Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Velocity- and Power-Load Relationships of the Bench Pull vs. Bench Press Exercises

Abstract This study compared the velocity- and power-load relationships of the antagonistic upper-body exercises of prone bench pull (PBP) and bench press (BP). 75 resistance-trained athletes performed a progressive loading test in each exercise up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) in random order. Velocity and power output across the 30–100% 1RM were significantly higher for PBP, whereas 1RM strength was greater for BP. A very close relationship was observed between relative load and mean propulsive velocity for both BP (R2=0.97) and PBP (R2=0.94) which enables us to estimate %1RM from velocity using the obtained prediction equations. Important differences in the load that maximizes power output (Pmax) and the power profiles of both exercises were found according to the outcome variable used: mean (MP), peak (PP) or mean propulsive power (MPP). When MP was considered, the Pmax load was higher (56% BP, 70% PBP) than when PP (37% BP, 41% PBP) or MPP (37% BP, 46% PBP) were used. For each variable there was a broad range of loads at which power output was not significantly different. The differing velocity- and power-load relationships between PBP and BP seem attributable to the distinct muscle architecture and moment arm levers involved in these exercises.
The effects of topical parasympatholytic drugs on pupil diameter and intraocular pressure in healthy dogs treated with 0.005% latanoprost.

PURPOSE Prostaglandin analogs induce miosis and lower intraocular pressure (IOP). As pupils of latanoprost-treated eyes may have to be dilated for ophthalmoscopy or intraocular surgery, we studied whether 0.5% tropicamide or 1% atropine alter the effects of 0.005% latanoprost on pupil diameter (PD) and IOP in healthy dogs. METHODS IOP and PD were measured hourly, 8 AM-4 PM, with the right and left eyes serving as control (CE) and treated (TE) eyes, respectively. Measurements were conducted in ten Labrador retrievers with one-week washout: (i) baseline values, (ii) latanoprost at 8 AM, (iii) tropicamide at 8 AM, (iv) latanoprost at 8 AM and tropicamide at 11 AM, and (v) latanoprost at 8 AM and atropine at 11 AM (n = 4). RESULTS At 4 PM, TE PD was 5.88 ± 0.59, 3.62 ± 0.66, 6.33 ± 1.00, 5.42 ± 0.57, and 8.12 ± 1.24 mm in sessions 1-5, respectively. TE PD was significantly different between treatment sessions 2, 4, and 5 (P = 0.018, Friedman), being most mydriatic in session 5. At 4 PM, TE IOP was 11.27 ± 2.07, 7.10 ± 1.07, 11.1 ± 2.21, 7.70 ± 1.85, and 8.87 ± 1.42 mm Hg in sessions 1-5, respectively, with no differences between treatment sessions 2, 4, and 5 (P = 0.105, Friedman). CONCLUSIONS Tropicamide and atropine counteracted latanoprost's miotic effect, with atropine causing significantly larger mydriasis, sufficient for indirect ophthalmoscopy. Neither drug counteracted the hypotensive effect of latanoprost during this study period. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the potential risks in glaucomatous dogs.
An increased risk of road traffic accidents after prescriptions of lithium or valproate?

Studies have shown that lithium may cause psychomotor and cognitive impairment and impose an increased risk of traffic accidents. The antiepileptic drug valproate is also used as a mood stabilizer, but the impact on traffic safety has not been studied. The objective of the present study was to examine whether the use of lithium or valproate increased the risk of being involved in traffic accidents.
Pricing Term Insurance in the Presence of a Family History of Breast or Ovarian Cancer

Abstract We estimate the increased mortality and term life insurance costs for women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Using data from the medical literature on age-specific and family history-specific incidence rates, we develop double-decrement models to evaluate the actuarial impact of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in the family. We also calculate the increased mortality and term insurance costs for women who test positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. We find that the type of affected relative and her age at onset of the disease are key underwriting factors. We find substantial mortality increases (up to 100%) for women with two relatives with cancer and women with a first-degree relative who developed cancer at an early age. Mortality increases for women with the BRCA gene mutation reach 150%. While some females with a family history of cancer can be accepted at standard rates, others may need to be quoted substandard rates, depending on the underwriting policy of the company. Females with the gene mutation can possibly be accepted at a rate that incorporates a severe mortality surcharge.
The effect of self-employment on health, access to care, and health behavior

