Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential dietary sources of ellagic acid and other antioxidants among fruits consumed in Brazil: jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) Berg).

BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the content of ellagic acid in fruits consumed by the Brazilian population, including native ones; (2) to further characterize rich sources in relation to ascorbic acid, phenolics contents and in vitro antioxidant capacity; and (3) to study the distribution and effect of ripening stage on ellagitannins content of jabuticaba (Myrciaria jaboticaba). The content of free ellagic acid and ellagic acid derivatives such as ellagitannins was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS Ellagic acid was detected in 10 out of a total of 35 fruits analyzed. The content of free ellagic acid in fruits varied from 0.0028 to 0.085 g kg(-1) (FW) and total ellagic acid varied from 0.215 to 3.11 g kg(-1) (FW). All the seven fruits belonging to the Myrtaceae family evaluated in this study presented high contents of ellagitannins in their composition, with jabuticaba, grumixama and cambuci (all native from Brazil) showing the highest total ellagic acid contents. Jabuticaba, the most consumed in Brazil among those and already adapted to commercial plantations, contained concentrated phenolics compounds, including ellagitannins, in the peel. Anthocyanins (cyanidin derivatives) increased significantly through ripening of jabuticaba and were not present in the pulp or seeds. Samples collected from three different locations during summer, winter and spring had total ellagic contents varying from 1.88 to 3.31 g kg(-1) (FW). The decrease in ellagic acid content with ripening was more accentuated for pulp (eight times) compared to seeds (2.3 times) and peel (2.0 times). CONCLUSION These results showed the potential of jabuticaba as dietary source of ellagic acid and reinforced consumption of the whole fruit by the population.
Can Caffeine Intake Improve Neuromuscular and Technical-Tactical Performance During Judo Matches?

Abstract Athayde, MSdS, Lima Kons, R, and Detanico, D. Can caffeine intake improve neuromuscular and technical-tactical performance during judo matches? J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3095–3102, 2018—This study aimed to verify the effect of caffeine intake on blood lactate concentrations and neuromuscular and technical-tactical performance during simulated judo matches. Fourteen male judo athletes received capsules containing caffeine or placebo and were evaluated in both conditions. Before the baseline and 1 hour after the caffeine/placebo intake, athletes performed the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, handgrip strength, judogi grip strength test (JGST), and blood samples were collected. Subsequently, the athletes were submitted to three 5-minute matches with 15-minute intervals. All neuromuscular tests were performed and blood samples were taken during the matches' intervals. Significant interaction between condition and time (p = 0.01) was found for blood lactate concentrations. No interaction between condition and time was verified for CMJ performance (p > 0.05), handgrip strength (p > 0.05), JGST performance (p = 0.32), and number of attacks (p = 0.97). However, for all variables, a significant decrease was observed throughout time (p ⩽ 0.05). According to clinical results (magnitude-based inference), we identified that post-match 2 and post-match 3 showed higher effect (most likely positive effect) regarding delta caffeine—placebo than other moments (pre-match and post-match 1) for blood lactate. Caffeine increased the estimated glycolytic contribution over the matches; however, it did not induce improvements in neuromuscular performance or number of attacks.
ESTIMATING THE EFFECT OF CESAREAN SECTION RATE ON HEALTH OUTCOME

This paper tests the null hypothesis of a zero effect of cesarean section rate on health outcome against the alternative of a positive effect. Using data from 59 hospitals in Sweden from 1988–92, we specify two separate linear regression models for health outcome, one with perinatal mortality, and the other with rate of asphyxia, as dependent variable. We estimate the models by single-year cross-section regressions and as pooled data systems. The null hypothesis cannot be rejected, i.e., we do not find any significant positive effect of cesarean section rate on health outcome. Thus, we conclude that an increase in cesarean section rate does not imply lower perinatal mortality or lower rate of asphyxia. This in turn indicates that the minimum cesarean section rate is optimal.
How Does Foreign Direct Investment Affect Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa? New Evidence from Non-threshold and Threshold Analysis

