Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A Deficiency and Child Survival in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Reappraisal of Challenges and Opportunities

Background Children with vitamin A deficiency have higher risk of morbidity and mortality than vitamin A–sufficient children. Estimates on the potential child survival benefits of vitamin A deficiency control are needed for policy and program advocacy. Objective To determine the current prevalence of children at risk for vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa in order to estimate the potential child-survival benefits of effective and sustained policies and programs for the control of vitamin A deficiency in this region. Methods Estimates of the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency generated in 1998, data from 11 nationally representative vitamin A deficiency surveys conducted in sub-Saharan Africa between 1997 and 2003, and the measured effects of vitamin A deficiency on child mortality were combined to estimate the prevalence of children at risk for vitamin A deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa and the potential child-survival benefits of effective and sustained policies and programs for the control of vitamin A deficiency in this region. Results Our analysis shows that in the absence of effective and sustained policies and programs for the control of vitamin A deficiency, an estimated 42.4% of children 0 to 59 months of age in sub-Saharan Africa (43.2 million children) are at risk for vitamin A deficiency. Such effective and sustained policy and program action for the control of vitamin A deficiency can bring about a potential 25% reduction in mortality in children 0 to 59 months with respect to 1995 mortality levels (i.e., before the onset of large-scale vitamin A supplementation programs in sub-Saharan Africa). Conclusions Effective and sustained control of vitamin A deficiency has the potential to be among the most cost-effective and high-impact child-survival interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. A stronger political commitment and a more appropriate level of investment in the effective control of vitamin A deficiency could make a large contribution toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal for the reduction of child mortality rates by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. Among the many challenges that Africa will need to face in the coming years, vitamin A deficiency is one that can be overcome. The need is urgent, and the solutions are known, effective, and affordable.
Heart rate variability and exercise in aging women.

BACKGROUND Our group has shown a positive dose-response in maximal cardiorespiratory exercise capacity (VO(2max)) and heart rate variability (HRV) to 6 months of exercise training but no improvement in VO(2max) for women ≥60 years. Here, we examine the HRV response to exercise training in postmenopausal women younger and older than 60 years. METHODS We examined 365 sedentary, overweight, hypertensive, postmenopausal women randomly assigned to sedentary control or exercise groups exercising at 50% (4 kcal/kg/week, [KKW]), 100% (8 KKW) and 150% (12 KKW) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Development Panel physical activity guidelines. Primary outcomes included time and frequency domain indices of HRV. RESULTS Overall, our analysis demonstrated a significant improvement in parasympathetic tone (rMSSD and high frequency power) for both age strata at 8 KKW and 12 KKW. For rMSSD, the age-stratified responses were: control, <60 years, 0.20 ms, 95% confidence interval (CI)-2.40, 2.81; ≥60 years, 0.07 ms, 95% CI -3.64, 3.79; 4 KKW, <60 years, 3.67 ms, 95% CI 1.55, 5.79; ≥60 years, 1.20 ms, 95% CI -1.82, 4.22; 8-KKW, <60 years, 3.61 ms, 95% CI 0.88, 6.34; ≥60 years, 5.75 ms, 95% CI 1.89, 9.61; and 12-KKW, <60 years, 5.07 ms, 95% CI 2.53, 7.60; ≥60 years, 4.28 ms, 95% CI 0.42, 8.14. CONCLUSIONS VO(2max) and HRV are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Despite no improvement in VO(2max), parasympathetic indices of HRV increased in women ≥60 years. This is clinically important, as HRV has important CVD risk and neurovisceral implications beyond cardiorespiratory function.
Attitudes versus achievement in pre-service mathematics teacher education

