Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modafinil treatment for fatigue in HIV+ patients: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Fatigue is widespread among human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) patients, yet few studies have assessed effective treatments. The authors conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of modafinil for fatigue in this clinical population. METHOD Response was evaluated after a 4-week open-label trial. Data were collected from February 2003 through January 2004. Responders were offered 8 additional weeks of modafinil. Inclusion criteria included written approval from the primary care physician, clinically significant fatigue, current use of anti-retroviral medications, and the absence of treatable medical conditions known to cause fatigue. Exclusion criteria included untreated major depression and current substance abuse. Major outcome measures were the Fatigue Severity Scale, Chalder Fatigue Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Beck Depression Inventory, and neuropsychological tests assessing verbal memory, speed of processing, and executive function. Immunologic and virologic measures were performed at baseline and week 4 to assess safety of treatment. RESULTS All 30 patients who enrolled completed 4 weeks of treatment; 24 (80%) were rated as responders. Responders showed statistically significant improvement on all measures of fatigue, depressive symptoms, and executive function, while nonresponders did not. Mean values of CD4 cell count and HIV RNA viral load did not change. The most common side effect was headache, followed by irritability and feeling "hyper. " CONCLUSION This pilot study shows encouraging results for modafinil in alleviation of fatigue in HIV+ patients. In addition, depressive symptoms were substantially reduced. Improvements on measures of verbal memory and executive function were significant, but in the absence of a placebo control, the magnitude of effect due to practice cannot be determined.
Attitudes Toward Economic Inequality: The Illusory Agreement

Recent studies of attitudes toward economic inequality suggest that most people around the world prefer very low levels of inequality, despite well-known trends toward greater inequality within many countries. Even within countries, people across the political spectrum are said to be in remarkable agreement about the ideal level of economic inequality. Using survey data from 40 countries and a novel survey experiment in the United States, we show that this apparent agreement is illusory. When relying on a widely used cross-national survey measure of Ideal Pay Ratios, preferred levels of inequality are heavily influenced by two well-documented sources of perceptual distortion: the anchoring effect and ratio bias. These effects are substantial and many times larger than the influence of fundamental political predispositions. As a result, these cross-national survey measures tapping preferences regarding economic inequality produce misleading conclusions about desired levels of inequality.
Using a Finite Element Model to Evaluate Human Injuries Application to the HUMOS Model in Whiplash Situation

Study Design. In the field of numerical simulation, the finite element method provides a virtual tool to study human tolerance and postulate on potential trauma under crash situations, particularly in case of whiplash trauma. Objectives. To show how medical and biomechanical interpretations of numerical simulation can be used to postulate on human injuries during crash situations. This methodology was applied to whiplash trauma analysis. A detailed analysis of kinematics of joints, stress level in hard tissues, and strain level in soft tissues was used to postulate on chronology and patterns of injury. Data were compared with published biomechanical and clinical studies of whiplash. Summary of Background Data. Although many in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted to investigate whiplash cervical injury, and despite the number of finite element models developed to simulate the biomechanical behavior of the cervical spine, to date, there are only limited finite element models reported in the literature on the biomechanical response of the whole cervical spine in these respects. Methods. A complete finite element model of the human body (HUMOS) build in a sitting position in a car environment was created to investigate injury mechanisms and to provide data for automotive safety improvements. It includes approximately 50,000 elements, including descriptions of all bones, ligaments, tendons, skin, muscles, and internal organs. A 15-g whiplash injury was simulated with the HUMOS model. The model predicted cervical motion segment kinematics, deformations of disks and ligaments, and stresses in bone. Model output was then compared with experimental and clinical whiplash literature. Results. In term of kinematics during the chronology of whiplash, two injury phases were identified: the first was hyperextension of the lower cervical spine (C6–C7 and C5–C6) and mild flexion of the upper cervical spine(C0–C4). The amount of upper cervical flexion was 15° from C0 to C4. The second phase was hyperextension of the entire cervical spine. Potential patterns of ligamentous injuries were observed; the anterior longitudinal ligament experienced the most strain (30%) at the lower cervical spine at the time of lower cervical extension and the interspinous ligament experienced the most strain (60%) at the time of upper cervical flexion. Von Mises stresses in bone do not exceed 15 Mpa, which is largely under injury levels reported in the literature. Conclusions. This study reports a methodology to describe and postulate on human injuries based on finite element model analysis. The output of the HUMOS model in the context of whiplash shows a strong correlation with clinical and experimental reported data. HUMOS shows promise for the modeling of other types of trauma as well.
Carbohydrate versus Energy Restriction: Effects on Weight Loss, Body Composition and Metabolism

