Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significant Other Responses Are Associated With Fatigue and Functional Status Among Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Objective The predictive power of partners’ responses to illness behavior for illness outcomes was investigated among couples in which one person had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods One hundred nineteen participants who met case-definition criteria for CFS and were living with a significant other (SO) completed self-report measures of relationship satisfaction, responses of their SO to fatigue symptoms, and outcome measures of fatigue and functional status. Results The results indicated that more frequent solicitous SO responses to illness behavior were predictive of greater fatigue-related severity and bodily pain. Solicitous SO responses to fatigue behavior were particularly influential in the context of a satisfactory relationship. In highly satisfactory relationships, solicitous SO responses were associated with significantly greater fatigue severity and fatigue-related disability than in relationships characterized by low or average satisfaction. Conclusions Solicitous SO responses to CFS-related symptoms are associated with poorer patient outcomes, especially in the context of a satisfactory intimate relationship. Because of the cross-sectional nature of the study, the direction of effects cannot be interpreted unambiguously. SOs may be inadvertently positively reinforcing illness-related behavior: Solicitous partners may help the patient more with tasks of daily living, thereby decreasing the patient’s activity level, which may lead to deconditioning and disability. Alternatively, patients with more severe symptoms and disability may present more opportunities for concerned SO responses, which again may be heightened in the context of a caring, satisfactory relationship. In either case, the results suggest that additional research on the role of solicitous SO responses is warranted.
Reference distributions for serum iron and transferrin saturation: a practical, simple, and clinically relevant approach in a large cohort

The principal considerations driving iron status evaluation are clinical concern for anemia and the possibility of iron‐storage disease. Most often, the circulating levels of transferrin (or total iron binding capacity) and serum iron are measured and the percentage of transferrin saturation (TSAT) is then computed. Optimally, reference ranges for these analytes should exclude the effects of the acute phase response, nutritional status, estrogen effect, specific genetic disorders, liver disease, and blood transfusion. The current study reports reference ranges for serum iron and TSAT within a cohort of over 55,000 Caucasians from northern New England, tested in our laboratory between 1994 and 1999. Measurements were standardized against serum reference material (SRM) 937 (for iron) and certified reference material (CRM) 470 (also called reference preparation for proteins in human serum (RPPHS)) (for transferrin), and analyzed using a previously published approach. Individual cases with evidence of inflammation (C‐reactive protein ≥10 mg/L), or iron overload (TSAT >80% for males and >70% for females) or serum iron values <5 μmol/L, were removed. Among the referent individuals, iron and TSAT levels rose slightly until the teen years, at which time levels in males increased while those in females remained essentially constant. Between 20 and 70 years of age, males had 10–15% higher iron levels and 15–20% higher TSAT levels than females. When values were expressed as multiples of the age‐ and gender‐specific median levels, the serum iron and TSAT observations fit log‐Gaussian distributions reasonably well from the 20th to 99th centile, and the 10th to the 99th centile, respectively. After normalization, the Gaussian parameters can be used to assign a corresponding centile to an individual's measurement, simplifying interpretation. These data provide new and more detailed reference ranges for serum iron and TSAT. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:237–245, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Locating targets from imagined perspectives: Comparing labelling with pointing responses

Participants in two experiments adopted imagined perspectives in a perceptually available spatial scene and located targets by using either verbal terms (labelling) or arrows (pointing). Results revealed that performance was faster and more accurate for labelling than for pointing and more so when the adopted perspectives were misaligned with the physical orientation of the participant. This finding was obtained even when an orientation cue allowed participants to adopt the imagined perspective in advance of target presentation. A third experiment replicated these findings using traditional pointing and verbal responding. We argue that performance from misaligned perspectives in perspective-taking tasks suffers due to reference frame conflicts and that these conflicts are more pronounced with pointing and other manual responses that rely more on the reference frame of the physical body.
Dexmedetomidine reduces sevoflurane EC50 for supraglottic airway device insertion in spontaneously breathing morbidly obese patients

