Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastrointestinal safety and therapeutic efficacy of parenterally administered phosphatidylcholine‐associated indomethacin in rodent model systems

Background and purpose: Indomethacin is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is limited in its enteral or parenteral use by side effects of gastroduodenal bleeding and ulceration. We have investigated the ability of phosphatidylcholine associated with indomethacin to form a therapeutically effective drug (INDO‐PC) with reduced gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity for parenteral use.
Gabapentin and pregabalin for chronic neuropathic and early postsurgical pain: current evidence and future directions

Purpose of review Gabapentin and pregabalin bind to the alpha-2-delta calcium channel subunit and represent a novel analgesic drug class. The evidence base supporting their use for chronic neuropathic and early postsurgical pain is reviewed. Recent findings Multiple, large, high-quality trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of gabapentin and pregabalin in neuropathic pain. Treatment-related improvement of pain and sleep positively impact upon quality of life. Sedation, dizziness and ataxia are important and relatively common adverse effects, however. Accumulating evidence indicates that gabapentin, and possibly pregabalin, also exert important effects following surgery. Multiple high-quality trials have demonstrated analgesic and opioid-sparing efficacy with gabapentin following various surgical procedures. Gabapentin and pregabalin reduce movement-evoked pain and this can lead to enhanced functional postoperative recovery. Postoperative opioid sparing is of questionable relevance since few trials have shown reduced opioid-related adverse effects. Sedation, dizziness and ataxia have been reported in only a few trials. Future larger-scale perioperative trials focused on safety assessment are needed, however. Summary Gabapentin and pregabalin are efficacious treatments for neuropathic and postsurgical pain. Future research addressing several specific questions would serve to better delineate their optimal roles in treating these and other pain conditions.
Interference-avoiding MIMO schemes for device-to-device radio underlaying cellular networks

An underlaying direct Device-to-Device (D2D) communication mode in future cellular networks, such as IMT-Advanced, is expected to provide spectrally efficient and low latency support of e.g. rich multi-media local services. Enabling D2D links in a cellular network presents a challenge in transceiver design due to the potentially severe interference between the cellular network and D2D radios. In this paper we propose MIMO transmission schemes for cellular downlink that avoid generating interference to a D2D receiver operating on the same time-frequency resource. System simulations demonstrate that substantial gains in D2D SINR of up to 15 dB and around 10% total cell capacity gains can be obtained by using the proposed scheme.
Additive improvement induced by bezafibrate in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis showing refractory response to ursodeoxycholic acid

Background and Aim: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been widely used in the treatment of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, some patients are refractory to UDCA. The aim of this study is to clarify the additive improvement induced by bezafibrate in patients refractory to UDCA.
Serum concentrations of soluble interleukin‐2 receptor in patients with malignant brain tumors

Interleukin‐2 receptor α (IL‐2Rα) can combine with IL‐2 firmly, and soluble IL‐2Rα (sIL‐2Rα) is elevated in sera from patients with various types of cancers. To investigate the role of this receptor, we studied the changes of serum sIL‐2Rα in patients with malignant brain tumors.
Analysis of Out Door Patients' Prescriptions According to World Health Organization (WHO) Prescribing Indicators Among Private Hospitals in Western India.

BACKGROUND Prescription is document through which doctor, patient and pharmacist are communicated. Many a times if these documents are not properly written or misinterpreted it can affect management of patients. WHO established prescribing indicators to analyse prescription and promoted rational use of drugs and better management of patients. AIM To study the prescription pattern according to WHO prescribing indicators among private hospitals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN The observational, prospective study carried out at different private hospitals at metro city in Western India to study the prescription pattern among private hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study was conducted at different private hospitals of metro city. A total of 250 prescriptions of outdoor patients from various departments of private hospitals were collected for a period of three months (August to October) 2012 and evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The study was analysed using Z-test. RESULTS Patient details like age and gender was not written in all (100%) prescriptions. It was noticed that dose, direction of drug and duration of treatment was not completely written in 90%, 74% and 80% of prescriptions respectively. Abbreviations were used in all (100%) prescriptions. Doctor's medical registration number was mentioned in 0% prescriptions. Total 869 drugs were prescribed in 250 prescriptions. Average number of drug prescribed was 3.38±1.79 (Mean±SD). It was reported that Group II (3 to 4 encoutner) was significantly higher as compared to Group I (less than or equal to 2 encoutner) and Group III( more than four encounter). It was significantly (p<0.05) prescribed brand name prescriptions (93.33%) as compared to generic name prescriptions (6.7%). Percentage of encounter with antibiotics and injections was 54% and 18% respectively. Approximately 70% drugs were prescribed according to Essential Medicine List (EML) of State. Antibiotics accounted 30% of prescribed drugs which was significantly higher as compared to other group of prescribed drugs. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that prescription errors were most commonly observed at private hospitals and antibiotics was commonly prescribed in private sector. Therefore, strict policy to good prescribing practice and strict antibiotic policy in outdoor patients are required to promote rational use of drugs.
Testing putative hemichordate homologues of the chordate dorsal nervous system and endostyle: expression of NK2.1 (TTF‐1) in the acorn worm Ptychodera flava (Hemichordata, Ptychoderidae)

