Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Effectiveness of medical advice for reducing excessive alcohol consumption. Meta-analysis of Spanish studies in primary care].

INTRODUCTION Former systematic reviews have backed the efficacy of medical counselling, a form of brief intervention, on the treatment of excessive drinkers detected in primary care settings. Nevertheless, these results cannot be applied without criticism to Mediterranean populations which, so far, have not been represented in the aforementioned studies. The aim of the present study was to update the results on the efficacy of brief interventions in primary care by pooling Spanish studies. METHODS Studies were searched for by using appropriate databases and also by consulting to experts in the field to retrieve grey literature. Pooled estimations of effect sizes were calculated for two outcomes, the reduction in the amount of alcohol consumption and the decrease in the number of excessive drinkers. RESULTS Two over the 5 retrieved studies were not included in a former review. The effect size regarding the decrease of alcohol consumption was medium (d = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.63; p < 0.0005; the intervention group outperformed the control by a 22%) and small for the decrease in the frequency of excessive drinkers (OR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.26; p = 0.02; the intervention group outperformed the control by a 11%). The analysis by complimented protocols at the end of the study showed an effect size 1.5 times larger than the analysis performed on intention-to-treat basis. CONCLUSIONS The results of this meta-analysis support the efficacy of brief intervention for excessive drinkers in primary care settings in Spain.
Regulation of Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells by Hyaluronan*

Multidrug resistance in cancer cells is often due to ATP-dependent efflux pumps, but is also linked to alterations in cell survival and apoptotic signaling pathways. We have found previously that perturbation of hyaluronan-tumor cell interaction by treatment with hyaluronan oligosaccharides suppresses the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt cell survival signaling pathway in cancer cells and reduces tumor growth in vivo. Here we find that these oligomers suppress both the MAP kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathways in multidrug resistant tumor cells and sensitize these cells to a variety of chemotherapeutic drugs. On the other hand, increased hyaluronan production induces resistance in drug-sensitive tumor cells. Likewise, increased expression of emmprin, which is a glycoprotein that is present on the surface of most malignant cancer cells and that stimulates hyaluronan production, also induces increased resistance. Thus, perturbation of hyaluronan signaling may provide a dual therapeutic role, since it has intrinsic suppressive effects on tumor growth as well as sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents.
Characterization of cortical source generators based on electroencephalography during tonic pain

Objective The aim of the present study was to characterize the cortical source generators evoked by experimental tonic pain. Methods Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded on two separate days during rest and with immersion of the hand in ice water for 2 minutes (cold pressor test). Exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography source localization was performed in 31 healthy volunteers to characterize the cortical source generators. Results Reliability was high in all eight frequency bands during rest and cold pressor conditions (intraclass coefficients =0.47–0.83 in the cingulate and insula). Tonic pain increased cortical activities in the delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), beta1 (12–18 Hz), beta2 (18–24 Hz), beta3 (24–32 Hz), and gamma (32–60 Hz) bands (all P<0.011) in widespread areas mainly in the limbic system, whereas decreased cortical activities were found in cingulate and pre- and postcentral gyri in the alpha2 (10–12 Hz) band (P=0.007). The pain intensity was correlated with cingulate activity in the beta2, beta3, and gamma bands (all P<0.04). Conclusion Source localization of EEG is a reliable method to estimate cortical source generators. Activities in different brain regions, mainly in the limbic system, showed fluctuations in various frequency bands. Cingulate changes were correlated with pain intensity. Significance This method might add information to the objective assessment of the cortical pain response in future experimental pain studies.
MR imaging of spinal tumors in children with neurofibromatosis 1.

OBJECTIVE The need for radiologic surveillance of spinal tumors in children with neurofibromatosis 1 is controversial and unresolved. We aimed to determine the incidence of spinal tumors in asymptomatic patients, describe the imaging findings, and evaluate the clinical usefulness of a prospective MR imaging surveillance program of the spine in children with neurofibromatosis 1. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Of 62 children consecutively seen in a neurofibromatosis 1 clinic, 53 (85.5%) were recruited for MR imaging of the whole spine. All children satisfied the clinical criteria for diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1. Imaging findings, clinical signs and symptoms, and subsequent clinical management were reviewed. RESULTS The patients were 35 boys and 18 girls (age range, 11 months-18 years; mean age, 9.6 years), all of whom were asymptomatic, with no remarkable neurologic signs. Seven children (13.2%) had spinal neurofibromas: four had solitary neurofibromas (two dumbbell, one intradural, and one paraspinal tumor) and three had plexiform neurofibromas of the sacral plexus and thoracic and lumbar nerve sheaths. The incidences of scoliosis, localized cutaneous neurofibromas, and massive soft-tissue neurofibromas were 71.4%, 71.4%, and 28.6%, respectively, in the group with spinal neurofibromas (n = 7), and 30.4%, 39.1%, and 8.7%, respectively, in the group without spinal neurofibromas (n = 46). Patient clinical outcome was affected in only one patient (1.9%) in whom a solitary neurofibroma was resected. Follow-up imaging in 10 patients (mean period, 29 months) showed no evidence of tumor occurrence, progression, or recurrence. CONCLUSION Although benign spinal neurofibromas are not uncommon in asymptomatic children with neurofibromatosis 1, the clinical usefulness of spine surveillance with MR imaging is limited in these children, making its effectiveness questionable.
Prevention of Renal Impairment by Continuous Infusion of Human Atrial Natriuretic Peptide after Liver Transplantation