The focus of this paper is to investigate the role self-employment conceptualized as a lifestyle factor on health, access to health care, and health behaviors. We analyze rich data on 13,435 working adults in the US, who are either selfemployed or salaried workers. Outcomes include physical and mental health perception, validated indexes of physical and mental health, and medical conditions; access-to-care measures such as a barrier to obtaining necessary health care; and health behaviors such as smoking, physical activity and body mass index. Instrumental variables methods are used to correct for selection into self-employment. We find that self-employment is positively associated with perceived physical health, and is negatively associated with having diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis. No mental health outcome is significantly associated with self-employment. There is no significant difference between self-employed and wage-earning individuals with regard to access to care. Self-employed individuals are less likely to smoke, and are more likely to participate in physical activity and have normal-weight. We conclude that despite lack of health insurance, self-employed persons in the US are as healthy as wage-earners, do not experience a greater barrier to access to care, and are more likely to engage in healthy behavior.
NOCTURNAL GASTRIC SECRETION IN DUODENAL ULCER

To the Editor:— In the paper on "Nocturnal Gastric Secretion in Duodenal Ulcer" by Sandweiss and others in The Journal, February 2, the following data were presented: Both normal persons and patients with duodenal ulcer secrete acid gastric juice during the night of approximately the same hydrochloric acid concentration following 6 p. m. meals. Under the same conditions as 1 the volume of the gastric juice obtained by continuous suction is approximately the same. When intermittent single aspirations are performed, duodenal ulcer patients have a greater volume of gastric juice than normal persons, whereby it is shown that this increased volume is not caused by hypersecretion but by delayed emptying. It seems that so wedded is the mind of gastroenterologists to the importance of hypersecretion and increased hydrochloric acid in duodenal ulcer that quite other evidence is discussed by them as though it supported their attitude. Thus
Use and Perceived Benefits of Mouthwash among Malaysian Adults: An Exploratory Insight

This study aimed to explore the use and perceived benefits of mouthwash among Malaysian adults. Method: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in public places around the states of Selangor and Penang, Malaysia. It is a questionnaire-based study which was conducted as face-to-face interview. A convenience sample of 792 mouthwash users was recruited in 2013 in an ethically approved study (International Medical University). The study instrument was formulated on the basis of literature search and subjected to 20 experts for validation purpose. A pilot study was conducted to compute Cronbach Alpha (0.78). Data was entered into PASW version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: A response rate of 99% was achieved. More than two third of the respondents are female, suggesting women are more likely to use mouthwash (n ¼486; 61.8 %). The major reason to use mouthwash were to mask halitosis (n¼287; 36.5%) and to prevent oral diseases (n¼243; 30.9%). Majority knew that fluoride helps in reducing plaque (n¼599; 76.1%) and tooth decay (n¼631; 80.2%). Respondents were not clear that only tooth brushing alone is insufficient to prevent gum disease (n¼553; 70.3%). More than two thirds perceived that mouthwash is useful in reducing plaque (n¼567; 72.0%) as well as periodontal disease (n¼580; 73.7%). Respondents perceived that mouthwash is more effective in eliminating halitosis (n¼714; 90.7%) and preventing caries (n¼630; 80.1%). The frequency of mouthwash use was statistically significant with age, gender, race and monthly income (p¼0.018. 0.091, 0.010, 0.030) . Conclusion: This study indicates that Malaysian adults have good knowledge on the use and perceived benefits of mouthwash. A nationwide study is advocated to gather more information from general population, targeting the use of mouthwash in a large scale to minimize oral health problems.
Vertigo Due to Posterior Circulation Stroke

