Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of the 2003 Heatwave on All-Cause Mortality in 9 French Cities

Background: A heatwave occurred in France in August 2003, with an accompanying excess of all-cause mortality. This study quantifies this excess mortality and investigates a possible harvesting effect in the few weeks after the heatwave. Methods: A time-series study using a Poisson regression model with regression splines to control for nonlinear confounders was used to analyze the correlation between heatwave variable and mortality in 9 French cities. Results: After controlling for long-term and seasonal time trends and the usual effects of temperature and air pollution, we estimated that 3,096 extra deaths resulted from the heatwave. The maximum daily relative risk of mortality during the heatwave (compared with expected deaths at that time of year) ranged from 1.16 in Le Havre to 5.00 in Paris. There was little evidence of mortality displacement in the few weeks after the heatwave, with an estimated deficit of 253 deaths at the end of the period. Conclusions: The heatwave in France during August 2003 was associated with a large increase in the number of deaths. The impact estimated using a time-series design was consistent with crude previous estimates of the impact of the heatwave. This finding suggests that neither air pollution nor long-term and seasonal trends confounded previous estimates. There was no evidence to suggest that the extras deaths associated with the heatwave were simply brought forward in time.
DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme: action on single-stranded DNA and on double-stranded DNA in the presence of replicative DNA helicases.

DNA polymerase delta requires proliferating cell nuclear antigen and replication factor C to form a holoenzyme efficient in DNA synthesis. We have analyzed three different aspects of calf thymus DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme: (i) analysis of pausing during DNA synthesis, (ii) replication of double-stranded DNA in the absence of additional factors, and (iii) replication of double-stranded DNA in the presence of the two known replicative DNA helicases from simian virus 40 and bovine papilloma virus. DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme replicated primed single-stranded DNA at a rate of 100-300 nucleotides/min, partially overcoming multiple pause sites on DNA. While Escherichia coli single-strand DNA binding protein helped DNA polymerase delta pass through pause sites, the DNA polymerase delta itself appeared to dissociate from the template in the absence of synthesis or when encountering pause sites. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen likely remained on the template. DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme could perform limited strand displacement synthesis on double-stranded gapped circular DNA, and this reaction was not stimulated either by replication protein A or by E. coli single-strand DNA binding protein. DNA polymerase delta holoenzyme could efficiently cooperate with replicative DNA helicases from simian virus 40 (large T antigen) and bovine papilloma virus 1 (protein E1) in replication through double-stranded DNA in a reaction that required replication protein A or E. coli single-strand DNA binding protein. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Household salt iodine content estimation with the use of rapid test kits and iodometric titration methods.

BACKGROUND Universal salt iodization remains the best strategy for controlling iodine deficiency disorders in Nepal. AIMS This study was designed to study the salt types and the household salt iodine content of school aged children in the hilly and the plain districts of eastern Nepal. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out on school children of seven randomly chosen schools from four districts, namely, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha and Tehrathum of eastern Nepal. The school children were requested to bring two teaspoonfuls (approx. 12-15 g) of the salt which was consumed in their households, in a tightly sealed plastic pouch. The salt types were categorized, and the salt iodine content was estimated by using rapid test kits and iodometric titrations. The association of the salt iodine content of the different districts were tested by using the Chi-square test. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the rapid test kits were compared with the iodometric titrations. RESULTS Our study showed that mean±SD values of the salt iodine content in the four districts, namely, Sunsari, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasabha and Tehrathum were 34.2±17.9, 33.2±14.5, 27.4±15.1 and 48.4±15.6 parts per million (ppm). There were 270 (38.2%) households which consumed crystal salt and 437(61.8%) of the households consumed packet salts. CONCLUSIONS Our study recommends a regular monitoring of the salt iodization programs in these regions. More families should be made aware of the need to ensure that each individual consumes iodized salt.
Far-Field Sub-Wavelength Imaging of Two-Dimensional Extended Target Aided By Compact Planar Resonant Structures

