Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weight Reduction Goal Achievement with High-Intensity MOVE!(®) Treatment.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of high-intensity treatment with the behavioral weight reduction program, MOVE! (®), available at Veterans Administration Medical Centers, on achieving at least a 5% weight reduction 6 months after enrolling in the program. MOVE! (®) is free to veterans but little is known about the recommended number of sessions. DESIGN AND SAMPLE Using longitudinal clinical data from electronic health records of 216 MOVE! (®) program participants, weight reduction was examined in this secondary data analysis. MEASURES Based on the 2013 guidelines for overweight and obesity management, weights were evaluated at baseline and 6 months following enrollment in the program, and high-intensity MOVE! (®) was determined by attending 14 or more sessions within the first 6 months following enrollment. RESULTS High-intensity MOVE! (®) participants were five times as likely to achieve at least the 5% weight reduction goal at 6 months compared to those participants with low intensity, while controlling for age, gender, and race (OR = 4.74; CI: 1.3, 17.2; p < .02). CONCLUSION This research supports the 2013 recommendations for high-intensity lifestyle intervention as participants who completed 14 or more sessions were almost five times more likely to achieve a 5% weight reduction.
Does Debtor Protection Really Protect Debtors? Evidence from the Small Business Credit Market

This paper analyzes how different levels of debtor protection across US states affect small firms' access to credit, as well as the price and non-price terms of their loans. We use an individual-specific measure of debtor protection that has its maximum value when the borrower's home equity is lower than the state homestead exemption (the debtor's home equity is fully protected), and is decreasing in the difference between the home equity and the homestead exemption (the amount that the creditor can seize). We find that unlimited liability small businesses have lower access to credit in states with more debtor-friendly bankruptcy laws. In addition, these businesses face tighter loan terms - they are more likely to pledge business collateral, have shorter maturities, and borrow smaller amounts. For limited liability small businesses, we also find a reduction in credit availability, but of smaller magnitude, together with an increase in the loan rate.
Recent developments in VSD imaging of small neuronal networks

Voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging is a powerful technique that can provide, in single experiments, a large-scale view of network activity unobtainable with traditional sharp electrode recording methods. Here we review recent work using VSDs to study small networks and highlight several results from this approach. Topics covered include circuit mapping, network multifunctionality, the network basis of decision making, and the presence of variably participating neurons in networks. Analytical tools being developed and applied to large-scale VSD imaging data sets are discussed, and the future prospects for this exciting field are considered.
Effects of the facial interface on inhalation and deposition of micrometer particles in calm air in a child airway model

Abstract Context: How the facial interface affects particle inhalability and depositions within the airway is not well understood. Previous studies of inhalation dosimetry are limited to either inhalability or deposition, rather than the two studied in a systematic way. Objective: To systematically evaluate the effects of the facial interface on aerosol inhalability, nasal deposition and thoracic dose in a 5-year-old child airway model using a coupled imaging-computational fluid dynamics approach. Methods: A face–nose–throat model was developed from magnetic resonance imaging scans of a 5-year-old boy. Respiration airflows and particle transport were simulated with the low Reynolds number k-ω turbulence model and the Lagrangian tracking approach. Particles ranging from 1 to 70 µm were considered in a calm air. Results: Retaining the facial interface in the computational model induced substantial variations in flow dynamics, aerosol inhalability and thoracic doses. The nasal and thoracic deposition fractions were much lower with the facial interface due to the low inhalability into downward-facing nostrils and facial deposition losses. For a given inhalation rate of 10 L/min, including the facial interface reduced the thoracic dose by 5% for 2.5-µm particles and by 50% for 10 µm particles in the child model. Considering localized conditions, facial interface substantially increased depositions at the turbinate region and dorsal pharynx. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need to include facial interface in future numerical and in vitro studies. Findings of this study have practical implications in the design of aerosol samplers and interpretation of deposition data from studies without facial interfaces.
Development of genipin-crosslinked fucoidan/chitosan-N-arginine nanogels for preventing Helicobacter infection.

