence of an m7G cap.
Enhanced Two-Channel Optical Chaotic Communication Using Isochronous Synchronization

The concealment of time delay signature of chaotic signals, which are generated by a slave laser (SL) with dual-chaotic optical injections (DCOI) from two external-cavity master lasers (MLs), is investigated numerically. Under certain circumstances, the SL can generate complex and wideband chaotic signals by adopting DCOI. Two scenarios of time delay concealment are identified by adjusting the injection strength and frequency detuning. Both the time delays of MLs can be masked simultaneously or only one of them can be eliminated. It is shown that enhanced two-channel optical chaotic communication using isochronous synchronization is successfully achieved, when twin semiconductor lasers are driven by the time delay eliminated chaotic signal. Moreover, this two-channel approach can be extended to any communication systems using complex chaotic signals generated by a small network of coupled semiconductor lasers. Our results are also valuable for understanding the characteristics of time delay signatures in laser networks and chaos-based multiplexing systems.
Typing of Listeria spp. by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, a variation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in which a single primer is used, was evaluated for use as a simple and reliable method with which to type Listeria spp. Representatives of six species of Listeria were studied. Five isolates of L. innocua and four isolates of L. seeligeri were all distinguishable from one another, but the four isolates of L. ivanovii tested, although distinguishable from other Listeria spp. , were not differentiated. Among L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a (eight isolates), 1/2b (eight isolates) and 4b (10 isolates), at least six, three and six RAPD patterns were observed, respectively. Fourteen neonatal cross-infection sets of L. monocytogenes isolates, shown to be indistinguishable by serotyping and phage typing, were examined with three different primers. With one primer, three of the sets were shown to consist of closely related, but distinguishable, strains. In the other 11 cases, each set of strains was indistinguishable with all three primers. These preliminary data indicate that RAPD analysis has promise as a method for typing Listeria spp.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: pathogenesis and management

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a transient prothrombotic disorder initiated by heparin. Its central feature is thrombocytopenia caused by antibody-mediated platelet activation. HIT can be viewed as an acquired hypercoagulability disorder, with increased thrombin generation in vivo, and increased risk for arterial and, especially, venous thrombosis. The pathogenic HIT antibodies are directed against neoepitopes on a ‘self’ protein, platelet factor 4 (PF4), that are expressed when PF4 is bound to heparin or certain other polyanions. This review focuses on studies published since 1990, and summarizes the pathogenesis, laboratory testing, frequency and clinical picture of HIT. Two treatment situations are reviewed critically: management of thrombosis complicating HIT and treatment of ‘isolated HIT’ (HIT recognized because of thrombocytopenia alone). There is potential for medicolegal risk, particularly if inappropriate therapy contributes to patient harm.
Molecular analysis of the rearranged genome and chimeric mRNAs caused by the t(6;11)(q27;q23) chromosome translocation involving MLL in an infant acute monocytic leukemia

