Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between C-reactive protein and hypertension in healthy middle-aged men and women

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker related to increased cardiovascular risk, is associated with blood pressure in a sample of healthy, middle-aged people. Methods and resultsA case–control study among 904 participants, 39–50 years old, from a cardiovascular risk screening study. Participants with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure≥90 mmHg (n=120) were considered as case participants and all others as control participants (n=784). Exposure was defined using quintiles of high-sensitivity CRP among control participants. A continuous increase in blood pressure was observed across CRP quintiles. Systolic blood pressure increased 1.17 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60–1.74] and diastolic blood pressure 1.04 mmHg (95% CI, 0.64–1.45) from one quintile to the next. The prevalence of hypertension was 13.3% and it increased with CRP exposure: Q1, 8.9%; Q2, 11.9%; Q3, 12.2%; Q4, 14.3%; and Q5, 18.6%. After adjustment for sex, obesity, race, serum insulin level and family history of coronary heart disease, odds ratios for hypertension increased progressively across CRP quintiles. Participants in the highest CRP quintile were 2.35 times more likely to have hypertension than those in the lowest quintile (P=0.03, trend test P=0.04). ConclusionThese results are consistent with a continuous, independent association between serum CRP and elevated blood pressure.
Anastomotic leakage after surgery for rectal cancer: a risk factor for local recurrence, distant metastasis and reduced cancer‐specific survival?

Aim The impact of anastomic leakage (AL) on the oncological outcome after anterior resection (AR) for rectal cancer is still controversial. We explored the impact of AL regarding local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis and overall recurrence (OAR). Overall and cancer‐specific survival was analysed.
Filling in the Gap: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Agricultural Change Agents in Northern Haiti

In order to better understand the lived experiences of change agents in the North Department of Haiti, a hermeneutical phenomenological study was conducted. Change agents must work against a variety of barriers in order to help influence change within their spheres of influence in rural Haiti. The change agent experience in this study is collaborative, mutually benefitting, deeply cultural, and built out of necessity. Change agents in this study have found that by working together, they are able to fill in the gaps left by unequal distributions of resources within their communities such as tools, money, advisory services, or even basic agricultural knowledge. Despite holes within the agricultural support services in their areas, the change agents have mobilized community members to work together to move their communities forward. Understanding the lived experiences of change agents will help inform ongoing and future agricultural development efforts in the North Department of Haiti.
Endogenous Sex Hormones and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Estrogen and testosterone may influence cognition in older adults, but the relationship between sex hormones and cognitive function is complex. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the role of sex hormones in cognitive function among older adults. A comprehensive, electronic review of literature was performed. Inclusion criteria were original quantitative research, written in English, used human subjects with a mean age of ≥60 years, and published from January 1997 through May 2012. Findings were mixed, although potential patterns were identified. Estradiol levels were potentially associated with benefits to episodic memory, semantic memory, verbal memory, and verbal learning in females only. The association between testosterone and cognitive function was mixed in both genders. Mixed findings may have been influenced by methodological differences and future studies should include research designs with ample rigor, sufficiently powered samples, consistent cognitive measurements, and clear descriptions of handling and storage of biological specimens.
Captopril may reduce biochemical (prostate-specific antigen) failure following radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer

Objective. A prior report suggested that individuals medicated with captopril showed a decreased incidence of prostate cancer. This study therefore investigated whether captopril given postoperatively had any preventive effect on biochemical recurrence for patients treated with radical prostatectomy. Material and methods. Data were prospectively reviewed for 62 men subjected to radical retropubic prostatectomy due to biopsy-confirmed, clinically localized prostate cancer and comparisons were made between two groups, those receiving captopril postoperatively (12.5 mg twice daily; captopril group, n=32) and those not receiving any captopril (control group, n=30). One surgeon carried out the surgery. Results. The two groups were comparable as regards age at surgery, prostate volume, preoperative prostate-specific antigen values, pathological stage, Gleason score, organ-confined disease, occurrence of positive surgical margins and extraprostatic extension. The incidence of biochemical failure was three out of 32 patients in the captopril group and 10 out of 30 in the control group (p=0.034) during a mean observational time of 29 months. Conclusions. A lower rate of biochemical recurrence was observed in men subjected to radical prostatectomy treated with captopril postoperatively than in those not receiving captopril. These results were based on only 32 observations; a larger study may show no evidence of an association.
Red cell distribution width (RDW) as a predictor of long-term mortality in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Summary Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and in patients with heart failure. The current study evaluated the prognostic utility of RDW in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated 859 patients who underwent PCI during January 2003 to August 2005. After a median follow up of four (interquartile range 3.1 to 4.4) years, there were a total of 95 (11%) deaths. RDW was analysed as a categorical variable with empirically determined cut points of 13.3 and 15.7 (low RDW <13.3, medium RDW ≥13.3 to <15.7, high RDW ≥15.7) based on differences in hazard ratio (HR) for death among RDW deciles.In univariate analysis, higher RDW was a significant predictor of mortality (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis there was a significant two-way interaction between RDW and haemoglobin (Hgb). RDW was not an independent predictor of mortality in patients with Hgb <10.4. However, among patients with Hgb >10.4, high RDW was a strong and independent predictor of mortality. For patients with Hgb ≥10.4 to <12.7, HR for death in patients with high RDW relative to low RDW was 5.2 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.0–13.3). For patients with Hgb ≥12.7, HR for death in patients with high RDW relative to low RDW was 8.6 (CI:2.8–28.6). Higher RDW was a strong and independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients undergoing PCI who were not anaemic at baseline.
The Fisher Puzzle, Real Rate Anomaly, and Wicksell Effect

