Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing, controlling, and assuring the quality of medical information on the Internet: Caveant lector et viewor--Let the reader and viewer beware.

Health care professionals and patients alike should view with equal parts delight and concern the exponential growth of the Internet (the Net), and especially its graphical, user-friendly subset, the World Wide Web (the Web), as a medical information delivery tool. 1,2 Delight because the Internet hosts a large number of high-quality medical resources and poses seemingly endless opportunities to inform, teach, and connect professionals and patients alike. Concern because the fulfillment of that promise remains discouragingly distant. Technical glitches aside, when it comes to medical information, the Internet too often resembles a cocktail conversation rather than a tool for effective health care communication and decision making. See also p 1258. The problem is not too little information but too much, vast chunks of it incomplete, misleading, or inaccurate, and not only in the medical arena. 3,4 The Net—and especially the Web—has the potential to become the world's largest vanity press.
Primary pancreatic lymphoma: report of six cases.

AIM To heighten recognition of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) in clinical practice. METHODS A retrospective review of the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics and pathological features of PPL patients were presented, as well as their diagnosis and treatment, in combination with literature review. RESULTS Histological diagnosis was made in four patients by surgery and in two patients by EUS-FNA. The six PPL patients (5 males and 1 female; age range, 16-65 years; mean age, 46 years) had the duration of symptoms for two weeks to three months. The primary presenting symptoms, though not characteristic, were abdominal pain, abdominal masses, weight loss, jaundice, nausea and vomiting. One of the patients developed acute pancreatitis. In one patient, the level of serum CA19-9 was 76.3 microg/L. Abdominal CT scan showed that three of the six tumors were located in the head of pancreas, two in the body and tail, and one throughout the pancreas. Diameter of the tumors in the pancreas in four cases was more than 6 cm, with homogeneous density and unclear borders. Enhanced CT scan showed that only the tumor edges were slightly enhanced. The pancreatic duct was irregularly narrowed in two cases whose tumors were located in the pancreatic head and body, in which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) showed that the proximal segment was slightly dilated. Two patients underwent Whipple operation, one patient underwent pancreatectomy, and another patient underwent operative biliary decompression. PPL was in stage I E in 2 patients and in stage II E in 4 patients according to the Ann Arbor classification system. The diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was made in all patients histopathologically. All six patients underwent systemic chemotherapy, one of whom was also treated with gamma radiometry. One patient died two weeks after diagnosis, two patients lost follow-up, two patients who received chemotherapy survived 49 and 37 mo, and the remaining patient is still alive 21 mo, after diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSION PPL is a rare form of extranodal lymphoma originating from the pancreatic parenchyma. Clinical and imaging findings are otherwise not specific in the differentiation of pancreatic lymphoma and pancreatic cancer, which deserves attention. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of the pancreas requires experienced cytopathologists as well as advanced immunohistochemical assays to obtain a final diagnosis on a small amount of tissue. Surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy can produce fairly good outcomes.
Transcranial direct current stimulation of the posterior parietal cortex modulates arithmetic learning

The successful acquisition of arithmetic skills is an essential step in the development of mathematical competencies and has been associated with neural activity in the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC). It is unclear, however, whether this brain region plays a causal role in arithmetic skill acquisition and whether arithmetic learning can be modulated by means of non‐invasive brain stimulation of this key region. In the present study we addressed these questions by applying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left PPC during a short‐term training that simulates the typical path of arithmetic skill acquisition (specifically the transition from effortful procedural to memory‐based problem‐solving strategies). Sixty participants received either anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS while practising complex multiplication and subtraction problems. The stability of the stimulation‐induced learning effects was assessed in a follow‐up test 24 h after the training. Learning progress was modulated by tDCS. Cathodal tDCS (compared with sham) decreased learning rates during training and resulted in poorer performance which lasted over 24 h after stimulation. Anodal tDCS showed an operation‐specific improvement for subtraction learning. Our findings extend previous studies by demonstrating that the left PPC is causally involved in arithmetic learning (and not only in arithmetic performance) and that even a short‐term tDCS application can modulate the success of arithmetic knowledge acquisition. Moreover, our finding of operation‐specific anodal stimulation effects suggests that the enhancing effects of tDCS on learning can selectively affect just one of several cognitive processes mediated by the stimulated area.
Emotion Vocabulary in Interlanguage

