Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heat and Mortality in New York City Since the Beginning of the 20th Century

Background: Heat is recognized as one of the deadliest weather-related phenomena. Although the impact of high temperatures on mortality has been a subject of extensive research, few previous studies have assessed the impact of population adaptation to heat. Methods: We examined adaptation patterns by analyzing daily temperature and mortality data spanning more than a century in New York City. Using a distributed-lag nonlinear model, we analyzed the heat-mortality relation in adults age 15 years or older in New York City during 2 periods: 1900–1948 and 1973–2006, to quantify population adaptation to high temperatures over time. Results: During the first half of the century, the decade-specific relative risk of mortality at 29°C vs. 22°C ranged from 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.25–1.36) in the 1910s to 1.43 (1.37–1.49) in the 1900s. Since the 1970s, however, there was a gradual and substantial decline in the relative risk, from 1.26 (1.22–1.29) in the 1970s to 1.09 (1.05–1.12) in the 2000s. Age-specific analyses indicated a greater risk for people age 65 years and older in the first part of the century, but there was less evidence for enhanced risk among this older age group in more recent decades. Conclusion: The excess mortality with high temperatures observed between 1900 and 1948 was substantially reduced between 1973 and 2006, indicating population adaption to heat in recent decades. These findings may have implications for projecting future impacts of climate change on mortality.
Sealant and Fluoride Varnish in Caries: a Randomized Trial

Little is known about the effect of discontinuation of sealant or fluoride varnish. The purpose of this study was to compare sealant with fluoride varnish in the prevention of occlusal caries in permanent first molars of children over a nine-year period: 4 yrs for program evaluation plus 5 yrs of discontinuation. A clinical trial was conducted on three groups of six- to eight-year-old schoolchildren: a control group (n = 45); a group (n = 37) in which sealant was applied and reapplied up to 36 mos; and a group (n = 38) in which fluoride varnish was applied and re-applied up to 42 mos. Percent caries reduction was studied in these initially healthy molars with complete occlusal eruption: 129 (control), 113 (sealant), and 129 (varnish) molars met inclusion criteria. Of these, 76.7%, 26.6%, and 55.8% had developed occlusal caries at 9 yrs, which implies caries reductions of 65.4% (SE = 8.5%) for sealants vs. control and 27.3% (SE = 10.2%) for varnish vs. control. Furthermore, the varnish program was not effective during the discontinuation period.
Generator Pocket Adhesions of Cardiac Leads: Classification and Correlation with Transvenous Lead Extraction Results

Pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads become encapsulated intravascularly and in the generator pocket by fibrotic adhesions that accumulate over time. These adhesions are responsible for the difficulty and risk of lead extraction procedures. We developed a classification scheme for pocket adhesions, classified all of the patients in the cohort, and examined the relationship between pocket adhesions and the outcome of the procedure.
The lactate minimum test for cycling: estimation of the maximal lactate steady state.

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the lactate minimum test (LMT), an incremental test given after lactic acidosis was induced by sprint exercise. This test is purported to accurately estimate the intensity of exercise at which the transport of lactate into and out of the blood is in equilibrium (maximal lactate steady state or MLSS) and should be a good predictor of endurance performance. Fourteen athletes (mean age 27.2 +/- 3.7 yrs) completed the following on Kreitler rollers: (a) two 20-km time-trials (35.1 +/- 3.3 and 35.7 +/- 3.5 km.hr-1, p < .05); (b) two LMTs yielding lactate minimum speeds (LMS) of 33.6 +/- 3.4 and 33.4 +/- 3.1 km.hr-1 (p > 0.6); and (c) four constant intensity rides, at speeds bracketing the LMS. At 33.5 +/- 3.1 km.hr-1 plasma lactate concentration decreased 0.4 +/- 1.6 mM from 10 to 30 min. Plasma lactate increased 1.6 +/- 0.7 mM while riding 0.9 +/- 0.9 km.hr-1 faster. The LMT is a reliable (r2 = 0.904) and valid method to predict MLSS and a good predictor of endurance performance (LMT vs. 20-km time-trial, r2 = 0.86).
MATERNAL AND POST-WEANING EXPOSURE TO A HIGH FAT DIET PROMOTES VISCERAL OBESITY AND HEPATIC STEATOSIS IN ADULT RATS.