SUMMARY Recent phylogenetic investigations have confirmed that hemichordates and echinoderms are sister taxa. However, hemichordates share several cardinal characteristics with chordates and are thus an important taxon for testing hypotheses of homology between key chordate characters and their putative hemichordate antecedents. The chordate dorsal nervous system (DNS) and endostyle are intriguing characters because both hemichordate larval and adult structures have been hypothesized as homologues. This study attempts to test these purported homologies through examination of the expression pattern of a Ptychodera flava NK2 gene, PfNK2.1, because this gene is expressed both in the DNS and endostyle/thyroid in a wide range of chordate taxa. We found that PfNK2.1 is expressed in both neuronal and pharyngeal structures, but its expression pattern is broken up into distinct embryonic and juvenile phases. During embryogenesis, PfNK2.1 is expressed in the apical ectoderm, with transcripts later detected in presumable neuronal structures, including the apical organ and ciliated feeding band. In the developing juvenile we detected PfNK2.1 signal throughout the pharynx, including the stomochord, and later in the hindgut. We conclude that the similar utilization of NK2.1 in apical organ development and chordate DNS is probably due to a more general role for NK2.1 in neurogenesis and that hemichordates do not possess a homologue of the chordate DNS. In addition, we conclude that P. flava most likely does not possess a true endostyle; rather during the evolution of the endostyle NK2.1 was recruited from its more general role in pharynx development.
Resource utilization among kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Hospitalization consumes a significant portion of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) program, which includes kidney transplant recipients. Identification of kidney transplant recipients at risk of increased resource utilization could lead to appropriate interventions to attenuate the complications related to kidney transplant, which may reduce resource utilization. METHODS This retrospective cohort study of kidney transplant recipients was performed to identify risk factors for hospital utilization. The study population consisted of patients who received kidney transplant at our center between October 1990 and September 1999 and were followed in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS Of the 220 patients, 171 (78%) were hospitalized during a median follow-up of 36 months. The number of hospitalizations, hospital days, and outpatient visits per patient-year at risk were 1.1, 6.3, and 21.6, respectively. Infection episodes were the leading cause of hospitalization. In a multivariate regression analysis, cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive status of donor (RR 1.58; 95% CI 1.15, 2.18) and a higher number of hospital days during the transplant hospitalization (RR 1.10 per 7 days increase; 95% CI 1.03, 1.19) were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, while higher serum albumin (RR 0.84 per 0.5 g/dL increase; 95% CI 0.73, 0.97), higher hematocrit (RR 0.95 per 1% increase; 95% CI 0.92, 0.98), higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (RR 0.91 per 10 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI 0.85, 0.99), and an increased interval since transplant (RR 0.84 per 6 months increase; 95% CI 0.75, 0.93) were associated with a lower risk of hospitalization. CMV-positive status of the donor (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00, 1.21) and presence of cardiovascular disease (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.00, 1.24) were associated with a higher risk of outpatient visits, while Caucasian race (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.73, 0.94), higher serum albumin (RR 0.88 per 0.5 g/dL increase; 95% CI 0.84, 0.93), higher hematocrit (RR 0.96 per 1% increase; 95% CI 0.95, 0.97), and an increased interval since transplant (RR 0.79 per 6 months increase; 95% CI 0.76, 0.83) were associated with a lower risk of outpatient visits. CONCLUSION Identification of risk factors associated with increase resource utilization among kidney transplant recipients could aid in the development of targeted interventions to improve clinical and economic outcomes.
Long-term impact of celebrity suicide on suicidal ideation: results from a population-based study

