Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of 24 Weeks of Whole Body Vibration Training on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Untrained Females

The aim of this study was to investigate and to compare the effect of 24 weeks "whole body vibration" training and fitness training on body composition and on muscle strength. Forty-eight untrained females (21.3 +/- 2.0 yr) participated in the study. The whole body vibration group (N = 18) performed unloaded static and dynamic exercises on a vibration platform (35 - 40 Hz, 2.5 - 5.0 mm; Power Plate). The fitness group (N = 18) followed a standard cardiovascular (15 - 40 min) and resistance training program including dynamic leg press and leg extension exercises (20 - 8 RM). Both groups trained 3 times weekly. The control group (N = 12) did not participate in any training. Body composition was determined by means of underwater weighing. Additionally 12 skinfolds were assessed. Isometric (0 degrees /s) and isokinetic (50 degrees /s, 100 degrees /s, 150 degrees /s) knee-extensor strength was measured by means of a motor-driven dynamometer (Technogym). Over 24 weeks there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in weight, in percentage body fat, nor in skinfold thickness in any of the groups. Fat free mass increased significantly in the whole body vibration group (+ 2.2 %) only. A significant strength gain was recorded in the whole body vibration group (24.4 +/- 5.1 %; 5.9 +/- 2.1 %; 8.3 +/- 4.4 %; 7.6 +/- 1.5 %) and in the fitness group (16.5 +/- 1.7 %; 12.0 +/- 2.7 %; 10.4 +/- 2.3 %; 10.2 +/- 1.9 %), at 0 degrees /s, 50 degrees /s, 100 degrees /s and 150 degrees /s respectively. In conclusion, 24 weeks whole body vibration training did not reduce weight, total body fat or subcutaneous fat in previously untrained females. However, whole body vibration training induces a gain in knee-extensor strength combined with a small increase in fat free mass. The gain in strength is comparable to the strength increase following a standard fitness training program consisting of cardiovascular and resistance training.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Adult Australian-Lebanese in Melbourne

This descriptive exploratory study reports on the prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk factors among adult Australian-Lebanese migrants living in Melbourne. This study fills a gap in extant research regarding CVD risk factors within this ethnic community in Melbourne. Problem statement: Australia’s multicultural society consists of more than 200 ethnic groups and nearly a quarter of the Australian population are born overseas. Thus, the health status of immigrants significantly affects the national health profile. Whilst the prevalence of CVD risk factors has been researched in several ethnic communities in Melbourne, it has never been studied among the Australian-Lebanese migrants living in Melbourne. Approach: A convenience sample of 200 adult Australian-Lebanese men (88) and women (112) residing permanently in Melbourne completed a structured questionnaire based on the 1989 National Heart Foundation Risk Factor Prevalence Study (NHFRFPS, 1990). Physical measurements of height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure and reported cholesterol levels were also obtained. Results: Subjects were aged between 20-69 years and manifested many risk factors for CVD. Lack of physical activity and increased weight were prevalent across all age groups. Hypertension increased with age and smoking was more prevalent among the Australian-Lebanese when compared with the general Australian population. Multivariate forward logistic regression analysis found that the strongest predictors of CVD risk factors were age, gender, level of education and length of residence in Australia. The most vulnerable were older men with a lower level of education who had resided in Australia for more than 10 years. Conclusion: The CVD risk factors among the Australian-Lebanese included overweight and obesity, lack of physical activity and high levels of smoking. The findings warrant further research among other Arabic speaking groups who have similar social and cultural practices. The findings demonstrate the need for culturally tailored health promotion programs aimed at reducing CVD risk behaviors among this ethnic group.
Effectiveness of Tobacco Counseling in the Dental

