Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in ice dynamics and mass balance of the Antarctic ice sheet

The concept that the Antarctic ice sheet changes with eternal slowness has been challenged by recent observations from satellites. Pronounced regional warming in the Antarctic Peninsula triggered ice shelf collapse, which led to a 10-fold increase in glacier flow and rapid ice sheet retreat. This chain of events illustrated the vulnerability of ice shelves to climate warming and their buffering role on the mass balance of Antarctica. In West Antarctica, the Pine Island Bay sector is draining far more ice into the ocean than is stored upstream from snow accumulation. This sector could raise sea level by 1 m and trigger widespread retreat of ice in West Antarctica. Pine Island Glacier accelerated 38% since 1975, and most of the speed up took place over the last decade. Its neighbour Thwaites Glacier is widening up and may double its width when its weakened eastern ice shelf breaks up. Widespread acceleration in this sector may be caused by glacier ungrounding from ice shelf melting by an ocean that has recently warmed by 0.3 °C. In contrast, glaciers buffered from oceanic change by large ice shelves have only small contributions to sea level. In East Antarctica, many glaciers are close to a state of mass balance, but sectors grounded well below sea level, such as Cook Ice Shelf, Ninnis/Mertz, Frost and Totten glaciers, are thinning and losing mass. Hence, East Antarctica is not immune to changes.
Metformin for olanzapine-induced weight gain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is useful in schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder, but its use is associated with troublesome weight gain and metabolic syndrome. A variety of pharmacological agents has been studied in the efforts to reverse weight gain induced by olanzapine, but current evidence is insufficient to support any particular pharmacological approach. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of metformin for the treatment of olanzapine-induced weight gain. Systematic review of the literature revealed 12 studies that had assessed metformin for antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Of these, four studies (n= 105) met the review inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis was performed to see the effect size of the treatment on body weight, waist circumference and body-mass index (BMI). Weighted mean difference (WMD) for body weight was 5.02 (95% CI 3.93, 6.10) kg lower with metformin as compared with placebo at 12 weeks. For waist circumference, the test for heterogeneity was significant (P= 0.00002, I(2) = 85.1%). Therefore, a random effects model was used to calculate WMD, which was 1.42 (95% CI 0.29, 3.13) cm lower with metformin as compared with placebo at 12 weeks. For BMI, WMD was 1.82 (95% CI 1.44, 2.19) kg m(-2) lower with metformin as compared with placebo at 12 weeks. Existing data suggest that short term modest weight loss is possible with metformin in patients with olanzapine-induced weight gain.
Social support and self-esteem as mediators between stress and antepartum depressive symptoms in rural pregnant women.

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether satisfaction with social support and self-esteem mediated the relationship between antepartum stress and depressive symptoms in women attending prenatal clinics in a rural Southeastern community (N = 318). Path analysis with linear regression indicated that the relationship between antepartum stress and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by higher levels of the internal resources of satisfaction with social support and self-esteem. Self-esteem had a greater influence on the relationship between antepartum stress and depressive symptoms than did satisfaction with social support. These findings suggest further study to determine whether developing culturally tailored interventions that emphasize stress reduction activities in addition to enhancing self-esteem and increasing satisfaction with social support can decrease the burden of antepartum depressive symptoms in rural low-income women.
Stress changes of the distal radial growth plate

We conducted a radiographic survey to determine skel etal age and the nature and prevalence of stress-related changes affecting the distal radial growth plate in 60 young competitive gymnasts (39 females, 21 males). Comparison of results for chronological and skeletal age revealed a significant delay in maturation for girls (P < 0.001). Radiographic evaluation revealed 5 gym nasts (4 girls and 1 boy) with stress-related changes of the left wrist, and four of these were considered to be minimal. These results, in conjunction with our previous find ings and the review of related literature, reveal three important observations. First, the widening and irregu larities of the distal radial physis that we described previously appear to be the first in a spectrum of abnormal changes secondary to overuse and probably represent a stress fracture of the distal radial growth plate. The radiographic changes associated with this injury are not the normal adaptive changes seen in young, competitive gymnasts. Secondly, more serious long-term abnormality may result even though the injury may initially resemble a Salter-Harris type I or II stress fracture. Long-term complications may include symmetrical or asymmetrical retardation or halted growth at the affected site, posi tive ulnar variance, and associated pathoanatomic se quelae. Thirdly, the incidence of distal radial growth plate stress injury remains unclear; we recommend a further, large-scale prospective epidemiologic study in volving both male and female gymnasts. We urge that physicians and other health professionals associated with gymnastics clubs educate coaches about the pos sibility of significant injury to the distal radial physis, risk factors, and suggested preventive measures.
Subcutaneous versus intraperitoneal insulin for patients with diabetes mellitus on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: meta-analysis of non-randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of end stage renal disease. Use of intraperitoneal (IP) nsulin in diabetic patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) can restore glucose control to near normal values. The safety and efficacy of this method is unclear. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis to study the safety and efficacy of IP insulin administration in diabetic patients on PD. The primary outcome measures is glycemic control: secondary outcome measures were plasma lipids, insulin dose requirement/day and the risk of peritonitis and hepatic subcapsular steatosis. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and reference lists of eligible studies were searched. Eligible studies included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials that allocated adult PD diabetic patients to IP insulin and subcutaneous (SC) insulin. RESULTS Twenty one citations were identified and three met the eligibility criteria. Glycemic control with IP insulin, as assessed with HbA1C, was equal to or better than that obtained with SC insulin: weighted mean difference was -1.49 % (95% CI: -2.17 to - 0.27, p=0.0001). The insulin dose required was more than two-fold higher in the IP treatment. Serum HDL-cholesterol decreased during IP insulin therapy while serum triglyceride (TG) concentration tended to increase, in comparison with levels seen in patients treated with SC insulin. CONCLUSIONS Use of IP insulin provides adequate glycemic control, which appears superior to that seen following treatment with conventional SC insulin. The plasma lipids are adversely affected by IP insulin, possibly contributing to increased cardiovascular risk. Data are limited and further studies are needed to assess for the long-term safety of this approach.
Perforin‐Expressing Lymphocytes in Peripheral Blood and Decidua of Human First‐Trimester Pathological Pregnancies

