Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychological methods in treatment of hypertension: a review.

It has been shown in recent years that the blood pressure of most hypertensives can be regulated successfully with drugs (Freis, 1967, 1970). Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which alternative methods of management are attractive. Hypotensive agents frequently produce unpleasant side effects. Bulpitt and Dollery (1973) found that a substantial number of patients complained of sleepiness, weakness of the limbs, or postural hypotension, and it appears that few of the drugs in common use are completely free of such complications (Page et al., 1976). There is also the problem of compliance with treatment. Blackwell (1973) has estimated that over 25 per cent of outpatients do not take prescribed drugs regularly; this is most likely to occur with patients on long-term treatment or taking more than one drug. Both these factors are common in the management of essential hypertension. Even when patients are under treatment, the regulation of blood pressure is not always satisfactory (Langfeld, 1973). Taguchi and Freis (1974) observed that a considerable proportion of the patients who entered the Veterans Administration study with diastolic pressure levels between 90 and 114 mmHg did not show reductions below 90 mmHg during active treatment. Doubts about the effectiveness of drug therapy for diastolic pressures under 105 mmHg have recently been discussed by Short (1975). Problems with drug therapy may be particularly disturbing in the case of younger hypertensives, since many are faced with the prospect of very long-term medication for an asymptomatic condition. Recent interest in the psychological regulation of blood pressure has been focused on two methods of voluntary control. The first, known as 'biofeedback', has evolved from research in both man and animals on the instrumental conditioning of
Apolipoprotein e genotype, cortisol, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND Elevated cortisol indicates stress and may be a risk factor for cognitive decline in aging. Genetic factors may influence individual vulnerability to the adverse effects of stress on cognitive function in aging. METHOD The authors investigated whether the gene-environment interaction between the genotype for the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) and cortisol predicted cognitive performance in older urban adults. Cross-sectional data were analyzed from a population-based sample of 50-70-year-old men and women. Cognitive performance, salivary cortisol levels, and APOE genotype were assessed in 962 subjects. Scores on 20 standard cognitive tests were combined into seven domain scores (language, processing speed, eye-hand coordination, executive functioning, verbal memory and learning, visual memory and learning, visuoconstruction). RESULTS In adjusted models, while a higher cortisol level was associated with worse cognitive scores, the slopes of the adverse relations were steeper in persons with at least one APOE-epsilon4 allele. Effect sizes were large: for example, the effect of having one epsilon4 allele plus a cortisol area under the curve greater than the 75th percentile was equivalent to a decrease in language score expected from an age increase of 8.0 years (95% confidence interval=1.7-14.4), while having two epsilon4 alleles and a cortisol area under the curve greater than the 75th percentile was equivalent to an age increase of 33.4 years (95% CI=14.8-52.0). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that APOE genotype modifies cortisol's relations with cognitive functioning and that the epsilon4 allele increases vulnerability of the aging brain to adverse effects of stress.
[Polymorphism of platelet glycoprotein Ib in the Spanish population ].

PURPOSE To assess the polymorphism of the platelet membrane glycoprotein in castilians and gypsy people and to confirm the genetic transmission of such glycoprotein by means of family studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two-hundred castilians and 87 gypsy subjects were studied. Glycoprotein Ib was analysed by means of SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western-Blotting and labelling with glycoprotein-specific monoclonal antibodies and lectins. The different populations were compared by using the chi-square method (Fisher's test). RESULTS Only three groups of glycoprotein Ib, namely, B, C and D, were found in both population groups, no differences being observed in the expression of the different phenotypic variants. Lesser polymorphism was present in the gypsy group. The family studies showed that glycoprotein Ib is genetically determined, the two alleles being co-dominantly expressed in each individual. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphism of glycoprotein Ib is similar to that of caucasians, type A being not found. No differences seem to exist between castilians and gypsy people. The heredity pattern is autosomal co-dominant.
Effect of Tinted Contact Lenses on Color Vision*