This article describes the results of studies among dental care providers regarding tobacco cessation in the past two decades. In the early period, surveys described what dentists were doing in their own practices. The results suggested that they were not adequately communicating to their patients the importance of quitting. There is good evidence that brief interventions from health professionals can increase rates of smoking cessation. The outcome from a number of trials that examined the feasibility of conducting smoking cessation in dental practices is reviewed here. The pivotal role of a team approach is highlighted in many studies. Dentists who implement an effective smoking cessation program can expect to achieve quit rates up to 10-15 percent each year among their patients who smoke or use smokeless tobacco. The challenge is implementing effective treatment in one’s practice or institution while using available primary care resources to provide additional benefit. Dr. Warnakulasuriya is Professor of Oral Medicine and Experimental Pathology, Guy’s, King’s, and St. Thomas’ School of Dentistry, King’s College London. Direct correspondence and requests for reprints to him at Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Oral Cancer and Precancer, Guy’s, King’s, and St. Thomas’ School of Dentistry, King’s College London, Denmark Hill Campus, Caldecot Road, London SE5 9RW, UK; 020 7 346 3608 phone; 020 7 346 3624 fax; s.warne@kcl.ac. uk.
Kinetics of biotransformation of 1,1,1-trichloroethane by Clostridium sp. strain TCAIIB

Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of high concentrations of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) on the biotransformation of TCA by Clostridium sp. strain TCAIIB. The biotic dehalogenation of TCA to 1,1-dichloroethane by nongrowing cells was measured at 35 degrees C, and the data were used to obtain the kinetic parameters of the Monod relationship half-velocity coefficient Ks (31 microM) and the coefficient of maximum rate of TCA biotransformation (kTCA; 0.28 mumol per mg per day). The yield of biomass decreased with an increase in the TCA concentration, although TCA concentrations up to 750 microM did not completely inhibit bacterial growth. Also, kTCA was higher in the presence of high concentrations of TCA. A mathematical model based on a modified Monod equation was used to describe the biotransformation of TCA. The abiotic transformation of TCA to 1,1-dichloroethene was measured at 35 degrees C, and the first-order formation rate coefficient for 1,1-dichloroethene (ke) was determined to be 0.86 per year.
Beyond the Quantified Self: Thematic exploration of a dataistic paradigm

This article investigates the metaphor of the Quantified Self (QS) as it is presented in the magazine Wired (2008–2012). Four interrelated themes—transparency, optimization, feedback loop, and biohacking—are identified as formative in defining a new numerical self and promoting a dataist paradigm. Wired captures certain interests and desires with the QS metaphor, while ignoring and downplaying others, suggesting that the QS positions self-tracking devices and applications as interfaces that energize technological engagements, thereby pushing us to rethink life in a data-driven manner. The thematic analysis of the QS is treated as a schematic aid for raising critical questions about self-quantification, for instance, detecting the merging of epistemological claims, technological devices, and market-making efforts. From this perspective, another definition of the QS emerges: a knowledge system that remains flexible in its aims and can be used as a resource for epistemological inquiry and in the formation of alternative paradigms.
Biochemistry of L-proline-triggered germination of Bacillus megaterium spores

The mechanism by which L-proline triggers germination in Bacillus megaterium QM B1551 spores was investigated. First, brief exposure of spores to L-proline, followed by dilution, was sufficient to trigger germination. Once germination was triggered, the spores continued initiation of germination and did not require high concentrations of L-proline. Triggering of germination was pH and temperature dependent. Second, enzymes for L-proline catabolism were absent in spores, and several non-metabolizable analogs of L-proline were effective trigger compounds. Third, triggering of germination occurred in the presence of inhibitors of proton motive force production, oxygen uptake, and metabolism. Fourth, uptake of L-proline occurred after the triggering of germination. These results argue that neither uptake nor metabolism of L-proline was necessary to trigger germination. Instead, L-proline probably causes a biophysical alteration in the spores that triggers the biochemical changes in germination.
Memantine does not block antiaggressive effects of morphine in mice