Two kinds of compact planar electrical resonant structures (PERSs) are proposed as the solution to realize far-field sub-wavelength imaging of extended target. The proposed structures have their advantages in low profile, compact size, and electrical coupling property. The conversion between evanescent and propagation waves of the two structures enables the sub-wavelength information to be carried to far-field. The first PERS consists of periodically distributed spiral resonators. With the help of background Green's function, sub-wavelength images of two-dimensional extended target with the resolutions of λ/11 from simulation and λ/7 from experiment are reconstructed in the far-field by multiple signal classification imaging method. The second PERS similarly consists of spiral resonators, which operate at different frequencies. Image of an extended target with a resolution of λ/17 from experiment is reconstructed from the spectra received in the far-field, without the use of the background Green's function. Both simulations and experiments are performed to validate the proposed structures. The sub-wavelength imaging results show that the proposed PERSs can be widely applied in new super-resolution imaging systems.
Pyrido-Pyrimidine Derivative CYC10424 Inhibits Glycosaminoglycan Changes on Vascular Smooth Muscle-derived Proteoglycans and Reduces Lipoprotein Binding

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality with the underlying process being atherosclerosis. Modified proteoglycans bind low-density lipoproteins (LDL), a critical initial step in the atherosclerotic cascade, representing a potential therapeutic target. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates proteoglycan synthesis and is strongly implicated in atherogenesis. In human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), CYC10424 (Cytopia Research Ltd), a pyrido-pyrimidine derivative, dose-dependently decreased PDGF-mediated radiolabel incorporation into proteoglycans associated with an increase in electrophoretic mobility by SDS-PAGE. PDGF stimulated increases in both chemically-cleaved and xyloside-associated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain size, which were inhibited in the presence of CYC10424 by size exclusion chromatography (Sepharose CL-6B). CYC10424 treatment inhibited the PDGF effect to increase the 6:4 position sulfation ratio of monosulfated disaccharides by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis. Proteoglycans derived from cells treated with CYC10424 had a decreased binding affinity and capacity to human LDL by gel mobility shift assay. CYC10424 and related compounds are possible candidates as therapeutic agents for the prevention of lipid deposition as characteristic of diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Qualitative difference of spinal reflex corresponding with qualitative difference of cutaneous stimulus

QUALITATIVE differences between spinal reflexes provoked from the skin are usually distinguished only in so far as dependent on differences in the regional locus of their initiation. The experimentalist has in general to be content to tacitly treat these skin reflexes as of a single kind. But the variety of species of sensation elicitable from the skin suggests that possibly different reflex motor reactions attach to the different species of end-organs undoubtedly coexisting in one and the same skin field. The different kinds of end-organ belonging to one and the same cutaneous region rmay possess reflex spinal connections differing inter se. That this is really the case is indicated by the followinsg observations undertakein in examnination of the question. I. In the "spinal" dog (e.g. after exsection of a short piece, a segment, from the posterior cervical region of the cord) if the skin underneath and between the toe-pads and cushion of the hind-foot be pressed or stretched, a sudden forcible extension of the linb is evoked. This is especially the case if at the tinme of stimulation the limb be resting flexed at hip and knee. I have called this reflex the "direct extension reflexl. " The extensor movement is brief and ample, and resembles the sharp extension of the spinal frog's leg, of which tracincgs were furnished in a previous paper2. It is obvious that such a mnovement, helpful as contributory to progressionl, would on the contrary be harmful in response to certain other possible stimuili to the foot. Suppose a thorn lying below the foot and applied so as to prick it underneath. If there then ensued the extensor movement that as above described ensues when broad pressure
Effect of Hypnosis on Pain and Blink Reflexes in Patients With Painful Temporomandibular Disorders

ObjectiveThis study contrasted the effect of hypnosis on self-reported pain and changes in a nociceptive brainstem reflex, the blink reflex (BR), in 39 women with temporomandibular disorder. MethodsThe patients were randomized to hypnosis or control (nonhypnotic relaxation). Pain intensity was assessed 3 times daily on a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. BRs were elicited by electrical stimulation with a nociceptive-specific electrode and recorded before and after treatment at pain threshold (Ip) and supra threshold (2×Ip). ResultsSignificant reduction of pain intensity was observed in the hypnosis group from 4.5±2.1 at baseline to 2.9±2.4 after treatment (P<0.001). The pain reduction was generally unrelated to changes in the BR, with the exception being a lowered ipsilateral R2 BR component at the right side supra threshold (P=0.034). ConclusionsHypnosis thus seems to reduce complex temporomandibular disorder pain, most likely because of cortical changes with little, if any, involvement of brainstem reflex pathways.
Effects of an herbal medication containing bee products on menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk markers: results of a pilot open-uncontrolled trial.

