Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
School-based health promotion intervention: parent and school staff perspectives.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of childhood obesity is high, particularly among minority youth. The objective of this article was to evaluate parent and school staff perspectives of childhood health and weight qualitatively to guide the development of a school-based obesity prevention program for minority youth. METHODS Hispanic parents (N = 9) of first graders participated in 1 of 3 focus groups, consisting of 3 parents each. School staff (N = 7) participated in 1 focus group. All sessions were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using NVivo, 2 independent coders rated the transcriptions to identify themes and a third coder addressed commonalities and discrepancies in the coding schemes. RESULTS Parents and school staff have conflicting views over whose responsibility it is to provide nutritional education and participation in physical activity (PA). Parents felt the school should teach children about healthy nutrition, provide guidance in the cafeteria, and offer more structured PA in school. In contrast, school staff noted that parents have the primary responsibility of ensuring children get adequate nutrition and PA. CONCLUSIONS Despite contrasting views, parents and staff agreed with the need for comprehensive school-based obesity prevention efforts emphasizing parent and teacher collaboration to promote healthy school and home environments.
New Insights in Antiplatelet Therapy for Patients With Ischemic Stroke

BackgroundAcute treatment and long-term secondary prevention of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) include initiation of antiplatelet therapy. Antiplatelet agents currently used in the treatment of ischemic stroke and TIA are aspirin, clopidogrel, and dipyridamole. Review SummaryThe safety and efficacy of antiplatelet therapy in patients with ischemic stroke, including a discussion of recent trial data and its influence on treatment guidelines, are presented. A brief discussion of the use of antiplatelet therapy in preventing stroke and embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation is also presented. For secondary prevention of ischemic events in patients with a history of stroke, clinical trials have shown the addition of dipyridamole to aspirin to be more effective than aspirin alone. The therapies are also similar from a standpoint of bleeding. The combination of aspirin and clopidogrel was not shown to be more efficacious and caused more bleeding than aspirin alone when evaluated for secondary prevention. However, dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel may have some benefit in the acute stroke setting or in the prevention of thrombotic events in patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot or will not take warfarin. ConclusionsAntiplatelet therapy is an important component of acute and long-term treatment of ischemic stroke and TIA. Ongoing clinical trials may help to refine what treatment regimens are best suited for acute and long-term therapy.
Regional glucose metabolic abnormalities are not the result of atrophy in Alzheimer's disease

Objective To determine whether the hypometabolism observed in PET images of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is due entirely to brain atrophy. Background Reduced brain glucose metabolism in AD patients measured using PET has been reported by numerous authors. Actual glucose metabolic values in AD may be reduced artificially because of brain atrophy, which accentuates the partial volume effect (PVE) on data collected by PET. Methods Using segmented MR images, we corrected regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose for PVEs to evaluate the effect of atrophy on uncorrected values for brain metabolism in AD patients and healthy control subjects. Results Global glucose metabolism was reduced significantly before and after correction in AD patients compared with controls. Before PVE correction, glucose metabolic values in patients were lower than in control subjects in the inferior parietal, frontal, and lateral temporal cortex; in the posterior cingulate; and in the precuneus. These reductions remained significantly lower after PVE correction, although in the posterior cingulate the difference in metabolism between AD patients and control subjects lessened. Regional glucose metabolism of these areas with PVE correction was lower in moderately-severely demented patients than in mildly demented patients. Conclusion Reduced glucose metabolism measured by PET in AD is not simply an artifact due to an increase in CSF space induced by atrophy, but reflects a true metabolic reduction per gram of tissue.
ABO phenotypes and inflammation-related predictors of lung cancer mortality: the Copenhagen Male Study – a 16-year follow-up

Inflammation and genetic susceptibility influence the risk of lung cancer. Previous studies suggest that the inflammatory response may depend upon ABO phenotype. The hypothesis that the association with lung cancer mortality risk of lifestyle and occupational factors previously linked to inflammation would depend upon ABO phenotype was tested in a long-term follow-up of 3,346 male subjects aged 53–74 yrs. During a 16-yr period, 170 (5.1%) of the male subjects died due to lung cancer; 84 (5.9%) of phenotype O, 70 (4.9%) of phenotype A and 16 (3.2%) of phenotype B/AB. In addition to cumulative tobacco consumption, high salt intake long-term occupational dust exposure, high fat intake and consumption of alcohol were significantly predictive of lung cancer mortality for phenotype O subjects. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratios associated with the first three of these factors were 2.31, 2.08 and 1.67, respectively. Compared with abstainers, the hazard ratios for males drinking 1–10 wine drinks·week−1 and males drinking >10 wine drinks·week−1 were 1.65 and 2.02, respectively. Among phenotype A subjects, only cumulative tobacco consumption was associated with lung cancer mortality risk. The predictive role of inflammation-related risk factors for lung cancer mortality was significantly stronger among males of phenotype O than A.
Functional study of hepatitis delta virus large antigen in packaging and replication inhibition: role of the amino-terminal leucine zipper