PROBLEM: We have shown previously that the decidua of first‐trimester human pregnancy is heavily infiltrated with perforin‐positive cells. The aim was to detect expression of perforin in both decidual lymphocytes (DL) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in the first trimester of pathological pregnancies: Anembryonic pregnancy and missed abortion.
Urban Health Project: A Sustainable and Successful Community Internship Program for Medical Students

Background. Urban Health Project (UHP) is a mission and vision-driven summer internship at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine that places first-year medical students at local community agencies that work with underserved populations. At the completion of their internship, students write Final Intern Reflections (FIRs). Methods. Final Intern Reflections written from 1987 to 2012 were read and coded to both predetermined categories derived from the UHP mission and vision statements and new categories created from the data themselves. Results. Comments relating to UHP’s mission and vision were found in 47% and 36% of FIRs, respectively. Positive experiences outweighed negative by a factor of eight. Interns reported the following benefits: educational (53%), valuable (25%), rewarding (25%), new (10%), unique (6%), and life-changing (5%). Conclusions. Urban Health Project is successful in providing medical students with enriching experiences with underserved populations that have the potential to change their understanding of vulnerable populations.
The Commonly Used cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase Type I (cGKI) Inhibitor Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS Can Activate cGKI in Vitro and in Intact Cells*

Small-molecule modulators of cGMP signaling are of interest to basic and clinical research. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase type I (cGKI) is presumably a major mediator of cGMP effects, and the cGMP analogue Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS (Rp-PET) (chemical name: β-phenyl-1,N2-etheno-8-bromoguanosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer) is currently considered one of the most permeable, selective, and potent cGKI inhibitors available for intact cell studies. Here, we have evaluated the properties of Rp-PET using cGKI-expressing and cGKI-deficient primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), purified cGKI isozymes, and an engineered cGMP sensor protein. cGKI activity in intact VSMCs was monitored by cGMP/cGKI-stimulated cell growth and phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein. Unexpectedly, Rp-PET (100 μm) did not efficiently antagonize activation of cGKI by the agonist 8-Br-cGMP (100 μm) in intact VSMCs. Moreover, in the absence of 8-Br-cGMP, Rp-PET (100 μm) stimulated cell growth in a cGKIα-dependent manner. Kinase assays with purified cGKI isozymes confirmed the previously reported inhibition of the cGMP-stimulated enzyme by Rp-PET in vitro. However, in the absence of the agonist cGMP, Rp-PET partially activated the cGKIα isoform. Experiments with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based construct harboring the cGMP binding sites of cGKI suggested that binding of Rp-PET induces a conformational change similar to the agonist cGMP. Together, these findings indicate that Rp-PET is a partial cGKIα agonist that under certain conditions stimulates rather than inhibits cGKI activity in vitro and in intact cells. Data obtained with Rp-PET as cGKI inhibitor should be interpreted with caution and not be used as sole evidence to dissect the role of cGKI in signaling processes.
Apical extrusion of debris and irrigants using two hand and three engine-driven instrumentation techniques.