Abstract Stroke in the distribution of the posterior circulation may present as acute onset spontaneous vertigo and imbalance. Although vertigo due to posterior circulation stroke is usually associated with other neurologic symptoms or signs, small infarcts in the cerebellum or brainstem can present with vertigo without other localizing symptoms. Approximately 17% of patients with isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory infarction presented with isolated vertigo, nystagmus, and postural unsteadiness. A head impulse test can differentiate acute isolated vertigo associated with cerebellar stroke from more benign disorders involving the inner ear. Sometimes acute isolated audiovestibular loss can be the initial symptom of impending posterior circulation ischemic stroke (particularly within the territory of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery). In this case, evaluation of isolated audiovestibular loss may prevent the progression of acute vertigo and hearing loss into more widespread areas of infarction in the posterior circulation. In this article, the clinical syndromes and signs of acute vestibular syndrome due to posterior circulation stroke involving the brainstem and cerebellum are summarized.
Methodological challenges in the coding and adjudication of sudden deaths in a large simple trial with observational follow‐up: the ziprasidone observational study of cardiac outcomes (ZODIAC)

The Ziprasidone Observational study of car DIAC Outcomes (ZODIAC), a large simple trial comparing ziprasidone versus olanzapine in real‐world use, showed no difference in risk of sudden death. Upon the request of the US Food and Drug Administration, 205 fatal events were readjudicated applying ICD‐10 coding rules for sudden death.
Balloon Sacroplasty as a Palliative Pain Treatment in Patients with Metastasis-Induced Bone Destruction and Pathological Fractures

Abstract Purpose: In the case of metastatic involvement of the sacrum with destruction and consecutive pathological fracture, intense disabling pain is one of the defining factors. The feasibility, safety and pain development with cement augmentation were to be investigated. Materials and Methods: CT-guided balloon sacroplasty was conducted in 10 patients with metastasis-induced bone destruction of the sacrum. After establishment of the entry point, a K-wire was first introduced as far as the central tumor lesion via the short, or transiliac axis. A cannula was then positioned over the wire. Under CT guidance, a balloon catheter was introduced through the cannula and inflated and deflated several times. The PMMA cement was then injected into the preformed cavity. The procedure was completed by a spiral CT control using the thin-slice technique. Pain intensity was determined using a visual analog scale (VAS) before the procedure, on the 2nd postoperative day and 6 months after the intervention. Finally, the patients were asked to state how satisfied they were. Results: Balloon sacroplasty was technically feasible in all patients. The control CT scan showed central distribution of the cement in the tumor lesion. On average 6 +/– 1.78 (4 – 10) ml of PMMA cement were introduced per treated lesion. A significant (p < 0.001) reduction in pain according to the VAS occurred in all patients from 9.3 +/– 0.67 (8 – 10) pre-operatively to 2.7 +/– 1.28 (1 – 5) on the 2nd postoperative day and 2.9 +/– 0.81 (2 – 5) 6 months after the intervention. All of the patients were re-mobilized after the procedure and underwent the further therapeutic measures as planned. Conclusion: Balloon sacroplasty is a helpful therapeutic option in the overall palliative treatment of patients with tumor-induced destruction. It is a safe and practicable procedure that markedly reduces disabling pain. Key points: • Balloon sacroplaty is a safe method of cement augmentation for osseous destruction • With balloon sacroplasty debilitating lower back pain can be significantly reduced • Balloon sacroplasty is a helpful supplement in palliative therapy Citation Format: • Andresen R, Radmer S, Lüdtke CW et al. Balloon Sacroplasty as a Palliative Pain Treatment in Patients with Metastasis-Induced Bone Destruction and Pathological Fractures. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2014; 186: 881 – 886
Effect of anaesthetic technique on the natural killer cell anti-tumour activity of serum from women undergoing breast cancer surgery: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Animal models and retrospective clinical data suggest that certain anaesthetic techniques can attenuate immunosuppression and minimize metastasis after cancer surgery. Natural killer (NK) T cells are a critical component of the anti-tumour immune response. We investigated the effect of serum from women undergoing primary breast cancer surgery, randomized to propofol-paravertebral block (PPA) or sevoflurane-opioid (GA) anaesthetic techniques, on healthy human donor NK cell function and cytotoxicity against oestrogen and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer cells (HCC1500). METHODS Ten subjects who donated serum before operation and 24 h after operation in an ongoing randomized prospective trial (NCT 00418457) were randomly selected. Serum from PPA (n=5) and GA (n=5) subjects was co-cultured with HCC1500 and healthy primary NK cells. NK cell activating receptors (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, 2b4, CD16, NKG2D), cytokine production, NK CD107a expression, and cytotoxicity towards HCC1500 were examined. RESULTS Serum from PPA subjects did not alter normal NK marker expression or secretion of cytokines. Serum from GA subjects reduced NK cell activating receptor CD16 [from mean (sem), 82 (2)% to 50 (4)%, P=0.001], IL-10 [from 1700 (80) to 1200 (92) pg ml(-1), P=0.001], and IL-1β [from 68 (12) to 19 (4) pg ml(-1), P=0.01]. An increase in NK cell CD107a [23 (2)% to 37(3)%, P=0.007] and apoptosis of HCC1500 [11 (1)% to 21 (2)%, P=0.0001] was observed with PPA serum, but not GA serum, treated NK cells. CONCLUSION Serum from women with breast cancer undergoing surgical excision who were randomized to receive a PPA anaesthetic technique led to greater human donor NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro compared with serum from women who received GA. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT 041857.
The Risk of Guillain–Barré Syndrome Associated with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine and 2009–2010 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines: Results from Self‐Controlled Analyses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infections Program implemented active, population‐based surveillance for Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) following H1N1 vaccines in 10 states/metropolitan areas. We report additional analyses of these data using self‐controlled methods, which avoid potential confounding from person‐level factors and co‐morbidities.
The Effects of Coping Style on Subjective Well-Being Among Medical Students