We draw on the threshold analysis to examine the effect of foreign direct investment on growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The growth literature is awash with divergent evidence on the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) on economic growth. Although the FDI-growth nexus has been studied in diverse ways, very few studies have examined the problem within the framework of threshold regression analysis. Furthermore, even where this framework has been adopted, none of the previous studies has comprehensively examined the FDI-growth nexus in the broader Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In this paper, we revisit, within the standard panel and threshold regression framework, the problem of determining the growth impact of FDI. We use as thresholds six variables – inflation, initial income, population growth, trade openness, financial market development and human capital, and we base the analysis on a large panel-data set that comprises 45 SSA countries for the years 1985-2013. Our results show that the direct impact of FDI on growth is largely ambiguous and inconsistent. However, under the threshold analysis, we find evidence that FDI accelerates economic growth when SSA countries have achieved certain threshold levels of inflation, population growth and financial markets development. This evidence is largely invariant qualitatively and robust to different specifications. FDI enhances growth in SSA when inflation and private sector credit are below their threshold levels while population growth is above its threshold level.
The meaning of "independence" for older people in different residential settings.

OBJECTIVES Drawing on older people's understandings of "independence" and Collopy's work on autonomy, the article elaborates an interpretive framework of the concept in relation to 3 residential settings-the private dwelling-home, the extra-care, and the residential-care settings. METHOD Data include 91 qualitative interviews with frail, older people living in each setting, collected as part of a larger Welsh study. Thematic analysis techniques were employed to identify patterns in meanings of independence across settings and then interpreted using Collopy's conceptualizations of autonomy, as well as notions of space and interdependencies. RESULTS Independence has multiple meanings for older people, but certain meanings are common to all settings: Accepting help at hand; doing things alone; having family, friends, and money as resources; and preserving physical and mental capacities. Concepts of delegated, executional, authentic, decisional, and consumer autonomy, as well as social interdependencies and spatial and social independence, do provide appropriate higher order interpretive constructs of these meanings across settings. DISCUSSION A broader interpretive framework of "independence" should encompass concepts of relative independence, autonomy(ies), as well as spatial and social independence, and can provide more nuanced interpretations of structured dependency and institutionalization theories when applied to different residential settings.
Growth inhibition of SK‐MEL‐30 human melanoma cells by antisense c‐myc oligonucleotides delivered by poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/ poly(ethyleneimine) copolymer

The c‐myc oncogene has been shown to be overexpressed in a number of malignancies and plays a key role in the abnormal growth regulation of melanoma cells. This study aimed to provide an efficient system for the in vitro manipulation of c‐myc expression by antisense oligonucleotides. Therefore, we used poly(NIPA)/PEI2B copolymer as vector in order to improve the intracellular availability and stability of AS ODNs. We targeted oligonucleotide sequences within the human c‐myc mRNA as free AS ODNs or conjugated with a thermosensitive copolymer, in an effort to inhibit the growth of human melanoma cells. The conjugates adopted more positive charge and smaller size at 37 °C and they had no toxic effects on human fibroblast cells. The conjugated AS ODNs showed increased antiproliferative effect on melanoma cells as compared to free AS ODNs. At a concentration of 100 ng, AS ODNs inhibited SK‐MEL 30 human melanoma cell line proliferation maximally by 18.6%, whereas the same amount of conjugated AS ODN provided 52% inhibition. The greatest inhibition was obtained by conjugates having a polymer:AS ODN ratio of 9. Greatest inhibition was detected at 48 h and decreased after 96 h, which may be due to the depletion of AS ODNs. The results confirm the enhanced antiproliferative effects of poly(NIPA)/PEI2B‐conjugated AS ODNs, which may provide improved intracellular availability for c‐myc‐directed antisense strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INFECTIOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER GLAUCOMA DRAINAGE IMPLANT SURGERY: Clinical Features, Microbial Spectrum, and Outcomes

