Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IgE sensitization to Anisakis pegreffii in Italy: Comparison of two methods for the diagnosis of allergic anisakiasis

IgE sensitization to Anisakis pegreffii in Italian subjects suffering from gastro‐allergic anisakiasis (GAA) (N=5), or showing chronic urticaria (CU+) after fish consumption (N=100), was investigated. A control group (N=5) was also included. IgE response was analysed by immunoblotting (WB) assay, using both excretory/secretory products (ESPs) and crude extract (CE) of A. pegreffii larvae. The results were compared with those achieved by the conventional immunological method for Anisakis allergy (ie, immunoCAP). Among the 110 subjects, 28 showed IgE positivity with both WB and iCAP methods; 13 proved IgE reactivity, in WB assay, to ESP antigens of A. pegreffii, here provisionally indicated as Ani s 1‐like, Ani s 7‐like, Ani s 13‐like; only 15 sera have shown IgE‐WB reaction to Ani s 7‐like and Ani s 13‐like. iCAP and WB exhibited a high concordance value (κ=1.00) when iCAP value was <0.35 (negative result) and >50.0 (positive result). In the sera samples recorded as positive to Anisakis allergy, Ani s 1‐like was responsible for 46.4% of the sensitivity, while Ani s 7‐like and Ani s 13‐like for 100%. They could be considered as major antigens in the diagnosis of allergic anisakiasis caused by A. pegreffii.
Medical students' attitudes towards ageing and death: a cross‐sequential study

Summary. This study presents an analysis of possible changes in attitudes towards older persons and in attitudes towards personal death anxiety that might occur over the course of undergraduate medical education. Three entering classes of medical students at a university in the Mid‐western United States completed an attitudes towards old people scale, a death anxiety scale, and a standard personality inventory. As graduating seniors, they again completed the attitudes towards old people scale and the death anxiety scale. Significant changes did not occur. In comparison with baseline data from a group of 212 university graduate students in the USA, these 234 medical undergraduates had significantly more positive attitudes towards the aged; in another comparison, their death anxiety was significantly lower than a group of 599 from the general population. Implications are discussed.
The in Vivo Contributions of TASK-1-Containing Channels to the Actions of Inhalation Anesthetics, the α2 Adrenergic Sedative Dexmedetomidine, and Cannabinoid Agonists

Inhalation anesthetics activate and cannabinoid agonists inhibit TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ channels (TASK)-1 two-pore domain leak K+ channels in vitro. Many neuromodulators, such as noradrenaline, might also manifest some of their actions by modifying TASK channel activity. Here, we have characterized the basal behavioral phenotype of TASK-1 knockout mice and tested their sensitivity to the inhalation anesthetics halothane and isoflurane, the α2 adrenoreceptor agonist dexmedetomidine, and the cannabinoid agonist WIN55212-2 mesylate [R-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(morpholinyl)methyl]pyrrolo[1,2,3,-de]-1,4-benzoxazinyl]-(1-naphtalenyl)methanone mesylate)]. TASK-1 knockout mice had a largely normal behavioral phenotype. Male, but not female, knockout mice displayed an enhanced acoustic startle response. The knockout mice showed increased sensitivity to thermal nociception in a hot-plate test but not in a tail-flick test. The analgesic, sedative, and hypothermic effects of WIN55212-2 (2–6 mg/kg s.c.) were reduced in TASK-1 knockout mice. These results implicate TASK-1-containing channels in supraspinal pain pathways, in particular those modulated by endogenous cannabinoids. TASK-1 knockout mice were less sensitive to the anesthetic effects of halothane and isoflurane than wild-type littermates, requiring higher anesthetic concentrations to induce immobility as reflected by loss of the tail-withdrawal reflex. Our results support the idea that the activation of multiple background K+ channels is crucial for the high potency of inhalation anesthetics. Furthermore, TASK-1 knockout mice were less sensitive to the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine (0.03 mg/kg s.c.), suggesting a role for the TASK-1 channels in the modulation of function of the adrenergic locus coeruleus nuclei and/or other neuronal systems.
Outcome of twin gestations following sonographic demonstration of two heart beats in the first trimester