&NA; This study was designed to investigate the effects of various contact lens tints on color vision. Color vision performance of eight subjects was evaluated with the Farnsworth‐Munsell 100 Hue Test while each subject wore each of 13 differently tinted contact lenses. No significant differences in color vision were found with the various lenses. However, performance on the test was affected by repetition. Regardless of the lens tints tested, color discrimination for the blue quadrant of the 100 Hue Test was the poorest. Further research is needed to determine the effect of tinted contact lenses on scotopic and mesopic vision.
Stage IV ovarian cancer: impact of surgical debulking.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of surgical debulking performed on patients with Stage IV ovarian cancer and to determine prognostic factors which identify pts who may benefit from aggressive initial surgical debulking. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted (1/1/87-12/31/93). Eligible patients included all women with FIGO Stage IV ovarian cancer. Clinical information abstracted included age at diagnosis, histology type, tumor grade, criteria for Stage IV classification, surgical procedure performed, and tumor residuum. Optimal surgical status was defined as < or = 2 cm residual disease. Chemotherapy treatment was recorded, as was follow-up. Survival estimates were computed by Kaplan-Meier method with differences in survival calculated by the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify independent variables which were associated with an improved survival rate. RESULTS One hundred five women were found in our database with Stage IV ovarian cancer and 97 had complete information available. Median age of the patients was 57 years (range 24-81 years). Papillary-serous histology was found in 55/97 patients (57%) and 50 patients (52%) had grade 3 tumors. Forty-one of 97 patients (42%) had malignant pleural effusion and 20/97 (21%) had liver metastases. Ninety-two patients underwent a primary attempt at surgical debulking and 40/92 were optimally debulked. Twenty-one of 41 patients (51%) with pleural effusion were optimally debulked compared to 20/51 (39%) with other criteria for Stage IV disease (P = NS). Overall median survival was 21 months; optimally debulked patients' median survival was 40 months compared to 18 months for patients with bulky residual disease (P = 0.01). The survival advantage for optimally debulked patients was statistically significant for the two subgroups of patients with and without malignant pleural effusion. In the multivariate analysis only age less than 65 years and optimal debulking were independent predictors of outcome. CONCLUSIONS Surgical debulking appears to be an important determinant of prognosis in women with Stage IV ovarian cancer, including patients with malignant pleural effusion.
Children's and Adults' Judgments of Facial Trustworthiness: The Relationship to Facial Attractiveness

Existing research suggests that adults make effective trustworthiness judgments based on facial attractiveness during initial interactions. However, little is known about how children judge trustworthiness from faces. The present study examined the facial features that contributed to judgments of trustworthiness and attractiveness by three groups of Chinese children aged 8 years old (n = 34; 17 boys), 10 years old (n = 34; 17 boys), and 12 years old (n = 34; 17 boys) and a comparison group of 37 undergraduates (M age = 20.2 yr.; 16 men). Using FaceGen Modeler 3.1, a total of 400 East Asian adult faces (200 male, 200 female) portraying neutral emotions with direct gazes were generated. The faces were represented by 61 shape features and were presented for a maximum of 3,000 msec. in the center of the computer screen in randomized order. The participants were asked to judge whether each person was trustworthy and to rate the level of trustworthiness; 1 month later, the attractiveness of the same faces was judged using a similar procedure. The children and the adults used similar facial features to judge trustworthiness (e.g., the brow ridge, nose, and chin). Some of the facial features used by the different age groups as the basis for the trustworthiness and attractiveness judgments were similar. Facial attractiveness accounted for roughly 30 to 60% of the variance in the groups' trustworthiness judgments. Thus, facial attractiveness may serve as a heuristic property that signals trustworthiness and guides adaptive social decisions. More importantly, even children as young as 8 years old use a strategy similar to that of adults to make trustworthiness judgments, although some differences in the use of specific facial features were observed among the age groups.
A Novel Approach to Improve the Performance of Evolutionary Methods for Nonlinear Constrained Optimization

Evolutionary methods are well-known techniques for solving nonlinear constrained optimization problems. Due to the exploration power of evolution-based optimizers, population usually converges to a region around global optimum after several generations. Although this convergence can be efficiently used to reduce search space, in most of the existing optimization methods, search is still continued over original space and considerable time is wasted for searching ineffective regions. This paper proposes a simple and general approach based on search space reduction to improve the exploitation power of the existing evolutionary methods without adding any significant computational complexity. After a number of generations when enough exploration is performed, search space is reduced to a small subspace around the best individual, and then search is continued over this reduced space. If the space reduction parameters (red_gen and red factor) are adjusted properly, reduced space will include global optimum. The proposed scheme can help the existing evolutionary methods to find better near-optimal solutions in a shorter time. To demonstrate the power of the new approach, it is applied to a set of benchmark constrained optimization problems and the results are compared with a previous work in the literature.
Case stories of induction motors fault diagnosis based on current analysis