The large hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) has been found to be essential for the assembly of the hepatitis delta virion. Furthermore, in a cotransfection experiment, the large HDAg itself, without the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) genome and small HDAg, could be packaged into hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) particles. By deletion analysis, it was shown that the amino-terminal leucine zipper domain was dispensable for packaging. The large HDAg could also help in copackaging of the small HDAg into HBsAg particles without the need for HDV RNA. This process was probably mediated through direct interaction of the two HDAgs as a mutated large HDAg whose leucine zipper domain was deleted such that it could not help in copackaging of the small HDAg. This mutated large HDAg did not suppress HDV replication, suggesting that this effect is probably also via protein interaction. These results indicated that functional domains of the large HDAg responsible for packaging with HBsAg particles and for the trans-negative effect on HDV replication can be separated.
Incomplete effector/memory differentiation of antigen‐primed CD8+ T cells in gene gun DNA‐vaccinated mice

DNA vaccination is an efficient way to induce CD8+ T cell memory, but it is still unclear to what extent such memory responses afford protection in vivo. To study this, we induced CD8+ memory responses directed towards defined viral epitopes, using DNA vaccines encoding immunodominant MHC class I‐restricted epitopes of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus covalently linked to β2‐microglobulin. This vaccine construct primed for a stronger recall response than did a more conventional minigene construct. Despite this, vaccinated mice were only protected against systemic infection whereas protection against the consequences of peripheral challenge was limited. Phenotypic analysis revealed that DNA vaccine‐primed CD8+ T cells in uninfected mice differed from virus‐primed CD8+ T cells particularly regarding expression of very‐late antigen (VLA)‐4, an adhesion molecule important for targeting T cells to inflammatory sites. Thus, our DNA vaccine induces a long‐lived memory CD8+ T cell population that provides efficient protection against high‐dose systemic infection. However, viral replication in solid non‐lymphoid organs is not curtailed sufficiently fast to prevent significant virus‐induced inflammation. Our results suggest that this is due to qualitative limitations of the primed CD8+ T cells.
Probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder increases risk for mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson disease: A population‐based study

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is associated with neurodegenerative disease and particularly with the synucleinopathies. Convenience samples involving subjects with idiopathic RBD have suggested an increased risk of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia (usually dementia with Lewy bodies), and Parkinson disease (PD). There are no data on such risks in a population‐based sample.
Comparative cytotoxicity of CI‐973, cisplatin, carboplatin and tetraplatin in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines

The clinical efficacy of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer is frequently compromised by drug resistance or dose‐limiting renal and neurologic toxicities. CI‐973 (NK‐121), a 2‐methyl‐1, 4‐butanediamine analogue of carboplatin, has shown little nephro‐and neuro‐toxicity in pre‐clinical model systems and in phase‐I trials. Its in vitro spectrum of activity against ovarian cancer cell lines has not been previously characterized. The in vitro activities of CI‐973, cisplatin, carboplatin and tetraplatin were compared in several platinum‐sensitive and‐resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Cytotoxicity was assessed by inhibition of clonogenic survival in soft agar with continuous drug exposure. On a molar basis, cisplatin and tetraplatin were the most potent analogues, while carboplatin was consistently less potent. Cisplatin, carboplatin and CI‐973 elicited a very similar response pattern by Spearman rank correlation, distinct from that seen with tetraplatin. The magnitude of resistance to CI‐973 was comparable to cisplatin in 5 cell lines but was substantially lower in the highly cisplatin‐resistant 2780‐CP70 and OVCAR‐10 cell lines. These results suggest that CI‐973 and teatraplatin may have potential utility in some cases of cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer. In addition, our data are consistent with the existence of at least 2 platinum‐resistance phenotypes—one with moderate levels of resistance to cisplatin, carboplatin and CI‐973 but highly resistant to tetraplatin, the other highly resistant to cisplatin and carboplatin but only partially cross‐resistant with tetraplatin and CI‐973. The recognition of different resistance phenotypes may facilitate the study of cellular resistance mechanisms to cisplatin and newer platinum analogues.
Improving production efficiency through Lean Flexible Cellular Manufacturing Simulation