Chromosomal analysis of acute monocytic leukemia cells in a female infant revealed a t(6;11)(q27;q23) translocation. Southern blot analysis with a cDNA probe of the MLL gene at chromosome band 11q23 indicated that the breakpoint was in an 8.3‐kb BamHI fragment that contained exons 5–11 of the MLL gene. Northern blot analysis showed a faint band corresponding to the MLL chimeric transcript. Structural analysis of a genomic clone with the rearranged MLL gene from der(11) chromosome demonstrated the breakpoint to be localized between exons 6 and 7 of the the MLL gene and to lie in an Alu sequence of this region. The partner gene fused to the 3′ part of MLL was shown to be the AF6 gene on chromosome 6q27 by in situ chromosome hybridization and nucleotide sequencing of chimeric MLL cDNA clones. However, it was shown that MLL exon 5 was fused to AF6 in one clone, whereas most clones were MLL exon 6/AF6 chimeric cDNA clones. These findings indicate that exon 6 of MLL is spliced out in the process of transcription in a variant MLL/AF6. In addition, we were able to detect the splicing of exon 6 in either this chimeric MLL/AF6 or MLL transcripts from untranslocated chromosomes by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. The detailed genetic map of AF6 was determined by in situ chromosome hybridization and radiation hybrid mapping. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 27:412–417, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental Chagas disease : Therapeutic Vaccination with Trypanosoma rangeli Modulates the Antibody Response and Helps to Control Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Chagas’ disease, produced by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people in Latin-America and is now being globalized through congenital, transfusional and transplantation transmission. In our laboratory we have developed an experimental mouse model of vaccination with non pathogenic Trypanosoma rangeli, that stimulates both innate and adaptive immunity, modulates the pattern of cytokines and soluble mediators, reduces parasite charge and mortality, with absence of histological and autoimmune lesions. This vaccine also protects guinea pigs and dogs, domestic reservoirs of T. cruzi. In this work we study the therapeutic effect of the vaccine. BALB/c albino mice were infected with trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and then vaccinated with fixed epimastigotes of T. rangeli, at different times post infection during acute period. The control group was only infected and inoculated with PBS. The course of infection and the pattern of specific immunoglobulin response (IgM, IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3) were analysed in both groups. The results showed that vaccinated mice had a better outcome of infection than controls, with significantly lower parasitemia and mortality rates. The level of specific IgG antibodies, measured by immunoenzymatic assay, was significantly higher in vaccinated animals from 15th to 40th post infection days (p= 0.02 – 0.003). IgG1 showed the same pattern of response (p= 0.02 0.005) whereas IgG2a and IgG2b levels were similar in both groups. In turn, IgG3 was significantly higher in vaccinated mice at the same period. In the chronic period (80th-120th days post infection) all measured isotypes did not show between-group differences. Otherwise, IgM was similar in both groups. In conclusion, as observed in preventive vaccination, this therapeutic approach of T. rangeli vaccination triggers a high production of T. cruzi reactive antibodies, favouring the clearance of circulating parasites.
Mycobacterium bovis BCG Immunization Induces Protective Immunity against Nine Different Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains in Mice

ABSTRACT Recent preclinical and epidemiologic studies have suggested that certain Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes (in particular, Beijing lineage strains) may be resistant to Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccine-induced antituberculosis protective immunity. To investigate the strain specificity of BCG-induced protective responses in a murine model of pulmonary tuberculosis, C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated with BCG vaccine and then challenged 2 months later with one of nine M. tuberculosis isolates. Four of these strains were from the W-Beijing lineage (HN878, N4, NHN5, and ChS) while four were non-Beijing-type isolates (C913, CDC1551, NY669, and NY920). As a control, the WHO standard M. tuberculosis Erdman strain was evaluated in these vaccination/challenge experiments. To assess the protective responses evoked by BCG immunization, organ bacterial burdens and lung pathology were assessed in vaccinated and naïve mice at 4, 12, and 20 weeks postchallenge as well as during the day of infection. At 4 weeks after the aerosol challenge with each of these strains, significantly reduced bacterial growth in the lungs and spleens and significantly improved lung pathology were seen in all vaccinated animals compared to naïve controls. After 12 weeks, reduced organ bacterial burdens were detected in vaccinated animals infected with six of nine challenge strains. Although lung CFU values were lower in vaccinated mice for only three of nine groups at 20 weeks postchallenge, significantly decreased lung inflammation was seen in all immunized animals relative to controls at 20 weeks postchallenge. Taken together, these data demonstrate that BCG vaccination protects against infection with diverse M. tuberculosis strains in the mouse model of pulmonary tuberculosis and suggest that strain-specific resistance to BCG-induced protective immunity may be uncommon.
Milk progesterone to predict reproductive status in a commercial dairy herd.

Progesterone was measured in milk strippings of cows to evaluate potential diagnosis of pregnancy and to estimate embryonic mortality. Progesterone in milk was measured at 20 days and at 10-day intervals thereafter through 90 days after artificial insemination when the cows were palpated for pregnancy. Mean progesterone for 24 nonpregnant cows in estrus was 4.5 ng/ml at 20 days after insemination. Cows were classified as pregnant or nonpregnant by a formula which provided a progesterone concentration for which the probability of nonpregnancy was . 8. At 20 days after insemination, the success in identifying the nonpregnant and pregnant cows was 87% and 67%. Ten of 34 nonpregnant cows with low (nonpregnant range) progesterone in milk on day 20 were not seen in estrus. Progesterone at sampling intervals after 20 days was used to investigate incorrect assessments. Seventeen nonpregnant cows had progesterone indicative of pregnancy at day 20. Progesterone in milk decreased at various later sampling intervals in all 17 cows. Two of these cows were diagnosed as having pathology of their reproductive tracts. If the other 15 cows experienced death of their embryos, the frequency of embryonic mortality was 28%.