This work presents several case studies related to condition monitoring of induction motors operating in a chemical plant. Analysis of the stator current is applied to diagnose several types of faults, especially rotor damages and mixed eccentricities. The considered current-based techniques include both the conventional method that relies on the analysis of the steady-state current (Motor Current Signature Analysis, MCSA, that will be employed as main tool), as well as recently developed methodologies based on the analysis of transient currents (Advanced Transient Current Signature Analysis, ATCSA, that will be used as complementary tool). The combination of both methods enables to reach a high reliability in the diagnostics, avoiding eventual false indications of a single method. The motors considered in the paper range from small-sized machines till large motors (rated up to several MW). Also, a diversity of operation conditions is considered, including diverse loading conditions as well as different operating options. The results show the powerfulness of current analysis for diagnosing a wide range of failures in asynchronous motors operating in petrochemical plants.
A simple and sensitive method for determining plasma cell isotype and monoclonality in bone marrow using flowcytometry

Summary. In this paper we describe a new, rapid and sensitive method to determine plasma cell isotype and clonality in bone marrow using flowcytometry. With the use of a new fixation and permeabilization reagent (Permeafix®), which preserves cell structure and morphology, and a monoclonal antibody (Mab) specific for plasma cells (B‐B4), it has become possible to specifically select plasma cells and to determine the cytoplasmatic immunoglobulins by flowcytometry.
The role of contextual and personal factors in children's risk taking.

The primary aims of the present studies were to (a) add to the sparse developmental database on risk taking and (b) conduct initial tests of a self-regulation model (SRM) of risk taking. According to the SRM, inappropriate risk taking is associated with overconfidence, falling prey to dysregulating influences (e.g., impulsivity, peer presence, etc.), and an insensitivity to outcomes. Experiment 1 tested these proposals by assessing the effects of peer presence and 4 personal factors on the risk taking of 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders. Results generally supported the predictions of the SRM. In Experiment 2, the SRM gained further support from the finding that 5 variables correlated with risk taking in 4th, 6th, and 8th graders: ability beliefs, a preference for thrill seeking, peer nomination, competitiveness, and interest. The discussion focuses on the meaning of age and gender differences in risk-taking as well as the interventional implications of the SRM.
The acceptance of illness, the intensity of pain and the quality of life in patients with lung cancer.

Background Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. The overall 5-year survival rate is very low and accounts for only 15%. Poor quality of life is considered a prognostic factor for shorter survival in lung cancer patients. The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between pain, the acceptance of illness and quality of life in patients with lung cancer. Methods The study included 155 patients with lung cancer with mean age of 62.23 [standard deviation (SD)=9.86] years. We used the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-8) for the assessment of quality of life. For statistical analysis, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and linear regression method were used. Results Mean score of the acceptance of illness was 27.1 (SD=9.2). Mean score of the pain severity as measured by the VAS was 4.07 (SD=1.83). The acceptance of illness was significantly positively correlated with all the domains of quality of life. Both the AIS and the VAS were independent determinants of physical and mental components of quality of life. Age and World Health Organization (WHO) performance status were additional predictors of physical component of quality of life. Conclusions The knowledge about the acceptance of illness, consequences of the decreased acceptance of illness, and factors affecting its level in patients with lung cancer is still insufficient. Relationships among acceptance of illness, quality of life, and pain should be further investigated.
Long-term results after expansive open-door laminoplasty for the segmental-type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine: a comparison with nonsegmental-type lesions.

OBJECT The segmental-type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the cervical spine is distinct from other types in its morphological features. Whether the results of expansive open-door laminoplasty for the segmental-type are different from those for other types remains unclear. To clarify this issue, the long-term results after surgical treatment of segmental-type OPLL were compared with those of other types. METHODS Clinical results were documented in 57 patients who underwent expansive open-door laminoplasty and were followed for a minimum of 7 years, results were quantified using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system to determine function. Segmental-type OPLL was observed in 10 patients (Group 1) and other types in 47 patients (Group 2). Preoperative JOA scores were not significantly different between the two groups. As many as 5 years after surgery, clinical results were favorable and maintained in both groups, and no significant intergroup difference in postoperative JOA scores was observed; however, after 5 years postoperatively, JOA scores decreased in both groups. The decrease was greater in Group 1, and a significant intergroup difference in JOA scores was demonstrated when analyzing final follow-up data. In Group 1, the authors found that the degree of late-onset deterioration relating to cervical myelopathy positively correlated with the cervical range of motion. CONCLUSIONS The long-term results of expansive open-door laminoplasty in the treatment of segmental-type OPLL were inferior to those for other types. Cervical mobility may contribute to the development of late deterioration of cervical myelopathy.
Effect of Ramosetron on Peroperative Shivering and Hypotension in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of Prostate Surgeries under Spinal Anaesthesia. A Prospective, Double Blind, Randomized, Comparative Study.