Recent research in linguistics singles out emotion words as different from other abstract words. The goal of this article is to examine five factors that may impact the use of L2 emotion vocabulary. The first study considers the impact of language proficiency, gender, and extraversion on the use of emotion words in the advanced French interlanguage of 29 Dutch L1 speakers. The second examines the influence of sociocultural competence, gender, and type of linguistic material on the use of emotion vocabulary in the advanced English IL of 34 Russian L1 speakers. Combined, the results of the two studies demonstrate that the use of emotion words in IL is linked to proficiency level, type of linguistic material, extraversion, and, in some cases, gender of IL speakers.
A clinical and histopathologic focus on Barrett esophagus and Barrett-related dysplasia.

CONTEXT Barrett esophagus is a metaplastic, premalignant lesion associated with approximately 0.5% annual incidence of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis and screening of Barrett esophagus and Barrett-related dysplasia relies on histologic evaluation of endoscopic mucosal biopsies, a process that is burdened with interobserver variability. OBJECTIVES To review the histologic features and classification of Barrett esophagus and Barrett-related dysplasia, to discuss the underlying difficulties in diagnosis and pitfalls, and to provide a brief review of new developments related to therapeutic modalities for patients diagnosed with dysplasia. DATA SOURCES Sources include a review of relevant literature indexed in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine). CONCLUSIONS In spite of interobserver variability, histologic assessment of dysplasia is currently the accepted method of surveillance, and subsequent patient management is dictated by this evaluation. Although not universal, endoscopic therapy is increasingly important in replacing esophagectomy for patients with high-grade dysplasia or early carcinoma.
Microtechnique for quantitative evaluation of in vitro lymphocyte transformation.

A microtechnique is described to quantitate in vitro transformation of lymphocytes from man and marmosets following stimulation by PHA and different antigens. The 14C-thymidine uptake of lymphocytes grown in cultures of 0·06–0·2 ml of whole blood was measured by liquid scintillation. The magnitude, consistency and reproducibility of the results were similar to those achieved using cultures of purified lymphocytes or cell-rich plasma but fewer technical procedures were required.
Political Information Acquisition for Social Exchange

Why do citizens get politically informed in a democracy? On one hand, being informed allows a citizen to participate in political discussions within her social network. On the other hand, having an informed opinion can help her to extend her social network. This paper builds a simple model on these insights and finds that effort in political information acquisition has inverted-U shape in the size of social network. The data from the 2000 American National Election Study and the 2002–2006 European Social Surveys confirm this theory: political information acquisition, political knowledge, and interest in politics increase with the size of social network, at a decreasing rate. The effect of social network is much weaker for the political efficacy measures for the United States, but not for Europe.
Pharmacological profile of the vascular responses to dopamine in the canine external carotid circulation.