Background/Aims: To compare weight loss, body composition, and metabolic changes in response to carbohydrate versus dietary energy restriction (DER) in obese mice. Methods: One hundred C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups of 20. The group of high-carbohydrate (HC) mice consumed an HC diet ad libitum and the group of high-fat (HF) mice consumed an HF diet ad libitum for 14 weeks. Additional groups consumed the HF diet for 7 weeks ad libitum and during weeks 8–14 were switched to either a low-carbohydrate diet (LC) consumed ad libitum, the HC diet pair-fed (PF) to the energy intake of the LC group, or an HC DER regimen providing 70% of the energy intake of the HF group. Results: At 14 weeks, the LC and HF groups weighed more and exhibited higher percent fat mass and lower bone mineral density than the HC, PF, and DER groups. Relative to the DER group, the LC group displayed comparable serum ketone bodies but higher serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Conclusions: In contrast to DER, the LC diet did not cause weight loss or reduce serum markers associated with obesity-related diseases other than diabetes in obese mice, suggesting that carbohydraterestriction without reduced energy intake does not induce weight loss.
Early vasopressin improves short-term survival after pulmonary contusion.

UNLABELLED Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a promising treatment for several types of irreversible shock, but its therapeutic potential has not been examined after severe chest trauma. Two series of experiments were performed to fill this gap. METHODS Series 1: anesthetized, mechanically-ventilated pigs (n = 20, 29 +/- 1 kg) received a blast to the chest, followed by a "controlled" arterial hemorrhage to a mean arterial pressure (MAP) <30 mm Hg. At 20 minutes, a 10 mL/kg normal saline (NS) bolus was followed by either 0.1 U/kg AVP bolus or NS, in randomized, blinded fashion. From 30-300 minutes, either AVP (0.4 U/kg/hr plus NS) or NS alone was infused as needed to MAP>70 mm Hg. Series 2: Swine (n = 15) received the chest injury followed by partial left hepatectomy to produce "uncontrolled" hemorrhage. Resuscitation was the same as in series 1. RESULTS The blast created bilateral parenchymal contusions (R > L), hemo/pneumothorax and progressive cardiopulmonary distress. In Series 1, there were 3/20 deaths before randomization, 0/8 deaths after resuscitation with AVP versus 4/9 deaths with NS (p = 0.029). In surviving animals, with AVP versus NS, fluid requirements and peak airway pressures were lower while P/F was higher (all p < 0.05). In Series 2, with uncontrolled hemorrhage, there were 5/15 deaths before randomization. Upon resuscitation with AVP versus NS, survival time and blood loss were both improved, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS After severe chest trauma with controlled hemorrhage, early AVP decreased mortality, reduced fluid requirements and improved pulmonary function. With uncontrolled hemorrhage, early AVP did not increase the risk for bleeding.
Capillary hemangioma or pyogenic granuloma: A diagnostic dilemma

Pyogenic granulomas and hemangiomas of oral cavity are well-known benign lesions. Although pyogenic granuloma is known to show a striking predilection for the gingiva and capillary hemangioma for lips, check, and tongue, palatal occurrence of these lesions is extremely rare. The clinical diagnosis of such an uncommon occurrence can be quite challenging as they sometimes may mimic more serious lesions such as malignancies. The purpose of this article is to report an unusual case of benign tumor occurring on hard palate which was clinically diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma and histopathologically as capillary hemangioma.
Body Mass Index, Prostate Cancer–Specific Mortality, and Biochemical Recurrence: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Increasing evidence suggested obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), was associated with prostate cancer–specific mortality, and its impact on biochemical recurrence was also inconclusive. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and bibliographies of retrieved studies up to January 5, 2010. We used random-effects meta-analysis to assess the relative risks (RR) of prostate cancer-specific mortality and biochemical recurrence associated with a 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI. Among the six population-based cohort studies in 1,263,483 initially cancer-free men, 6,817 prostate cancer deaths occurred; a 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with 15% (RR: 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.25, P < 0.01) higher risk of dying of prostate cancer. In the six postdiagnosis survival studies on 18,203 patients with 932 prostate cancer deaths, a 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with 20% higher prostate cancer–specific mortality (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.99–1.46, P = 0.06). In the sixteen studies which followed 26,479 prostate cancer patients after primary treatment, a 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI was significantly associated with 21% increased risk of biochemical recurrence (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11–1.31 P < 0.01). Elevated BMI is associated with risk of prostate cancer–specific mortality in prospective cohort studies and biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer patients. Its association with prostate cancer–specific mortality in diagnosed patients needs to be further evaluated. Cancer Prev Res; 4(4); 486–501. ©2011 AACR.
The impact of access to post-secondry education information on "rural origin" students' access to higher education: A case of three schools in Ntabamhlophe, Kwazule-Natal