We conducted a prospective study to assess pregnancy outcome following a first‐trimester ultrasound examination demonstrating intrauterine twins with heart beats. Our study population included 68 cases of twin gestations in which a first‐trimester scan demonstrated two heart beats. We correlated pregnancy outcome with placentation type, gestational age, maternal age, and method of conception. There were 59 dichorionic and nine monochorionic gestations. Twenty‐six of the dichorionic pregnancies resulted from treatment for infertility. Among all 68 cases, 54 (79%) delivered viable twins, eight (12%) delivered one infant, and six (9%) delivered none. The outcome in dichorionic gestations (83% delivered twins, 12% singletons, 5% none) was significantly better than in monochorionic gestations (56%, 11%, 33%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Among dichorionic twins, pregnancy outcome was worse in twins initially identified on a 6–7.9 week ultrasound examination (74% delivered twins, 21% singletons, 6% none) as compared to those identified at 8–13 weeks (96%, 0%, 4%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The outcome in dichorionic gestations was worse in women over 35 compared to those under 35 (p < 0.05), and those with treatment for infertility compared to those who conceived naturally (p = 0.05). These results provide prognostic information about outcome of twin pregnancies scanned in the first trimester as a function of chorionicity, gestational age, maternal age, and method of conception. Copyright © 1993 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
An Application of Factor Pricing Models to the Polish Stock Market

ABSTRACT We evaluate and compare the performance of four popular factor pricing models: the capital asset pricing model, the Fama and French three-factor model, Carhart’s four-factor model, and the five-factor model of Fama and French. We aim to establish which of these models is most applicable in the Polish stock market. To do so, we employ a battery of tests—cross-sectional regressions, examination of one-way and two-way sorted portfolios, tests of monotonic relationships, and factor redundancy tests—and apply them to a sample of more than 1100 stocks for the years 2000–2018. The results indicate that the four-factor model outperforms the other models; it has the greatest explanatory ability for cross-sectional returns and is therefore well-suited for asset pricing in Poland.
Prevalence and work-relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome in the working population, United States, 2010 National Health Interview Survey.

BACKGROUND Patterns of prevalence and work-relatedness of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among workers offer clues about risk factors and targets for prevention. METHODS Data from an occupational health supplement to the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of self-reported clinician-diagnosed CTS overall and by demographic characteristics. The proportion of these cases self-reported to have been attributed to work by clinicians was also examined overall and by demographic characteristics. In addition, the distribution of industry and occupation (I&O) categories to which work-related cases of CTS were attributed was compared to the distribution of I&O categories of employment among current/recent workers. RESULTS Data were available for 27,157 adults, including 17,524 current/recent workers. The overall lifetime prevalence of clinician-diagnosed CTS among current/recent workers was 6.7%. The 12-month prevalence was 3.1%, representing approximately 4.8 million workers with current CTS; 67.1% of these cases were attributed to work by clinicians, with overrepresentation of certain I&O categories. CONCLUSIONS CTS affected almost 5 million U.S. workers in 2010, with prevalence varying by demographic characteristics and I&O.
Effects of Hinge-region Natural Polymorphisms on Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Type 1 Protease Structure, Dynamics, and Drug Pressure Evolution*

Multidrug resistance to current Food and Drug Administration-approved HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitors drives the need to understand the fundamental mechanisms of how drug pressure-selected mutations, which are oftentimes natural polymorphisms, elicit their effect on enzyme function and resistance. Here, the impacts of the hinge-region natural polymorphism at residue 35, glutamate to aspartate (E35D), alone and in conjunction with residue 57, arginine to lysine (R57K), are characterized with the goal of understanding how altered salt bridge interactions between the hinge and flap regions are associated with changes in structure, motional dynamics, conformational sampling, kinetic parameters, and inhibitor affinity. The combined results reveal that the single E35D substitution leads to diminished salt bridge interactions between residues 35 and 57 and gives rise to the stabilization of open-like conformational states with overall increased backbone dynamics. In HIV-1 PR constructs where sites 35 and 57 are both mutated (e.g. E35D and R57K), x-ray structures reveal an altered network of interactions that replace the salt bridge thus stabilizing the structural integrity between the flap and hinge regions. Despite the altered conformational sampling and dynamics when the salt bridge is disrupted, enzyme kinetic parameters and inhibition constants are similar to those obtained for subtype B PR. Results demonstrate that these hinge-region natural polymorphisms, which may arise as drug pressure secondary mutations, alter protein dynamics and the conformational landscape, which are important thermodynamic parameters to consider for development of inhibitors that target for non-subtype B PR.
Mining and Alcohol Consumption: New Evidence from Northern Canada

Mines operate throughout the world to keep up with the growing demand for mineral resources. While economic development depends on the minerals mines extract, there can be environmental, economic, and social effects to areas and communities nearby. This thesis focuses on the impact of mining on alcohol consumption. Existing literature provides qualitative findings regarding social changes that may occur during a mining boom, possibly correlated with an increase in alcohol use by individuals who live in communities nearby. However, to the best of our knowledge, the literature fails to offer quantitative evidence of such impacts obtained through rigorous statistical methods. In order to determine a measurable effect of mining on alcohol consumption in communities nearby, this study collects data from various sources to build a unique dataset of individuals in northern Canada. Our dataset includes Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of respondents and operating mines, which allows us to estimate the number of additional alcoholic drinks individuals consume due to living near a mine. Northern Canada is an important area of focus due to the many small and isolated resource reliant communities, the large share of Aboriginal peoples in the total population, and the concentration of
Baseline Data from a Belgium-Wide Survey of Campylobacter Species Contamination in Chicken Meat Preparations and Considerations for a Reliable Monitoring Program