Attitudes are generally regarded as having been learnt. They predispose an individual to action that has some degree of consistency. The experiences of pre-service teachers influence the formation of attitudes and these, in turn, influence their classroom practices. These attitudes and practices may sometimes be at variance with the main direction of their tertiary teaching methods courses. Thus it is crucial in assisting pre-service teachers to understand their own attitudes and practices that these attitudes be made explicit and examined. This paper reports upon part of a larger study that focussed upon pre-service primary teachers in their first mathematics pedagogy subject at the University of Western Sydney. The students completed three data collection instruments: an achievement test of the mathematics they would be expected to teach; a survey of their beliefs about mathematics, mathematics teaching and mathematics learning; and a survey of their attitudes towards mathematics and mathematics teaching. This paper only reports the data from the achievement test and the attitude survey, and investigates the relationships between these data.
Parapartum mental illness: an interview follow‐up study

A total of 54 parapartum mentally ill mothers and 89 controls were followed up approximately 6 years after childbirth. In total, 80% of the patients avoided further pregnancies during the follow‐up period, compared to 58% of the controls (non‐significant difference). One‐third of the patients did not live together with their child, compared to only 3% of the controls. Index mothers tended to report more problematic relationships with their children. Poor childhood relationships during the mother's own childhood seem to be of special significance for the development of these problems. This study suggests a rather gloomy prognosis for parapartum mental illness. The suicide rate was 4.5%. In total, 22% of the patients, compared to none of the controls, had been on sick leave during the last 3 years, or had received a disability pension owing to mental illness at the time of the follow‐up. The readmission rate for psychiatric in‐patient care was 46% in the patient group.
Famitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a single center study

Background Famitinib is a novel and potent multitargeting receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The phase I clinical study showed that famitinib was well tolerated and had a broad anti‐tumor spectrum. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of famitinib for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods The data of famitinib in treating patients with mRCC from the single‐center phases I and II clinical trials were analyzed. Famitinib was administered orally at the dose of 13‐30 mg once daily until tumor progression, occurrence of intolerable adverse reactions or withdrawal of the informed consent. Results A total of 24 patients with mRCC were treated including 17 patients at a dose of 25 mg once daily, 4 patients at a dose of 27 mg and 1 patient each at a dose of 13 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg, respectively. Twelve (50.0%) patients achieved partial response (PR) and 9 patients achieved stable disease (SD). Progressive disease was found in 3 (12.5%) patients. The disease control rate was 87.5%. The median follow‐up time was 17.6 months; the median progression free survival (PFS) was 10.7 (95% CI 7.0‐14.4) months; and the estimated median overall survival (OS) time was 33.0 (95% CI 8.7‐57.3) months. The adverse drug reactions mainly included hypertension (54.1%), hand‐foot skin reactions (45.8%), diarrhea (33.3%), mucositis (29.2%), neutropenia (45.8%), thrombocytopenia (29.2%), hyperlipidemia (41.7%) and proteinuria (41.7%). The incidence rate of grades 3 and 4 adverse events was low, mainly including hypertension 12.5%, hand‐foot skin reactions 4.2%, neutropenia 4.2%, thrombocytopenia 4.2%, hyperlipidemia 4.2% and proteinuria 12.5%. Conclusions Famitinib has significant anti‐tumor activity in mRCC. The common adverse reactions are generally manageable.
A systematic review of the activity and impact of emergency care practioners in the NHS