AIM This study aims to validate the anti-Helicobacter pylori efficacy of amoxicillin-loaded nanoparticles and nanogels with pH-responsive and site-specific drug release properties against H. pylori infection. MATERIALS & METHODS Genipin-crosslinked low molecular weight fucoidan/chitosan-N-arginine nanogels (FCSA) were prepared for targeted delivery of amoxicillin to the site of H. pylori infected AGS gastric epithelial cells. RESULTS The negatively charged nanogels (n-FCSA) adhered to H. pylori and exhibited pH-responsive drug release property to reduce cytotoxic effects in H. pylori infected AGS cells. CONCLUSION These in vitro findings suggest that n-FCSA nanogels are potential carriers for H. pylori specific delivery of antibacterial agents, and provide the basis for further studies on the clinical use of the nanogels.
Heart failure alters MyoD and MRF4 expressions in rat skeletal muscle

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by a skeletal muscle myopathy with increased expression of fast myosin heavy chains (MHCs). The skeletal muscle‐specific molecular regulatory mechanisms controlling MHC expression during HF have not been described. Myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), a family of transcriptional factors that control the expression of several skeletal muscle‐specific genes, may be related to these alterations. This investigation was undertaken in order to examine potential relationships between MRF mRNA expression and MHC protein isoforms in Wistar rat skeletal muscle with monocrotaline‐induced HF. We studied soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from both HF and control Wistar rats. MyoD, myogenin and MRF4 contents were determined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction while MHC isoforms were separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Despite no change in MHC composition of Wistar rat skeletal muscles with HF, the mRNA relative expression of MyoD in Sol and EDL muscles and that of MRF4 in Sol muscle were significantly reduced, whereas myogenin was not changed in both muscles. This down‐regulation in the mRNA relative expression of MRF4 in Sol was associated with atrophy in response to HF while these alterations were not present in EDL muscle. Taken together, our results show a potential role for MRFs in skeletal muscle myopathy during HF.
Multigene Editing in the Escherichia coli Genome via the CRISPR-Cas9 System

ABSTRACT An efficient genome-scale editing tool is required for construction of industrially useful microbes. We describe a targeted, continual multigene editing strategy that was applied to the Escherichia coli genome by using the Streptococcus pyogenes type II CRISPR-Cas9 system to realize a variety of precise genome modifications, including gene deletion and insertion, with a highest efficiency of 100%, which was able to achieve simultaneous multigene editing of up to three targets. The system also demonstrated successful targeted chromosomal deletions in Tatumella citrea, another species of the Enterobacteriaceae, with highest efficiency of 100%.
Epicardial Surgical Ligation of the Left Atrial Appendage is Safe, Reproducible, and Effective by Transesophageal Echocardiographic Follow-up

Objective The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of 90% of thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation. Our double LAA ligation (LLAA) technique was shown to be 96% successful in a small study. However, the outcomes of these patients have yet to be compared with a set of nonligated patients. Methods From 2005 to 2012, a total of 808 patients received LAA using our double ligation technique using both a polydioxanone (PDS) II endosnare and a running 4-0 Prolene pledgeted suture. The 30-day outcomes of these patients were compared with that of nonligated patients. Fifty-six of the ligated patients had a postoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). An echocardiographer reviewed the follow-up TEEs for LAA remnant and/or residual flow into the LAA using color Doppler imaging. The patients with LAA flow and/or remnant depth of 1 cm or greater were deemed to have an unsuccessful exclusion. Results The ligated group had a trend of less postoperative atrial fibrillation (19.4% vs 22.9%, P = 0.07) and an overall significantly lower in-hospital mortality (0.7% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001) and lower 30-day mortality (0.7% vs 3.4%, P < 0.0001). The LAA was successfully excluded in 53 (94.7%) of the 56 patients with TEE. Conclusions Double LAA ligation correlates with lower rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. This advantage comes without an increase in perioperative complications. This technique can easily be performed off or on pump, is very reproducible, and comes at a very low cost compared with LAA occlusion devices. Stroke has a multifactorial etiology; successful LLAA removes one potential source of thrombi perioperatively and in the long-term.
A nuclear‐encoded intein in the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

We have used comparative sequence analysis to identify an intein‐like sequence (protein splicing element) present in Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungal pathogen of humans. The sequence encoding this element is present in the C. neoformans PRP8 gene, as an in‐frame insertion relative to the PRP8 genes of other organisms. It contains sequences similar to those of the protein‐splicing domains of two previously described yeast inteins (in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida tropicalis), although it lacks any recognizable internal endonuclease domain. The Cryptococcus neoformans intein (Cne PRP8) is only the second to be found in a eukaryote nuclear genome; the previously described yeast inteins occur at the same site in the VMA gene homologues of S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis. The host gene of the Cryptococcus intein, PRP8, encodes a highly conserved mRNA splicing protein found as part of the spliceosome. The Cne PRP8 intein may be a useful drug target in addressing the cryptococcal infections so prevalent in AIDS patients. The Cne PRP8 coding sequence and the flanking sequences of the Cryptococcus neoformans PRP8 gene have been assigned GenBank Accession No. AF349436. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Staff assessment of structural empowerment and ability to work according to evidence-based practice in mental health care.

