Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life meaning: an important correlate of health in the hungarian population

One of the 5 coping scales in Rahe’s Brief Stress and Coping Inventory, entitled Life Meaning, was examined in relation to demographic characteristics, other coping measures, and health status in a sample of 12,640 Hungarian participants. Participants were selected to represent the country’s population according to sex, age, and place of residence. The study also explored the contribution of life meaning to the explanation of variations of middle-aged (45—64 years) male and female mortality rates across 150 subregions in Hungary. On an ecological level life meaning proved to be inversely related to male and female oncological, female cardiovascular, and total premature mortality rates in the 150 subregions of Hungary and on an individual level to participants’reported health status. In the total sample of individuals after controlling for gender, age, and education, life meaning scores showed strong correlations with the World Health Organization well-being scale, with self-rated absence of depression, with self-rated health, and with self-rated absence of disability. Although relatively unrelated to age, gender, and education, life meaning was positively related to self-efficacy, importance of religion, problem-oriented coping, and social support.
Chronic ethanol-induced insulin resistance is associated with macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and altered expression of adipocytokines.

BACKGROUND Chronic ethanol consumption disrupts glucose homeostasis and is associated with the development of insulin resistance. While adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are the two major organs utilizing glucose in response to insulin, the relative contribution of these two tissues to impaired glucose homeostasis during chronic ethanol feeding is not known. As other models of insulin resistance, such as obesity, are characterized by an infiltration of macrophages into adipose tissue, as well as changes in the expression of adipocytokines that play a central role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity, we hypothesized that chronic ethanol-induced insulin resistance would be associated with increased macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and changes in the expression of adipocytokines by adipose tissue. METHODS Male Wistar rats were fed a liquid diet containing ethanol as 36% of calories or pair-fed a control diet for 4 weeks. The effects of chronic ethanol feeding on insulin-stimulated glucose utilization were studied using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique, coupled with the use of isotopic tracers. Further, macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and expression of adipocytokines were also assessed after chronic ethanol feeding. RESULTS Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies revealed that chronic ethanol feeding to rats decreased whole-body glucose utilization and decreased insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production. Chronic ethanol feeding decreased glucose uptake in epididymal, subcutaneous, and omental adipose tissue during the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, but had no effect on glucose disposal in skeletal muscle. Chronic ethanol feeding increased the infiltration of macrophages into epididymal adipose tissue and changed the expression of mRNA for adipocytokines: expression of mRNA for monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 were increased, while expression of mRNA for retinol binding protein 4 and adiponectin were decreased in epididymal adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that chronic ethanol feeding results in the development of insulin resistance, associated with impaired insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production and decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into adipose tissue. Chronic ethanol-induced insulin resistance was associated with increased macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, as well as changes in the expression of adipocytokines by adipose tissue.
Evaluation of Oral Mucoadhesive Microspheres in Man on the Basis of the Pharmacokinetics of Furosemide and Riboflavin, Compounds with Limited Gastrointestinal Absorption Sites

When sustained‐release adhesive and non‐adhesive microspheres which release the same drugs at similar rates are administered orally, drug absorption after administration of adhesive microspheres should, if the gastrointestinal residence of adhesive microspheres is prolonged as a result of mucoadhesion, be higher than that after administration of non‐adhesive microspheres. The gastrointestinal transit of oral adhesive microspheres in man has been evaluated pharmacokinetically using furosemide and riboflavin, compounds with limited absorption sites in the upper small intestine.
Effect of penicillin on group A streptococci in vivo in the absence of leucocytes.

including those in which prior that viable bacteria per-sisted despite exposure to the antibiotic. Qualitative as- says were performed by the serial dilution capillary tube method of Fleming (14). Disks were ground in a sterile mortar, and 4.8 ml. of tryptose phosphate broth were added, making a final volume of 8.0 ml. Aliquots of this suspension were used for the penicillin determinations.
Auditory brain stem responses in thyroid dysfunction

A characteristic pattern of ABR was observed in hyper-and hypofunction of the thyroid gland. The most conspicuous change took place in the BSCT. Its value correlated well with the level of serum T4. Dynamic changes of ABR pattern were recorded during the development of myxedema and on return to an euthyroid state. This preliminary study suggests that examinations of ABR may serve as a tool in the overall assessment of thyroid status.
Bayesian Instinct

Do experts make split-second decisions on the basis of rational beliefs? This paper studies belief formation by professional umpires in Major League Baseball. We show that umpires’ decisions reflect an accurate, probabilistic, and state-specific understanding of their rational expectations—as well as an ability to integrate those prior beliefs with signals in a manner that approximates Bayes rule. Given that umpires have at most a second to decide, we conclude that the instincts of professional umpires mimic a sophisticated level of rationality remarkably well.
Preoperative Colour-Coded Duplex Examination of the Saphenopopliteal Junction in Recurrent Varicosis of the Short Saphenous Vein

