Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia Dramatically Increases the Nonspecific Transport of Blood‐Borne Proteins to the Brain

Abstract: Increased cerebrovascular permeability is an important factor for the development of cerebral edema. To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the transport of blood‐borne proteins to the brain, we used a cell culture model of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) consisting of a coculture of brain capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes that closely mimics the in vivo situation. The permeability of albumin, a marker of the nonspecific transcellular route, is extremely low in this in vitro model of the BBB. After hypoxia, a huge increase in the permeability of albumin is detected. Despite the opening of the tight junctions already demonstrated after hypoxia, the increase in the permeability of albumin is mainly attributed to an increase of the nonspecific vesicular transport in the cell, attested by the temperature dependence of the phenomenon and the visualization of labeled apotransferrin in the cytoplasm. The increase of this pathway could participate in the development of brain edema during hypoxia.
Health Disparities in Pediatric Cochlear Implantation: An Audiologic Perspective

Objectives: A national survey of pediatric cochlear implantation (PCI) audiologists was conducted with three aims: (1) to determine if PCI audiologists perceive within their clinical practice a negative effect of low socioeconomic status (SES) on postimplant speech and language outcomes; (2) to understand their perceptions of the underlying factors leading to outcome disparities; and (3) to elicit suggestions for improving outcomes in disadvantaged populations. We hypothesized that audiologists would perceive reduced speech and language outcomes within their lower SES patient population, and that this noted disparity would be related to parental adherence (compliance) and access to habilitation. Design: A survey containing 22 quantitative and open-ended questions was electronically mailed to a data base of 234 PCI audiologists. Forty-four percent (N = 103 of 234) responded to the survey, with the majority (98 of 103) answering all questions. Quantitative responses were analyzed using the Stata 9 statistical package with significance at p < 0.05. Qualitative responses were analyzed using standardized codebook and content analysis. Transcripts were read and coded for the main ideas expressed in each response. The codes were then analyzed for patterns and organized into subthemes that were then grouped into themes. Results: Seventy-eight percent (N = 76 of 98) of respondents perceived an effect of SES on postimplant speech and language outcomes. Qualitative responses uniformly demonstrated audiologists' perception that lower SES patient populations were more likely to experience reduced speech and language outcomes. Two major themes emerged in audiologists' explanations of SES-related disparities: internal factors of parental influence (i.e., parental self-efficacy, adherence, and habilitation carryover), and external factors (i.e., inadequate therapy and lack of available resources). Three primary suggestions were offered for reducing the disparity: improvement in cochlear implant services (92%), increased emphasis on parental education and intervention (87%), and the development of stricter candidacy requirements (15%). Conclusions: This study offers evidence to show that PCI audiologists note an SES-related disparity in the field of PCI. Respondents suggest the need for a broad and culturally sensitive effort to both increase access to qualified healthcare professionals and develop approaches that will aid parents in the at-home habilitation process.
Competition: Towards Low-Power Wireless Networking that Survives Interference with Minimal Latency

Low-power wireless networking needs to survive interference in order to accommodate the requirements of serious applications of Internet of Things. Synchronous transmission techniques like Glossy and Chaos perform well under normal operating conditions. However, their data delivery latency suffers under interference even when extended to use channel hopping. In this paper we discuss our techniques to enhance the robustness of synchronous flooding while keeping the latency and power consumption minimal.
The natural history of intracranial meningiomas.

OBJECT Despite the increased detection of incidental or small meningiomas, the lesion's natural history is largely unknown. METHODS One year or longer of follow-up was conducted in 244 patients with 273 meningiomas managed conservatively by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2008. Data were stratified according to age, sex, tumor location, symptoms, initial tumor diameter, calcification, MR imaging intensity, and edema. Linear tumor growth was defined as a 2-mm or larger increase in the maximum diameter in any direction of the tumor. Volumetric analysis (ImageJ version 1.43) was also conducted in 154 of 273 meningiomas for which complete radiological data were available in the form of DICOM files throughout the follow-up period. A volume increase greater than 8.2% was regarded as significant because the preliminary volumetry based on 20 randomly selected meningiomas showed that the average SD was 4.1%. RESULTS Linear growth was observed in 120 tumors (44.0%) with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. Factors related to tumor growth were age of 60 or younger (p = 0.0004), absence of calcification (p = 0.027), MR imaging T2 signal hyperintensity (p = 0.021), and edema (p = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that age 60 or younger (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54, 95% CI 1.05-2.30, p = 0.026), initial tumor diameter greater than 25 mm (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.44-3.38, p = 0.0004), and the absence of calcification (HR 4.57, 95% CI 2.69-8.20, p < 0.0001) were factors associated with a short time to progression. Volumetric growth was seen in 74.0% of the cases. Factors associated with a higher annual growth rate were male sex (p = 0.0002), initial tumor diameter greater than 25 mm (p < 0.0001), MR imaging T2 signal hyperintensity (p = 0.0001), presence of symptoms (p = 0.037), and edema (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Although the authors could obtain variable results depending on the measurement method, the data demonstrate patients younger than 60 years of age and those with meningiomas characterized by hyperintensity on T2-weighted MR imaging, no calcification, diameter greater than 25 mm, and edema need to be observed more closely. Volumetry was more sensitive to detecting tumor growth than measuring the linear diameter.
Ionically cross-linked carrageenan-alginate hydrogel beads

Hydrogel beads based on the carbohydrate biopolymers kappa-carrageenan and sodium alginate were newly prepared. Both classical and experimental design (Taguchi) methods were used to obtain the optimum conditions for the full-polysaccharide hydrogel preparation. The carrageenan-alginate (Caralgi) beads exhibited a surface morphology smoother than that of the one-polysaccharide network beads. Infrared spectroscopy and DSC/TGA thermal methods were used to study the chemical structure and thermal properties of the beads. The carrageenan parts appreciably enhanced thermostability of the networks. The fully carbohydrate-based hydrogel beads are expected to be biologically compatible and degradable. They are being considered as new carriers for drug loading and controlled delivery systems.
Outcome of colectomy for slow transit constipation.

