Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lifetime multiple substance use pattern among heroin users before entering methadone maintenance treatment clinic in Yunnan, China.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Multiple substance use leads to greater levels of psycho-behavioural problems, unsafe sex, and therefore a high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and is also more difficult to treat. This study aims to determine pattern of lifetime multiple substance use among Chinese heroin users before entering methadone maintenance treatment clinic. DESIGN AND METHODS A survey to obtain retrospective longitudinal data on lifetime multiple substance use was conducted among 203 heroin users in two of the biggest methadone maintenance clinics in Kunming City, Yunnan province. RESULTS All participants used more than one substance in their lifetime. Most of them used four or more substance groups (range two to seven groups). The most common substance patterns in lifetime use were alcohol, tobacco, opiates and depressants. Approximately 80% of them had a history of simultaneous substance use (co-use). The most common combination of co-use pattern was heroin with depressant. Common reasons for co-use were to get high, to experiment, to sleep and to increase the potency of other drugs. Determinants of co-use were education, marital status and family relationship. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Multiple substance use is highly prevalent among Chinese heroin users. Depressants are the most common substances used in combination with heroin.
The relationship between media use in the bedroom, sleep habits and symptoms of insomnia

This postal questionnaire study investigated the use of media in the bedroom and its relationships with sleep habits and symptoms of insomnia. The sample comprised 2500 individuals aged 16–40 years drawn randomly from the Norwegian national register. A total of 816 (34.0%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Respondents were asked how often they used computers, television sets, DVD players, game consoles and mobile telephones and listened to music/radio in their bedrooms. They also reported sleep habits on weekdays and at weekends/days off and symptoms of insomnia. After controlling for gender, age, anxiety and depression, the respondents who used a computer in the bedroom ‘often’ compared to ‘rarely’ rose later on weekdays and at weekends/days off, turned off the lights to go to sleep later at weekends/days off, slept more hours at weekends/days off and had a greater discrepancy between turning off the lights to go to sleep on weekdays and at weekends/days off. Respondents who used a mobile telephone in their bedrooms at night ‘often’ compared to ‘rarely’ turned off the lights to go to sleep later on weekdays and at weekends/days off, and rose later at weekends/days off. No such differences were found with the use of the other media. There were also no significant differences in symptoms of insomnia. This study indicates that the use of computers and mobile telephones in the bedroom are related to poor sleep habits, but that media use in the bedroom seems to be unrelated to symptoms of insomnia.
Presenilin 1 mediates retinoic acid‐induced differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells through facilitation of Wnt signaling

Presenilin 1 interacts with β‐catenin, an essential component of the Wnt signaling pathway. To elucidate the role of presenilin 1‐β‐catenin interaction in neuronal differentiation, we established SH‐SY5Y cells stably expressing wild‐type presenilin 1, P117L mutant presenilin 1, which is linked to the early‐onset familial form of Alzheimer's disease, and D385A mutant presenilin 1, which has no aspartyl proteinase activity. We demonstrate that SH‐SY5Y cells stably expressing D385A mutant presenilin 1 failed to differentiate in response to retinoic acid treatment. Retinoic acid caused an increase in nuclear β‐catenin levels in SH‐SY5Y cells, which was followed by an increase in cyclin D1 protein levels. Abnormal cellular accumulation of β‐catenin was observed in D385A mutant transfected cells, whereas nuclear β‐catenin and cellular cyclin D1 levels failed to increase. Conversely, SH‐SY5Y cells expressing the P117L mutant differentiated normally and showed increased nuclear β‐catenin and cellular cyclin D1 levels. These findings suggest that neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y cells involves the Wnt signaling pathway and that presenilin 1 plays a crucial role in Wnt signal transduction by regulating the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reasons behind the increase in research activities among medical students of Karachi, Pakistan, a low-income country.

CONTEXT Previously, in a low-income country with limited resources like Pakistan, biomedical research was conducted mostly by individuals working in private organizations. Recently, there has been an upsurge in the number of medical students conducting research in both private and public medical colleges of Karachi, Pakistan. We investigated student perceptions of the reasons behind the increase in biomedical research among medical students of private and public medical colleges in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at four medical universities of Karachi, using structured data collection tool. Participants included medical students who stated that they were interested in medical research. We assessed how many had been involved in research or stated that they intended to be, and tallied students' stated reasons why they were involved in research. Chi-square analyses were used to assess if year of training, institution, and other factors were associated with the likelihood of past or current actual research involvement. RESULTS Out of the 398 students with research interest who participated in the study, 349 (88%) stated that they intended to do research projects in their undergraduate years. At the time of the study, only 202 (51%) reported that they had actually conducted research. The reasons given for engaging in research for a minority included personal interest (n = 136; 34%), while majority stated that their motivation was to improve their curriculum vitae (75%) and/or to be more competitive for a residency in the United States (43%). The reasons students gave for involvement in research were related to whether their schools were public versus private and to their year of study. DISCUSSION According to students' reports, improving one's curriculum vitae to get a strong residency in the USA appeared to be a principal reason for the increase in biomedical research in Karachi. The challenges of research, such as lack of good mentors and increased work-load were reported to affect few students' ability to engage in research.
Traumatic rupture of hydatid cysts: a 12-year experience from an endemic region.