Purpose: This study aims to explore which coping strategies medical students use more often, and how coping styles account for medical students` subjective well-being. Methods: Subjects included 249 medical students from undergraduate and Graduate Entry Programme of a medical school in Seoul, Korea. Coping style was measured using the Ways of Coping Checklist. Subjective well-being was measured with Positive / Negative Affect Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare four coping strategies, and stepwise multiple regression was used to analyze the accountability of each of the coping strategy for subjective well-being. Results: Medical students used avoidance and problem-focused coping strategy more often than they used emotion-focused coping strategy and seeking social support. Graduate Entry Programme students used avoidance less often and seeking social support more often than undergraduate students. Among subscales of subjective well-being, positive affect can be accounted for by problem-focused coping and seeking social support, and negative affect can be accounted for by problem-focused coping and avoidance. Life satisfaction can be accounted for by problem-focused coping as well. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that medical students had high adaptability as well as strong anxiety toward stressful situations in medical school. Moreover, three among the four coping strategies accounted for medical students` subjective well-being. These findings should be considered as a baseline for future research looking into additional variables affecting medical students` well-being.
Defeitos congênitos em bovinos da Região Central do Rio Grande do Sul

Cases of congenital defects (CDs) in cattle diagnosed at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of the Federal University of Santa Maria from 1964 to 2010 were reviewed. During the studied period tissues collected from the necropsy of 7,132 cattle were examined and 31 calves (0.4%) with CDs were found. These CDs were classified into 34 different types and ascribed to the body system primarily affected. CDs were solitary (19 [61.3%]) or multiple (12 [38.7%]) and found with similar frequency in calves of both sexes. As several calves displayed multiple defects, a total of 53 CDs were computed. Out of the 53types of CDs diagnosed 15 (28.3%) affected the central nervous system (cranioschisis [4], cerebellar abiotrophy [2], spongy degeneration [2], hydrocephalus [2], meningocele [2], spina bifida [1], cerebellar hypoplasia [1], and hypomyelinogenesis [1]); nine (17.0%) affected the urogenital system (testicular agenesis [1], vaginal agenesia [1], penile hypoplasia [1], cloacal formation [1], freemartinism [1], ovarian vascular hamartoma [1], renal hypoplasia [1], renal cysts [1], and persistent urachus [1]); eight CDs (15,1%) were primary to the musculoskeletal system (arthrogryposis [4], scoliosis [1], plagiocephaly [1] schistosomus reflexus [1], and diprosopus [1]) and another eight (15,1%) were in the digestive system (palatoschisis [3], anal atresia [1], anorectal atresia [1], ano-colonic atresia [1], recto-vaginal fistula [1], and recto-urethral fistula [1]); in five instances (9.4%) the CD affected the cardiovascular system (persistent ductus arteriosus [2], persistence of foramen ovale [2], and ventricular septal defect [1]); four (7.5%) affected the lymphatic system and consisted of inherited hypoplasia or aplasia of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes associated with lymphedema. Two cases (3.0%), of hypotrichosis were observed affecting the integument; one case (1.9%) of tracheal stenosis was found in the respiratory system and one case of goiter (1.9%) involved the endocrine system. The results of this survey inidicate that the majority o CDs in cattle in the central Rio Grande do Sul are sporadic; nevertheless their continued study is important for determining the etiology and control.
Concomitant use of isotretinoin and contraceptives before and after iPledge in the United States