Inequalities in recruitment, enrolment, and throughput rates in higher education among different socio-economic classes in the democratic South Africa have remained challenging to reduce. Unpacking spatial differences in access to post-secondary education information can strengthen initiatives aimed at reducing such inequalities. Research on access to and success at post-secondary education has based the vulnerability of students from disadvantaged backgrounds heavily on financial constraints. Neglecting the issue of information or Higher Education knowledge which plays a very important role in decision making. It is a challenge for people from disadvantaged backgrounds to find their way through the inexplicable labyrinth of academic forms, financial aid applications, faculty handbooks and prospectuses. Even in Higher Education people have access to formal and informal resources of information. The formal resources which include guidance counsellors, college training in AP courses (in the case of USA), college handbooks and university open days are readily available at wealthier schools than the poorer ones. It is however the informal knowledge networks that really matter in preparing for Higher Education application and admission. This paper argues that the adoption of market-related strategies in student recruitment results in uninformed and underprepared learners about prospects and possibilities of educational options and opportunities. Hence later on they take longer to complete or even drop out.
Effect of BCG vaccine on tuberculin skin tests in 1‐6‐year‐old children

Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccination used in the prevention of tuberculosis may cause problems in interpreting the tuberculin skin test (TST), which is commonly used in the diagnosis of infection. A limited number of studies have been undertaken to investigate how length of time after BCG vaccination affects TST results. TST induration values of unvaccinated children were compared with those of children vaccinated once in order to determine the changes in TST responses after BCG vaccination. Mantoux TSTs were administered to 1145 children aged 1–6 y and induration was measured at 72 h. BCG scar status and average TST induration diameters were identified for each age group.
AN ANALYISS OF PRE - SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION FOR INCLUSION OF CHILDREN WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT

Proponents of inclusion in special needs education argue that it is a human right for children with special needs to attain education with their ordinary peers. Underlying inclusion is the assumption thast teachers have the knowledge for addressing the diverse needs of learners in their classrooms. This study explored the provisions that might enable pre-service teacher trainees in Uganda to acquire knowledge for implementing inclusion for children with hearing impairment and the challenges that may hinder them from achieving that goal. The sample consisted of five teacher trainers and six teacher trainees. Data was collected using focus group discussions and interviews and analyzed following the thematic analysis procedures. The findings show that trainees might acquire knowledge for implementing inclusion from provisions made in the syllabus for special needs education and the college. Challenges in the teacher education system and negative attitudes may, however, hinder the achievement of this goal.
Board Composition and Financial Performance

The present article makes an attempt to empirically examine the linkage between board composition and financial performance of the listed Indian and Chinse firms spanning over the period from 2010 to 2014. Board composition comprises of the four variables, namely, board size, auditors’ quality, CEO duality and proportion of independent directors on the board. The study finds that for Indian firms, the separation between the chief executive officer (CEO) and the chairperson does have positive impact on the firms’ return on equity (ROE), while for the Chinese firms, the proportion of independent directors on the board does significantly influence ROE of the firms. Firms with higher proportion of independent directors on their boards experience greater ROE. However, auditors’ quality and board size are not found to have any impact on the ROE of the firms of either country.
Food additive carrageenan: Part II: A critical review of carrageenan in vivo safety studies

Abstract Carrageenan (CGN) is a seaweed-derived high molecular weight (Mw) hydrocolloid, primarily used as a stabilizer and thickener in food. The safety of CGN regarding its use in food is reviewed. Based on experimental studies in animals, ingested CGN is excreted quantitatively in the feces. Studies have shown that CGN is not significantly degraded by low gastric pH or microflora in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Due to its Mw, structure and its stability when bound to protein, CGN is not significantly absorbed or metabolized. CGN also does not significantly affect the absorption of nutrients. Subchronic and chronic feeding studies in rodents indicate that CGN at doses up to 5% in the diet does not induce any toxicological effects other than soft stools or diarrhea, which are a common effect for non-digestible high molecular weight compounds. Review of several studies from numerous species indicates that food grade CGN does not produce intestinal ulceration at doses up to 5% in the diet. Effects of CGN on the immune system following parenteral administration are well known, but not relevant to food additive uses. The majority of the studies evaluating the immunotoxicity potential were conducted with CGN administered in drinking water or by oral gavage where CGN exists in a random, open structured molecular conformation, particularly the lambda form; hence, it has more exposure to the intestinal mucosa than when bound to protein in food. Based on the many animal subchronic and chronic toxicity studies, CGN has not been found to affect the immune system, as judged by lack of effects on organ histopathology, clinical chemistry, hematology, normal health, and the lack of target organ toxicities. In these studies, animals consumed CGN at orders of magnitude above levels of CGN in the human diet: ≥1000 mg/kg/d in animals compared to 18–40 mg/kg/d estimated in the human diet. Dietary CGN has been shown to lack carcinogenic, tumor promoter, genotoxic, developmental, and reproductive effects in animal studies. CGN in infant formula has been shown to be safe in infant baboons and in an epidemiology study on human infants at current use levels.
Small-Sample Tests for Stock Return Predictability with Possibly Non-Stationary Regressors and GARCH-Type Effects