OBJECTIVES Fifty-five postmenopausal women with menopausal complaints were treated with the food supplement Melbrosia for 3 months. Menopausal symptom evaluation scales and psychological questionnaires were administered, and cardiovascular disease markers in blood were analyzed at the beginning and the end of the trial. SETTING The perimenopausal care unit of Second Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria. DESIGN The study was an open, multicenter, uncontrolled, prospective observation study. The subjective symptoms questionnaires administered before Melbrosia treatment and after 3 months of treatment were Kupperman Score, Zerssen Symptom List, Zung Depression Score, and Frankfurt Self-concept Scale (self-assessment test, problem-solving test, self-esteem test, and irritability test). The blood levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in a subgroup of patients. RESULTS Treatment of postmenopausal women with Melbrosia led to a statistically significant reduction in the Kupperman score, Zerssen's Symptoms List, and Zung Depression Score. The Frankfurt Self-concept Scale revealed significant improvement in problem-solving, no change in self-assessment and self-esteem, and worsening of irritability. Treatment with Melbrosia significantly reduced TC and LDL and significantly elevated HDL and TG. There were nonsignificant changes of serum VCAM-1 and CRP levels in patients treated with Melbrosia. CONCLUSIONS The presented data suggest that Melbrosia may offer a potential alternative to hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. However, because of this study's uncontrolled, open- label methodology, no cause-and-effect inferences can be drawn until a larger, longer-term, blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial is performed.
Cardiorespiratory Effects Following Acute Exposure to Pyridostigmine Bromide and/or N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in Rats

The acute lethal interaction that occurs in rodents when high doses of a peripherally restricted cholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine bromide (PB), and the insect repellent N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) are combined was first described during studies of chemical mixtures that were targeted as potential causative agents of Gulf War illnesses. This study was intended to provide insight into possible mechanisms of that lethal interaction. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of PB (2 mg/kg) and/or DEET (300 or 500 mg/kg), respiratory activity was measured in conscious freely moving rats using whole-body plethysmography. Cardiovascular function was also monitored simultaneously through an arterial catheter. PB (2 mg/kg) given alone stimulated respiration and increased blood pressure. Arterial pH levels were decreased, whereas pO2 and pCO2 remained at control levels. Administration of DEET (300 mg/kg) alone increased tidal volume and decreased blood pressure. Blood gases and pH levels were unaltered. A higher dose of DEET (500 mg/kg) also decreased respiratory and heart rate. Coadministration of PB (2 mg/kg) and DEET (300 mg/kg) increased tidal volume, decreased arterial pH, and elevated pCO2. Heart rate and blood pressure declined progressively after drug coadministration. Pretreatment with atropine methyl nitrate (AMN), a peripherally selective competitive antagonist at nicotinic and muscarinic receptor sites, reduced the individual effects of PB or DEET, and significantly increased survival after co-exposure to these agents. Although changes in respiratory function may have contributed to the lethal interaction, it was concluded that the primary cause of death was circulatory failure.
Preventive effect of nebivolol on contrast-induced nephropathy in rats.

BACKGROUND Altered renal vasodilatation and oxidative stress are important mechanisms of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of nebivolol, a beta blocker, on prevention of CIN. We hypothesized that nebivolol may prevent CIN due to its renal vasodilatation and antioxidant effects. METHODS Thirty-two Wistar-albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): control (C), contrast media (CM), nebivolol (N), and nebivolol + contrast media (NCM). CIN was induced by administration of intravenous high-osmolar contrast media diatrizoate (6 ml/kg) after 72 h of dehydration. Nebivolol (2 mg/kg) was given internally once daily for 5 days. Kidney function parameters, nitric oxide metabolites and oxidative stress markers were measured. Kidneys were excised for pathological evaluation. RESULTS The decrease of creatinine clearance was 0.180 +/- 0.11 mg/dl in CM, and 0.030 +/- 0.10 mg/dl in NCM (P = 0.01). Microproteinuria was ameliorated using nebivolol (P = 0.001). Serum protein carbonyl content, malonyldialdehyde and kidney thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances levels were higher in CM than in C (P = 0.003, P < 0.001 and P = 0.034, respectively) and serum thiol was lower in CM than in C (P = 0.001). However, oxidative stress markers were similar in NCM and C. Diatrizoate decreased kidney nitrite levels, but nebivolol increased them (P = 0.027). Nebivolol attenuated the tubular necrosis, proteinaceous casts and medullary congestion, although significant protective effects, were observed in tubular necrosis (P = 0.001) and proteinaceous cast (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the protective role of nebivolol against CIN.
DX-9065a, an Orally Active, Specific Inhibitor of Factor Xa, Inhibits Thrombosis without Affecting Bleeding Time in Rats