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of intravenous dexmedetomidine (DEX) on sevoflurane EC50 for supraglottic airway device (SAD) insertion in spontaneously breathing morbidly obese patients. Patients and methods: Thirty-eight morbidly obese patients with a body mass index 40–57 kg/m2 who were scheduled for bariatric surgery under general anesthesia requiring tracheal intubation were randomly allocated to two groups receiving the different treatments: group S, saline was given intravenously, and group D, a bolus dose of DEX 1 μg/kg was administered intravenously over 10 mins, followed by intravenous DEX infusion at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h. Five percent sevoflurane was initially inhaled for anesthesia induction and then end-tidal expiratory sevoflurane concentration (ETsev) was adjusted to a target value as to the modified Dixon’s up-and-down method. Patients’ response to SAD insertion was classified as “movement” or “no movement”. The average of the midpoints of all crossover points was defined as calculated sevoflurane EC50 for successful SAD insertion. Furthermore, the probit regression analysis was used to determine sevoflurane end-tidal concentrations where 50% (EC50) and 95% (EC95) insertions of SAD were successful. After the observation was completed, flexible bronchoscope-guided intubation was performed through the SAD. Results: The calculated sevoflurane EC50 for successful SAD insertion was significantly lower in group D than in group S (1.75±0.32% vs 2.92±0.26%, p<0.001). By the probit regression analysis, EC50 and EC95 of sevoflurane for successful SAD insertion were 1.59% (95% CI, 1.22–1.90%) and 2.15% (95% CI, 1.86–3.84%) in group D, respectively, and 2.81% (95% CI, 2.35–3.29%) and 3.32% (3.02–6.74%) in group S. Conclusion: When sevoflurane inhalational induction is performed in spontaneous breathing morbidly obese patients, intravenous DEX can reduce sevoflurane EC50 for successful SAD insertion by about 40%. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: No. ChiCTR1800016868
Cardiopulmonary imaging, functional and laboratory studies in sickle cell disease associated pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) occurs in approximately 30% of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) and is an independent risk factor for early death. In this study, we aimed to determine the value of general laboratory testing, plain chest radiography, electrocardiography (ECG), high‐resolution computer tomography (HRCT) of the thorax, pulmonary function testing, and plasma N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with SCD‐related PHT. A cohort of 85 ambulatory sickle cell patients were prospectively screened for PHT with echocardiography (defined as a tricuspid regurgitation flow velocity of ≥2.5 m/sec). All patients were systematically evaluated by the aforementioned diagnostic tests comparing patients with and without PHT. The prevalence of PHT was 41% in HbSS/HbSβ0–thalassemia patients and 13% in HbSC/HbSβ+‐thalassemia patients. No statistically significant differences were detected in ECG, chest radiography, HRCT, and pulmonary function testing between patients with and without PHT. The degree of anemia and renal dysfunction, but not the presence of PHT, were the most important determinants of plasma (NT‐pro)BNP levels. The performed imaging and functional studies do not seem to be of value in identifying etiological conditions (such as airflow obstruction or parenchymal lung disease) nor do they offer clues to the presence of mild PHT in SCD. Am. J. Hematol. , 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Hispanic Paradox and Older Adults’ Disabilities: Is There a Healthy Migrant Effect?

The “Hispanic Paradox” suggests that despite rates of poverty similar to African Americans, Hispanics have far better health and mortality outcomes, more comparable to non-Hispanic White Americans. Three prominent possible explanations for the Hispanic Paradox have emerged. The “Healthy Migrant Effect” suggests a health selection effect due to the demands of migration. The Hispanic lifestyle hypothesis focuses on Hispanics’ strong social ties and better health behaviors. The reverse migration argument suggests that the morbidity profile in the USA is affected when many Hispanic immigrants return to their native countries after developing a serious illness. We analyzed data from respondents aged 55 and over from the nationally representative 2006 American Community Survey including Mexican Americans (13,167 U.S. born; 11,378 immigrants), Cuban Americans (314 U.S. born; 3,730 immigrants), and non-Hispanic White Americans (629,341 U.S. born; 31,164 immigrants). The healthy migrant effect was supported with SES-adjusted disability comparable between Mexican, Cuban and non-Hispanic Whites born in the USA and all immigrants having lower adjusted odds of functional limitations than U.S. born non-Hispanic Whites. The reverse migration hypothesis was partially supported, with citizenship and longer duration in the USA associated with higher rates of SES-adjusted disability for Mexican Americans. The Hispanic healthy life-style explanation had little support in this study. Our findings underline the importance of considering nativity when planning for health interventions to address the needs of the growing Hispanic American older adult population.
Randomized phase II trials: inevitable or inadvisable?