We develop a simulation-based procedure to test for stock return predictability with multiple regressors. The process governing the regressors is left completely free and the test procedure remains valid in small samples even in the presence of non-normalities and GARCH-type effects in the stock returns. The usefulness of the new procedure is demonstrated both in a simulation study and by examining the ability of a group of financial variables to predict excess stock returns. We find robust evidence of predictability during the period 1948–2014, driven entirely by the term spread. This empirical evidence, however, is much weaker over subsamples.
Relationship between serum testosterone levels and features of the metabolic syndrome defining criteria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND There are increasing reports on the association between the testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) and increased risk of development of the metabolic syndrome - a well recognized cardiovascular risk factor in men with diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between serum testosterone levels and components of the metabolic syndrome in Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nigerian men. METHODS A total of 203 men with type 2 DM aged 30-86 years were evaluated for the testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). The diagnosis of the TDS or hypogonadism was made using a combination of clinical features of hypogonadism and subnormal levels of total testosterone. The presence of the metabolic syndrome was sought for in those with and without the TDS. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the new criteria by the International Diabetes Federation and related bodies. RESULTS The overall prevalence rates of the TDS and the metabolic syndrome in the study subjects were 36% and 44% respectively. The proportion of the subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome (METS) was comparable in subjects with and without the TDS. (47% vs 43%, p = 0.6). Using the Mann Whitney U test, the mean rank of the testosterone level in the subjects with the METS was lower than that of those without the METS but this difference was not statistically significant (67.2 vs 66, p =0.9). CONCLUSION The frequency of occurrence of the metabolic syndrome in men with type 2DM is comparable in those with hypogonadism and those without hypogonadism. There is no correlation between serum testosterone levels and the metabolic syndrome defining parameters.
Ubiquinone and Menaquinone Electron Carriers Represent the Yin and Yang in the Redox Regulation of the ArcB Sensor Kinase

ABSTRACT The Arc two-component system, comprising the ArcB sensor kinase and the ArcA response regulator, modulates the expression of numerous genes in response to respiratory growth conditions. Under aerobic growth conditions, the ubiquinone electron carriers were proposed to silence the kinase activity of ArcB by oxidizing two cytosol-located redox-active cysteine residues that participate in intermolecular disulfide bond formation. Here, we confirm the role of the ubiquinone electron carriers as the silencing signal of ArcB in vivo, we show that the redox potential of ArcB is about −41 mV, and we demonstrate that the menaquinols are required for proper ArcB activation upon a shift from aerobic to anaerobic growth conditions. Thus, an essential link in the Arc signal transduction pathway connecting the redox state of the quinone pool to the transcriptional apparatus is elucidated.
Relapse of multiple myeloma after autologous transplantation: survival after salvage therapy.

Owing to lack of progress with standard chemotherapy and the presence of a dose response effect for alkylating agents, autotransplantation is performed with increasing frequency for multiple myeloma (MM). However, sustained relapse-free survival is still infrequent. We studied 94 patients who had relapsed following autotransplantation, in order to evaluate the efficacy of further therapy. Post-transplant salvage treatment consisted of either standard dose therapy (53) or transplantation with an intensive preparative regimen (with autograft support in 31 and allogeneic transplantation in 10). Complete remission (CR) rate, event-free and overall survival were assessed and prognostic variables identified in a multivariate regression analysis. With a median follow-up of 11 months, the projected overall survival at 18 months for all patients is 59%. A multivariate analysis identified pre-salvage beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) < or = 2.5 mg/l (P = 0.0002) and late relapse after the preceding transplant ( > 12 months; (P = 0.02) as independent significant favorable variables for overall survival. By combining pre-salvage B2M and the time to relapse, 2 risk groups of patients could be identified with significantly different overall survival: those with at least one favorable variable had a projected survival at 18 months of 79%, compared to 38% for patients with no favorable variable. Transplantation performed as primary salvage therapy was associated with a significantly prolonged survival (P = 0.009), although this may be more a reflection of the way salvage therapy was selected.