Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survey nonresponse among ethnic minorities in a national health survey – a mixed-method study of participation, barriers, and potentials

Objectives. The participation rate in the Danish National Health Survey (DNHS) 2010 was significantly lower among ethnic minorities than ethnic Danes. The purpose was to characterize nonresponse among ethnic minorities in DNHS, analyze variations in item nonresponse, and investigate barriers and incentives to participation. Design. This was a mixed-method study. Logistic regression was used to analyze nonresponse using data from DNHS (N = 177,639 and chi-square tests in item nonresponse analyses. We explored barriers and incentives regarding participation through focus groups and cognitive interviews. Informants included immigrants and their descendants of both sexes, with and without higher education. Results. The highest nonresponse rate was for non-Western descendants (80.0%) and immigrants 25 (72.3%) with basic education. Immigrants and descendants had higher odds ratios (OR = 3.07 and OR = 3.35, respectively) for nonresponse than ethnic Danes when adjusted for sex, age, marital status, and education. Non-Western immigrants had higher item nonresponse in several question categories. Barriers to non-participation related to the content, language, format, and layout of both the questionnaire and the cover letter. The sender and setting in which to receive the questionnaire also influenced answering incentives. We observed differences in barriers and incentives between immigrants and descendants. Conclusions. Nonresponse appears related to linguistic and/or educational limitations, to alienation generated by the questions' focus on disease and cultural assumptions, or mistrust regarding anonymity. Ethnic minorities seem particularly affected by such barriers. To increase survey participation, questions could be sensitized to reflect multicultural traditions, and the impact of sender and setting considered.
Hindbrain herniation develops in surgically created myelomeningocele but is absent after repair in fetal lambs.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to determine whether prenatal repair of myelomeningocele prevents or reverses hindbrain herniation in the sheep model. STUDY DESIGN A myelomeningocele was surgically created in fetal sheep. One group was repaired later in utero; the others were delivered without repair. After delivery, lambs were assessed for the presence of hindbrain herniation. RESULTS In all lambs that had not undergone repair of the myelomeningocele, severe hindbrain herniation developed, whereas the brains of all lambs that had undergone fetal repair were normal. CONCLUSION Prenatal repair of myelomeningocele prevents or reverses development of hindbrain herniation in the fetal lamb model.
Changes in Training Characteristics and Functions for Swimmers during a "DuoBa-KunMing" Altitude Training

It’s rare to see studies on altitude training (AT) carries out continuously in 2 altitudes. This study followed a 10 weeks swimming training program that included 2 weeks training in DuoBa (2366M) and another 2 weeks in KunMing (1890M). The training characteristics and swimmers’ functional changes were studied in seven swimmers during the training program, just before swimmers participated in the Chinese 12th National Games. Blood samples, heart rates and weights were collected and analyzed for physiological index. Conclusion: (1) The training before plateau was mainly about moderate -high intensity aerobic training. In Duoba, low-moderate and moderate intensity aerobic training was priority. In KunMing, high intensity aerobic and anaerobic training was increased. After the plateau, recovery and conditioning adjustment are the main part. (2) This AT has non-significant effect on athletes’ HR level; the body weight has significant decreased after 3 weeks in plateau and recovered to the common level after a week return to the plain. The athletes’ hemoglobin and blood testosterone increase significantly in plateau. (3) The great results of all seven swimmers in the National Game shows that this pattern of AT is an effective way for improving swimmers’ performance.
Consensus among physiotherapists in the united kingdom on the use of normal saline instillation prior to endotracheal suction: a Delphi study.

PURPOSE To investigate whether physiotherapists consider normal saline instillation (NSI) useful before endotracheal suctioning and, if so, when. METHODS Sixty-eight respiratory physiotherapists recruited from the United Kingdom's Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care agreed to participate in a Delphi study. Clinicians' opinion of when NSI should be used was established and developed into statements. Level of agreement with each statement was collated through three rounds of a questionnaire. Clinicians' experiences were also reported. RESULTS From the 52 responses to the third questionnaire, there was consensus that respiratory physiotherapists in the United Kingdom would use NSI when sputum retention is a problem, particularly when treatment options are limited (96%) and when sputum is obstructing the airway (92%). They agreed that non-bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage can be used to resolve persistent atelectasis (70%). They would not use NSI for a test treatment during initial assessment without evidence of retained secretions (94%), when secretions are copious but can be cleared by alternative physiotherapy techniques (96%), to enhance a cough unless very strong evidence indicates retained secretions (81%), or to compensate for inadequate suction technique (90%). CONCLUSION This study provides clinicians' views about when NSI could be used.
Measuring flow experience in an immersive virtual environment for collaborative learning