Abstract We study the relationships between interest and inflation rates using a recursive equation approach that takes into account both Fisher and Wicksell effects. Extending previous work, a state–space representation is used to estimate time-varying ex post Fisher and Wicksell equation effects. We subsequently recover ex ante interest and inflation rate series. Using these ex ante rate series, we estimate an ex ante Fisher equation, including both time-varying intercept estimates of the ex ante real interest rates and time-varying Fisher coefficients. Our results for the U.S. and three other countries support the Fisher propositions after taking into account Wicksell effects.
Comorbid depression and anxiety spectrum disorders

The relationship between depression and anxiety disorders has long been a matter of controversy. The overlap of symptoms associated with these disorders makes diagnosis, research, and treatment particularly difficult. Recent evidence suggests genetic and neurobiologic similarities between depressive and anxiety disorders. Comorbid depression and anxiety are highly prevalent conditions. Patients with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and other anxiety disorders are also frequently clinically depressed. Approximately 85% of patients with depression also experience significant symptoms of anxiety. Similarly, comorbid depression occurs in up to 90% of patients with anxiety disorders. Patients with comorbid disorders do not respond as well to therapy, have a more protracted course of illness, and experience less positive treatment outcomes. One key to successful treatment of patients with mixed depressive and anxiety disorders is early recognition of comorbid conditions. Antidepressant medications, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are highly effective in the management of comorbid depression and anxiety. The high rates of comorbid depression and anxiety argue for well‐designed treatment studies in these populations. Depression and Anxiety 4:160–168, 1996/1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Journal of Identity and Migration Studies

Numerous studies examine the effectiveness of the contact hypothesis in resolving conflict. While ample research has been conducted regarding the prevalence of xenophobia with the rise of the refugee crisis worldwide and increasing perceptions of threat towards immigrants, little has been written on relationships between contact and assessment of immigration policies. This study explores the impact of different forms of contact between the Maltese and the Sub-Saharan African migrants in Malta on perceptions of threat and immigration policies. More specifically, this study asks what are relationships between forms of contact, perceptions of threat, and assessment of migration policies and institutions. The authors posit that perception of threat arrives from different patterns of interaction between the number of immigrants and type of contacts. They also explore the impact of the form of contact and level of threat on general support for migration policies and analyze how different types of threat affect support for particular policies. The study compares the intergroup contact in two localities of Balzan and Marsa that are both home to Open Centers for migrants.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of working memory in Huntington's disease: Cross‐sectional data from the IMAGE‐HD study

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate spatial working memory (WM) in an N–BACK task (0, 1, and 2‐BACK) in premanifest Huntington's disease (pre‐HD, n = 35), early symptomatic Huntington's disease (symp‐HD, n = 23), and control (n = 32) individuals. Overall, both WM conditions (1‐BACK and 2‐BACK) activated a large network of regions throughout the brain, common to all groups. However, voxel‐wise and time‐course analyses revealed significant functional group differences, despite no significant behavioral performance differences. During 1‐BACK, voxel‐wise blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal activity was significantly reduced in a number of regions from the WM network (inferior frontal gyrus, anterior insula, caudate, putamen, and cerebellum) in pre‐HD and symp‐HD groups, compared with controls; however, time‐course analysis of the BOLD response in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) showed increased activation in symp‐HD, compared with pre‐HD and controls. The pattern of reduced voxel‐wise BOLD activity in pre‐HD and symp‐HD, relative to controls, became more pervasive during 2‐BACK affecting the same structures as in 1‐BACK, but also incorporated further WM regions (anterior cingulate gyrus, parietal lobe and thalamus). The DLPFC BOLD time‐course for 2‐BACK showed a reversed pattern to that observed in 1‐BACK, with a significantly diminished signal in symp‐HD, relative to pre‐HD and controls. Our findings provide support for functional brain reorganisation in cortical and subcortical regions in both pre‐HD and symp‐HD, which are modulated by task difficulty. Moreover, the lack of a robust striatal BOLD signal in pre‐HD may represent a very early signature of change observed up to 15 years prior to clinical diagnosis. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1847–1864, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rural adolescents' help-seeking intentions for emotional problems: the influence of perceived benefits and stoicism.