The major concern associated with isotretinoin treatment is its high teratogenic potential. Therefore, ensuring use of contraception while on therapy is an important strategy for at‐risk patients and has been emphasized in all risk management programs. iPledge, the latest and most rigorous isotretinoin program, requires, among other stipulations, monthly assessments of contraceptive use for patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate isotretinoin usage patterns and assess concomitant use of isotretinoin and contraceptives before and after iPledge.
Spin Relaxation in Germanium Nanowires

We use semiclassical Monte Carlo approach along with spin density matrix calculations to model spin polarized electron transport. The model is applied to germanium nanowires and germanium two-dimensional channels to study and compare spin relaxation between them. Spin dephasing in germanium occurs because of Rashba Spin Orbit Interaction (structural inversion asymmetry) which gives rise to the D’yakonov-Perel (DP) relaxation. In germanium spin flip scattering due to the Elliot-Yafet (EY) mechanism also leads to spin relaxation. The spin relaxation tests for both 1D and 2D channels are carried out at different values of temperature and driving electric field, and the variation in spin relaxation length is recorded. Spin relaxation length in a nanowire is found to be much higher than that in a 2D channel due to suppression of DP relaxation in a nanowire. At lower temperatures the spin relaxation length increases. This suggests that spin relaxation in germanium occurs slowly in a 1D channel (nanowires) and at lower temperatures. The electric field dependence of spin relaxation length was found to be very weak.
Persons with Reconstructed ACL Exhibit Altered Knee Mechanics during High-Speed Maneuvers

Abstract Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a sports trauma that causes long-term disability. The function of the knee during dynamic activities can be severely limited even after successful surgical reconstruction. This study examined the effects of approach velocity during side-step cutting on knee joint mechanics in persons with reconstructed ACL (ACLR). 22 participants (11 with unilateral ACLR, 11 matched-controls) participated. Knee joint mechanics were tested in 3 approach conditions: counter-movement, one-step, and running. Dependent variables, including peak knee flexion, extension, valgus, varus, internal rotation, external rotation angles and corresponding peak joint moments, were assessed during the stance phase of cutting. Two 2×3 (“group” by “approach condition”) mixed MANOVA tests were used to examine the effects of ACLR and approach velocity on knee mechanics. ACLR participants exhibited higher knee internal rotator moment (0.22 vs. 0.13 Nm/kg, p=0.003). Inter-group comparisons revealed that the ACLR participants exhibited significantly higher abductor and internal rotator moments only in the running condition (1.86 vs. 1.16 Nm/kg, p=0.018; 0.28 vs. 0.17 Nm/kg, p=0.010, respectively). Our findings suggested that patients with ACLR may be at increased risk of re-injury when participating in high-demand physical activities. Task demand should be considered when prescribing progressive therapeutic interventions to ACLR patients.
Evaluation of a single transcutaneous PO2-PCO2 sensor in adult patients.

: We evaluated a new transcutaneous gas monitor designed to measure simultaneously transcutaneous oxygen (PtcO2) and carbon dioxide (PtcCO2) tensions. A total of 514 simultaneous transcutaneous and arterial gases were obtained in 47 adult ICU patients. Mean PtcCO2 was close (SEE less than 4 torr) to mean PaCO2, but mean PtcO2 was considerably less than mean PaO2. However, PtcO2 changes larger than 15 torr virtually always indicated respective increases or decreases in PaO2. Similarly, PtcCO2 changes larger than 5 torr almost invariably indicated a parallel change in PaCO2. From this study we conclude that monitoring of transcutaneous gases yields reliable trend information on arterial gases and that it is a valuable noninvasive adjunct in the monitoring of gas exchange in adult patients.