AIM To evaluate the weight of debris and irrigant volume extruded apically from extracted teeth in vitro after endodontic instrumentation using the balanced force technique, a hybrid hand instrumentation technique, and three engine-driven techniques utilizing nickel-titanium instruments (ProFile .04, Quantec 2000 and Pow-R). METHODOLOGY Five groups of 20 extracted human teeth with single canals were instrumented using one or other of five techniques: balanced force, hybrid, Quantec 2000, ProFile . 04, or Pow-R. Debris extruded from the apical foramen during instrumentation were collected into preweighed 1.5 mL tubes. Following instrumentation, the volume of extruded irrigant fluid was determined by visual comparison to control centrifuge tubes filled with 0.25 mL increments of distilled water. The weight of dry extruded dentine debris was also established. RESULTS Overall, the engine-driven techniques extruded less debris than the manual ones. However, there was no statistical difference between the balanced force technique and the engine-driven methods. The volume of irrigant extruded through the apex was directly associated with the weight of extruded debris, except within the ProFile group. The hybrid technique was associated with the greatest extrusion of both debris and irrigant. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the engine-driven nickel-titanium systems were associated with less apical extrusion.
MYOCARDIAL SYNTHESIS OF PROSTAGLANDIN‐LIKE SUBSTANCES AND CORONARY REACTIONS TO CARDIOSTIMULATION AND TO HYPOXIA

1 Continuous recording of cardiac contractions and coronary flow from isolated perfused hearts of rats permitted the study of coronary reactions to: (a) cardiostimulation induced by single doses or slow infusions of noradrenaline, CaCl2, glucagon or electrically induced tachycardia; (b) short interruptions of coronary inflow (hypoxia). 2 Except during tachycardia the heart rate was kept constant at 210 beats/min by electrical pacing. 3 Metabolic coronary vasodilatation (MCD) resulting from cardiac hyperactivity induced by noradrenaline, Ca2+, tachycardia or glucagon was inhibited by administration of prostaglandin E2. Reactive hyperaemia response to hypoxia was unaffected by prostaglandin administration. 4 Inhibition of MCD could also be obtained by prolonged infusion with arachidonic acid (1.6 × 10−7m), presumably by its conversion into prostaglandin‐like substance since arachidonic acid failed to block MCD in hearts from rats pretreated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (indomethacin, naproxen, phenylbutazone). 5 Reactive hyperaemia was unaffected either by arachidonic acid or by blockade of the synthesis of prostaglandin‐like substances by anti‐inflammatory drugs. 6 Since prostaglandin synthetase inhibition does not prevent but may enhance MCD, we do not advocate prostaglandin‐like substances as agents directly responsible for the coronary vasodilatation that follows cardiac hyperactivity. 7 We postulate that cardiac overproduction of prostaglandins may lead to a failure in the adaptive coronary flow response to cardiac hyperactivity (coronary insufficiency? ).
Obesity classification in military personnel: a comparison of body fat, waist circumference, and body mass index measurements.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate obesity classifications from body fat percentage (BF%), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). METHODS A total of 451 overweight/obese active duty military personnel completed all three assessments. RESULTS Most were obese (men, 81%; women, 98%) using National Institutes of Health (NIH) BF% standards (men, >25%; women, >30%). Using the higher World Health Organization (WHO) BF >35% standard, 86% of women were obese. BMI (55.5% and 51.4%) and WC (21.4% and 31.9%) obesity rates were substantially lower for men and women, respectively (p < 0.05). BMI/WC were accurate discriminators for BF% obesity (theta for all comparisons >0.75, p < 0.001). Optimal cutoff points were lower than NIH/WHO standards; WC = 100 cm and BMI = 29 maximized sensitivity and specificity for men, and WC = 79 cm and BMI = 25.5 (NIH) or WC = 83 cm and BMI = 26 (WHO) maximized sensitivity and specificity for women. CONCLUSIONS Both WC and BMI measures had high rates of false negatives compared to BF%. However, at a population level, WC/BMI are useful obesity measures, demonstrating fair-to-high discriminatory power.
Medication development for agitation and aggression in Alzheimer disease: review and discussion of recent randomized clinical trial design

ABSTRACT Background: The management of disruptive neuropsychiatric symptom (NPS) such as agitation and aggression (A/A) is a major priority in caring for people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Few effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological options are available. Results of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of drugs for A/A have been disappointing. This may result from the absence of biological efficacy for medications tested in treating A/A. It may also be related to methodological issues such as the choice of outcomes. The aim of this review was to highlight key methodological issues pertaining to RCTs of current and emerging medications for the treatment of A/A in AD. Methods: We searched PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs comparing medications with either placebo or other drugs in the treatment of A/A in AD, between January 2008 and December 2013. Results: We identified a total of 18 RCTs; of these, 11 were completed and 7 ongoing. Of the ongoing RCTs, only one is in Phase III. Seven of 10 completed RCTs with reported results did not report greater benefit from drug than placebo. Each of the completed RCTs used a different definition of “clinically significant A/A. ” There was considerable heterogeneity in study design. The primary endpoints were largely proxy-based but a variety of scales were used. The definition of caregiver and scales used to assess caregiver outcomes were similarly heterogeneous. Placebo response was notable in all trials. Conclusions: This review highlights a great heterogeneity in RCTs design of drugs for A/A in AD and some key methodological issues such as definition of A/A, choice of outcome measures and caregiver participation that could be addressed by an expert consensus to optimize future trials design.
Migration of immature and mature B cells in the aged microenvironment