AIM To study associations between staff members' self-rated structural empowerment in mental health care, organisational type, and the ability and willingness to work according to evidence-based practice. METHOD Questionnaire data were collected from 253 mental health staff members. RESULT Multivariate logistic regressions analyses revealed that participants who scored higher on opportunity (OR 2.5) and were employed by the county council (OR 1.9) vs. the municipality were more likely to report high evidence-based practice ability. A generalised estimating equation taking into account unknown correlations within units found opportunity and resources to be significant predictors of evidence-based practice ability. Regarding evidence-based willingness, increased odds were found for higher scores of opportunity (OR 2.2) and being employed by the county council (OR 2.9). The generalised estimating equation also found resources to be a significant predictor of evidence-based willingness. In both organisations, the values for empowerment were moderate. CONCLUSION Structural conditions such as access to opportunities and resources are important for creating supporting structures for practice to be evidence-based. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Our results emphasise the managers' essential role in creating empowering structures, and especially access to opportunities and resources, for their staff to carry out evidence-based practice.
SYNCHRONIZATION OF SEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF TREES WITHIN THE DRY SEASON IN CENTRAL AMERICA

This paper discusses the following hypothesis: many tree species in lowland Central America have evolved the timing of their flowering and fruiting period with the dry season to maximize vegetative competitive ability of individuals, and to maximize use of pollinating and dispersal agents. The physiological stimuli for dry season flowering and fruiting are not of concern (see discussions and included references in Schimper, 1903; Simon, 1914; Coster, 1925, 1926; Baker, 1947; Richards, 1952; Holttum, 1953), but rather the selective forces that brought about the use of these stimuli to induce reproductive activity during the dry season. The focus is shifted to the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction during the dry season (ultimate causes), instead of mechanisms of sychronization of reproduction by many species (proximate causes). Virtually all of Central America below 1000 m elevation, and much of that above, experiences a dry season. By "dry season" is meant a consistently timed annually recurrent period of several weeks or more when rainfall is distinctly reduced to the point where animals and plants show behavioral reactions to the lack of rainfall and its byproducts. The discussion in Schulz (1960) would lead one to choose a month with less than 65 mm of rain as a dry month. However, in lowland Costa Rica, Guatemala, and southern Mexico, plants and animals react to months with as much as 150 mm of rainfall as if they were
Segregation, integration, inclusion—the ideology and reality in Finland

In this paper, we try to examine the classical sociological points of special education, especially the organizational form of special education, social background of students and the minority status of students. The material of the study was collected mostly during 2003 from one large city in Finland. This city has more than a 100‐year‐long tradition of organizing special education, and it is also still organized very traditionally, that is mainly in special schools. The oldest functioning special education school was founded in 1901. This form of organization based on special schools is no longer typical in Finland. Over 1000 questionnaires were sent to special education school teachers, and students and their parents, as well as to special needs assistants. The percentage of returned responses was between 70% and 80%. Local material is practically the only way to get information of these critical points because of the Act on the Protection of Privacy and the administrative orientation of state statistics. The results show that boys are strongly over‐represented in special education. Over three out of four of the students in classroom‐based special education are boys. According to our comparison, the children from immigrant families account for less than one out of ten students in general education, but in classroom‐based special education they represent nearly 14%, and in part‐time special education as much as one‐quarter (25%). The form of education differs also in regard to the social class of the parents. The parents have been divided into upper, middle and lower social classes according to their occupation. The proportion of upper‐class parents of the student group in general education (42%) is doubled when compared to the parents of both special education groups. The majority of the parents of severe disabled students support the idea of special education schools, but the majority of the parents from the other special education groups are in favour of education in the nearest school.
The Use of the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory in the Assessment of Behavioral Disorders in Nursing Homes