AIM considering the frequent consumption of fat-rich diets by women of reproductive age, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of maternal consumption of a high-fat diet during the perinatal and/ or post-weaning period on the liver parameters and lipid metabolism of young rats. METHODS Wistar female rats were fed a high-fat (H) or control (C) diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated to four groups: Control Control (CC, n = 11), offspring fed a control diet after weaning; Control High-fat (CH, n = 10), offspring fed a high-fat diet after weaning; High-fat High-fat (HH, n = 10), offspring of mothers H fed a high-fat diet after weaning; and High-fat Control (HC, n = 9), offspring of mothers H fed with control diet after weaning. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION the food intake did not differ among the groups, however, the relative weight of the adipose tissue was higher in animals from the HC, HH and CH groups (p ≤ 0.005). Liver steatosis was found in the CH and HH animals, which also exhibited hypercholesterolemia (p ≤ 0.05). The levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) were higher in the HH group, and the LDL level was higher in the CH group compared to the CC. The consumption of an obesogenic diet during critical periods of development may contribute to the occurrence of visceral obesity, liver steatosis and hypercholesterolemia in adult rats, even in the absence of changes in dietary intake.
The empty sella: results of treatment in 76 successive cases and high frequency of endocrine and neurological disturbances.

OBJECTIVE We assessed the frequency of endocrine or neurological disturbances and the results of surgery in patients with empty sella, diagnosed with cisternography and/or computerized tomography scanning. DESIGN AND PATIENTS Analysis of hospital records of 76 successive patients (73 primary, three secondary empty sella) from a single institution. MEASUREMENTS Clinical and neuro-ophthalmological evaluation. Serum PRL, GH, TSH, LH, FSH, T4, T3 by radioimmunoassay. Diagnosis of empty sella with cisternography and/or computerized tomography scanning (n = 69), or discovered at surgery (n = 7). RESULTS Patients with empty sella had: headache (69.7%), visual disturbances (34.2%), cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (11.8%), endocrine disturbances (51.4%, including hyperprolactinaemia, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome). A pituitary tumour was discovered in two patients, in seven other ones it was suspected but not found at surgery. Transsphenoidal packing of empty sellas was done in 56 cases, with 7.1% post-operative complications. With surgery there was improvement of headache in 71%, of visual disturbances in 46%. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (discovered at surgery in four other patients) was not resolved by the first operation in six out of 13 patients. In 20 patients without surgery, headache improved in 64.6%. CONCLUSIONS The empty sella is frequently associated with a variety of neurological and endocrine disturbances, which is contrary to conventional belief. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea is not a rare complication and it may be difficult to treat. Some cases of empty sella may be due to partial pituitary apoplexy. Autoimmunity may have existed in other cases. Surgery may be useful in many patients, but a judicious selection is needed because it entails complications and non-operated patients may improve spontaneously.
The Phosphatidyl-myo-Inositol Mannosyltransferase PimA Is Essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Growth In Vitro and In Vivo

ABSTRACT The cell envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis contains glycans and lipids of peculiar structure that play prominent roles in the biology and pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Consequently, the chemical structure and biosynthesis of the cell wall have been intensively investigated in order to identify novel drug targets. Here, we validate that the function of phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosyltransferase PimA is vital for M. tuberculosis in vitro and in vivo. PimA initiates the biosynthesis of phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides by transferring a mannosyl residue from GDP-Man to phosphatidyl-myo-inositol on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane. To prove the essential nature of pimA in M. tuberculosis, we constructed a pimA conditional mutant by using the TetR-Pip off system and showed that downregulation of PimA expression causes bactericidality in batch cultures. Consistent with the biochemical reaction catalyzed by PimA, this phenotype was associated with markedly reduced levels of phosphatidyl-myo-inositol dimannosides, essential structural components of the mycobacterial cell envelope. In addition, the requirement of PimA for viability was clearly demonstrated during macrophage infection and in two different mouse models of infection, where a dramatic decrease in viable counts was observed upon silencing of the gene. Notably, depletion of PimA resulted in complete clearance of the mouse lungs during both the acute and chronic phases of infection. Altogether, the experimental data highlight the importance of the phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannoside biosynthetic pathway for M. tuberculosis and confirm that PimA is a novel target for future drug discovery programs.
Effectiveness of a Honey Dressing for Healing Pressure Ulcers

Objective To compare the effect of a honey dressing vs an ethoxy-diaminoacridine plus nitrofurazone dressing in patients with pressure ulcers. Design This 5-week randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of a honey dressing on pressure ulcer healing. Setting and subjects Thirty-six patients with a total of 68 stage II or III pressure ulcers referred from a university hospital in İzmir were enrolled in the study. Twenty-six subjects completed the trial. Instruments Ulcers were measured with acetate tracings and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) evaluations. Methods Fifteen patients with 25 pressure ulcers were treated with honey dressings, and 11 patients with 25 pressure ulcers were treated with ethoxy-diaminoacridine plus nitrofurazone dressings. Wound healing was assessed weekly using the PUSH tool, version 3.0. The primary outcome measure was the change in PUSH tool scores in each group at 5 weeks. Results The two groups were statistically similar with regard to baseline and wound characteristics. After 5 weeks of treatment, patients who were treated by honey dressing had significantly better PUSH tool scores than subjects treated with the ethoxy-diaminoacridine plus nitrofurazone dressing (6.55 ± 2.14 vs 12.62 ± 2.15, P < .001). Conclusion By week 5, PUSH tool scores showed that healing among subjects using a honey dressing was approximately 4 times the rate of healing in the comparison group. The use of a honey dressing is effective and practical.
MEMS Tunneling Sensor Without the Feedback Loop