Background: The short-term effect of celebrity suicide on the overall suicide rate is widely known, but long-term effects remain unclear. Objective: To examine whether celebrity suicide is associated with suicidal ideation over a longer period. Design: This is a study on the effect of the suicide of a famous Hong Kong entertainment celebrity, who committed suicide on 1 April 2003, on suicide thoughts of the community. A population-based survey was conducted between December 2003 and July 2004. Respondents were asked about their suicidal ideation, psychological well-being, life events, and whether or not they had been affected by celebrity suicide. Setting: Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the People’s Republic of China. Participants: 2016 respondents aged between 20 and 59 years. Results: After controlling for some known suicide risk factors, celebrity suicide was shown to be independently associated with suicidal ideation. People who had indicated to have been affected by celebrity suicide were 5.93 times (95% CI 2.56% to 13.72%, p = 0) more likely to have severe level of suicidal ideation (Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire score ≧31) than people who had not been affected. Respondents having greater anxiety symptoms, less reason for living and more focus on irrational values were also found to have had their suicide ideation affected by celebrity suicide. Conclusions: Celebrity suicide is a risk factor for suicidal ideation over a short term as well as over a long term. Raising awareness of the possible negative effect of celebrity suicide through suicide prevention programmes in the community is needed.
Correlates of lesbian sexual functioning.

OBJECTIVE The objectives of this descriptive study were (1) to characterize sexual functioning of lesbian women, (2) to validate the use of a modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) with lesbians, and (3) to evaluate correlates of sexual functioning in lesbians. METHODS The current study was a cross-sectional examination of correlates of sexual functioning in lesbian women. Participants were 350 self-identified lesbians, aged > or = 18 (mean age 35.5 +/- 11.4 years), who completed an anonymous, Internet-based survey. The survey instrument included measures of sociodemographics, sexual functioning, psychological symptoms, and relationship characteristics. RESULTS Adequate reliability was demonstrated for all domains of the FSFI, as well as for the total score. Reliability coefficients were comparable to those obtained with the normative sample of heterosexual women. In univariate analyses, age, psychological symptoms, and relationship characteristics were related to many dimensions of sexual functioning in lesbians. Older age was associated with less desire for sexual activity, greater difficulty with lubrication during sexual activity, and lower scores for overall sexual functioning. Psychological symptoms were associated with decreased arousal, pleasure (i.e., orgasm), satisfaction, overall sexual functioning, and increased difficulty with lubrication during sexual activity. Higher relationship satisfaction was associated with increased arousal during sexual activity, less difficulty with lubrication during sexual activity, greater pleasure/orgasm, greater sexual satisfaction, and better overall sexual functioning. Psychological symptoms and relationship characteristics were consistently associated with aspects of sexual functioning in multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS Age, psychological symptoms, and relationship characteristics were related to some but not all indices of female sexual functioning. Findings provide a solid empirical basis upon which to explore other determinants of sexual functioning in lesbians.
Assessing, understanding and modifying nutritional status, eating habits and physical activity in European adolescents: The HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Abstract Objectives To identify the main knowledge gaps and to propose research lines that will be developed within the European Union-funded ‘Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence’ (HELENA) project, concerning the nutritional status, physical fitness and physical activity of adolescents in Europe. Design Review of the currently existing literature. Results The main gaps identified were: lack of harmonised and comparable data on food intake; lack of understanding regarding the role of eating attitudes, food choices and food preferences; lack of harmonised and comparable data on levels and patterns of physical activity and physical fitness; lack of comparable data about obesity prevalence and body composition; lack of comparable data about micronutrient and immunological status; and lack of effective intervention methodologies for healthier lifestyles. Conclusions The HELENA Study Group should develop, test and describe harmonised and state-of-the-art methods to assess the nutritional status and lifestyle of adolescents across Europe; develop and evaluate an intervention on eating habits and physical activity; and develop and test new healthy food products attractive for European adolescents.
Adaptive Evolution of Class 5 Fimbrial Genes in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Its Functional Consequences*

Background: Class 5 fimbriae of ETEC represent important colonization factors that mediate small intestinal adhesion. Results: ETEC recently acquired these fimbriae, where fimbrial genes accumulated mutations under positive selection. Conclusion: Mutations in both adhesive and non-adhesive subunits altered function, probably affecting bacteria-host interactions. Significance: Class 5 adhesin mutations suggest pathoadaptive evolution in ETEC, with insights in structural and functional properties of these virulence factors. Class 5 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) comprise eight serologically discrete colonization factors that mediate small intestinal adhesion. Their differentiation has been attributed to the pressure imposed by host adaptive immunity. We sequenced the major pilin and minor adhesin subunit genes of a geographically diverse population of ETEC elaborating CFA/I (n = 31), CS17 (n = 20), and CS2 (n = 18) and elucidated the functional effect of microevolutionary processes. Between the fimbrial types, the pairwise nucleotide diversity for the pilin or adhesin genes ranged from 35–43%. Within each fimbrial type, there were 17 non-synonymous and 1 synonymous point mutations among all pilin or adhesin gene copies, implying that each fimbrial type was acquired by ETEC strains very recently, consistent with a recent origin of this E. coli pathotype. The 17 non-synonymous allelic differences occurred in the CFA/I pilin gene cfaB (two changes) and adhesin gene cfaE (three changes), and CS17 adhesin gene csbD (12 changes). All but one amino acid change in the adhesins clustered around the predicted ligand-binding pocket. Functionally, these changes conferred an increase in cell adhesion in a flow chamber assay. In contrast, the two mutations in the non-adhesive CfaB subunit localized to the intersubunit interface and significantly reduced fimbrial adhesion in this assay. In conclusion, naturally occurring mutations in the ETEC adhesive and non-adhesive subunits altered function, were acquired under positive selection, and are predicted to impact bacteria-host interactions.
Alternatives for Discounting in the Analysis of Noninferiority Trials