Undetected anatomical variations of the short saphenous vein are a major contributing factor to recurrent varicose veins in the saphenous vein area. Perioperative venography and varicography of the short saphenous vein have been proposed as a means of exact localization of its termination. The present study evaluated whether colour-coded duplex examination constituted a reliable alternative for localization of the saphenopopliteal junction. Between 1989 and 1990, 12 patients were reoperated on after previous classical ligation of the short saphenous vein. Preoperative colour-coded duplex examination revealed an abnormally high saphenopopliteal junction with persistent reflux in 11 patients and a Giacomini vein in one. When comparing these results with venographic and operative findings an accuracy of 100% was reached in these specific cases. It is concluded that for patients with recurrent varicosis of the short saphenous vein, preoperative colour-coded duplex examination provides a reliable non-invasive alternative to venography in the exact localization of the saphenopopliteal junction.
Epidemiological features of rotavirus infection among hospitalized children with gastroenteristis in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

An epidemiological study of the G serotype and P genotype distribution of group A rotaviruses by using ELISA and/or RT‐PCR was conducted in children (aged 1 month to 15 years) with diarrhea that were admitted to the General Children's Hospital No. 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from December 1999 to November 2000. The results showed that rotavirus is associated with 65.6% (889/1355) of diarrheal admissions. Rotavirus infection mostly affected children under 2 years of age with a peak incidence in children 1 to 2 years of age (75.7%) and it occurs year round with a slight seasonal pattern; 99.5% of the specimens could be G‐typed: G1 was predominant (68.7%), followed by G4 (15.4%), G2 (12.3%), G3 (0.6%), and G9 (0.5%). High identities of VP7 nucleotide (96.3 to 96.9%) and deduced amino acid (98.1 to 98.4%) were found between two Vietnamese G9 strains and also the recent emergence of G9 strains US 1205, Brazilian R143, and Malawian MW69. Mixed infections were identified in 17 (2.0%), and 5 strains (0.5%) remained untypable. The four most common worldwide strains, G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], and G4P[8], constituted 81.1% of all rotaviruses typed with G1P[8] being the most prevalent type (58.2%). Unusual G/P combinations (11 strains) were detected in 11.7% of all strains, of which, G1P[4] was the most prevalent, accounting for 5.6% of the total. Several combinations of G and P types were observed in this study, suggesting a complex rotavirus infection pattern in Vietnam. This study has provided for the first time clear indication on the circulating G and P genotypes among hospitalized children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The results suggest that these viral infections are prevalent among hospitalized children and that the four most common worldwide G types as well as the four most common G‐P combinations were also infecting children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This result could have important implications for rotavirus vaccine programs and for understanding the epidemiological characteristics of human rotavirus in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. J. Med. Virol. 69:588–594, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss by Intratympanic Dexamethasone

Objective To examine the role of intratympanic Dexamethasone (ITD) in the prevention of Cisplatin-induced hearing loss. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods Twenty-six patients suffering from a neoplastic disease for which the treatment protocol included Cisplatin were recruited. Prior to each Cisplatin treatment session ITD was injected to the baseline randomly assigned ear while the other ear of the same patient served as the control. Audiometry and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) test results of the baseline and follow-up examinations were compared within and between the study and control ears. Results The cumulative dose of Cisplatin was greater than 400 mg for the 15 subjects who completed the study. The pure tone threshold at 8000 Hz and pure tone average threshold at 4000 to 8000 Hz significantly increased in both the study (P < .005, P < .03, respectively) and control ears (P < .01, P < .005, respectively). Significant increase in the pure tone threshold for 6000 Hz was observed in the control (P < .02) but not in the study group. Within the groups comparison also revealed significant decrease in the DPOAE average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the f2 frequencies 7031 (P < .04) and 8391 Hz (P < .04) and SNR average for 4000 to 8000 Hz in the control (P < .04) but not in the study ears. Conclusions ITD significantly attenuated hearing loss at 6000 Hz and decreased the outer hair dysfunction in the DPOAE f2 range of 4000 to 8000 Hz. ITD might have potential in the reduction of Cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Inhibition of melanoma brain metastasis by targeting melanotransferrin at the cell surface

Brain metastases are a common feature of malignant melanoma and are associated with poor prognosis. Melanotransferrin (MTf), one of several antigens associated with the surface of melanoma cells, has been demonstrated to promote cell invasion. In this study, we investigated the role of membrane‐bound MTf in several of the steps leading to the development of melanoma brain metastasis. Our results indicated that MTf‐positive cells were detected in the brains of nude mice injected intravenously with human melanoma SK‐Mel 28 cells. Moreover, administration of a single dose of a monoclonal antibody (L235) directed against human MTf significantly reduced the development of human melanoma brain metastases in nude mice. The ability of melanoma cells to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro is correlated with their MTf expression levels at the cell surface. Overall, our results indicated that membrane‐bound MTf is a key element in melanoma cell transmigration across the BBB and subsequent brain metastasis. Thus, these data suggest MTf as an attractive target and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of an anti‐MTf mAb for preventing metastatic melanoma.
The influence of handheld mobile phones on human parotid gland secretion.