Phase II trials remain a critical step in drug development. They are conducted “to evaluate the effectiveness of a drug for a particular tumor type and to further determine the common short-term side effects. ” Given the low eventual success rate of oncology drugs entering clinical trials, it is vital that these trials efficiently screen out inactive drugs. Maximizing their positive and negative predictive values allows for a more efficient drug development process as fewer inactive drugs will progress to phase III trials, the most expensive phase of development. It has been proposed that drug development could be made more efficient through greater use of randomized phase II (RP-II) trials. Although there are a number of designs for such trials, most (approximately 90%) are two-armed studies. The use of RP-II trials is already increasing, although definitive data do not yet exist to show that the increased expenditure and patient numbers required translate into greater efficiency. This article discusses the merits of single-arm phase II (SA-II) trials versus RP-II trials (specifically, comparator trials in which patients are randomly assigned between experimental and standard therapy arms) in a debate format. Initially, Grothey and Sargent will present the merits of using RP-II trials, while Siu, Moore, Pond, and Gan will present the merits of SA-II trials. Thereafter, each team will rebut the arguments of the other. Lastly, we will conclude with a consensus statement identifying points of agreement about the appropriate use of these trial designs.
Is ectopia lentis in some cases a mild phenotypic expression of Marfan syndrome? Need for a long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE Ectopia lentis (EL) and Marfan syndrome (MFS) are considered two distinct clinical entities. We performed genetic and clinical studies to investigate whether EL is actually distinct from MFS or if it is a mild phenotypic expression of it. METHODS Seven patients with EL were followed for 5-10 years. Mutation screening analysis of the 65 exons of FBN1 was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of genomic DNA, denaturing high pressure liquid chromatography analysis, and direct sequencing of heteroduplexes. RESULTS Yearly examinations during the 10 years of follow-up allowed the detection of a late onset of dural ectasia in six out of seven patients (age range: 32-64 years versus 8-55 years in MFS previously reported). We also detected the onset of mild thoracic aortic dilatation in a sporadic case (age 45). Six out of seven index cases of EL turned out to be mild forms of Marfan syndrome with possible late cardiovascular involvement as detected in one case. Four novel missense mutations and one known splicing mutation were detected in five out of seven (71%) patients. Their localization confirmed the presence of a first hot spot within exons 1-15 and suggested the presence of a second one between exons 31-39. CONCLUSIONS The presence of a second major criterion in six EL patients shifted the clinical diagnosis from EL to MFS. These data demonstrate that some cases, which are initially diagnosed as EL, turn out to be mild Marfan patients. A clinical cardiovascular follow-up is therefore highly recommended for all EL patients since they may develop thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) or dissection later in life. Also magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for dural ectasia (DE) should be performed in a complete follow up for a MFS diagnosis.
Incorporation of Manganese Complexes into Xylanase: New Artificial Metalloenzymes for Enantioselective Epoxidation

Here we report the best artificial metalloenzyme to date for the selective oxidation of aromatic alkenes; it was obtained by noncovalent insertion of MnIII‐meso‐tetrakis(p‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin [Mn(TpCPP), 1‐Mn] into a host protein, xylanase 10A from Streptomyces lividans (Xln10A). Two metallic complexes—N,N′‐ethylene bis(2‐hydroxybenzylimine)‐5,5′‐dicarboxylic acid MnIII [(Mn‐salen), 2‐Mn] and 1‐Mn—were associated with Xln10A, and the two hybrid biocatalysts were characterised by UV–visible spectroscopy, circular dichroism and molecular modelling. Only the artificial metalloenzyme based on 1‐Mn and Xln10A was studied for its catalytic properties in the oxidation of various substituted styrene derivatives by KHSO5: after optimisation, the 1‐Mn‐Xln10A artificial metalloenzyme was able to catalyse the oxidation of para‐methoxystyrene by KHSO5 with a 16 % yield and the best enantioselectivity (80 % in favour of the R isomer) ever reported for an artificial metalloenzyme.
Enhancement of germination rate of aged seeds by ethylene.

Naturally and artificially aged seeds of rape, Brassica napus L. , produced less ethylene than freshly harvested seed during the early stage of germination. With freshly harvested seeds one peak of ethylene production was observed during germination, which coincided with the emergence and elongation of root and cotyledon, accompanied by splitting of the seed coat. Application of exogenous ethylene was effective in accelerating germination in aged seeds but did not significantly improve the percentage of germination. Ethylene as a hormone was considered to serve as a stimulator of germination and growth. One of the factors causing seed aging might be the degeneration of an ethylene-producing system in the seed. Exogenous ethylene may be effective only for the seeds in which the ethylene-producing system is weakened but the following responding systems are still functional.
Survival of Implants in Immediate Extraction Sockets of Anterior Teeth: Early Clinical Results.