Studies in aged mice show that the architecture of B‐cell areas appears disrupted and that newly made B cells fail to incorporate into the spleen. These observations may reflect altered migration of immature and mature B cells. Using adoptive transfer, we tested the effect of the aged microenvironment and the intrinsic ability of donor B cells from aged mice to migrate to spleens of intact hosts. Spleens of aged recipients were deficient in attracting young or old donor immature B cells. In contrast, immature and mature B cells maintained an intrinsic ability to migrate to young recipient spleens, except that as the aged immature B cells matured, fewer appeared to enter the recirculating pool. CXCL13 protein, which is necessary for the organization of B‐cell compartments, was elevated with age and differences in CXCL13 distribution were apparent. In aged spleens, CXCL13 appeared less reticular, concentrated in patches throughout the follicles, and notably reduced in the MAdCAM‐1+ marginal reticular cells located at the follicular edge. Despite these differences, the migration of young donor follicular B cells into the spleens of old mice was not impacted; whereas, migration of young donor marginal zone B cells was reduced in aged recipients. Finally, the aged bone marrow microenvironment attracted more donor mature B cells than did the young marrow. Message for CXCL13 was not elevated in the marrow of aged mice. These results suggest that the aged splenic microenvironment affects the migration of immature B cells more than mature follicular B cells.
Molecular epidemiology of group a rotavirus among children admitted to hospital in Salto, Uruguay, 2011‐2012: First detection of the emerging genotype G12

Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the most important etiologic agent of infant acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. Detection and molecular characterization of RVA in Salto department, Northwestern region of Uruguay, was conducted on 175 clinical samples, being 153 stool and 22 vomit samples, collected from hospitalized children with AGE, between 0–15 years old, from two hospitals of Salto city during 2011 and 2012. RVA was detected and genotyped by seminested multiplex RT‐PCR in order to determine G‐ and P‐genotypes. Positive samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were carried out in order to determine lineages and sub‐lineages. RVA were detected in 64 (37%) of the samples and the G and P genotypes observed were: 6% G1P[8], 23% G2P[4]/G2P[X]/GXP[4], 23% G3P[8]/G3P[X], 14% G12P[8]/G12P[X], 16% GXP[8], 1,5% G12P[9], 3% G2P[4]/[8], and 16% non‐typeable. VP7 and VP4 genotypes related to DS‐1 like gene constellation were prevalent during 2011 and those VP7 and VP4 genotypes related to Wa‐like constellation were prevalent during 2012 (mainly represented by G3P[8]). Interestingly, RVA was detected in vomit samples in a high prevalence (41%). RVA was observed mainly in the age group between 1 and 5 years old (75% of the cases), and seasonality with a high detection rate in winter season was observed for the two consecutive years of surveillance. To our knowledge, this study represents the first detection and molecular characterization of RVA in Salto department, Northwestern region of Uruguay; and the first identification of the emerging genotype G12 in the country. J. Med. Virol. 87:754–763, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issues in Propofol Sedation for Pediatric Patients Using Target Control Infusion (TCI): Safety in Children 1-3 Years Old Versus Children Older than 3 Years of Age

Purpose: Appropriate sedation is required when performing proton radiation therapy on pediatric patients. A target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol has recently been used for this purpose. However, there may be safety issues with the use of TCI in pediatric patients, as the initial bolus dose might be excessive for younger patients. To compare the safety and the incidence of adverse events between patients under and over 3 years of age undergoing sedation with a TCI (Paedfusor) model. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study by analyzing the medical records of patients who underwent a computer tomography simulation prior to beginning proton radiation therapy between January 2013 and December 2014. Patients were divided into those 1-3 years of age and those > 3 years of age. The incidence of adverse events was tabulated. Results: Fifty-two patients-16 patients 1-3 years of age and 40 patients > 3 years of age-were included in the study. The adverse event incidence was the primary outcome. There was no statistically significant difference in desaturation (p = 0.231), nasopharyngeal airway insertion (p = 0.366), bradycardia (p = 1.000), and hypotension (p = 0.578). Additionally, there was no significant difference in sedation time, recovery time, propofol dose, and target concentration for induction or maintenance of anesthesia. Conclusions: The use of propofol TCI for the induction and maintenance of sedation did not show an increased risk of adverse events in pediatric patients 1-3 years of age versus patients > 3 years of age.