BACKGROUND Handheld mobile phones (MPHs) have become a 'cultural' accessory device, no less so than a wrist watch. Nevertheless, the use of MPHs has given rise to great concern because of possible adverse health effects from exposure to the radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by the device. Previous studies suggested correlation between MPH and salivary gland tumors. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether MPH induces physiologic changes in the adjacent parotid gland, located on the dominant side, in terms of secretion rates and protein levels in the secreted saliva. MATERIALS AND METHOD Stimulated parotid saliva was collected simultaneously from both glands in 50 healthy volunteers whose MPH use was on a dominant side of the head. RESULTS A significantly higher saliva secretion rate was noticed in the dominant MPH side compared with that in the non-dominant side. Lower total protein concentration was obtained in the dominant compared with the non-dominant MPH side among the right dominant MPH users. CONCLUSIONS Parotid glands adjacent to handheld MPH in use respond by elevated salivary rates and decreased protein secretion reflecting the continuous insult to the glands. This phenomenon should be revealed to the worldwide population and further exploration by means of large-scale longitudinal studies is warranted.
Lines and Burkitt Lymphoma Cells Antigens in Epstein-Barr Virus-carrying Lymphoblastoid Cell Expression of Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex Updated

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) carrying lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cells were compared for their expression of class I antigens of the major histocompatibility complex. Five common BL lines, LCLs, pokeweed mitogen-stimulated blasts and resting B-cells from healthy donors, and eight pairs of BL cells and LCLs, each pair originating from one patient, were tested. Quantitative analysis was performed using a radioimmunoassay; qualitative aspects were studied by oneand two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In general, LCLs expressed significantly higher amounts of class I antigens than BL cells, the latter showing class I densities similar to or lower than periph eral resting B-cells. From analysis of the expression of class I-specific RNA, there is some evidence that class I antigen expression is regulated on the transcriptional level. In two BL cells studied, class I expression could be enhanced by 7-interferon, whereas the corresponding LCLs seemed to be refractory to this treatment. Oneand two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that in some BL lines, in addition to the generally lower class I expression, distinct class I specificities were down-regulated. None of these alterations in class I expression was EBV specific; however, they may well play a role in the recognition of BL cells and LCLs by cellular immune mechanisms. Thus, down-regulation of class I antigens may contribute to the resistance of BL cells to cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, whereas their enhanced expression may improve the recognition of EBVinfected LCLs.
Advantages of Magnetic Resonance Imaging over Computed Tomography in Preoperative Evaluation of Pediatric Cochlear Implant Candidates

Objectives: To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the preoperative evaluation of pediatric cochlear implant candidates. Methods: The charts of pediatric cochlear implant candidates evaluated between July 1, 2000 and November 30, 2003 with an MRI scan of the inner ear were included in the study. Fifty-six patients were included. Associated HRCT scans were examined. Abnormalities of the cochlea, cochlear nerve, endolymphatic sac, endolymphatic duct, vestibule, and modiolus were noted. A pediatric neuroradiologist gave an opinion as to whether patients with anomalies seen with MRI but without associated HRCT would have been identified by HRCT. Results: Of the 112 temporal bones imaged with MRI, the following abnormalities were encountered: 32% (36/112) had abnormalities of the cochlear turns, 30% (34/112) had abnormal signal in the modiolus, 23% (26/112) had abnormal vestibulae, 16% (18/112) had abnormal endolymphatic ducts, 15% (17/112) had abnormal endolymphatic sacs, 12% (13/112) had abnormalities of the cochlear nerves, 29% (17/56) had abnormalities of the brain. HRCT cannot directly evaluate the cochlear nerve. Available HRCT findings were combined with radiologic opinion and compared with MRI findings. The percentages of abnormalities identifiable by HRCT when compared with those seen with MRI are cochlea 42% (15/36), modiolus 35% (12/34), vestibulae 88% (23/26), endolymphatic duct 100% (18/18), and endolymphatic sac 6% (1/17). Conclusion: MRI is more sensitive and specific in diagnosing soft tissue abnormalities in the inner ear than HRCT in cochlear implant candidates (Fig. 4). Moreover, the abnormalities detected with MRI are more likely to influence the implantation process (e.g., asymmetric nerve aplasia, cochlear obstruction). FIG. 4. MRI versus HRCT. Percentages of abnormalities identified by MRI or HRCT.
High prevalence of HIV infection among young men who have sex with men in New York City