BACKGROUND The aims and objectives of this study were placement of implants in freshly extracted sockets of anterior teeth and to evaluate the implant stability, peri-implant radiolucency and gingival inflammation around implant over a short period of 30 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 12 patients (8 male and 4 female), ranging in the age from 20 to 50 years, from March 2007 to June 2007, were evaluated for immediate implant placement into 22 fresh extraction sockets. Only maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth/roots (central incisors, lateral incisors and canines) were considered for replacement with implants. One piece implant with integrated abutment and integrated surface, non-submerged, threaded and tapered at apical 5 mm, sand-blasted and acid etched surfaced implants (HI-TEC TRX-OP Implants of Life Care Company) were used. RESULTS The mobility was not present in any of the implants at all the follow up visits. There were 2 implants at 6 month, 1 implant at 12 month, 1 implant at 18 month visits, showing peri-implant radiolucency at some sites at bone to implant contact site. Severe gingival inflammation was not observed in any of the implant site. At every follow-up visit, every implant met the criteria of success and none was found to be failed over a 30 months duration i.e. 100% success rate was achieved by implants in immediate extraction socket. CONCLUSION The success rate of implant survival in this study was found 100%. These implants have fulfilled all the criteria of implant success and based on the defined criteria, the success rate of implants placed in immediate extraction sockets of anterior teeth compared favorably with the conventional implants. The early results of the present study showed that high survival rates with the implants in immediate extraction sockets can be achieved.
Diesel exhaust particle exposure increases severity of allergic asthma in young mice

Epidemiologic studies have reported an association between diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure, allergic sensitization, and childhood wheezing, although the mechanisms remain unclear. While DEP is known to augment allergic responses in adult animal models, its effects on sensitization and asthma severity in young animals is unknown.
Lack of CD40‐dependent B‐cell proliferation in B lymphocytes isolated from patients with persistent polyclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis

Persistent B‐cell lymphocytosis (PPBL) is a haematological disorder diagnosed primarily in adult female smokers that is characterized by a polyclonal increase in peripheral blood B lymphocytes and a moderate elevation of serum IgM. B lymphocyte‐associated cellular abnormalities, such as the occurrence of multi‐lobed nuclei, increased bcl2/Ig gene rearrangements and the identification of an extra long‐arm chromosome (i3)(q10) in the B‐cell population, indicate that PPBL could be part of a multi‐step process leading to the emergence of a malignant B lymphoproliferation. However, the resulting impact on cellular functional properties remains to be elucidated. Our goal was to address that aspect via the study of B‐cell activity following stimulation through CD40, a key molecule of the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily involved in B lymphocyte development. In contrast to normal B cells, PPBL B lymphocytes were unable to respond to the proliferative signal delivered in vitro by CD40, indicating a defect in the CD40 activation pathway. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the receptor as well as FACScan analysis of patient B lymphocytes dismissed the possibility of a defect in either CD40 structure or expression. Moreover, Western blot analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation, an early event in the CD40‐signalling cascade, was similar in patients and controls, leading to the conclusion that the defect affecting B lymphocytes in PPBL patients is probably located downstream of that signalling cascade.
Fast multi-body simulations of robots controlled with error feedback

Roboticists modeling control of manipulator and legged robots often assume force/torque-based control using an open-loop model of voltage, hydraulic pressure, or pneumatic pressure to actuator torques. This paper shows that such force/torque-based models can lead to stiff differential equations, which are computationally inefficient to solve: relatively small integration steps are necessary to ensure simulation stability. We have investigated two approaches that appear to mitigate this problem: incorporating transmission modeling (applicable only to electromagnetic actuators at present) and applying inverse dynamics control. Both of these approaches require increased computation per integration step, but this work will demonstrate that the larger integration steps can still yield considerably higher simulation throughput. This paper will also identify research challenges with using inverse dynamics control within multi-rigid body simulations, where the simulation is integrated forward subject to contact and inverse dynamics constraints. In particular, we examine a state of the art approach concerning inverse dynamics control, and we identify theoretical and practical algorithmic challenges. Experimental virtual robot platforms include a UR10 arm with attached prismatic manipulator and a locomoting quadrupedal robot.
Striatal Dopamine, Externalizing Proneness, and Substance Abuse

We examined whether striatal dopamine moderates the impact of externalizing proneness (disinhibition) on reward-based decision making. Participants completed disinhibition and substance abuse subscales of the brief form Externalizing Spectrum Inventory and then performed a delay discounting task to assess preference for immediate rewards along with a dynamic decision making task that assessed long-term reward learning (i.e., inclination to choose larger delayed versus smaller immediate rewards). Striatal tonic dopamine levels were operationalized using spontaneous eyeblink rate. Regression analyses revealed that high disinhibition predicted greater delay discounting among participants with lower levels of striatal dopamine only, whereas substance abuse was associated with poorer long-term learning among individuals with lower levels of striatal dopamine, but better long-term learning in those with higher levels of striatal dopamine. These results suggest that disinhibition is more strongly associated with the wanting component of reward-based decision making, whereas substance abuse behavior is associated more with learning of long-term action-reward contingencies.