Background. Acute renal failure occurring immediately after liver transplantation and requiring hemodialysis is a major problem resulting in a poor prognosis. We investigated the efficacy of human atrial natriuretic peptide, which has potent natriuretic effects and unique protective effects for glomeruli in preventing acute renal failure after liver transplantation. Methods. Thirty-seven patients who underwent live donor liver transplantation with model for end-stage liver disease scores greater than 15 were the subjects of the study. Subjects were prospectively randomized into two groups: patients that received synthetic human atrial natriuretic peptide infusion (Group H: n=19) and those that received conventional diuretics, furosemide and potassium canrenoate (Group C: n=18). The peri- and postoperative changes in hemodynamic status and renal function were compared between the two groups. Results. There were no statistical differences in the changes in hemodynamic status between groups. Hemodialysis was required after liver transplantation in nine patients, two in Group H and seven in Group C (P=0.04). Postoperative creatinine clearance was higher in Group H (P=0.03). Aldosterone level was suppressed in group H (P=0.006). Conclusions. Continuous infusion of synthetic human atrial natriuretic peptide might be effective for preventing acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis after liver transplantation.
Φ at LHCb using 13 TeV Run 2 data and an evaluation of datataking methods with a view to Run 3

In this analysis the two data-taking methods Full stream and Turbo stream are compared for the decays Λb → J/ΨΛ0Φ (sig) and Λb → J/ΨΛ0 (ref) in 2016 data. This is the first observation of these decay channels in Run II data. The yield ratios Nsig Nref are measured as 0.0025± 0.0005 and 0.0026± 0.0005 for Full Stream and Turbo Stream respectively, which validates the use of the Turbo stream on a complex decay topology, containing long living hyperons. Additionally the branching fraction of Λb → J/ΨΛ0Φ was measured relative to Λb → J/ΨΛ0 as (5.9± 1.1)% . Finally upgrade MC is used to implement TurboSP lines for Λb → J/ΨΛ0Φ, Λb → J/ΨΛ0 and Ξb → J/ΨΛ 0K−. The efficiency for the HLT2 emulation and subsequent reconstruction is 9.4 %, 17.5 % and 17.8 % respectively. The signal rate is estimated for Λb → J/ΨΛ0 as 0.3 Hz, while the background rate is 344 Hz. Using exclusive lines results in a reduction of the background rate to 47 Hz, 94 Hz and 109 Hz respectively.
Why do Malaysian customers patronise Islamic banks

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the main factors that motivate customers to deal with Islamic banks particularly in a dual banking environment, like in the case of Malaysia. A discussion on factors relating to corporate social responsibility initiatives as part of potential customers' banking selection criteria is also included. , – The paper presents primary data collected by self‐administered questionnaires involving a sample of 750 respondents from four different regions in Malaysia. The Islamic banking criteria ranking as perceived by the respondents are analysed using Friedman Test. To further explore the customers' understanding of the banking criteria, an exploratory factor analysis is employed. , – This study reveals that the selection of Islamic banks appears to be predominantly a combination of Islamic and financial reputation and quality service offered by the bank. Other factors perceived to be important include good social responsibility practices, convenience and product price. , – The empirical evidence of this paper affects two aspects; first, Islamic banks must offer quality services while maintaining its Islamic credential and reputation; second, Islamic banks should also embrace good customers services policies to reap its potential as a strategic tool to achieve competitive advantage, enhance reputation and secure customers allegiance. This research will be of interest to both incumbent and potential entrants into this niche market. , – The paper reports findings from the first nationwide study carried out in the area of Islamic banking selection criteria.
KEYNOTE MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH FOR A COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT RUDDER WITH MORPHING CHARACTERISTICS