A possibility of fabrication of a microelectromechanical tunneling sensor without a feedback loop is demonstrated. The tunneling gap of less than 10 nm shows a long-term stability at room conditions. The sensor can be used for construction of an accelerometer in which the linear acceleration causes mutual displacements of mobile microelectrodes. Acceleration can be detected due to a strong dependence of the tunneling current on interelectrode gap. The sensor is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SoI) wafer in the planar technology. Experiments have shown the accelerometer resolution to be 2.221 g/Hz1/2 at frequencies up to 3.17 kHz. The frequency of the first mechanical vibration mode of the sensor was estimated at a few MHz. By lowering this frequency through an increase in the proof mass, it is possible to largely upgrade the resolution of the accelerometer.
Microwave‐assisted extraction and ultrasound‐assisted extraction for recovering carotenoids from Gac peel and their effects on antioxidant capacity of the extracts

Abstract The peel of Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) contains high levels of bioactive compounds, especially carotenoids which possess significant antioxidant capacities. However, the peel of Gac is regarded as a waste from the production of carotenoid‐rich oil from Gac fruit. In this study, carotenoids of Gac peel were extracted by microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) using ethyl acetate as extraction solvent. The effect of extraction time and different levels of microwave and ultrasonic powers on the yield of total carotenoid and antioxidant capacity of the extracts were investigated. The results showed that an extraction at 120 W for 25 min and an extraction at 200 W for 80 min were the most effective for MAE and UAE of the Gac peel samples, respectively. The maximum carotenoid and antioxidant capacity yields of UAE were significantly higher than those of the MAE. The antioxidant capacity of extract obtained by the UAE was also significantly higher that of the conventional extraction using the same ratio of solvent to material. The results showed that both MAE and UAE could be used to reduce the extraction time significantly in comparison with conventional extraction of Gac peel while still obtained good extraction efficiencies. Thus, MAE and UAE are recommended for the improvement of carotenoid and antioxidant capacity extraction from Gac peel.
Scholarly Management Publication and Open Access Funding Mandates: a Review of Publisher Policies

The open access movement has been growing steadily over the past twenty years. Recently, many national funding agencies in North America have been requiring recipients of grant-funding to make their articles open access On the surface this produces a potential conflict for management researchers; management faculty members are expected to publish in prestigious journals but the discipline views open access journals as being of lower quality (Hahn & Wyatt, 2014, p.98). As such, the question arises if it is it possible for management researchers to comply with open access policies while still publishing in highly-ranked journals? This article will compare publishing policies from top management journals to funding agencies’ open access requirements in order to determine which journals meet these conditions. Journals will be drawn from several established journal lists such as the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) 24, the Financial Times (FT) Research Rankings, and Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science Journal Citation Reports. Results show that 80% of journals in the sample set are compatible with open access funding mandates. Of the journals which are compatible, 48% require an APC and 52% permit self-archiving in an acceptable time-frame. In addition to discussing open access publishing opportunities in management, this article will highlight opportunities for management librarians to develop their services and act as resources for faculty navigating this new framework.
Efficacy of preprocedural mouth rinsing in reducing aerosol contamination produced by ultrasonic scaler: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND The aerosol generated by an ultrasonic scaler contains microorganisms that can penetrate into the body through the respiratory system of dental surgeons and patients. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available preprocedural mouthrinses containing 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, an herbal mouthwash, and water in reducing the levels of viable bacteria in aerosols. METHODS This single-center, double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized, three-group parallel design was conducted over a period of 45 days. Twenty-four patients with chronic periodontitis were divided randomly into three groups (A, B, and C) of eight patients each to receive 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, herbal mouthwash, and water, respectively, as a preprocedural rinse. The aerosol produced by the ultrasonic unit was collected at patient's chest area, doctor's chest area, and assistant's chest area on blood agar plates in all three groups. The blood agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours, and the total number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was counted and statistically analyzed. RESULTS The results showed that CFUs in groups A and B were significantly reduced compared with group C, P <0.001 (analysis of variance). Also, CFUs in group A were significantly reduced compared with group B, P <0.05 (independent t-test). The numbers of CFUs were highest at the patient's chest area and lowest at the assistant's chest area. CONCLUSION This study suggests that a routine preprocedural mouthrinse could eliminate the majority of bacterial aerosols generated by the use of an ultrasonic unit, and that 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate is more effective than herbal mouthwash.
Safehavenness of currencies