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors among young men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 15–22 years in New York City. DesignAn anonymous cross-sectional survey. MethodsThe 1998 Young Men's Survey in New York City (YMS–NYC), was a multistage probability survey of 541 MSM aged 15–22 years who attend public venues. After identification of venues and their associated high attendance time periods, random samples of venues and time periods were selected on a monthly basis. At each sampling event, potential participants were approached to determine eligibility. Eligible and willing men were interviewed, counselled and had a blood specimen drawn. ResultsBetween December 1997 and September 1998, 115 sampling events were conducted. Of 612 men enrolled, 541 reported ever having had sex with a male partner. The HIV seroprevalence among the 541 MSM sampled was 12.1%. The HIV seroprevalence was 18.4% among African-Americans, 16.7% among persons of mixed race, 8.8% among Latino individuals and 3.1% among white men. HIV seroprevalence was 5.0% among 15–18 year olds and 16.4% among 19–22 year olds. A total of 65.5% of MSM were susceptible to hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Almost half (46.1%) of the men reported unprotected anal sex in the previous 6 months and 16.3% reported ever having had an STD. Multiple regression analyses found that being older, of mixed race, black or ever having had an STD was associated with being HIV antibody positive. ConclusionThese data identify a large subgroup of MSM in need of effective HIV and HBV primary and secondary prevention programs.
Analysis of Electric Grid Interdiction With Line Switching

This paper addresses the vulnerability analysis of the electric grid under terrorist threat. This problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear bilevel program. In the upper-level optimization, the terrorist agent maximizes the damage caused in the power system, which is measured in terms of the level of system load shed. On the other hand, in the lower-level optimization, the system operator minimizes the damage by means of an optimal operation of the power system. The distinctive modeling feature introduced in this paper is that, among the different corrective actions available, the system operator has the capability to modify the network topology. Due to its nonconvexity and nonlinearity, the resulting bilevel programming problem cannot be equivalently transformed into a standard one-level optimization problem. Therefore, this paper proposes a new approach based on Benders decomposition within a restart framework. Some numerical results obtained by the proposed algorithm are provided and compared with those published, based on the IEEE Reliability Test System.
Don't forget the bigger picture: the impact of societal issues on a community-based TB programme, Swaziland.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to explore the wider societal issues that can impact on the success of a TB programme. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The paper is a qualitative study of the experiences of people involved in a community-based DOTS programme in Lubombo, Swaziland, involving patients, DOT treatment supporters, clinic nurses and other key informants. FINDINGS The paper finds that study participants spontaneously raised two main societal issues, which had major impact on the success of the TB programme: health beliefs and poverty. It is seen that health beliefs can have a major impact on treatment-seeking behaviour and outcomes of TB treatment. Problems related to poverty were of two main types: insufficient funds to attend for review, and lack of food whilst on TB treatment. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This paper discusses why these issues, although strictly outside the remit of the health services, are important factors to consider when implementing TB programmes. It suggests further research that may help break the link between TB and poverty (particularly relating to food insecurity) and recommends considering local health beliefs when dealing with individuals and the community. Neither the impact of health beliefs nor the impact of poverty are new ideas, yet these issues tend to be forgotten by quantitative researchers who perhaps understandably focus on issues that may be perceived as being easier to measure. This paper serves to remind one of their importance and to illustrate the value of qualitative research in highlighting them and ensuring that issues that are important to participants are not neglected.
The activation peptide of thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor: a role in activity and stability of the enzyme?

Summary. Background: Thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a 56‐kDa procarboxypeptidase. Proteolytic enzymes activate TAFI into TAFIa, an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, by cleaving off the N‐terminal activation peptide (amino acids 1–92), from the enzyme moiety. Activated TAFI is unstable, with a half‐life of approximately 10 min at 37 °C. So far, it is unknown whether the activation peptide is released or remains attached to the catalytic domain, and whether it influences TAFIa’s properties. The current study was performed to clarify these issues. Methods: TAFI was activated, and the activity and half‐life of the enzyme were determined in the presence and absence of the activation peptide. Results: TAFIa was active both before and after removal of the activation peptide, and the half‐life of TAFIa was identical in the two preparations. Furthermore, we observed that intrinsically inactivated TAFIa (TAFIai) aggregated into large, insoluble complexes that could be removed by centrifugation. Conclusions: The data presented in this article show that the activation peptide of TAFI is not required for TAFIa activity and that the activation peptide has no effect on the stability of the enzyme. These results are in favour of a model in which the activation peptide solely stabilizes the structure of the proenzyme. After activation of TAFI and subsequent breakage of interactions between the activation peptide and the catalytic domain, the activation peptide is no longer capable of performing this stabilizing task, and the integrity of the catalytic domain is lost rapidly. The resulting TAFIai is more prone to proteolysis and aggregation.