In contexts other than immersive virtual environments, theoretical and empirical work has identified flow experience as a major factor in learning and human–computer interaction. Flow is defined as a ‘holistic sensation that people feel when they act with total involvement’. We applied the concept of flow to modeling the experience of collaborative learning in an immersive virtual environment. The aims were, first, to psychometrically evaluate a measurement model of flow and, second, to test a structural model of flow. Pairs of small teams engaged in collaborative problem-solving tasks while communicating by way of an immersive virtual environment. Flow was measured after each session, using Guo and Poole's inventory for measuring flow in human–computer interaction. In relation to the first aim, partial-least-squares analysis demonstrated strong evidence for the measurement model. In relation to the second aim, the structural model was supported: the effect of learning-task characteristics on flow experience was mediated by its precursors, with extraneous variables held constant. It is reasoned that the experiment and resultant analysis of this work contributes to the development of measurement models and structural models of flow in immersive virtual environments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thyroid‐stimulating hormone levels after radiotherapy and combined therapy for head and neck cancer

Sixty‐eight patients were studied prospectively with serial thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after radiotherapy for head and neck neoplasms. Overall, 57% of the patients developed elevated TSH levels. Excluding patients with less than 2 years follow‐up, 85% developed an elevated TSH. Ninety‐two percent of patients treated with partial thyroidectomy and radiotherapy developed an elevated TSH. Most TSH elevations occurred within 1 year of treatment. The dose of radiotherapy used and the performance of hemithyroidectomy were related to the development of elevated TSH levels (p < 0.05). The performance of radical neck dissection, gender, hyperfractionated radiotherapy, and the use of chemotherapy were not related to the development of an elevated TSH (p > 0.05).
Assessing population-specific and environmental influences on bluegill life histories: A common garden approach

Investigations into vertebrate life histories have demonstrated trade-offs between growth and reproduction that can result in individual and population-specific variation in life-history strategies. Mechanisms to explain variation among populations, however, often remain unidentified. We examined the relative strength of genetic (population source) and environmental (population social structure) factors on variation in growth and timing of maturation for juvenile male bluegill in a common garden experiment. We placed juvenile male bluegill collected from two different wild source populations, one with parental males that are large (>190 mm total length) and one with parental males that are stunted (<155 mm total length), in a common environment and varied the social structure by controlling the presence or absence of large, mature, male bluegill collected from a third population. Juvenile male bluegill from both populations allocated significantly more energy to reproduction in the absence of large males than in their presence. Within ponds, differences in growth and maturation rates between juvenile males from the two source populations were small but significant. These results indicate both genetic and environmental components to growth and maturation in bluegill but emphasize the importance of social interactions in shaping individual life-history strategies.
Quantification of the Contribution of GLP-1 to Mediating Insulinotropic Effects of DPP-4 Inhibition With Vildagliptin in Healthy Subjects and Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using Exendin [9-39] as a GLP-1 Receptor Antagonist

We quantified the contribution of GLP-1 as a mediator of the therapeutic effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibition (vildagliptin) by using the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin [9-39] in patients with type 2 diabetes and in healthy subjects. Thirty-two patients with type 2 diabetes and 29 age- and weight-matched healthy control subjects were treated in randomized order with 100 mg once daily vildagliptin or placebo for 10 days. Meal tests were performed (days 9 and 10) without and with a high-dose intravenous infusion of exendin [9-39]. The main end point was the ratio of the areas under the curve (AUCs) of integrated insulin secretion rates (total AUCISR) and glucose (total AUCglucose) over 4 h after the meal. Vildagliptin treatment more than doubled responses of intact GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and lowered glucose responses without changing AUCISR/AUCglucose in healthy subjects. Vildagliptin significantly increased this ratio by 10.5% in patients with type 2 diabetes, and exendin [9-39] reduced it (both P < 0.0001). The percentage reduction in the AUCISR/AUCglucose ratio achieved with exendin [9-39] was significantly smaller after vildagliptin treatment than after placebo treatment (P = 0.026) and was equivalent to 47 ± 5% of the increments due to vildagliptin. Thus, other mediators appear to contribute significantly to the therapeutic effects of DPP-4 inhibition.
Robust H/sub /spl infin// control for fuzzy systems with Frobenius norm-bounded uncertainties