The history of aviation is linked to the research and development of different physical and mathematical scientific fields. In our historic aviation records good examples can be found of studies and implementations. These cover not only new unconventional and disruptive aircraft configurations, but also the research and introduction of new materials and processes to make the airframe lighter and stronger. Also there have been continuous developments are available in the prediction of the aerodynamic loads that size an airplane to be safe, stable, controllable, and with adequate flying qualities. Today there is a growing social demand to minimize environmental impact in all industrial sectors. Our aviation industry is also under this scrutiny. This is the reason why new requirements are emerging as ecosustainability, in addition to compliance with the safety and certification requirements together with the challenges of being global economical competitive in an increasingly demanding world. In this line, it is remarkable to state that aircraft fuel consumption, and thus emissions of carbon dioxide, is directly linked by three key aircraft parameters, Breguet formula related: weight, drag and specific consumption of the power plant. The development of technology innovations in these three drivers must continue and this has to be approached from a multidisciplinary perspective. This keynote focuses on summarizing the influence of the improvements in different aeronautics disciplines enabled by novel materials and additive manufacturing process, based on the introduction of a non conventional morphing curved rudder in a transport aircraft configured with under the wing podded engines. In particular, the morphed structure manufacturing and assembly aspects are detailed. Miguel Á. Castillo Acero
Efficacy of Tailored Physical Activity or Chronic Pain Self-Management Programme on return to work for sick-listed citizens: A 3-month randomised controlled trial

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ‘Tailored Physical Activity’ (TPA) and a ‘Chronic Pain Self-management Programme’ (CPSMP) compared with a reference group (REF) on return to work after 3 months as sick-listed citizens with pain related to the back or the upper body. Methods: Using a randomised controlled trial design all participants (n= 141) received health guidance for 1.5 hours and were randomised to TPA, CPSMP or REF. Characteristics of participants were collected from a questionnaire. The primary endpoint was proportion of participants returned to work as registered by the municipality and the co-primary endpoint was duration of the sickness absence period. Secondary outcomes consisted of pain, body mass index, aerobic capacity, grip strength, work ability and kinesiophobia. The trial was conducted in Sonderborg Municipality from March 2011 to October 2013. Results: TPA was more effective on return to work than REF, while CPSMP only tended to be more effective than REF, and the primary outcome was the only between-groups significant difference. TPA participants also reached a highly significant reduction in pain from baseline to follow-up with no similar effect seen in CPSMP or REF. In contrast, no benefit of TPA and CPSMP was evident regarding work ability, kinesiophobia or physical capacity after 3 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The results suggest that TPA is a promising intervention to facilitate return to work and reduce pain among sick-listed citizens with pain related to the back or upper body compared to REF.
Propranolol in the Treatment of Problematic Infantile Hemangioma: Review of 35 Consecutive Patients from a Vascular Anomalies Clinic

Background: Propranolol, a nonselective β-blocker, has been reported as efficient for controlling the growth of complicated infantile hemangiomas (IHs). No uniformly accepted protocol exists regarding the administration of oral propranolol for IH. Objective: We sought to share our experience using propranolol for problematic IH and to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment modality. Methods: A retrospective chart review analysis was performed for 35 consecutive children treated with propranolol as an oral solution on an outpatient basis in our dermatology/vascular anomalies clinic. A protocol was established with the help of our pediatric cardiologists, including pretreatment electrocardiography and echocardiography. Medical photographs taken after 2 months of treatment were rated by two independent evaluators. Results: We treated 31 girls and 4 boys with a median age of 3.5 months. Rapid improvement was reported in the first days of treatment in 34 patients. Mean improvement after 2 months was 61.5%. No serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Propranolol was effective in controlling the proliferative phase of problematic IH. It was well tolerated in our study. Outpatient treatment is possible if parents follow strict guidelines. Propranolol should be a first-line treatment for problematic IH in carefully selected patients.
The haemorrhagic effect of low molecular weight heparins, dermatan sulphate and hirudin.

In a randomized, blind study the primary effect on haemostasis after intravenous administration of dermatan sulphate (DS), recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin) and four commercial low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) (nadroparine, enoxaparin, dalteparin and tinzaparin) was investigated in rats and compared with saline (control). The tail bleeding time, the bleeding from the gastric mucosa [the mucosal bleeding time (min) and the mucosal bleeding (microliter)] as well as changes in activated partial thromboplastin time, antifactor IIa and Xa activities were investigated. DS and r-hirudin were investigated in a dose potentially suitable in thomboprophylaxis and the LMWHs in doses recommended by the manufacturers for thromboprophylaxis, adjusted to body weight. All substances significantly prolonged the mucosal bleeding time. Dalteparin, tinzaparin, DS and r-hirudin increased the mucosal bleeding when compared with controls whereas nadroparine and enoxaparin did not. The effect of r-hirudin was also significantly more pronounced compared with other treatments. Moreover, r-hirudin prolonged the tail bleeding time significantly whereas the other substances did not. The antifactor Xa activity in plasma correlated well with the given dose of the LMWHs (rs = 0.7). However, the monitored bleeding parameters in the LMWH groups did not correlate with the plasma activities of antifactor IIa or Xa. The results indicate that the tested LMWHs are not equipotent in their effect on haemostasis in this model and that antifactor IIa or Xa activities do not directly correlate with their effect on haemostasis although increased haemorrhage was observed in the LMWHs with lower antifactor Xa/antifactor IIa ratios. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fusogenic mechanisms of enveloped-virus glycoproteins analyzed by a novel recombinant vaccinia virus-based assay quantitating cell fusion-dependent reporter gene activation