BACKGROUND Trauma as a cause of hydatid cyst rupture leads to various clinical sequelae. However, extensive data in the current literature regarding clinical presentation and management of such patients are lacking. METHODS This article is a retrospective review of 16 patients with traumatic rupture of hydatid cysts treated at a university hospital in an endemic area. RESULTS Falls (44%) were the most common cause of trauma. The ruptured cysts were located in the liver in 13 patients (81%), in the spleen in 2 patients, and in the lung in 1 patient. Computerized tomography had a sensitivity of 100% in demonstrating cyst rupture; whereas, ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 85%. Ten patients (62%) had rupture into the peritoneal cavity and 5 patients (31%) into the biliary tree. Five (31%) of the cysts were infected. Surgical procedures included introflexion (five patients), pericystectomy-choledochoduodenostomy (three patients), external drainage-choledochoduodenostomy (two patients), unroofing-external drainage (two patients), splenectomy (two patients), unroofing (one patient), and right hepatectomy (one patient). Mean length of hospitalization was 15.9 days (range, 5-61 days). One patient (6%) died, and eight patients (50%) developed complications. Nine patients (56%) were followed-up for an average of 30 months (range, 3-72 months), and there was no recurrence. CONCLUSION Computed tomography is currently the most sensitive diagnostic tool for demonstrating hydatid cyst rupture. The surgical options vary depending on intraoperative findings. Allergic reactions and recurrence as a result of intraperitoneal spillage are not as common as once believed. Biliary rupture is associated with an increased rate of wound infection.
Transcriptional Activators Control Splicing and 3′-End Cleavage Levels*

We have investigated whether transcriptional activators influence the efficiency of constitutive splicing and 3′-end formation, in addition to transcription levels. Remarkably, strong activators result in higher levels of splicing and 3′-cleavage than weak activators and can control the efficiency of these steps in pre-mRNA processing separately. The pre-mRNA processing stimulatory property of activators is dependent on their binding to promoters, but is not an indirect consequence of the levels of transcripts produced. Moreover, stimulation of splicing and cleavage by a strong activator operates by a mechanism that requires the carboxyl-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. The splicing stimulatory property of activators was observed for unrelated transcripts and for separate introns within a transcript, indicating a possible general role for strong activators in facilitating pre-mRNA processing levels. The results suggest that the efficiency of constitutive splicing and 3′-end cleavage is closely coordinated with transcription levels by promoter-bound activators.
Eosinophils involved in fulminant hepatic failure are associated with high interleukin‐6 expression and absence of interleukin‐5 in liver and peripheral blood

Background/Aims: Although eosinophils are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of various parasitic, allergic and autoimmune digestive diseases, their role in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is unknown. Our contribution was to identify and quantify eosinophils and cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐5 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α] in liver parenchyma and peripheral blood from FHF patients at pre‐ and post‐transplantation steps.
Antimicrobial therapy for acute colonic diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND Although guidelines and reviews have systematically evaluated diagnosis and surgical management of acute diverticulitis, they have focused only minimally on antibiotic selection for the treatment of this disease. We undertook a review of the literature to assess more clearly the use of specific antimicrobial agents in the treatment of patients with acute diverticulitis of the colon. METHODS A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify original research, review papers, and guidelines on the use of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of acute diverticulitis. RESULTS The general recommendation to use antibiotics with activity against common gram-negative and anaerobic pathogens has remained consistent. A number of single agents and combination regimens provide such activity. However, there is little evidence on which to base selection of specific antimicrobial regimens, and no regimen has demonstrated superiority. In general, episodes of diverticulitis severe enough to warrant hospitalization should be managed initially with intravenous antibiotics. Oral therapy can be used for outpatient treatment or when the patient's condition improves. There is a paucity of data regarding the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSIONS Careful clinical studies are needed to evaluate better the antibiotic regimens for the treatment of acute diverticulitis. Until such studies are conducted, we are forced to rely on tradition, in vitro analyses, pharmacokinetic profiling, and indirect evidence from studies of complicated intra-abdominal infections to determine appropriate therapy for this disease.
The Beta Poisson Dose‐Response Model Is Not a Single‐Hit Model