Abstract Determining the efficacy of an experimental therapy relative to placebo on the basis of an active-control noninferiority trial requires reference to historical placebo-controlled trials. The validity of the resulting comparison depends on two key assumptions: assay sensitivity and constancy. Since the truth of these assumptions cannot be verified, it seems logical to raise the standard of evidence required to declare efficacy; this concept is referred to as discounting. It is not often recognized that two common design and analysis approaches, setting a noninferiority margin and requiring preservation of a fraction of the standard therapy's effect, are forms of discounting. The noninferiority margin is a particularly poor approach, since its degree of discounting depends on an irrelevant factor. Preservation of effect is more reasonable, but it addresses only the constancy assumption, not the issue of assay sensitivity. Gaining consensus on the most appropriate approach to the design and analysis of noninferiority trials will require a common understanding of the concept of discounting.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin induces emesis through increasing serotonin release in intestine and it is downregulated by cannabinoid receptor 1

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) produced by Staphylococcus aureus are the most recognizable bacterial superantigenic toxins causing food poisoning in humans throughout the world. However, it remains unclear how SEs induce emesis and its emetic signal pathway. We investigated a mechanism of SEA‐induced emesis using a small emetic animal model, house musk shrew. SEA‐induced emesis in the animals was inhibited by a 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) synthesis inhibitor and a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist. SEA could increase 5‐HT release in the small intestine. Pre‐treatment with 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine (5,7‐DHT) markedly inhibited SEA‐induced emesis. SEA‐induced emesis was also abolished by surgical vagotomy. Furthermore, cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonists inhibited SEA‐induced emesis, and the action was reversed by a CB1 antagonist. Both 5‐HT release and CB1 receptor expression were found in the mucosal and myenteric plexus of the intestine. Moreover, a CB1 receptor agonist significantly decreased the 5‐HT release in the intestine. These results demonstrate that SEA induces 5‐HT release in intestine, rather than in brain, and that the 5‐HT3 receptors on vagal afferent neurons are essential for SEA‐stimulated emesis. In addition, SEA‐induced emesis is downregulated by the CB system through decreasing 5‐HT release in intestine.
Dental therapy in Western Australia: profile and perceptions of the workforce.

BACKGROUND In 2002, the Centre for Rural and Remote Oral Health (CRROH) completed a rural oral health workforce survey which indicated that a high number of therapists, although registered, were not working as therapists. The aim of the present study was to develop a profile of the dental therapy workforce and analyse the perceptions of therapists. METHODS In 2004, a postal questionnaire survey was undertaken amongst all registered dental and school dental therapists for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. RESULTS Valid information was obtained from 253 therapists (55 per cent response rate). The therapy workforce are almost exclusively female, have an average age of 40 years, are working in urban areas, obtained their qualification on average 20 years ago, work for the School Dental Service and qualified in Western Australia. More than a quarter no longer worked as therapists. Perceptions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of dental therapy as a career were identified. CONCLUSIONS When trying to promote dental therapy and school dental therapy as a career, retain therapists and recruit new graduates, the opportunities identified in this survey should be embraced. A clear focus on the issues will be required to facilitate meeting the workforce objectives as outlined in Australia's National Oral Health Plan.
Explicit Rejection of an Implicit Dichotomy: Integrating Two Approaches to Assessing Dependency

The field of personality theory and assessment is characterized by a long-standing divide between proponents of self-report and indirect approaches to assessment. This article reviews the increasing convergence between the two sides, using recent writings on interpersonal dependency as an example domain. The assumptions of the self-report approach to personality assessment are contrasted with those of the indirect, and research using both types of assessments is reviewed. Also considered is the importance of recognizing dissociations between a particular individual's scores on self-report and indirect measures of a given component of self-concept, and the possible implications of such dissociations. It is argued that the convergence between two traditionally disparate approaches is likely to develop, in light of hypotheses, data and conclusions that bear notable similarity.