In this paper, we investigate the problem of robust H/sub /spl infin// performance and stabilization for a class of uncertain fuzzy systems with Frobenius norm-bounded parameter uncertainties in all system matrices. Both continuous- and discrete-time uncertain fuzzy systems are considered under a unified treatment called bounded real lemma for fuzzy systems. Unlike the bounded real lemma in the linear theory of robust H/sub /spl infin// control where necessary and sufficient conditions were obtained, only sufficient condition based on Lyapunov method is shown. Furthermore, connection between robust H/sub /spl infin// problems involving uncertainty and standard uncertainty-free H/sub /spl infin// problems is established via matrix algebra. As for controller synthesis, a state feedback fuzzy control law is designed via relaxed linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulations.
Filling in the blanks: network structure and interbank contagion

The network pattern of financial linkages is important in many areas of banking and finance. Yet, bilateral linkages are often unobserved, and maximum entropy serves as the leading method for estimating counterparty exposures. This paper proposes an efficient alternative that combines information-theoretic arguments with economic incentives to produce more realistic interbank networks that preserve important characteristics of the original interbank market. The method loads the most probable links with the largest exposures consistent with the total lending and borrowing of each bank, yielding networks with minimum density. When used in a stress-testing context, the minimum-density solution overestimates contagion, whereas maximum entropy underestimates it. Using the two benchmarks side-by-side defines a useful range that bounds the cost of contagion in the true interbank network when counterparty exposures are unknown.
Nonmedication, Alternative, and Complementary Treatments for Migraine

Purpose of Review: The efficacy of some nonpharmacologic therapies appears to approach that of most drugs used for the prevention of migraine and tension-type headaches. These therapies often carry a very low risk of serious side effects and frequently are much less expensive than pharmacologic therapies. Considering this combination of efficacy, minimal side effects, and cost savings, medications should generally not be prescribed alone but rather in combination with nonpharmacologic therapies.Recent Findings: In addition to the established nonpharmacologic therapies, such as biofeedback, relaxation training, butterbur, riboflavin, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation, recent data provide support for the use of aerobic exercise and acupuncture. Discovery of the high incidence of the C677T mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene, MTHFR, and attendant elevation of homocysteine levels in patients with migraine with aura led to a trial of cyanocobalamin, folate, and pyridoxine in these patients. This trial showed that taking these three supplements resulted in a reduction of homocysteine levels and improvement of migraines.Summary: Therapies proven (to various degrees) to be effective for migraine include aerobic exercise; biofeedback; other forms of relaxation training; cognitive therapies; acupuncture; and supplementation with magnesium, CoQ10, riboflavin, butterbur, feverfew, and cyanocobalamin with folate and pyridoxine.
Sonographically Guided Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections

Objective. Caudal epidural steroid injections are used for the symptomatic treatment of radicular lumbosacral pain syndromes, but incorrect injection placement has been recognized as a common problem with the routinely used unguided technique. We aimed to explore the use of sonography to facilitate this procedure. Methods. In patients with clinically unreliable anatomic landmarks, high‐resolution real‐time sonography was used to identify those landmarks and to assist in correct needle placement. Results. Sonography enabled localization of the sacral hiatus landmarks. We found this method particularly useful for guiding needle placement in patients with moderate obesity. Conclusions. Real‐time sonography can facilitate caudal epidural steroid injections.
Low intensity exercise in humans accelerates mitochondrial ATP production and pulmonary oxygen kinetics during subsequent more intense exercise