ABSTRACT This study assesses the ‘safehavenness’ of a number of currencies with a view to providing a better understanding of how capital flow tends to react to a sharp increase in global risk aversion in turbulent times. It focuses on how the currencies are perceived by international investors or, more specifically, whether they are seen as safe-haven or risky currencies. To assess the safehavenness of the currency, we use risk reversal, which is the price difference between the call and put options of a currency, as it reflects how disproportionately market participants are willing to pay to hedge against its appreciation or depreciation. The relationship between the risk reversal of the currency and global risk aversion is estimated by means of parametric and non-parametric regressions that allow us to capture currency behaviour in times of extreme adversity, that is, the tail risk. Our empirical results found the Japanese yen and, to a lesser extent, the Hong Kong dollar to be the only safe havens under stressful conditions among the 34 currencies vis-à-vis the US dollar.
Intellectual capital and earnings quality: a comprehensive investigation

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among intellectual capital (IC) and its components and earnings quality for non-financial companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). Moreover, we examined the role of financial performance as a mediator effect on the impact of IC and its components on earnings quality. Our findings show that IC and its components have significant impact on earnings quality. Also, financial performance mediates the effect of IC and its components on earnings quality. Therefore, it is concluded that IC and its components affect earnings quality through improving financial performance. As the existing studies on the relationship between IC and earnings quality have not used comprehensive measure of earnings quality, and they did not consider the financial performance as a mediator factor, this study contributes to the literature by filling these gaps in the literature.
Effects of Multi-modal Physiotherapy, Including Hip Abductor Strengthening, in Patients with Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome.

PURPOSE The purposes of this study were to quantitatively examine hip abductor strength in patients presenting with iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) and to determine whether a multi-modal physiotherapy approach, including hip abductor strengthening, might play a role in recovery. METHOD Our observational, pretest-posttest study is one of the first prospective studies in this area. Patients presenting to physiotherapy with unilateral ITBFS were recruited to participate. Participants followed a 6-week rehabilitation programme designed to strengthen hip abductors; strength was measured every 2 weeks using a hand-held dynamometer and compared bilaterally. RESULTS Sixteen subjects (five men, 11 women) aged 20 to 53 years participated. All but 2 reported running as one of their main physical activities. A trend toward a significant difference in hip abductor strength was found between the injured and uninjured sides at baseline, but this difference disappeared by 6 weeks. Hip abductor strength was significantly related to physical function at weeks 2, 4, and 6. Nine subjects were discharged from physiotherapy after the 6-week period, while the other 7 subjects continued attending for up to 5 months. CONCLUSIONS Hip abductor strengthening appeared to be beneficial in the treatment of ITBFS, but further research on the use of hip abductor strengthening for treatment and prevention of ITBFS is needed.
Unplanned pregnancies in Harare, Zimbabwe: what is the contraceptive history and awareness of the mothers?

OBJECTIVES The study aimed to estimate the proportion of unplanned pregnancies among mothers delivering at the referral Harare Hospital and to describe their levels of contraceptive use and awareness in relation to the planning of pregnancy. DESIGN Systematic sample of mothers who had just delivered identified through maternity delivery, records. The study was analysed as a case-referent study where cases where mothers who had unintended pregnancies and those with intended or planned pregnancies served as referents. SETTING Postnatal wards of Harare Maternity Hospital. SUBJECTS 923 mothers following delivery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy planning, contraceptive history and contraceptive knowledge. RESULTS Of the 923 deliveries studied, 377 (41%) were unintended (cases), of which 9% were unwanted. Mothers aged 19 years or below (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6 to 3.7) and those aged 35 years or above (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.8 to 5.5) were significantly more likely to report the index pregnancy as having been unintended. Nulliparous (OR = 2.4) and parity five or more (OR = 8.2) mothers were at significantly increased risk of unintended pregnancy. Mothers presenting with unintended pregnancies were also significantly more likely to be single (OR = 7.8), divorced/separated or widowed (OR = 6.0). Contraceptive ever use was 53% and 58% in cases and referents, respectively. The combined oral contraceptive pill was the most commonly known and used method of contraception. Contraceptive failure was reported by 23% of mothers with unplanned pregnancies. Previous use of the progesterone only pill (OR = 2.2), the condom (OR = 2.3) or the IUCD (OR = 6.3) were significantly associated with the likelihood of reporting with unplanned pregnancy. Mothers in both groups were concerned about contraceptive method failure, irregular menstruation and perceived subsequent infertility with contraception. Failure to discuss family planning with the male partner (OR = 2.3) or partner refusing use of contraception (OR = 2.8) constituted risk factors for unplanned pregnancy. CONCLUSION Results point to the need for wider contraceptive counselling and provisions which encourage and involve the male partner. Programmes for reproductive health services and education should target women in identified high risk circumstances.