In the world with increasing sources of uncertainties, manufacturing industry is facing problems that are both bigger and more complex. The industry must continue to run the business smoothly in the continuously changing environment. In this study, a Lean Flexible Cellular Manufacturing Simulation (LFCMS) model was developed, tested and implemented to improve flexibility, efficiency and output level inside a manufacturing plant. Namely, an investigation using Value Stream Mapping (VSM) of overall production process was carried out to identify possible root causes of waste. Then, several designs of cellular manufacturing are developed in simulation models and were verified by comparing to the actual production data. The results from simulation runs are compared and analyzed in the last section. We show that the LFCMS model can be used to improve both the productivity and flexibility, while reducing production cost of a manufacturing facility facing uncertainties in business environment.
Lithium placental passage and obstetrical outcome: implications for clinical management during late pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE Lithium has been used during pregnancy for more than four decades, but quantification of fetal lithium exposure and clinical correlations of such exposure are limited. The study objectives were to 1) quantify the rate of lithium placental passage, 2) assess any association between plasma concentration of lithium at delivery and adverse perinatal events, and 3) determine whether lithium concentrations can be reduced by briefly suspending therapy proximate to delivery. METHOD Maternal blood and umbilical cord blood were obtained at delivery for assay of lithium concentrations, and obstetrical outcome data were collected prospectively for 10 participants. These data were combined with results from MEDLINE and PsycINFO searches that identified 32 cases in which maternal lithium was administered throughout delivery. Statistical analysis of the pooled data was conducted. RESULTS The ratio of lithium concentrations in umbilical cord blood to maternal blood (mean=1.05, SD=0.13) was uniform across a wide range of maternal concentrations (0.2-2.6 meq/liter). Significantly lower Apgar scores, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of CNS and neuromuscular complications were observed in infants with higher lithium concentrations (>0.64 meq/liter) at delivery. Withholding lithium therapy for 24-48 hours before delivery resulted in a 0.28 meq/liter reduction in maternal lithium concentration. CONCLUSIONS Lithium completely equilibrates across the placenta. Higher lithium concentrations at delivery are associated with more perinatal complications, and lithium concentrations can be reduced by brief suspension of therapy proximate to delivery. Treatment guidelines are proposed to improve neonatal well-being when lithium use is indicated in late pregnancy.
Methylphenidate and Comorbid Anxiety Disorder in Children With Both Chronic Multiple Tic Disorder and ADHD

Objective: To determine if comorbid anxiety disorder is associated with differential response to immediate release methylphenidate (MPH-IR) in children with both ADHD and chronic multiple tic disorder (CMTD). Method: Children with (n = 17) and without (n = 37) diagnosed anxiety disorder (ANX) were evaluated in an 8-week, placebo-controlled trial with rating scales and laboratory measures. Results: The +ANX group obtained more severe parent, teacher, and child ratings of anxiety and more severe parent ratings of depression, tics, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and peer aggression than the —ANX group. Treatment with short-term MPH-IR was associated with improvement in ADHD, ODD, and peer aggression in the +ANX group. When controlling for ODD severity, there were no apparent group differences in therapeutic response to MPH-IR in children ±ANX. There was little evidence that MPH-IR contributed to improvement in anxiety or depression symptoms in the +ANX group. There was some indication that children with comorbid anxiety may differentially experience greater increase in systolic blood pressure (0.5 mg/kg of MPH-IR >" xbd="1850" xhg="1827" ybd="1414" yhg="1388"/> placebo). Conclusion: Findings suggest that the co-occurrence of diagnosed CMTD+ADHD+ANX represents a particularly troublesome clinical phenotype, at least in the home setting. Comorbid anxiety disorder was not associated with a less favorable response to MPH-IR in children with ADHD+CMTD, but replication with larger samples is warranted before firm conclusions can be drawn about potential group differences. (J. of Att. Dis. 2011; 15(3) 246-256)
The Birmingham bone anchored hearing aid programme: referrals, selection, rehabilitation, philosophy and adult results