We undertook this study to determine whether low intensity exercise (55 % V̇O2,max) would significantly alter the metabolic and ventilatory responses observed during 10 min of subsequent moderate intensity exercise (75 % V̇O2,max). By executing this work, we hoped to further our understanding of the mechanisms that limit mitochondrial ATP production at the onset of exercise. Seven healthy human subjects performed 10 min of moderate intensity exercise in the presence and absence of 10 min of low intensity exercise, which preceded the moderate intensity exercise by 3 min. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis at pre‐determined time points and oxygen consumption kinetics were determined at rest and during low and moderate intensity exercise. Following low intensity exercise and 3 min of passive recovery, muscle lactate and acetylcarnitine concentrations were elevated above basal levels, but V̇O2 had returned to the resting rate. When moderate intensity exercise was preceded by low intensity exercise, there was a significant sparing of phosphocreatine (PCr, ∼25 %, P < 0.05) and reductions in glucose 6‐phosphate (G‐6‐P, ∼50 %, P < 0.05) and lactate (∼50 %, P < 0.05) accumulation during the first minute of moderate intensity exercise. No differences were observed after 10 min of moderate intensity exercise. The V̇O2 on‐kinetic response over the first minute of moderate intensity exercise was accelerated when preceded by low intensity exercise. Collectively, our results suggest the lag in the oxidative ATP delivery at the onset of moderate intensity exercise can be overcome by prior low intensity exercise. Furthermore, our findings support the view that this lag is at least in part attributable to a limitation in acetyl group delivery/availability at the onset of exercise, rather than delayed oxygen supply.
The prevalence of common acquired melanocytic nevi and the relationship with skin type characteristics and sun exposure among children in Lithuania.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of common acquired melanocytic nevi and its relationship with pigmentary characteristics and severe sunburns in children. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Kaunas city, Lithuania (latitude of 55 degrees 55 minutes). PATIENTS A random sample of 484 children aged 1 to 2 years, 4 to 5 years, and 9 to 10 years and adolescents aged 14 to 15 years. INTERVENTIONS A questionnaire that provided information about the history of sunbathing and skin type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Atypical melanocytic nevi were defined according to the clinical criteria of the ABCDE rule. RESULTS The median number of all common acquired melanocytic nevi was 12 in boys and 11 in girls; the median number of melanocytic nevi 2 mm or larger in boys and girls was 4. Twenty-seven percent of children experienced severe sunburns more than once. After adjustment for age and sex, it was found that children who had severe sunburns in summer and skin type I had a higher density of all melanocytic nevi and melanocytic nevi 2 mm or larger. The prevalence of atypical melanocytic nevi was 7% in all children and was age dependent (age 4-5 years, 1%; 9-10 years, 4%; 14-15 years, 16%). Three percent of children had congenital melanocytic nevi. CONCLUSIONS The total number of common acquired melanocytic nevi in children increased with age. There was a positive association between severe sunburns, the tendency of the skin to burn, and the number of all melanocytic nevi and nevi 2 mm or larger.
Examining the Impact of a University-driven Exercise Programming Event on End-of-semester Stress in Students

Stress levels in university students peak during the final exam period. An inverse association exists between Physical Activity (PA) and poor mental health. UNLV has created Fitness4Finals (F4F), an event novel in its approach to academic stress reduction by incorporating both physical activity and mental relaxation. To our knowledge, a university-driven programming event aimed at reducing physiological and psychological stress among students approaching final exams had never been studied. Therefore, the aims of this research were to 1) examine the influence of F4F on physiological stress and perceived psychological stress (PPS) and 2) to examine the relationship between physiological stress and PPS. Fifteen full-time university students were recruited to participate in their choice of one of two groups: F4F or control (NonF4F). Pre-F4F and post-F4F measures of physiological stress, measured by salivary cortisol, and perceived psychological stress, measured by survey were collected. The F4F event was held the week prior to final examinations. Participants in the F4F group engaged in one F4F activity per day for the duration of the 3-day event. Results of the repeated measures MANOVA indicated nonsignificant interaction (p = .864) between F4F participation, physiological stress and PPS. PPS and cortisol were not correlated at the onset of the study (r = −0.18, p = 0.48) or at the last sampling period (r = 0.097, p = 0.73). Preemptive elevated levels of PA in the F4F group may have influenced results. Qualitative data indicates a unanimous perceived reduction in stress from F4F participation. While the physiological measures of stress in the present study were not significantly different, the perceived stress reduction reported by F4F participants is influential. Further investigation with improvements in timing and measurement tools is warranted.
Prevalence of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella spp. in some raw street vended Indian foods

Abstract In India, the street food trade is a growing sector with its expansion linked with urbanisation and the need of urban populations for both employment and food. However, the microbiological status of popularly consumed raw street foods, general hygienic and vending practices are not known. We visited 75 vendors (50 having fixed stalls and 25 with mobile stalls) operating in three major locations: mandi (open market place), bus terminus and railway station in New Delhi and Patiala City. A total of 150 samples each of coriander sauce, of ready-to-eat salads and coconut slices collected were analysed for Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella spp. Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus were detected in 91 (60%) samples of coriander sauce, 87 (58%) samples of coconut slices and 129 (86%) samples of ready-to-eat salads. Twenty-three (15%) samples of coconut slices contained Shigella (18 Sh. dysenteraie type 1 and 5 Sh. flexneri 2a), 13 (8%) samples of ready-to-eat salads and 10 (6%) samples of coriander sauce contained Sh. flexneri 2a. Street vendors lacked access to potable water, toilet facilities and operated under poor hygiene conditions. The results of our study suggest that street vended coconut slices, coriander sauce and ready-to-eat salads could be important potential vehicles for food-borne diseases.