Summary We evaluated the antithrombotic effects of DX-9065a, a specific factor Xa inhibitor, using tissue thromboplastin-induced DIC (TP-DIC) and the arterio-venous shunt (AV shunt) in rats. Intravenous TP injection reduced the platelet counts and fibrinogen concentrations in blood. In the TP-DIC model, an intravenous dose of DX-9065a 0.23 mg/kg 1 min before TP injection suppressed the consumption of platelets and fibrinogen to 57% and 66%, respectively, and the production of FDP almost completely. In the AV shunt model, DX-9065a inhibited thrombus formation to 51% on intravenous administration of 0.23 mg/kg and to 60% when given orally at 23.3 mg/kg. Intravenous administration of 2.33 mg/kg of DX-9065a did not affect the bleeding time. These results suggest that Xa inhibition may be an appropriate approach for suppressing thrombosis without impairing haemostasis.
Marital Status and the Risk of Suicide: Experience from England and Wales, 1982–1996

This analysis examined suicide rates by age, sex, and marital status in England and Wales for the period 1982–1996. Never married, widowed, and divorced people had higher rates of suicide than those who were married, for both sexes. Among the widowed ages 20–39 years, both sexes had the highest rate, and the rate decreased with age. The suicide rate for divorced people was similar to those who had never married, except for the younger group ages 20–29 years. The male:female ratios for the relative suicide risk for never married, widowed, and divorced to married for both sexes were statistically significantly different for older adults. The decrease in suicide rates observed for the period 1982–1996 in England and Wales was mainly attributable to the reduction of suicide rates among the widowed and divorced.
Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevention in Black School Children: The "Know Your Body" Evaluation Project

A longitudinal study of the effectiveness of the "Know Your Body" (KYB) program in reducing coronary heart disease risk factors was begun among black students in the District of Columbia in 1983. Subjects were in grades four through six at nine schools stratified on socioeconomic status and randomized into one control and two intervention groups. At baseline, 1,041 students were measured for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, ponderosity, triceps skinfold thickness, postexercise pulse recovery rate, serum thiocyanate, serum total cholesterol, and serum HDL cholesterol. Significant net changes in individual values occurred in the favorable direction at one or all four annual follow-up reexaminations for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, HDL/total cholesterol ratio, serum thiocyanate, and fitness. Favorable changes in diastolic blood pressure and serum thiocyanate were observed at all reexaminations, and these were substantiated by analyses that used the school grade as the unit of analysis. Intervention students who were judged to have had the best KYB teachers showed significant favorable net changes in total serum cholesterol after one year. Results are consistent with other evaluations of the Know Your Body program suggesting that KYB may reduce chronic disease risk in diverse school populations, and that increased efforts should be made to improve implementation methods.
A prospective randomized comparative study of monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate and photoselective vaporization of the prostate in patients who present with benign prostatic obstruction: a single center experience.

PURPOSE The first prospective randomized study to compare the safety and short-term efficacy of monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP, and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using GreenLight high-performance system 120W laser in patients who presented with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). PATIENTS AND METHODS The 186 consecutive patients who presented with BPO and who were planned for surgery were randomized into three groups: Group A, patients who underwent monopolar TURP; group B, patients who underwent bipolar TURP; and group C, patients who underwent PVP. All three groups were subdivided into two subgroups based on prostate volume: Subgroup 1 >20 cc and <50 cc, and subgroup 2, between 50 and 80 cc. Patients preoperative, perioperative, and follow-up data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS The baseline characteristics of the three groups and subgroups 1 and 2 were comparable. The number of patients in whom postoperative irrigation was instituted, amount of fluid used for postoperative irrigation, duration of postoperative irrigation, postoperative hemoglobin concentration, and duration of catheterization were significantly in favor of group C patients except for the mean operative time, which was significantly longer among them. All three groups demonstrated an increase in International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, and maximum flow rate and decrease in prostate volume and postvoid residual urine at 12-month follow-up. The mean Intgernational Index of Erectile Function-5 score did not show improvement in any group. The need for blood transfusion and clot retention necessitating intervention were significantly lower among group C patients compared with group A, whereas these values for group B patients did not reach significant level compared with either group A or C. These complications were comparable among subgroup 1 patients, whereas subgroup 2 patients had shown results in favor of subgroup C2. CONCLUSION Monopolar TURP, bipolar TURP, and PVP are equally efficacious at 12-month follow-up. PVP has added advantages of lesser blood loss, lesser need for blood transfusion (especially for prostate volume 50-80 cc), and shorter catheterization time.