ABSTRACT From February to November 2007, chicken meat preparations (n = 656) were sampled at 11 processing companies across Belgium. All samples were tested for Campylobacter by enrichment culture and by direct plating according to standard methods. Almost half (48.02%) of the samples were positive for Campylobacter spp. The mean Campylobacter count was 1.68 log10 CFU/g with a standard deviation of ± 0.64 log10 CFU/g. The study revealed a statistically significant variation in Campylobacter contamination levels between companies; processors with a wider frequency distribution range of Campylobacter counts provided chicken meat preparations with higher Campylobacter incidences and concentrations. There was no significant difference between the counts of Campylobacter spp. in various preparation types. However, the Campylobacter counts and incidences in chicken wings were the highest and portioned-form products (legs, wings, and breasts) showed a higher probability of being Campylobacter positive compared to minced-form products (sausages, burgers, and minced meat). The proportion of Campylobacter-positive samples was significantly higher in July than in other months. Recovery of Campylobacter spp. recovery by direct plating was higher (41.0%) compared to detection after enrichment (24.2%). Statistical modeling of the survey data showed that the likelihood of obtaining a positive result by enrichment culture increases with an increase in the Campylobacter concentration in the sample. In the present study, we provide the first enumeration data on Campylobacter contamination in Belgian chicken meat preparations and address proposals for improving Campylobacter monitoring programs.
A longitudinal examination of neuropsychological and clinical functioning in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): improvements in executive functioning do not explain clinical improvement

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often, but not always, persists into adulthood. Investigations of the associations between clinical and biological markers of persistence can shed light on causal pathways. It has been proposed that compensatory improvements in executive neuropsychological functioning are associated with clinical improvements. This is the first study to test this hypothesis prospectively. Method The clinical and neuropsychological functioning of 17 boys with ADHD (mean age 10.45 years at time 1; 14.65 years at time 2) and 17 typically developing (TYP) boys (mean age 10.39 years at time 1; 14.47 years at time 2) was tested on two occasions, 4 years apart. This was done using a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests that included tasks with high and low executive demands. Results Clinical improvements were observed over time. Neuropsychological performance improvements were also evident, with ADHD boys developing with a similar pattern to TYP boys, but with a developmental lag. Whilst there was an association between reduced symptoms and superior performance at retest for one task with a high executive demand (spatial working memory), this was not seen with two further high executive demand tasks [Stockings of Cambridge and intra-dimensional extra-dimensional (ID/ED) set shifting]. Also, there was no association between change in executive functioning and change in symptoms. Baseline performance on the ID/ED set-shifting task predicted better clinical outcome. Only change in performance on the low executive demand delayed matching-to-sample task predicted better clinical outcome. Conclusions These data highlight the importance of longitudinal measurements of cognition, symptoms and treatment response over time in children and adolescents with ADHD.
The biomechanical results of total hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND With the advent of more wear-resistant bearings, there is renewed interest in resurfacing total hip arthroplasty. However, there is a paucity of information on the biomechanical results of this type of arthroplasty compared with those of contemporary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS Using standardized radiographs, we measured and compared the biomechanical parameters that affect the hip joint reactive forces in fifty hips that had a metal-metal surface replacement with those parameters in forty hips that had a contemporary cementless total hip replacement performed during the same time-period by the same surgeon. RESULTS On the average, the arthritic hips that were treated with metal-metal surface replacement had had a more valgus preoperative neck-shaft angle and less horizontal femoral offset than the normal, contralateral hips (p = 0.0003). After both the metal-metal surface replacements and the cementless total hip replacements, the hip center of rotation was medialized by approximately 6 mm. Both procedures were associated with an average increase in limb length of approximately 3 or 4 mm. After the metal-metal surface replacements, the horizontal femoral offset was essentially equal to the preoperative value, but both values averaged about 8 mm less than those on the normal, contralateral side (p < 0.00001). In the hips with a conventional total hip replacement, the horizontal femoral offset increased an average of 9.5 mm compared with the preoperative value and was an average of 5 mm more than that for the normal, contralateral hip (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The biomechanical results of total hip resurfacing depend on the preoperative anatomy of the proximal part of the femur. Limb lengthening of 1 cm can be achieved, but horizontal femoral offset is essentially unchanged by hip resurfacing. Horizontal femoral offset can be increased reliably with a contemporary total hip replacement. Arthritic hips of limbs that are more than 1 cm shorter than the contralateral limb or that have a comparatively low horizontal femoral offset may be better served by a contemporary total hip replacement. These biomechanical limitations should be considered in the selection of hips for resurfacing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, Level III-1 (case-control study). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Abnormal Returns of Bank Stocks and Their Factor-Analyzed Determinants