Purpose: To report the clinical features, microbial spectrum, and treatment outcomes of endophthalmitis after glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery. Methods: Records of patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis after GDI surgery were reviewed. Data on clinical course, microbiological laboratory results, and treatment were analyzed. Results: Of 1,891 eyes that underwent GDI surgery, 14 eyes (0.7%) developed endophthalmitis. The mean time interval between GDI surgery and diagnosis of endophthalmitis was 2.6 ± 3.2 years (median, 1.3 years; range, 11 days–11.4 years). For initial treatment, 13/14 eyes underwent vitreous tap and injection of intravitreal antibiotics and 1/14 eyes underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy. Three additional eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy because of deteriorating clinical course. Glaucoma drainage implant erosion was present in 9/14 eyes. All 9 eroded GDIs were surgically removed within a mean of 9 ± 5 days (range 2–29 days) after diagnosis of endophthalmitis. Overall, mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity worsened from 0.7 ± 0.7 (Snellen equivalent 20/100) at baseline to 1.6 ± 1.1 (Snellen equivalent 20/800) at final follow-up (P = 0.005). Mean duration between the onset of symptoms and presentation was significantly longer in patients with decreased final best-corrected visual acuity (>2 Snellen lines) compared to patients with stable final best-corrected visual acuity (6.8 vs. 1.0 days; P = 0.005). Conclusion: Glaucoma drainage implant–related endophthalmitis is rare and often associated with GDI erosion. Patients who presented earlier after the onset of symptoms had better final visual outcomes. Prompt evaluation and treatment is required, often with removal of the eroded GDI.
Age patterns of elderly migration: An international comparison

Age-specific rates of migration exhibit remarkably persistent regularities in age profile. These regularities seem to hold all over the world and across time. This article identifies some of the principal antecedents of such regularities, focusing especially on the age patterns of migration exhibited by the elderly. It examines the differentials introduced by gender, distance, and marital status.
PULMONARY ADENOCARCINOMA WITH OSSEOUS METASTASIS AND SECONDARY PARESIS IN A BLUE AND GOLD MACAW (ARA ARARAUNA)

Abstract: A 16-yr-old female blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented with an acute history of lethargy, inappetance, ataxia, and paralysis. The bird had rapidly progressed from a normal state to complete inability to perch or ambulate within a 48-hr period. Neurologic examination revealed bilateral hind limb paresis with upper motor neuron signs present in both legs and the vent. Radiographs identified multiple nodular soft-tissue opacities within the cranial coelomic cavity and a single nodule superimposed with the thoracic spine. The bird was euthanized and submitted for necropsy, which revealed a primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma with multiple sites of osseous metastasis, including the vertebrae, and subsequent spinal cord compression. This is the first report of pulmonary adenocarcinoma in this species, although reports of similar tumors in other psittacines have been published. This report, along with others previously published, suggests that vertebral metastasis of primary pulmonary tumors may be more common in psittacine species than previously recognized and, as such, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in psittacine birds exhibiting signs of neurologic dysfunction attributed to a spinal cord lesion.
Expression of galectin‐1 in normal human thyroid gland and in differentiated and poorly differentiated thyroid tumors

We previously reported that galectin‐l gene expression increases up to 100‐fold in oncogene‐transformed rat thyroid cells compared with their normal counterparts and that the relative mRNA levels correlate with the degree of malignancy. In the present study we investigated whether galectin‐l is differentially expressed in human thyroid neoplasms, which range from well‐differentiated tumors to undifferentiated ana‐plastic carcinomas. We analyzed 74 human thyroid specimens of neoplastic, hyperproliferative and normal tissues and several tumor cell lines. Galectin‐l mRNA and protein levels were higher in 6 thyroid carcinoma‐derived cell lines than in normal thyroid primary cultures and adenoma cells. Galectin‐l mRNA levels increased in 28/40 papillary carcinomas and in 6/7 anaplastic carcinomas compared with normal or hyperplastic thyroid. Conversely, galectin‐l expression was unaffected in follicular carcinomas and benign adenomas. Immunohistochemi‐cal analysis of normal thyroid and papillary carcinoma sections revealed a higher content of galectin‐l protein in neoplastic follicular cells than in normal cells. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential for Erroneous Results Indicating Resistance When Using the Bactec MGIT 960 System for Testing Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Pyrazinamide