Abstract The Birmingham bone anchored hearing aid team is part of the Birmingham osseointegrated programme. In the first seven years of its existence it has received 309 referrals. Twenty-six per cent had suffered a congenital conductive hearing loss and 74 per cent had an acquired conductive hearing loss; the majority secondary to chronic suppurative otitis media. This report is of 68 out of 106 adults wearing bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs). Ninety-eight per cent showed audiological improvement with the congenital group demonstrating marginally the best freefield thresholds and speech discrimination. Questionnaire data as to the patient experience confirms the benefits especially hearing in noise, and comfort, and the vast majority were more satisfied with the bone anchored hearing aid than their previous aid.
Proficiency Testing Program for Clinical Laboratories Performing Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Pathogenic Yeast Species

ABSTRACT Antifungal susceptibility testing is expected to facilitate the selection of adequate therapy for fungal infections. The general availability of antifungal susceptibility testing in clinical laboratories is low, even though a number of standard methods are now available. The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a proficiency testing program (PTP) for the antifungal susceptibility testing of pathogenic yeasts in laboratories licensed by the New York State Department of Health. A number of quality control standards, and methods for documenting laboratory performance, were developed in consultation with the laboratory directors. The participating laboratories were provided with five American Type Culture Collection strains of pathogenic yeasts for which the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B and fluconazole were well defined. A majority of laboratories (14 of 17) used broth microdilution, and these were evenly split between the NCCLS M-27A protocol and the Sensititre YeastOne method. The other three laboratories performed susceptibility testing with Etest. Overall, the levels of agreement between MIC reference ranges and the reported MICs were 85 and 74% for amphotericin B and for fluconazole, respectively. All laboratories except one successfully detected fluconazole resistance in a Candida krusei strain. However, amphotericin B resistance in a Candida lusitaniae strain was not detected by any of the participating labs. It is concluded that a suitably designed PTP could adequately monitor the competence of clinical laboratories performing antifungal susceptibility testing.
Clinical characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infection in hospitalized healthy infants and young children in Qatar.

To evaluate seasonal trends, clinical profile, and outcome of disease in previously healthy infants and young children hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection at Hamad Medical Corporation in the state of Qatar, we reviewed the records of 257 children admitted between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1998. RSV epidemics occurred yearly during the winter months with peak hospitalizations occuring between November and February. Of the 257 admissions, 160 (62.3 per cent) were male and 97 (37.7 per cent) female. The mean age of all children was 5.7 months (range, 10 days to 32 months). The most common admitting diagnoses were bronchiolitis (59.9 per cent), pneumonia (17.5 per cent), bronchiolitis with pneumonia (8.9 per cent), possible sepsis (7.8 per cent), asthma (4.7 per cent) and apnea (1.2 per cent). A family history of asthma was quite common (63.8 per cent), although no statistical significant difference was noted in complication or length of stay. Treatment was supportive, the majority of the patients received oxygen therapy in 77.8 per cent of cases, bronchodilators in 85.4 per cent, and antibiotics therapy in 49.4 per cent. The median duration of hospital stay was 6 days (range, 1 to 29 days). Of the 14 (5.4 per cent) patients requiring intensive care, four (1.6 per cent) needed mechanical ventilation. No deaths were reported, but subjects aged < or = 12 months had a significantly higher oxygen requirement, intensive care unit admission, bronchodilators and antibiotics therapy than those > 12 months old. Within 1-2 years after admission with RSV infection, 63 of the 257 patients attended for recurrent episodes of wheezy chest. These results indicate that, during the season of infection, RSV is an important pathogen in infants and young children in the state of Qatar, highlighting the need for development of effective vaccines to ameliorate the impact of annual RSV epidemics in infants and young children.
SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome

Heterozygous, de novo, loss‐of‐function mutations in SOX2 have been shown to cause bilateral anophthalmia. Here we provide a detailed description of the clinical features associated with SOX2 mutations in the five individuals with reported mutations and four newly identified cases (including the first reported SOX2 missense mutation). The SOX2‐associated ocular malformations are variable in type, but most often bilateral and severe. Of the nine patients, six had bilateral anophthalmia and two had anophthalmia with contralateral microphthalmia with sclerocornea. The remaining case had anophthalmia with contralateral microphthalmia, posterior cortical cataract and a dysplastic optic disc, and was the only patient to have measurable visual acuity. The relatively consistent extraocular phenotype observed includes: learning disability, seizures, brain malformation, specific motor abnormalities, male genital tract malformations, mild facial dysmorphism, and postnatal growth failure. Identifying SOX2 mutations from large cohorts of patients with structural eye defects has delineated a new, clinically‐recognizable, multisystem disorder and has provided important insight into the developmental pathways critical for morphogenesis of the eye, brain, and male genital tract. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.