The action of the noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker memantine (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) was evaluated during social encounters in mice. Although a dose-dependent increase in locomotion was observed, only with the highest dose did it reach statistical significance. Aggressive behavior was decreased with 20 and 40 mg/kg of memantine, social contacts being increased only with 20 mg/kg. Subsequently, the effect of these memantine doses on the antiaggressive actions of morphine (10 mg/kg) was evaluated. None of the doses affected the antiaggressive action of morphine. As memantine administration produced an antiaggressive effect only at doses that affected locomotion, it is unlikely that the glutamatergic system mediates the antiaggressive actions of morphine.
THE NEONATAL INTESTINAL MICROFLORA AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Directly after birth, bacteria commence to colonise the skin and the mucous membranes of the respiratory, urogenital and intestinal tract. With time, more or less complex bacterial ecosystems are established at various body surfaces, of which the normal intestinal microflora is the largest and most diverse. Thus, an adult individual harbours more than 400 bacterial species at this site. Most of these bacteria are obligatory anaerobic. The establishment of the intestinal microflora after birth precedes in a sequential manner, and a complete microflora is not obtained until after several years of age. A number of factors may influence the establishment of the microflora, including delivery and feeding mode, social contacts and the degree of environmental hygiene. Many bacteria that inhabit the intestine, especially facultatively anaerobic bacteria, are potential pathogens, since they may spread to extra-intestinal sites. High population levels of these bacteria in the intestine in early life make the new-born infant vulnerable to infections, for instance septicaemia. On the other hand, these bacteria may be of great importance for the maturation of the developing immune system. Bacteria colonising the intestine activate both mucosal and systemic immunity, and may contribute to development of oral tolerance towards harmless antigens. This paper describes the establishment of the intestinal microflora in early life, factors affecting the colonisation process, and influence of the intestinal microflora on the infant's immune system.
Molecular Simulation-based Combinatorial Modeling and Antioxidant Activities of Zingiberaceae Family Rhizomes

Objective: The main aim of this scientific report was to investigate a series of phytochemicals in silico and the pharmacology of four plants found at higher altitude in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae (incl. Costaceae) from North-East India, particularly Sikkim. First, the goal was to determine the biological activities of the four herbs (used under Zingiberaceae family) using antioxidant assays to identify the best species. Second, previously reported compounds in litero were subsequently screened for their anticancerous activities using in silico methods. Materials and Methods: Using the methanolic extracts of herbs, quantitative detection of phytochemicals such as total phenols and total flavonoids was detected, and the free radical scavenging activity was also studied using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Docking process was studied, using Discovery Studio version 3.5, to identify suitable molecules at the protein-binding sites through annealing and genetic simulation algorithms. Grids centered on active sites were obtained with spacing of 54 × 55 × 56, and 0.503 grid spacing was calculated. The methods adopted and used in this study were comparisons of Global and Local Search Methods to determine the parameters such as maximum number of 250,000 energy evaluations as well as generations of 27,000, followed by mutation and crossover rates of 0.02 and 0.80. The number of docking runs was set to 10. Molecular dynamics study was done to check the stability of the complex. Results: Among all the genus of Zingiberaceae family investigated in this study, Curcuma angustifolia and Hedychium sp. exhibited the highest 537 ± 12.45; 292 ± 9.16 mg gallic acid equivalent/g total polyphenols and 38 ± 1.54; 75 ± 6.75 mg quercetin equivalent/g flavonoids, respectively. Depending on the concentration, the Hedychium sp. extract exerted the highest scavenging activity on DPPH radical (IC50 36.4 μ g/mL). In silico result demonstrated that the synergetic effects of β -phellandrene with other compounds might be responsible for its anticancerous activity. β -phellandrene and farnesene epoxide showed bonding with Leu298, Ala302, Met336, Leu339, Leu343, Phe356, Ala302, Glu 305, Met340, Leu343, Arg346, Phe356, Ile373, Ile376, Leu380, His475, Leu476, and Leu491. Conclusion: Based on the current available literature, this is the first study to understand the interaction of compounds found in the rhizomes of Zingiberaceae family. Abbreviations used: CADD: Computer-aided drug designing; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; ADMET: Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion-toxicity; FeCl3: Ferric chloride; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl; NaNO2: Sodium nitrite; TCA: Trichloroacetic acid; K2HPO4: Di-potassium hydrogen phosphate; H2O2: Hydrogen peroxide; KH2PO4: Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate, K2Fe (CN)6: Potassium ferricyanide; KOH: Potassium hydroxide; NaOH: Sodium hydroxide; Na2CO3: Sodium carbonate; CH3COONa: Sodium acetate; AlCl3: Aluminum chloride.
Effect of concurrent elemental diet on infliximab treatment for Crohn’s disease