The present study investigated the effects of dopamine on the canine external carotid circulation. One min. intracarotid artery (i.c.) infusions of dopamine (10-310 microg min.-1) produced dose-dependent decreases in the canine external carotid conductance without affecting blood pressure or heart rate. This effect was mimicked by the D1/2-like receptor agonist apomorphine (1-310 microg min-1), but not by the D2-like receptor agonist, bromocriptine (31-310 microg min.-1). In contrast, fenoldopam (1-310 microg min.-1, intracarotid), a D1-like receptor agonist, produced dose-dependent increases in external carotid conductance. The vasoconstrictor response to dopamine was abolished after intravenous administration of the antagonists, phentolamine (alpha1/2; 2000 microg kg-1) or rauwolscine (alpha2; 100 microg kg-1), but remained unaffected after prazosin (alpha1; 100 microg kg-1) or haloperidol (D2-like; 1000 microg kg-1). Interestingly, after phentolamine not only were the vasoconstrictor responses to dopamine abolished, but even a dose-dependent vasodilator component was unmasked. These vasodilator responses to dopamine remained unchanged after intravenous haloperidol or propranolol (1000 microg kg-1 each). On the other hand, the vasodilator responses to fenoldopam, which remained unchanged after intravenous saline (0.1 ml kg-1), propranolol (1000 microg kg-1) or vagosympathectomy, were abolished by the D1-like receptor antagonist, SCH-23390 (10 microg kg-1). Lastly, the responses to dopamine and fenoldopam were not significantly altered after intraperitoneal pretreatment with reserpine (5 mg kg-1; -24 hr). The above results suggest that the canine external carotid vasoconstrictor responses to dopamine: (i) are mainly mediated by alpha2-adrenoceptors; and (ii) overshadow a vasodilator component, which involves vascular D1-like receptors.
Testing Moderators of Message Framing Effect

A 2 (frame: gain vs. loss) × 2 (evaluative input: high vs. low) × 3 (target behavior: sunscreen, self-exam, and indoor tanning) quasi-experimental study (N = 452) was conducted to test moderators of message framing effect. The results showed that effectiveness of a frame is a function of its evaluative input. There was evidence that the gain frame is more effective for prevention behavior and the loss frame for detection behavior. There was no evidence that proscriptive vs. prescriptive behaviors moderated framing effect. Data also suggested that dispositional motivations can be a moderator of message framing effect, but might be contingent upon level of evaluative input and type of behavior.
Dacite formation at Ilopango Caldera, El Salvador: U‐series disequilibrium and implications for petrogenetic processes and magma storage time

Ilopango Caldera was formed ∼1810 years ago by eruption of the Tierra Blanca Joven (TBJ) dacite (70 km3) in central El Salvador. A subsequent eruption in 1880 produced a cluster of dacite domes in the center of Lago Ilopango that contain olive‐bearing enclaves of basaltic andesite. The purpose of this study is to use trace element, isotope, and U‐series data from the TBJ and 1880 eruptions to assess petrogenesis and the timescale of magma storage. We find that although the range of trace element data in the TBJ dacite can be reproduced by simple crystal fractionation of a plagioclase‐ and amphibole‐rich mineral assemblage, the87Sr/86Sr and 207Pb/204Pb data suggest that the 1880 basaltic andesite enclave has a different source than the dacites. This is consistent with U‐series data that show the TBJ dacites have lower (230Th/232Th) than the 1880 basaltic andesite enclave (1.5 versus 1.6, respectively). All Ilopango rocks have 230Th excesses, and the range in (238U/232Th) of the TBJ dacites can be modeled by crystal fractionation of a mineral assemblage including accessory zircon and allanite from a magma that is similar in composition to the enclave. Mineral isochrons yield crystallization ages of <10,000 years, and disequilibrium (226Ra/230Th) values suggest a similarly short residence time. Our data suggest that the large volumes of erupted dacite at Ilopango Caldera are generated very rapidly.
In vivo and in vitro metabolism of trans-resveratrol by human gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND Strong interindividual differences in the microbial conversion of some dietary polyphenols have been reported. In-depth studies of trans-resveratrol metabolism by human gut microbiota, however, are lacking, and only one bacterial metabolite, namely dihydroresveratrol, has been described. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to elucidate interindividual differences in trans-resveratrol metabolism by human gut microbiota and to identify bacterial strains involved. DESIGN In the first part of the study, in vitro fermentation experiments were performed with feces samples from 7 healthy volunteers, and metabolite formation was measured by liquid chromatography-ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis)-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS detection. Microbial diversities in 3 feces samples were analyzed by high-throughput pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, trans-resveratrol conversion experiments were conducted with selected fecal bacterial strains in pure culture. The second part of the study was a controlled intervention study with 12 healthy volunteers. After a washout period, all of the subjects received a one-time oral dose of 0.5 mg trans-resveratrol/kg body weight in the form of a grapevine-shoot supplement, and 24-h urine samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-UV/Vis-MS/MS. RESULTS Besides dihydroresveratrol, 2 previously unknown bacterial trans-resveratrol metabolites were identified in vitro and in vivo: 3,4'-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene and 3,4'-dihydroxybibenzyl (lunularin). Their formation, however, varied among the volunteers. Two strains, Slackia equolifaciens and Adlercreutzia equolifaciens, were identified as dihydroresveratrol producers. Gut bacteria able to produce dehydroxylated metabolites could, however, not be identified. CONCLUSIONS trans-Resveratrol metabolism by human gut microbiota shows pronounced interindividual differences, which should be taken into account during investigation of health-related effects of this stilbene. This trial was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register as DRKS00004311, Universal Trial Number (WHO) UTN: U1111-1133-4621.
Geographical characterization of the triatomine infestations in north–central Guatemala