Background and Aims: Elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) surgeries are more prone to shivering induced peroperative complications which anaesthesiologists should aim to prevent rather than treat. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Inj ramosetron on peroperative shivering and spinal hypotension in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate under subarachnoid block (SAB). Method: In this prospective doubleblind, randomized, comparative study, a total of 60 patients belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) I and II physical status between the age group of 60 to 85 years, scheduled for elective TURP surgeries under spinal anaesthesia were selected. The patients were randomly allocated into one of the two groups of thirty patients each. For patients allocated in Group S, 2 ml of normal saline and in group R, 0.3 mg ramosetron (2ml) was intravenously injected 5 min before the SAB. The primary outcome was the reduction in the incidence of shivering by pretreatment with ramosetron. The maximum change in the mean arterial pressure from the base line was the secondary outcome. Using normal approximation to binominal distribution the sample size was calculated. Data collection such as sensory block level, haemodynamic parameters, rectal temperature and grades of shivering were performed at 10 minute intervals. Results: Data among the groups were compared using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test in Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) environment. Incidence and intensity of shivering and hypotension were significantly less in R group than the S group (P<0.001) and (P<0.001) respectively. There was no significant difference with respect to heart rate, saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2), sensory block level achieved and reduction in the core temperature between the two groups. Conclusion: We conclude that pretreatment with intravenous ramosetron 0.3mg given before spinal anaesthesia in geriatric patients undergoing TURP surgeries effectively reduces the incidence and intensity of shivering and hypotension associated with spinal anaesthesia.
Paramyxovirus-Like Particles Associated with Acute Demyelination in Chronic Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Electron microscopy of small perivenous demyelinating lesions in a formalin-fixed brain of a multiple sclerosis subject revealed nuclear and cytoplasmic particles resembling paramyxovirus nucleocapsids. These particles, 18 to 20 nanometers in diameter, were found in mononuclear cells related to the central vein and infiltrating the zone of active demyelination. It is suggested that multiple sclerosis lesions may be initiated by seeding of lymphocytes bearing latent paramyxovirus to white matter of the central nervous system.
Heteromerization of G2A and OGR1 enhances proton sensitivity and proton-induced calcium signals

Abstract Proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs; OGR1, GPR4, G2A, TDAG8), with full activation at pH 6.4 ∼ 6.8, are important to pH homeostasis, immune responses and acid-induced pain. Although G2A mediates the G13-Rho pathway in response to acid, whether G2A activates Gs, Gi or Gq proteins remains debated. In this study, we examined the response of this fluorescence protein-tagged OGR1 family to acid stimulation in HEK293T cells. G2A did not generate detectable intracellular calcium or cAMP signals or show apparent receptor redistribution with moderate acid (pH ≥ 6.0) stimulation but reduced cAMP accumulation under strong acid stimulation (pH ≤ 5.5). Surprisingly, coexpression of OGR1- and G2A-enhanced proton sensitivity and proton-induced calcium signals. This alteration is attributed to oligomerization of OGR1 and G2A. The oligomeric potential locates receptors at a specific site, which leads to enhanced proton-induced calcium signals through channels.
A Case Study of Hospital Waste Management in Balochistan and Its Impact on Health and Environment

Hospital waste is a mixture of general refuse, biomedical laboratory and pathological wastes. Between 75-90% of the waste produced by the health care providers is non-risk health care waste whereas, the remaining 10- 25% consist of infectious pathological waste and is of great health concern, if not segregated from general hospital waste. Various studies have reported the waste generation in urban centers of Pakistan, however, no data has been reported previously for Balochistan. Current study surveyed public sector hospitals in Balochistan (Quetta City) and hospital waste was segregated based on their specification and categorized into: general, bio-medical and hazardous wastes. The amount of waste produced in Surgical departments/Operation Theatres was approximately: general (1.75 kg/bed/day), medical (0.30 kg/bed day) and hazardous (0.013 kg/bed/day). Similarly, the average daily waste produced for General/Non-surgical Wards was: general (0.350 kg/bed/day), medical (0.050 kg/bed/day) and hazardous (0.002 kg/bed/day). Amount of biomedical waste from all hospitals consisted of needles (0.45 kg/bed/day), gloves (0.480 kg/bed/day), drain tubes (0.30 kg/bed/day), cottons and gauze (0.40kg/bed/day), napkins (0.02 kg/bed/day), plastic syringes (0.30 kg/bed/day), swap (0.005 kg/bed/day) and body parts (0.40 kg/bed/day). As a whole, 8-10% of total waste was hazardous, 10% was biomedical of the total waste. Although the data is comparable with other cities of Pakistan, more studies are warranted to enumerate other private medical facilities in order to find their generation and means of disposal.