Background: Infliximab and elemental diet (ED) have been shown to be effective in the management of Crohn’s disease. However, few experiences have been reported regarding their combination therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of infliximab in Japanese patients, the first such study in Asia, as well as the effect of concomitant ED.
ON THE ICE : INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP ADAPTATION IN ANTARCTICA

This paper summarizes four decades of research on the social, psychological, and cultural issues facing men and women who spend the austral winter under conditions of prolonged isolation and confinement in the Antarctic. Analyses of data collected from over 1,100 Americans who wintered-over between 1963 and the present are used to make the case that the process of psychosocial adaptation to isolation, confinement and extreme physical conditions exhibits four distinct characteristics. First, it is seasonal or cyclical in that variations in mood appear to be associated with the altered diurnal cycle and psychological segmentation of the mission. Second, it is situational in that concurrent measures of personality, interpersonal needs, and coping styles are better predictors of depressed mood and peer-supervisor performance evaluations than baseline measures. This is because of the unique features of the station social and physical environments and the absence of resources typically used to cope with stress elsewhere. Third, it is social in that individuals belonging to crews with a clique structure report significantly more depression, anxiety, anger, fatigue, and confusion than individuals belonging to crews with a core-periphery structure. Finally, it is “salutogenic” in that depressed mood is inversely associated with the severity of station physical environment and the winter-over experience is associated with reduced subsequent rates of hospital admissions, both supporting the existence of a positive effect for individuals seeking challenging experiences in extreme environments.
Phase III trial comparing three doses of docetaxel for second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer.

PURPOSE To evaluate whether a relationship exists between docetaxel dose and clinical response in the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients whose cancer had progressed after one prior chemotherapy regimen for advanced breast cancer or had recurred during or within 6 months of adjuvant chemotherapy were randomly assigned to docetaxel 60, 75, or 100 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks. RESULTS Five hundred twenty-seven patients were randomly assigned (intent to treat [ITT]), and 524 were assessable for toxicity. In the population assessable for efficacy (n = 407), logistic regression analysis showed that increasing docetaxel dose was significantly associated with higher response rate (P = .007) and improved time to progression (TTP; P = .014). In the ITT analysis, a significant dose-response relationship was observed for tumor response (P = .026) but not for TTP (P = .067). The incidences of most hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities were related to increasing dose, with grade 3 to 4 neutropenia occurring in 76.4%, 83.7%, and 93.4% and febrile neutropenia occurring in 4.7%, 7.4%, and 14.1% of patients administered the 60, 75, and 100 mg/m2 doses, respectively. One death was considered treatment related. CONCLUSION A relationship between increasing dose of docetaxel and increased tumor response was observed across the dose range of 60 to 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Toxicities were related to increasing dose. Depending on the therapy goal, any of the doses studied may be appropriate for second-line treatment of advanced breast cancer.
Association of Performance-Based and Self-Reported Function-Based Definitions of Frailty with Mortality among Patients Receiving Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Frailty is common among patients on dialysis and increases vulnerability to dependency and death. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We examined the predictive ability of frailty on the basis of physical performance and self-reported function in participants of a US Renal Data System special study that enrolled a convenience sample of 771 prevalent patients on hemodialysis from 14 facilities in the Atlanta and northern California areas from 2009 to 2011. Performance-based frailty was assessed using direct measures of grip strength (weakness) and gait speed along with weight loss, exhaustion, and low physical activity; poor self-reported function was substituted for weakness and slow gait speed in the self-reported function-based definition. For both definitions, patients meeting three or more criteria were considered frail. RESULTS The mean age of 762 patients included in analyses was 57.1±14.2 years old; 240 patients (31%) met the physical performance-based definition of frailty, and 396 (52%) met the self-reported function-based definition. There were 106 deaths during 1.7 (interquartile range, 1.4-2.4) years of follow-up. After adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality for the performance-based definition (2.16; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.41 to 3.29) was slightly higher than that of the self-reported function-based definition (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.24 to 3.00). Patients who met the self-report-based definition but not the physical performance definition of frailty (n=192) were not at statistically significantly higher risk of mortality than those who were not frail by either definition (n=330; HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.45), but those who met both definitions of frailty (n=204) were at significantly higher risk (HR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.51 to 4.01). CONCLUSIONS Frailty, defined using either direct tests of physical performance or self-reported physical function, was associated with higher mortality among patients receiving hemodialysis. Future studies are needed to determine the utility of assessing frailty in clinical practice.
The effects of different doses of caffeine on endurance cycling time trial performance