Abstract In an entomological study in 2002, the degree of domestic and peridomestic infestation with triatomine bugs and the geographical distribution of such infestations were investigated in north–central Guatemala. The survey team searched for triatomines in houses constructed with mud walls or thatched roofs, in villages suspected of being infested. The level of infestation observed was lower than that seen in the same area and in eastern Guatemala, in a preliminary survey, 3 years earlier. Most of the infestations detected were of Triatoma dimidiata but even this species was found in <7% of the houses investigated. Infestations with Rhodnius prolixus or other potential vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi were much rarer. The generally low levels of infestation make the elimination of R. prolixus and the reduction of the domestic population of Tri. dimidiata feasible in the study area. The southern part of the study area had higher levels of domestic infestation and colonization than the north, and peridomestic infestation was highest in the south–west. Given such geographical variation in the pattern of infestation, it would seem wise to stratify the study region into areas of high, moderate and low-risk of human–triatomine contact, so that appropriate vector-control strategies can be targeted at the worst-affected areas. Regular entomological surveillance, ideally with community participation, is recommended. Analysis of the relationship between the geographical patterns of infestation and factors such as vegetation, altitude and vector migration would be useful.
Estudio numérico parametrizado del punzonamiento en losas de hormigón armado: Evaluación del refuerzo estructural

En el presente trabajo se aborda la tesis “Estudio parametrico con FEM del refuerzo a punzonamiento de losas de hormigon armado”. Se trata de todo lo relacionado con el fenomeno resistente de punzonamiento en estructuras, especialmente en forjados construidos mediante hormigon armado. Se trata de cuatro apartados bien diferenciados. En este, el primero, se desarrolla la sintesis de la tesis, donde se marcan unos objetivos, seguido de una explicacion detallada y descripcion de este fenomeno mediante su estado del arte, que abarca el grueso de este primer apartado, en el cual se describen, entre otros aspectos, las diferentes patologias producidas por el punzonamiento y casos de sucesos catastroficos que provocaron, la historia de los forjados y los principales estudios llevados a cabo sobre este fenomeno, y acabando con las principales resultados y conclusiones de la tesis. Despues, el segundo y tercer apartado contienen los articulos publicados y no publicados, respectivamente, por capitulos. Por ultimo, se desarrollan las conclusiones en el ultimo y cuarto apartado.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy complications in 671 consecutive patients: a single-center experience.