ABSTRACT During susceptibility testing of 743 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to pyrazinamide (PZA) using the Bactec 960 system, 57 (7.7%) isolates showed PZA resistance. Repeat testing of resistant isolates with the Bactec 460 reference method confirmed 33 (4.4%) of these isolates as resistant, and 24 (3.2%) were susceptible. Erroneous results for resistance with the Bactec 960 were confirmed by testing the 24 discordant isolates for pyrazinamidase and mutations in the pncA gene.
The influence of race and comorbidity on the timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy among older persons living with HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVES We examined whether the timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) differed by race and comorbidity among older (≥ 50 years) people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). METHODS We conducted frequency and descriptive statistics analysis to characterize our sample, which we drew from 2005-2007 Medicaid claims data from 14 states. We employed univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between race, comorbidity, and timely ART initiation (≤ 90 days post-HIV/AIDS diagnosis). RESULTS Approximately half of the participants did not commence ART promptly. After we adjusted for covariates, we found that older PLWHA who reported a comorbidity were 40% (95% confidence interval = 0.26, 0.61) as likely to commence ART promptly. We found no racial differences in the timely initiation of ART among older PLWHA. CONCLUSIONS Comorbidities affect timely ART initiation in older PLWHA. Older PLWHA may benefit from integrating and coordinating HIV care with care for other comorbidities and the development of ART treatment guidelines specific to older PLWHA. Consistent Medicaid coverage helps ensure consistent access to HIV treatment and care and may eliminate racial disparities in timely ART initiation among older PLWHA.
Extensive water ice within Ceres’ aqueously altered regolith: Evidence from nuclear spectroscopy

Water ice beneath the surface of Ceres The dwarf planet Ceres in the inner solar system is thought to have a crust made of a mixture of rock and ice. Prettyman et al. used neutron and gamma-ray spectroscopy from the Dawn spacecraft to peer below Ceres' surface and map the subsurface composition. They found evidence for water ice across the dwarf planet, with water making up a larger fraction of the material near the poles than around the equator. Together with their measurements of other elements, these results aid our understanding of Ceres' composition and constrain models of its formation. Science, this issue p. 55 Water ice is present beneath the surface of the dwarf planet Ceres, particularly near the poles. The surface elemental composition of dwarf planet Ceres constrains its regolith ice content, aqueous alteration processes, and interior evolution. Using nuclear spectroscopy data acquired by NASA’s Dawn mission, we determined the concentrations of elemental hydrogen, iron, and potassium on Ceres. The data show that surface materials were processed by the action of water within the interior. The non-icy portion of Ceres’ carbon-bearing regolith contains similar amounts of hydrogen to those present in aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites; however, the concentration of iron on Ceres is lower than in the aforementioned chondrites. This allows for the possibility that Ceres experienced modest ice-rock fractionation, resulting in differences between surface and bulk composition. At mid-to-high latitudes, the regolith contains high concentrations of hydrogen, consistent with broad expanses of water ice, confirming theoretical predictions that ice can survive for billions of years just beneath the surface.
Plasma Antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papillomavirus, and Human Herpesvirus Type 8 in Relation to Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Study