ehavioral disorders are common among residents of nursB ing homes. In a study’ of 1139 elderly subjects from skilled nursing facilities, 64.2% were found to have a behavioral disturbance, 41.6% being classified as moderate and 22.6% as serious disturbances. In an Australian study a behavioral disturbance was reported in 47% of 301 patients recommended for nursing home care. Ouslander et aL3 listed behavior problems that are commonly seen in nursing home residents. “Disruptive” behaviors included shouting, breaching the privacy of others, and deliberately trying to interfere with staff activities. “Demanding” behaviors included food refusal and continuous seeking of reassurance. “Offensive” behaviors were characterized by verbal abuse, undressing in public and sexually inappropriate behavior, and “distressful” behaviors included hitting, biting, and crying. Cohen-Mansfield et aL4. ’ considered many of these disturbed behaviors to be forms of agitation and subsequently developed the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), which can be used in identifying the nature and frequency of specific behaviors. Cohen-Mansfield et aL6 stated that they used the term “agitation” rather than “disruptive behavior” because the former was used more commonly by professionals involved in long-term care for older persons. In their definition of agitation, they referred to inappropriate verbal, vocal, or motor activity that is not explained by needs or confusion per se. Reliable quantification of behavior is desirable to facilitate documentation of symptoms, provide a tool for follow-up of behavioral changes over time, and enable researchers to measure the effects of behavioral and pharmacological interventions. ’ We included the CMAI and the Rating Scale for Aggressive Behavior in the Elderly (RAGE)’ in our assessments of a nursing home population because of their comprehensiveness and to enable comparison of results with the considerable body of data already obtained using these scales. The CMAI provides caregiver ratings of 29 operationally defined observable behaviors, each rated on a 7-point frequency scale (1 = never; 7 = several times an hour), for a 2-week rating period. Although Cohen-Mansfield et al. provide instructions regarding 29 agitated behaviors, there are in
Pathological features of experimental gonococcal infection in mice and guinea pigs

The histopathological and immunofluorescent findings in tissues within and surrounding artificially created subcutaneous tissue cavities infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae for 1 to 30 days were studied in mice and guinea pigs. Findings in the tissue cavities of the animal models were similar to the findings of disseminated gonococcal infection in humans. These similarities included an intense persistent polymorphonuclear leukocytic response with tissue necrosis, hemorrhage into the early lesion, a perivascular leukocytic response in adjacent tissue, difficulty in detecting large numbers of discrete morphologically typical gonococci by the tissue Gram stain and direct fluorescent antibody techniques, a decrease in the number of identifiable gonococci with duration of the infection, and moderate amounts of extracellular and intracellular immunofluorescent gonococcal debris. Studies into the pathogenesis of the animal infections may enhance our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism (s) associated with gonococcal infection in humans.
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: clinical features in ENG and ALK1 mutation carriers

Summary. Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disorder characterized by epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectases and visceral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), particularly in the brain (CAVMs), lungs (PAVMs), liver (HAVMs) and gastrointestinal tract (GI). The identification of a mutated ENG (HHT1) or ALK‐1 (HHT2) gene now enables a genotype–phenotype correlation. Objective: To determine the incidence of visceral localizations and evaluate phenotypic differences between ENG and ALK1 mutation carriers. Methods: A total of 135 consecutive adult patients were subjected to mutational screening in ENG and ALK1 genes and instrumental tests to detect AVMs, such as chest–abdomen multislice computed tomography (MDCT), brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography (MRI/MRA), upper endoscopy, were offered to all patients, independent of presence of clinical symptoms. The 122 patients with identified mutations were enrolled in the study and genotype–phenotype correlations were established. Results: PAVMs and CAVMs were significantly more frequent in HHT1 (75% vs. 44%, P < 0.0005; 20% vs. 0%, P < 0.002, respectively) and HAVMs in HHT2 (60% vs. 84%, P < 0.01). No age difference was found for PAVMs whereas HAVMs were significantly higher in older patients in both HHT1 and HHT2. Neurological manifestations secondary to CAVMs/PAVMs were found only in HHT1 patients, whereas severe liver involvement was detected only in HHT2. Respiratory symptoms were mainly detected in HHT1. Conclusions: Our study evidences a higher visceral involvement in HHT1 and HHT2 compared with previous reports. HHT1 is more frequently associated with congenital AVM malformations, such as CAVMs and PAVMs whereas HHT2 predominantly involves the liver. The ENG gene should be first targeted for mutational screening in the presence of large PAVM in patients < 45 years.