OBJECTIVE This study explores the factors that influence adolescents' help-seeking intentions. Specifically, the study investigates the extent to which perceived benefits of help seeking, stoicism, gender and symptoms of psychological distress are associated with intentions to seek professional help for emotional problems. DESIGN AND SETTING A cross sectional self-report questionnaire was administered to adolescents recruited from seven high schools in rural towns in the Riverina region of New South Wales. PARTICIPANTS A total of 778 adolescents were recruited. The sample included 373 male and 404 female participants between 13 and 18 years of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Participants completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire designed to measure help-seeking intentions in the advent that they were to experience emotional problems, psychological distress symptoms, perceived benefits of help seeking and stoicism. RESULTS In all, 17% of male participants and 29% of female participants reported they would be likely to seek help from doctors if they were to experience emotional problems. In total, 15% of male participants and 23% of female participants reported they would be likely to seek help from other health care professionals. Multiple regression analysis suggested that adolescents are more likely to seek help from professionals if they perceive help seeking as beneficial (t=12.91; P<0.001). Female participants reported that they were more likely to seek help than male participants (t=2.69; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that adolescents are reluctant to seek professional help if experiencing emotional problems, because they do not believe professional help seeking is beneficial. Improving adolescents' beliefs about the benefits of professional help seeking might be a key strategy for increasing their use of professional health services to address mental health problems.
IL‐10 and the resolution of infections

Chronic viral infections pose serious health concerns, as secondary complications such as immunodeficiencies and cancers are common. Treating such infections with conventional vaccine approaches has proved to be difficult. Studies in animals and humans suggest that vaccine failure is probably due to exhaustion of antiviral T cell responses, which occurs in a number of chronic infections. Attempts to elucidate the causes of impairment of antiviral immunity have pointed to a role for the immunomodulatory cytokine IL‐10 in the ability of viruses to establish persistence. Induction of IL‐10 production by the host during chronic infection appears to be one of the viral means to alter the class of the antiviral immune response and induce generalized immune suppression. Recent work by us and others suggests that it is possible to resuscitate antiviral immunity by interfering with the IL‐10 signalling pathway. Targeting IL‐10 thus constitutes a promising alternative to conventional vaccine strategies which have not proved to be successful in treating chronic infections. In addition, sterile cure may be achieved with minimal side‐effects by combining agents that alter the IL‐10 signalling pathway with other compounds, such as antiviral drugs or interferon, but also agents neutralizing other crucial elements of T cell exhaustion, such as PD‐1. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for candida infection of the genital tract in the tropics.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors associated with candida infection of the genital tract in the tropics. METHODS We performed questionnaire survey and experiments at the Hainan branch of General Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Hainan General Hospital and Sanya Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in 2013. Controls were without Candida infection of genital tract, and cases had from Candida infection. RESULTS We recruited 689 cases and 652 controls. The average age of cases with Candida infection of the genital tract was higher than that of controls. In the multivariate modeling, marriage (adjusted odds ratio: 2.49, 95% confidential interval: 1.09-5.67) and vaginal lavage (adjusted odds ratio: 4.41, 95% confidential interval: 1.13-5.14) were significantly associated with Candida infection of genital tract in tropics. CONCLUSION Candida infection was related with age. Marriage and Vaginal lavage were significant risk factors. Attention should be paid to health education for the prevention of these infections.
Professional sports as economic activity magnets: Some evidence from employment microdata

ABSTRACT Proponents of subsidies for professional sports argue that new sports facilities can revitalize neighborhoods, because they attract large crowds of people and thereby act as magnets of economic activity. The existing literature on sports and economic development does not falsify the economic activity magnet hypothesis, however. This study offers a test of the magnet hypothesis using employment microdata for establishments within the vicinity of a Major League Soccer stadium in Commerce City, Colorado. No evidence is found that the construction of the stadium is associated with increased economic activity in its vicinity measurable in terms of jobs, nor is there any evidence that the franchise’s relocation is associated with job losses at establishments closer to its prior home compared to further away.
Connections Between Quality Measurement and Improvement