The choice of a dose‐response model is decisive for the outcome of quantitative risk assessment. Single‐hit models have played a prominent role in dose‐response assessment for pathogenic microorganisms, since their introduction. Hit theory models are based on a few simple concepts that are attractive for their clarity and plausibility. These models, in particular the Beta Poisson model, are used for extrapolation of experimental dose‐response data to low doses, as are often present in drinking water or food products. Unfortunately, the Beta Poisson model, as it is used throughout the microbial risk literature, is an approximation whose validity is not widely known. The exact functional relation is numerically complex, especially for use in optimization or uncertainty analysis. Here it is shown that although the discrepancy between the Beta Poisson formula and the exact function is not very large for many data sets, the differences are greatest at low doses—the region of interest for many risk applications. Errors may become very large, however, in the results of uncertainty analysis, or when the data contain little low‐dose information. One striking property of the exact single‐hit model is that it has a maximum risk curve, limiting the upper confidence level of the dose‐response relation. This is due to the fact that the risk cannot exceed the probability of exposure, a property that is not retained in the Beta Poisson approximation. This maximum possible response curve is important for uncertainty analysis, and for risk assessment of pathogens with unknown properties.
The relation between executive functioning, reaction time, naming speed, and single word reading in children with typical development and language impairments.

BACKGROUND Few investigations have examined the relationship between a comprehensive range of executive functioning (EF) abilities and reading. AIMS Our investigation identified components of EF that independently predicted single word reading, and determined whether their predictive role remained when additional variables were included in the regression analyses. This provided information about the EF processes that are related to reading, and the unity and diversity of EF. SAMPLE This study consisted of 160 children: 88 were typically developing with no language difficulties; 72 had language impairments. METHOD The assessments involved decoding, 10 measures of EF, reaction time, naming speed, non-verbal and verbal age-equivalent scores. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In the first regression analysis, which only concerned the EF variables, the following verbal forms of EF had significant relationships with decoding: working memory, fluency, planning, and inhibition. Further regression analyses included additional predictor variables: reaction time, naming speed, and age-equivalent scores. These analyses indicated that most of the EF variables continued to predict decoding even when entered with competitor variables. Furthermore, after the entry of EF variables, there were no group differences in decoding (typical vs. language difficulties). We discuss the contribution of EF and other variables to reading abilities.
Resistant starch has little effect on appetite, food intake and insulin secretion of healthy young men.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated whether resistant starch types II and III are more satiating than glucose. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS During 4 weeks 24 healthy male volunteers consumed a daily supplement with either glucose or high-amylose corn starch (RS2) or extruded and retrograded high-amylose corn starch (RS3) in a cross-over, single-blind, randomised and balanced study design. Each type of supplement was consumed for a week. In the first week each subject consumed the glucose supplement. The RS2 and RS3 supplements provided for 30 g resistant starch/day. At the end of weeks 2, 3 and 4, subjects rated their appetite each whole hour on a visual analogue scale. Food intake was measured 1 day/week using the 24-h recall method. Subjects collected 24-h urine during the last 2 days of weeks 2, 3 and 4 to determine C-peptide excretion as a measure for the 24-h insulin secretion. RESULTS Supplementation with RS2 caused significantly (P < 0.05) lower appetite scores than supplementation with RS3 and glucose, though subjects paradoxically felt less full while consuming RS2. The cyclic pattern of appetite during the day did not change with the supplements. Energy and macronutrient intake was similar in the three supplementation periods. When consuming RS3, subjects had a significantly (P < 0.0012) lower urinary C-peptide excretion than when consuming RS2 or glucose: 3.74 +/- 1.42 nmol/day for RS3, 4.39 +/- 1.52 nmol/day for RS2 and 4.71 +/- 1.73 nmol/day for glucose. The mechanism for this lower insulin secretion is yet unclear. CONCLUSION Consumption of 30 g/day RS2 and RS3 had little influence on appetite and food intake, but RS3 reduced the insulin secretion.
One-year experience with an inpatient asthma clinical pathway.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of an inpatient asthma clinical pathway on the processes and outcomes for children who were admitted to a hospital for the treatment of asthma. DESIGN Before-and-after study. SETTING A private nonprofit academic children's hospital in Seattle, Wash. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three hundred forty-two admissions of 297 patients in the first year of the asthma clinical pathway were compared with 353 admissions of 292 similar patients in the previous year. Patients who required intensive care, were younger than 2 years, or had a major chronic disease were excluded. INTERVENTION Asthma was chosen for the development of a clinical pathway because of its large number of admissions, involvement of multiple health care providers (nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapists), predictable hospital course, and variable lengths of hospital stay. The pathway was a consensus-based guideline for patient management that was intended to be adapted to the care of an individual patient. Prior to the implementation of the clinical pathway, nurses, attending physicians, house staff, and respiratory therapists were trained in its use. The main hospital chart of each patient who was admitted to the pathway had a flowchart that outlined day-to-day guidelines for monitoring and care. Nursing staff were responsible for documenting when a patient's care varied from the pathway, and these variances were entered into a computer database. OUTCOME MEASURES Use of peak flowmeters, steroids, laboratory studies, radiological studies, and respiratory therapy was assessed by analyzing the patients' electronic billing records. For patients enrolled in the pathway, additional data on process of care were obtained by analyzing the variance database. For both groups, the total charges, length of stay, and rate of readmission to the hospital were measured by use of the billing records. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the use of steroids or peak flowmeters, average lengths of stay, or total charges between the 2 groups. However, patients in the "pathway group" had significantly lower average charges for laboratory ($26 vs $39; P < .05) and radiology ($32 vs $55; P < .001) services. Variances from the pathway guidelines were most often related to the patients' responses to therapy. CONCLUSIONS The asthma clinical pathway had no effect on clinical outcomes and small effects on the use of resources. Further development, including physician and nurse training, computer and administrative support, and clinical severity scales, are needed to develop the potential utility of the clinical pathway as a research and quality assurance tool.
Residents’ Willingness and Influencing Factors on Action Personal Carbon Trading: A Case Study of Metropolitan Areas in Tianjin, China