The fusogenic activities of enveloped-virus glycoproteins were analyzed by using a quantitative, sensitive, rapid, and highly versatile recombinant vaccinia virus-based assay measuring activation of a reporter gene upon fusion of two distinct cell populations. One population uniformly expressed vaccinia virus-encoded viral glycoproteins mediating specific binding and fusion activities; the other expressed the corresponding cellular receptor(s). The cytoplasm of one population also contained vaccinia virus-encoded bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase; the cytoplasm of the other contained a transfected plasmid with the Escherichia coli lacZ gene linked to the T7 promoter. When the two populations were mixed, cell fusion resulted in activation of the LacZ gene in the cytoplasm of the fused cells; beta-galactosidase activity was assessed by colorimetric assay of detergent cell lysates or by in situ staining. We applied this approach to study the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein (Env)-CD4 interaction. Beta-Galactosidase was detected within 1 h after cell mixing and accumulated over the next several hours. Cell fusion dependence was demonstrated by the strict requirement for both CD4 and functional Env expression and by the inhibitory effects of known fusion-blocking monoclonal antibodies and pharmacological agents. Quantitative measurements indicated much higher sensitivity compared with analysis of syncytium formation. The assay was used to probe mechanisms of the cell type specificity for Env-CD4-mediated fusion. In agreement with known restrictions, cell fusion occurred only when CD4 was expressed on a human cell type. Membrane vesicle transfer experiments indicated that CD4 initially produced in either human or nonhuman cells was functional when delivered to human cells, suggesting that the fusion deficiency with nonhuman cells was not associated with irreversible defects in CD4. We also demonstrated that the infectivity specificities of different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates for peripheral blood lymphocytes versus continuous CD4+ cell lines were associated with corresponding fusion selectivities of the respective recombinant Env proteins. The assay enabled analysis of the fusogenic activity of the fusion glycoprotein/hemagglutinin-neuraminidase of the paramyxovirus simian virus 5. This system provides a powerful tool to study fusion mechanisms mediated by enveloped-virus glycoproteins, as well as to screen fusion-blocking antibodies and pharmacological agents.
Mediating effect of ethical climate between organizational virtuousness and job satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between organizational virtuousness and job satisfaction with a mediating role of ethical climate. The study follows an explanatory research design. We hypothesized that increase in the perceived virtuousness in the presence of an improved ethical climate will lead to a greater job satisfaction. This hypothesized relationship is tested using data from 271 faculty members working with four universities in Pakistan. To collect the data, a questionnaire was developed using recognized scales. The internal consistency of the scale is checked through Cronbach’s alpha. The data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficients and mediation analysis. Mediation analysis is done by applying PROCESS (Hayes, 2012). The results show that ethical climate partially mediates the effect of organizational virtuousness on job satisfaction. This paper advances suggestions to the upper management in the education sector that how organizational virtuousness and ethical climate can increase the job satisfaction among academicians. When the employees experience compassion, love and forgiveness, they may have a stronger tendency to own the organization and the satisfaction with their jobs increases. The findings of this study have practical as well as policy implications. In addition, the empirical evidence provided in this study may open the future avenues of research in this domain. This paper has two major contributions. First, it introduces ethical climate as the mediator between organizational virtuousness on job satisfaction. Secondly, it provides a robust empirical analysis by using a relatively more sophisticated macro called PROCESS by Hayes (2012).
Plasma Levels of Diazepam After Parenteral and Rectal Administration in Children

Plasma levels of diazepam and N‐des‐methyldiazepam were investigated in 19 children by a gas chromatographic method permitting the use of capillary samples. Intravenous administration was studied in 3 children and the plasma level curves showed a rapid decline during the first hour. Absorption and elimination after rectal administration of a solution in 16 children were similar to those after intramuscular administration. Diazepam given by suppository to 5 children gave much lower plasma levels and delayed time to peak levels. Recurrence of seizures in 2 children indicated that the anticonvulsant plasma level was of the order of 150 to 200 μg/liter. No significant side effects were observed. Thus rectal administration of a solution of diazepam is a practical method to arrest convulsions in children.