Abstract This study investigated the effects of two different doses of caffeine on endurance cycle time trial performance in male athletes. Using a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study design, sixteen well-trained and familiarised male cyclists (Mean ± s: Age = 32.6 ± 8.3 years; Body mass = 78.5 ± 6.0 kg; Height = 180.9 ± 5.5 cm [Vdot]O2peak = 60.4 ± 4.1 ml · kg−1 · min−1) completed three experimental trials, following training and dietary standardisation. Participants ingested either a placebo, or 3 or 6 mg · kg−1 body mass of caffeine 90 min prior to completing a set amount of work equivalent to 75% of peak sustainable power output for 60 min. Exercise performance was significantly (P < 0.05) improved with both caffeine treatments as compared to placebo (4.2% with 3 mg · kg−1 body mass and 2.9% with 6 mg · kg−1 body mass). The difference between the two caffeine doses was not statistically significant (P = 0.24). Caffeine ingestion at either dose resulted in significantly higher heart rate values than the placebo conditions (P < 0.05), but no statistically significant treatment effects in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were observed (P = 0.39). A caffeine dose of 3 mg · kg−1 body mass appears to improve cycling performance in well-trained and familiarised athletes. Doubling the dose to 6 mg · kg−1 body mass does not confer any additional improvements in performance.
Changes in Self-reported Dental Anxiety in New Zealand Adolescents from Ages 15 to 18 Years

Little is understood of the natural history of dental anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine three-year changes in self-reported dental anxiety among adolescent participants in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. Dental anxiety was estimated at ages 15 and 18 by means of the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). A DAS score of 13+ defined high dental anxiety. Participants were assigned to one of four dental-anxiety study groups (Chronic, Incident, Remitted, or Never) on the basis of changes in reported level of anxiety from ages 15 to 18. Results are reported for the 691 participants who completed the DAS at both ages. The sample's overall dental anxiety score decreased significantly from age 15 (mean, 8.79) to 18 (8.52) (paired t test, t = 2.37; P < 0.05). The Chronic and Never groups had small negative DAS increments, the Incident group showed a substantial positive increment, and the Remitted group recorded an even larger negative increment. Multivariate analysis showed that the DAS score at age 15 was the sole predictor of the change in DAS score for the Chronic and Remitted groups, and was a co-predictor for the Incident and Never groups. An episodic dental visiting pattern was a strong predictor of a positive change in DAS score for the Incident group; and for the Never group, a higher DMFS score at age 15 predicted a positive change in DAS score at 18, but being female was predictive of a decrement. This study indicates lower stability of dental anxiety in late adolescence than has been reported from other age groups.