Personal carbon trading offers a powerful and innovative instrument with which to achieve reductions in carbon emissions. Meanwhile, residents’ personal carbon trading willingness and the factors influencing such willingness have critical effects on the acceptance of personal carbon trading. Therefore, the present research uses a questionnaire survey in metropolitan areas of Tianjin China and the results indicated that most of the interviewees (74.92%) agreed or strongly agreed that they would participant in personal carbon trading. Moreover, according to the results of multiple regression models, governmental policies and residents’ environmental awareness and motivations were positively related to their personal carbon trading willingness. However, personal barriers to personal carbon trading were negatively related to personal carbon trading willingness. Control variables, such as gender and incomes, were not significantly related to personal carbon trading willingness. Thus, monitoring residents’ emission and trading patterns, emphasizing effective, transparent, and fair policies, as well as mitigating uncertainty could all be effective ways to increase the acceptance of personal carbon trading.
Effects of bilateral and unilateral ablation of auditory cortex in cats on the unconditioned head orienting response to acoustic stimuli.

1. Reflexive head orienting responses (ORs) elicited by bursts of wide-band noise were investigated in cats after bilateral or unilateral ablation of the auditory cortex, and the cats' performance was compared with that of control cats. The OR was used as an indication of ability to orient toward the azimuthal direction of a source of sound. 2. To adequately test this ability, a unique combination of stimulus duration and position of the sound source was selected on each trial. Stimulus durations (0.1, 0.3, and 1.5 s) were selected so that the offset of a burst of noise occurred before, during, or after an OR. The stimuli were produced from speakers positioned approximately at the interaural horizontal plane within each quadrant of a cat's auditory field. The ORs were recorded on moving film and analyzed quantitatively. 3. In the control cats, the trajectory of the OR was characterized by a saccadic profile (rapid steplike movement, monophasic velocity, and biphasic acceleration). The accuracy of the OR varied directly with stimulus duration, suggesting that the response was modified by auditory feedback produced by a head movement during the stimulus. Corrective responses executed during long-duration (1.5 s) stimuli reduced residual mean error to < 7 degrees in each of the control animals. The mean error in orientation was smaller for sources located in the frontal sound field than for sources located behind the coronal plane the head (> 90 degrees). When brief (0.1 s) stimuli were presented behind the head, the cats confused back with front directions on most of the trials. 4. Compared with performance in the control cats, bilateral destruction of the auditory geniculocortical system severely impaired a cat's ability to orient consistently and accurately toward a source of sound. Latencies to the onset of ORs were increased, the magnitudes of ORs were reduced, average error in orienting to a sound source was larger under every stimulus duration-source position combination, relatively few corrective responses were executed, and residual mean error was significantly elevated (bilateral = 28.1 degrees; control = 3.1 degrees). Several animals with bilateral lesions also made vertical errors in orienting to azimuthal sources of sound. 5. However, in the bilateral lesion group, ORs were initiated in the correct right or left direction; and, rather than eliminating accurate responses altogether, the lesions reduced the probability of their occurrence. Furthermore, the saccadic profile of the response was preserved, providing evidence that the motor control system for the OR was not perturbed by the bilateral lesions. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)