Traditionally, case-control studies of sexually transmitted infections and prostate cancer have focused on gonorrhea and syphilis, with overall positive associations. More recently, researchers have begun to expand their focus to include additional sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) infections. Continuing this investigation, we examined each of these infections in relation to incident prostate cancer in a nested case-control study within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Prostate cancer cases were men diagnosed with prostate cancer between the date of blood draw (1993-1995) and 2000 (n = 691). Controls were men free of cancer and alive at the time of case diagnosis who had had at least one prostate-specific antigen test between the date of blood draw and case diagnosis. One control was individually matched to each case by age; year, time of day, and season of blood draw; and prostate-specific antigen screening history before blood draw (n = 691). C. trachomatis and HPV-16, HPV-18, and HPV-33 antibody serostatus were assessed by enzyme-based immunoassays and HHV-8 antibody serostatus was assessed by an immunofluorescence assay. No associations were observed between C. trachomatis [odds ratio (OR), 1.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.65-1.96], HPV-16 (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.57-1.23), HPV-18 (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.66-1.64), and HPV-33 (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.76-1.72) antibody seropositivity and prostate cancer. A significant inverse association was observed between HHV-8 antibody seropositivity and prostate cancer (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95). As this study is the first, to our knowledge, to observe such an inverse association, similar additional studies are warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1573–80)
Implementation and evaluation of a gravimetric i.v. workflow software system in an oncology ambulatory care pharmacy.

PURPOSE The implementation and evaluation of a gravimetric i.v. workflow software system in an oncology ambulatory care pharmacy are described. SUMMARY To estimate the risk involved in the sterile i.v. compounding process, a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) in the oncology ambulatory care pharmacy was performed. When a volumetric-based process was used to reconstitute vials, the actual concentration was unknown since an assumption must be made that the exact volume of diluent was used when reconstituting the drug. This gap in our process was discovered during the FMEA and was resolved with the implementation of an i.v. workflow software solution. The i.v. software system standardized preparation steps and documented each process step, enabling a systematic review of the metrics for safety, productivity, and drug waste. Over the study period, 15,843 doses were prepared utilizing the new technology, with a total of 1,126 errors (7%) detected by the workflow software during dose preparation. Barcode scanning detected 292 (26%) of the total errors, the gravimetric weighing step detected 797 (71%) deviation errors, and 37 (3%) errors were detected at the vial reconstitution step. All errors were detected during compounding, eliminating the need to correct errors after production. Technician production time decreased by 34%, and pharmacist checking time decreased by 37%. CONCLUSION Implementation of a gravimetric-based software system that used barcode verification and real-time alerts improved the detection of errors in the chemotherapy preparation process when compared with self-reporting. Standardized workflow processes and the elimination of time-consuming manual steps increased productivity while vial management decreased costs.
Randomized Trial of Steroid-Free Induction Versus Corticosteroid Maintenance Among Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients With Hepatitis C Virus: Impact on Hepatic Fibrosis Progression at One Year

Background. Due to the known high recurrence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients who receive tacrolimus+corticosteroid maintenance, use of steroid-free induction was considered. Methods. OLT recipients with HCV were randomized to receive tacrolimus+daclizumab (steroid-free) vs. tacrolimus+corticosteroids during 1999–2001 and then tacrolimus+mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)+daclizumab (steroid-free) vs. tacrolimus+MMF+corticosteroids during 2002–2005. Patients in the steroid-free arm of both periods received no steroids except for treating biopsy-proven rejection. Primary objective was to compare mean fibrosis stage at the 1-year protocol biopsy, between the steroid-free and corticosteroid arms, stratifying by period. Results. No noticeable differences in mean fibrosis stage between the two treatment arms, either averaging across periods (P=0.99) or during either period (P>0.35) were found. Occurrence of acute rejection during the first year was the only factor associated with a significantly increased fibrosis stage at 1 year (P=0.0003); stage ≥2 was seen in 63% (17 of 27) vs. 19% (8 of 43) of those with vs. without rejection. In addition, MMF use was associated with significantly fewer patients experiencing acute rejection during the first 6 and 12 months posttransplant (P=0.006 and 0.046). Regarding steroid-related side effects, posttransplant diabetes mellitus occurred in 10% vs. 45%, and wound infection in 6% vs. 31% of steroid-free vs. corticosteroid patients (P=0.003 and 0.01). Conclusions. OLT recipients with HCV tolerated the steroid-free protocol with fewer side effects; however, its use had no apparent impact on hepatic fibrosis progression. Occurrence of acute rejection was strongly associated with increased hepatic fibrosis at 1 year, and MMF use appears to have significantly reduced the rejection rate.