PURPOSE To evaluate major and minor complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and their management in our consecutive cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed medical records of 671 patients who had undergone PCNL in our center from March 2000 to March 2006. The demographic data, stone parameters, PCNL complications, and stone-free rate were evaluated. Multiple parameters were evaluated for their association with PCNL complications using Chi-Square test. RESULTS Complications occurred in 203 (30.3%) patients; renal parenchymal injury in 103 (15.4%), peri-operative bleeding in 42 (6.3%), late bleeding in 6 (0.9%), renal collecting ducts injury in 35 (5.2%), fever in 7 (1.0%), colon perforation in 2 (0.3%), major vessels injury in 3 (0.4%), pneumothorax in 3 (0.4%), and hemothorax in 2 (0.3%) subjects. Mortality occurred in 1 patient with colon perforation (0.15%). CONCLUSION Percutaneous nephrolithotomy has low complication rate in experienced hands.
State of Content: Healthcare Executive’s Role in Information Technology Adoption

Over the past 30 years, researchers have demonstrated that health care information technology (HIT) can improve patient safety and quality of care. More recently, attention has turned increasingly to the role of information and communication technology as a means to improve clinical decision-making as well as organizational efficiency and effective- ness. Despite these streams of research, there is a lack of investigation that look at why and how health care executives leverage HIT. In this paper, the researchers investigate factors that may have an impact on health care executives’ intentions to further adopt HIT in their workplace. The analysis of collected data suggests that these factors play a significant role in increased HIT adoption in the future.
Mapping Epitopes of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein with Naturally Acquired Inhibitory Antibodies

ABSTRACT Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP) is a merozoite microneme ligand vital for blood-stage infection, which makes it an important candidate vaccine for antibody-mediated immunity against vivax malaria. A differential screen with a linear peptide array compared the reactivities of noninhibitory and inhibitory high-titer human immune sera to identify target epitopes associated with protective immunity. Naturally acquired anti-DBP-specific serologic responses observed in the residents of a region of Papua New Guinea where P. vivax is highly endemic exhibited significant changes in DBP-specific titers over time. The anti-DBP functional inhibition for each serum ranged from complete inhibition to no inhibition even for high-titer responders to the DBP, indicating that epitope specificity is important. Inhibitory immune human antibodies identified specific B-cell linear epitopes on the DBP (SalI) ligand domain that showed significant correlations with inhibitory responses. Affinity-purified naturally acquired antibodies on these epitopes inhibited the DBP erythrocyte binding function greatly, confirming the protective value of specific epitopes. These results represent an important advance in our understanding of part of blood-stage immunity to P. vivax and some of the specific targets for vaccine-elicited antibody protection.
Effects of Cardio-Pilates Exercise Program on Physical Characteristics of Females.

Aim: This study aims to investigate to effects of four weeks cardio-Pilates exercise program on physical characteristics in females. Material and methods: The total 40 female participants were tested before and after four weeks regular exercise of 3 × 1 hr. sessions/week. Body height and weight, waist and hip circumferences, body fat percent and weight were measured. To test the differences, a paired t-test was used. Results: This study showed that cardio-Pilates exercise program significantly decreased body fat percent, body fat weight, waist and hip circumferences. Cohen's d calculations showed that four weeks exercise program had a significant moderato effect on body fat percent, body fat weight, waist and hip circumferences in females. Conclusion: Four weeks exercise program seems to be effective in decreasing the body fat and circumference values in females. It was concluded that the magnitude of training effect depends on the duration and intensity of the exercise program.
Proteomics and plant disease: Advances in combating a major threat to the global food supply

The study of plant disease and immunity is benefiting tremendously from proteomics. Parallel streams of research from model systems, from pathogens in vitro and from the relevant pathogen‐crop interactions themselves have begun to reveal a model of how plants succumb to invading pathogens and how they defend themselves without the benefit of a circulating immune system. In this review, we discuss the contribution of proteomics to these advances, drawing mainly on examples from crop‐fungus interactions, from Arabidopsis‐bacteria interactions, from elicitor‐based model systems and from pathogen studies, to highlight also the important contribution of non‐crop systems to advancing crop protection.