There is strong evidence that the earnings response coefficients are highly significant in several investigations over 40-years on the relation between abnormal returns of stocks and accounting earnings. Attempts to include non-earnings accounting variables in such research have led to mixed results. This paper takes a new approach using factor analysis to identify potential bank-relevant factors to examine if these factors in addition to earnings are also correlated with abnormal returns of bank shares. Factor analysis is used to reduce 21 accounting and financial ratios into four factors, which were then input in the regressions. The results show high R-square in the regression between abnormal returns and (a) earnings change factor, which indicates a better fit than in studies of non-banks on the earning-to-price relation. Further evidence found is that (b) credit risk factor has significant information content beyond earnings change in the regression with abnormal returns of bank shares. The other two factors are not found to be significant.
Risk factors for depression in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for the development of depression in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Subjects were divided into depressed versus nondepressed groups on the basis of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale; a range of psychological, pain-related, disease-related, and demographic variables were analyzed to predict depression. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal predictive models were examined. RESULTS A series of analyses, including multiple logistic regression, found that the optimal predictors of depression in RA were average daily stressors, confidence in one's ability to cope, and degree of physical disability. The model was successfully cross-validated on separate data sets (i.e., same subjects at different time points). CONCLUSION All of the identified risk factors for depression in RA are preventable to some extent and, therefore, should be addressed in comprehensive, rheumatology team care.
Acute Dialysis Catheters

Acute dialysis catheters are non‐cuffed, non‐tunnelled catheters used for immediate vascular access. They are primarily used for acute renal failure in bed‐bound patients and for short‐term use in patients with malfunction of permanent access. Long‐term use of acute catheters is not recommended, but does occur with acceptable infection rates in dialysis centers where tunnelled, cuffed catheters are not available. Most acute catheters are made of polyurethane, but silicone catheters are now available with larger lumen sizes capable of delivering blood flow rates over 300 ml/min. Acute catheters should be inserted in the internal jugular or femoral vein under ultrasound guidance to minimize complications. Subclavian catheters cause stenosis, thrombosis, and perforation of vessels. Intermittent catheter malfunction still occurs, particularly for left‐sdied internal jugular catheters and catheters placed in women. Blood flow may improve with lumen reversal, intraluminal t‐PA, or guidewire exchange. Limiting duration of use and dressing catheter exit sites with dry gauze and antiseptic ointments can prevent catheter‐related infections.
The Role of Social Networks in Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change: Implications for Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan

Incorporating adaptation into subsistence farming systems is an important strategy to reduce damages related to climate change and to protect livelihoods in developing countries. Using a dataset of 450 farm households collected from three agro-ecological zones, this study examines rural networks, assesses farm-level institutional support and documents any existing structural gaps on climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector of Pakistan. For this purpose, a social network analysis method is used. The study findings reveal that farmers reported a decrease in crop production and increase in pests and diseases due to climate change. Further, changing crop varieties, sowing dates, input mixes and planting trees are the key measures adopted by farmers. Lack of information, finances and resources are the key adaptation constraints. The study findings show that only 28% and 13% of the respondents do not have access to financial services and climate adaptation knowledge, respectively. Support to farmers mainly consists of marketing information and farm equipment from community-based organizations, while private institutions offer weather forecasting services. Public institutions are poorly represented in the network analysis. We also found that extension services are key institutions in the climate adaptation network, while agricultural credits, post-harvest services and marketing of produce were dominant but weakly connected in the financial support network. We also found that with an increase in the provision of services at the farm level, farmers not only adapt more but also move from low-cost and short-term measures to advanced measures. This study proposes an integrated framework to improve the stakeholders’ networking through different kind of partnerships and better adaptation to climate change.
Solving Soliton Perturbation Problems by Introducing Rayleigh's Dissipation Function

We solve soliton perturbation problem in nonlinear optical system by introducing Rayleigh's dissipation function in the framework of variational approach. The adopted process facilitates variational approach to be applied on dissipative system where the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian are difficult to form. Exploiting the idea, loss and filtering problems are evaluated with convincing results. Considering other perturbing terms like two soliton interactions, intrapulse Raman scattering, self-steepening, and two-photon absorption in extended nonlinear Schrodinger equation, Rayleigh's dissipation function is configured intuitively so that the generalized Euler-Lagrange equation converges to the related governing equation of the pulse propagation. The process evolves a set of differential equations exploiting the dynamics of different pulse parameters under the influence of perturbations. The obtained analytical results are verified with generalized Kantorovich approach and compared with previous reported results. Numerical simulations based on the split-step beam propagation method are employed to calculate the pulse evolution parameters and the derived results are found to be corroborated well with the analytical predictions.