Background The NHS has seen a great expansion in the number of emergency care practitioners (ECPs) working in prehospital, primary and acute care settings since the role was introduced in 2003. This paper updates and expands on two previous reviews of ECP roles by identifying and discussing all empirical studies to date that examined the impact of ECP services in the NHS. Objectives To summarise the national evidence-based literature on the impact of ECPs on healthcare delivery, effectiveness of practice and related health service resource use. Methods Searches in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases, and two internet search engines (Google and Google Scholar). Identified publications were screened for relevance and quality before a description and synthesis of their findings. No statistical comparison was undertaken. Results Studies from the peer-reviewed literature (n=15) and project reports (n=6) were included. Overall, there was evidence that investment in ECP roles is beneficial for the quality of care reported by patients and cost efficiency savings. There was clear support from staff and patients for ECP services, and a number of studies of high methodological quality described care processes (diagnosis, investigations instigated and treatment initiated) provided by ECPs to be equivalent to or better to that provided by practitioners with traditional roles. Prehospital ECPs provided ‘added value’ by treating more patients at the scene thereby reducing unnecessary referral to emergency departments. It was often unclear whether the ECP intervention was part of a larger service change and/or new investment. Conclusions Successful implementation of the ECP role has been described. Further evaluations should consider whether the beneficial impact of the role transfers equally across all operational settings and patient groups, and is not just a reflection of new investment in clinical services.
Altered p53 and pRb expression is predictive of response to BCG treatment in T1G3 bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of p53 and retinoblastoma protein (pRb) expression in patients with stage T1 grade 3 (T1G3) bladder cancer (BC) treated by transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and intravesical instillations of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). MATERIALS AND METHODS p53 and pRb expression were independently recorded within a homogeneous series of 27 patients. Fisher exact test and the log-rank test were carried out, along with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS Sixteen tumours showed altered p53 expression, while 14 showed altered pRb expression. Overall, 7 tumours showed normal expression of both markers, 10 altered expression of one of the two markers, and 10 altered expression of both markers. Only altered pRb expression was an independent predictor of both recurrence (p=0.037) and progression (p=0.018); altered expression of both markers was a strong predictor (p=0.001) of progression. CONCLUSION This is the first study demonstrating that altered p53 and pRb expression are predictive of T1G3 BC response to BCG treatment. These findings provide grounds for inclusion and prospective validation of these markers in the decision-making process for treating BC.
Listeria monocytogenes-Infected Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Produce IL-1β, Depending on Listeriolysin O and NLRP3

Different NOD-like receptors, including NLRP1, NLRP3, and NLRC4, as well as the recently identified HIN-200 protein, AIM2, form multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes, which mediate caspase-1–dependent processing of pro-IL-1β. Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular pathogen that is actively phagocytosed by monocytes/macrophages and subsequently escapes from the phagosome into the host cell cytosol, depending on its pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO). In this study, we demonstrate that human PBMCs produced mature IL-1β when infected with wild-type L. monocytogenes or when treated with purified LLO. L. monocytogenes mutants lacking LLO or expressing a noncytolytic LLO as well as the avirulent Listeria innocua induced strongly impaired IL-1β production. RNA interference and inhibitor experiments in human PBMCs as well as experiments in Nlrp3 and Rip2 knockout bone marrow-derived macrophages demonstrated that the Listeria-induced IL-1β release was dependent on ASC, caspase-1, and NLRP3, whereas NOD2, Rip2, NLRP1, NLRP6, NLRP12, NLRC4, and AIM2 appeared to be dispensable. We found that L. monocytogenes-induced IL-1β production was largely dependent on phagosomal acidification and cathepsin B release, whereas purified LLO activated an IL-1β production independently of these mechanisms. Our results indicate that L. monocytogenes-infected human PBMCs produced IL-1β, largely depending on an LLO-mediated phagosomal rupture and cathepsin B release, which is sensed by Nlrp3. In addition, an LLO-dependent but cathepsin B-independent NLRP3 activation might contribute to some extent to the IL-1β production in L. monocytogenes-infected cells.
Sexually Selected Traits and Adult Survival: A Meta-Analysis