Background.Measurement is necessary but not sufficient for quality improvement. Because the purpose of the national quality measurement and reporting system (NQMRS) is to improve quality, a discussion of the link between measurement and improvement is critical for ensuring an appropriate system design. Objectives.To classify approaches to the use of measurement in improvement into two different—although linked and potentially synergistic—agendas, or “pathways. ” To discuss the barriers encountered in each of these pathways and identify steps needed to motivate improvement in both pathways. Research Design.Descriptive, conceptual discussion. Findings.The barriers to the use of information to motivate change include, in Pathway I (selection), the lack of skill, knowledge, and motivation on the part of those who could drive change by using data to choose from among competing providers, and, in Pathway II (change in care delivery), the deficiencies in organizational and professional capacity in health care to lead change and improvement itself. Conclusions.Neither the dynamics of selection nor the dynamics of improvement work reliably today. The barriers are not just in the lack of uniform, simple, and reliable measurements, they also include a lack of capacity among the organizations and individuals acting on both pathways.
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION Significant scientific advances during the past 3 decades have deepened our understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of penile erection. A critical evaluation of the current state of knowledge is essential to provide perspective for future research and development of new therapies. AIM To develop an evidence-based, state-of-the-art consensus report on the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS Consensus process over a period of 16 months, representing the opinions of 12 experts from seven countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Expert opinion was based on the grading of scientific and evidence-based medical literature, internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. RESULTS ED occurs from multifaceted, complex mechanisms that can involve disruptions in neural, vascular, and hormonal signaling. Research on central neural regulation of penile erection is progressing rapidly with the identification of key neurotransmitters and the association of neural structures with both spinal and supraspinal pathways that regulate sexual function. In parallel to advances in cardiovascular physiology, the most extensive efforts in the physiology of penile erection have focused on elucidating mechanisms that regulate the functions of the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum. Major health concerns such as atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have become well integrated into the investigation of ED. CONCLUSIONS Despite the efficacy of current therapies, they remain insufficient to address growing patient populations, such as those with diabetes and MetS. In addition, increasing awareness of the adverse side effects of commonly prescribed medications on sexual function provides a rationale for developing new treatment strategies that minimize the likelihood of causing sexual dysfunction. Many basic questions with regard to erectile function remain unanswered and further laboratory and clinical studies are necessary.
Quantitative FISH analysis and in vitro suspension cultures of erythroid cells from maternal peripheral blood for the isolation of fetal cells

Several techniques for the enrichment of nucleated fetal red blood cells present in maternal blood have been reported. Here we describe the use of a quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method and in vitro suspension cultures of erythroid cells from newborn cord blood and maternal peripheral blood. Together with a rapid high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, that allows us to determine as few as 100 cells containing haemoglobin F (HbF), we have scrutinized the reported enrichment methods for fetal nucleated cells in peripheral maternal blood. One hundred FISH analyses on maternal peripheral blood were performed. The method comprises a cell lysis method for depletion of red cells with minimal losses of nucleated cells, uniform numbers of cells (750 000 cells each) on microscopic slides, and inclusion of internal controls to monitor the efficacy of hybridization. Twenty‐six cultures of pure erythroid progenitor cells from maternal peripheral blood were analysed for the expansion of fetal cells. To generate these in vitro cultures, nucleated cells from 10–20 ml of peripheral blood from 26 pregnant women were grown in media containing growth factors and hormones to yield over 107 of immature erythroid cells within two weeks. Of those, 13 cultures were from pregnancies with confirmed male fetuses. A total of approximately 8×108 maternal cells were added into tissue culture medium for these 13 cultures, resulting in about 2×108 nearly pure erythroid cells after two weeks. Whereas fetal cells, alone or added into cultures of peripheral blood, grow rapidly and can be detected quantitatively, we could not find any fetal cells in cultures from maternal blood. Likewise, in 7.5×107 peripheral blood cells probed by FISH analysis (half of which were from pregnancies with male fetuses) no single Y chromosome was detected. In summary, suspension cultures of erythroid cells can be established routinely and easily. With the quantitative FISH technique used, 750 000 cells per slide can be screened reliably for cells with Y chromosomes. However, the stringent quality‐criteria and most elaborate methods indicate that fetal cells in maternal peripheral blood can not be found using the current technology. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.