Traits correlated with male mating success are likely to be subject to sexual selection. Sexually selected characters are thought to be costly to develop and maintain. If males do not vary their investment in sexual traits in relation to their ability to bear the costs, there should be a negative relationship between male longevity or survival and the expression of sexual traits. In particular, a negative relationship is predicted by pure Fisherian models for the evolution of sexual ornaments. The same should also be true for traits that evolve via pleiotropy (e.g., due to sensory exploitation or bias) with no subsequent evolution of condition dependent modification. We collected information on the relationship between traits correlated with male mating rate and estimates of adult male survivorship or life span. In total we obtained 122 samples from 69 studies of 40 species of bird, spider, insect, and fish. In a meta-analysis we calculated the average sample size weighted correlation between trait expression and adult survival. Analyses at the level of samples, studies, and species revealed significant positive relationships (r = 0.08, 0.10, and 0.13, respectively; all P < 0.001). The unweighted correlation at the species level was r = 0.24. In general, males with larger ornaments or weapons, greater body size, or higher rates of courtship showed greater survivorship or longevity. This finding is inconsistent with pure Fisherian models or other models that do not incorporate condition or quality dependent trait expression. It suggests that male investment in sexually selected traits is not fixed but varies in relation to the ability to pay the underlying costs of expressing these characters. Hence, many secondary sexual characters are likely to be condition dependent in their expression.
Territorial bounds to virtual space: transnational online and offline networks of Iranian and Turkish–Kurdish immigrants in the Netherlands

In this article we question a central trope of transnationalism and new media – deterritorialization – and its application to border crossing Internet usage by Iranian and Turkish-Kurdish migrants in the Netherlands. Their Internet usage indicates the extent to which territoriality channels these groups' online practice. We found Dutch-Iranian sites reflected correspondingly sparse offline community networks and state boundaries moulded their transnational ties, while regionally specific transnational dynamics were evident in Turkish-Kurdish website surfing. These cases indicate that transnationalism and new media need not broaden or dissolve geographical identity or connectivity, but may reinforce it. Finally, we address the relations of territoriality with generation (first and second) and network medium (web forums versus conventional sites). Whereas first-generation migrants' life online often reveals extensions of offline networks, the online practice of the second generation frequently reflects these networks in subtler ways, forming partially sovereign online communities that pivot on hyphenated identities. However, the relations of generation and network medium differ for Turkish Kurds and Iranians in the Netherlands.
Whatever it Takes: Rivalry and Unethical Behavior

We investigate rivalry as a driver of unethical behavior. We first distinguish it from general competition, both conceptually and in terms of its consequences for behavior. Then, across four experiments and one archival study, we find evidence that rivalry fuels greater unethical behavior than general competition. Specifically, rivalry was associated with increased Machiavellianism, over-reporting of performance, willingness to employ unethical negotiation tactics, and unsportsmanlike behavior. Further, several of these effects carried over to subsequent situations that occurred outside of the rivalrous relationship itself, suggesting that rivalry activates a mindset that can subsequently influence unrelated decisions and behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of rivalry as a widespread, powerful, and yet largely unstudied phenomenon with significant organizational implications. Further, they help to inform when and why unethical behavior occurs within organizations, and ultimately suggest that the nature of competition is dependent upon actors’ relationships and prior interactions.
Prevalence of parkinsonism and relationship to exposure in a large sample of Alabama welders

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of parkinsonism in welders in Alabama and to compare this prevalence with that in a general population sample. Methods: The authors screened 1,423 welders from Alabama who were referred for medical–legal evaluation for Parkinson disease (PD). Standardized videotaped assessments using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor subsection 3 (UPDRS3) were obtained. Patients provided information regarding exposure to welding fumes and job titles. Job titles were matched with Department of Labor Standard Occupational Codes (SOCs). Diagnoses were assigned based on quantitative criteria for the diagnosis of PD using two thresholds for diagnosis. With use of the number of active welders in this screening with parkinsonism as the numerator and the age-adjusted number of welders in each SOC as the denominator, the prevalence of parkinsonism in Alabama welders was estimated using conservative assumptions and compared with general population data from Copiah County, MS. Results: With use of conservative and liberal case definitions of parkinsonism, the estimated prevalence of parkinsonism among active male welders age 40 to 69 statewide was 977 to 1,336 cases/100,000 population. The prevalence of parkinsonism was higher among welders vs age-standardized data for the general population (prevalence ratio = 10.19, 95% CI 4.43 to 23.43). Conclusion: The estimated prevalence of parkinsonism was higher within a sample of male Alabama welders vs the general population of male residents of Copiah County, MS.
Plasma Membrane Compartmentalization of D2 Dopamine Receptors*

Background: Plasma membrane microcompartmentalization could provide multiple unique environments for the operation of different signaling pathways. Results: An in-cell biotin transfer assay showed highly restricted cellular accessibility for a detergent-resistant but functional pool of plasma membrane-expressed D2 dopamine receptor (D2R). Conclusion: D2R is segregated in special plasma membrane microcompartments. Significance: Our data provide one of the first definitive demonstrations of plasma membrane microcompartmentalization in living cells. Plasma membrane microcompartments could allow different signaling pathways to operate more efficiently and prevent cross-talk. We utilized a novel in-cell biotin transfer assay to demonstrate that the majority of plasma membrane-expressed D2 dopamine receptor (D2R) is microcompartmentalized within detergent-resistant structures. Conversely, a minority of D2R existed in a detergent-soluble form and interacted in a relatively unrestricted manner with other cellular proteins. The microcompartmentalization of D2R had functional consequences because dopamine-induced internalization of D2R was largely restricted to the compartmentalized receptor. The D2R-containing microcompartments did not correspond to putative detergent-resistant lipid raft structures. First, the detergent-insoluble D2R structures were significantly denser than detergent-resistant membrane fragments containing flotillin, a widely utilized lipid raft marker protein. Second, the detergent solubility of D2R was unaffected by treatment of cells with the cholesterol chelating agent, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, that is thought to disrupt lipid rafts. Finally, the in-cell biotinylation assay did not provide any evidence for the membrane compartmentalization of peptide motifs thought to target to lipid rafts. Thus, our observations form one of the first demonstrations, in living cells, of plasma membrane microcompartments defined by the ability of the compartment structure to broadly restrict the interaction of resident molecules with other cellular proteins.
Effect of sitagliptin on post-prandial glucagon and GLP-1 levels in patients with type 1 diabetes: investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE Peripheral insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes may be related to a paradoxical postprandial glucagon increase. This study evaluated the effects of sitagliptin (dipeptidyl peptidase-IV [DPP-IV] inhibitor, approved for patients with type 2 diabetes), in adults with type 1 diabetes to improve glycemic control through decreasing postprandial glucagon. METHODS This investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized-parallel 20-week study enrolled 141 subjects. Subjects received sitagliptin 100 mg/day or placebo for 16 weeks. A subset of 85 patients wore blinded continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for 5 separate 7-day periods. The primary outcome was post-meal (Boost™) reduction in 4-hour glucagon area under the curve (AUC). Secondary endpoints included changes in glycated hemoglobin (A1c), CGM data, insulin dose, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and C-peptide levels. RESULTS There were no differences at screening between groups; however, after a 4-week run-in phase, A1c was significantly lower in the sitagliptin vs. placebo group. Post-meal GLP-1 levels were higher (P<.001) and GIP levels lower (P = .03), with glucagon suppression at 30 minutes (LS means 23.2 ± 1.9 versus 16.0 ± 1.8; P = .006) in the sitagliptin group at 16 weeks. There were no differences between the groups in change in A1c, insulin dose, weight, or C-peptide after 16 weeks of treatment. However, C-peptide positive patients randomized to sitagliplin had a non-significant trend toward decrease in A1c, mean glucose, and time spent in hyperglycemia. CONCLUSION Sitagliptin use in type 1 diabetes did not change glucagon AUC, A1c, insulin dose, or weight despite post-meal rise in GLP-1 levels. C-peptide positive subjects treated with sitagliptin had a nonsignificant trend in decreasing hyperglycemia, which needs further evaluation.