OBJECTIVE To review the outcome data for colectomy performed for patients with slow transit constipation (STC). BACKGROUND The outcome of surgical intervention in patients with STC is unpredictable. This may be a consequence of the lack of effectiveness of such interventions or may reflect heterogeneity within this group of patients. METHODS The authors reviewed the data of all series in the English language that document the outcome of colectomy in > or = 10 patients in the treatment of STC. RESULTS Thirty-two series fulfilled the entry criteria. There was widespread variability in patient satisfaction rates after colectomy (39% to 100%), reflecting large differences in the incidence of postoperative complications and in long-term functional results. Outcome was dependent on several clinical and pathophysiologic findings and on the type of study, the population studied, and the surgical procedure used. CONCLUSIONS It may be possible to predict outcome on the basis of preoperative clinical and pathophysiologic findings. This review suggests a rationale for the selection of patients for colectomy.
Is Periventricular Leukomalacia an Axonopathy as Well as an Oligopathy?

Periventricular leukomalacia is a white matter disorder, the neonatal cranial ultrasound images of which predict long-term developmental limitations among preterm infants. The vulnerability of oligodendrocytes has led to the hypothesis that oligodendrocytes suffer the primary damage, with axonal damage occurring as a consequence. In this article, we discuss the differential role of oligodendrocytes and axons in this disorder's etiology, offering analogies from the multiple sclerosis and hydrocephalus literature. We conclude that it is too early to view periventricular leukomalacia exclusively as a consequence of oligodendrocyte damage and/or maldevelopment.
Depressive symptomatology in middle-aged and older married couples: a dyadic analysis.

OBJECTIVES Depressive symptomatology has been frequently conceptualized as an individual matter, but social contextual models argue that symptom levels are likely to covary in close relationships. The present study investigated correlation between spouses' depressive symptomatology in middle-aged and older married couples, the influence of gender and race/ethnicity in predicting variability in symptom level, and the importance of individual-level covariates (education, health, and age) and couple-level covariates (household income and net worth). METHODS Results were based on secondary analysis of Wave 1 interviews with White, Black, and Mexican American married couples (N = 5,423) from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the Study of Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD). Dyadic data from husbands and wives were analyzed with multilevel modeling. RESULTS Husbands' and wives' depressive symptoms were moderately correlated, gender and race/ethnicity (and their interaction) predicted depressive symptoms, and both individual-level and couple-level characteristics were significant covariates. Similarities as well as differences are noted between the HRS and AHEAD results. DISCUSSION Results highlight the importance of dyadic data and multilevel models for understanding depressive symptomatology in married couples. The influence of race/ethnicity merits greater attention in future research. Differences in findings between HRS and AHEAD suggest life-course, cohort, or methodological influences.
Insecticide resistance to Anopheles spp. mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Nigeria: A review

Monitoring of insecticide resistance is indispensable to acquire comparable baseline data on insecticide resistance. Hence, there is need to understand its past and present status. An investigation was carried out on the insecticide resistance to Anopheles spp. mosquitoes in Nigeria which is on the increase and spreads across Africa. Various methods of detecting insecticide resistance were reported. The studies showed existence of DDT resistance and reduced susceptibility to permethrin in Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) a major vector of malaria in Nigeria. Resistance to permethrin was recorded in all the geographical zones but highest levels were found in the forest savannah, Mosaic and Guinea savanna. Similar results were obtained in Ghana where resistance in all classes of insecticides was recorded except organophosphates. In Cameroun, DDT and permethrin also showed high levels of resistance. A number of causes of resistance were highlighted and factors influencing their development were also enumerated. Available methods of detecting insecticide resistance were discussed. Various measures for the management of resistance in different continents of the world were also highlighted. Non insecticidal methods of mosquito control which include the use of repellant plants, environmental management, biological control and mechanical controls were enumerated. Recommendations were also made to the Nigerian Government to incorporate some of the successful techniques applied in other parts of the world. The study has implications for the control of mosquito populations and the spread of human, livestock and poultry diseases.
ET‐1 Excretion Is Urine Flow‐Dependent in Kidney Donors and Transplant Recipients

Summary: Urinary endothelin-1 excretion (uET-1/min) has been reported to be elevated under cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy in kidney transplant recipients (KR). The possible flow-dependence of uET-1/min was not considered. Therefore, we studied the effect of water diuresis on uET-1/min in KR 1 year after transplantation and used kidney donors (KD) as controls. Urinary ET-l/min and urine flow (uFlow) were measured in 25 KR and in 21 KD before and 27 KD 1 year after surgery (KD-Nx) during water diuresis induced by oral hydration in a 12 h overnight collection. uET-1/min was correlated with uFlow. uET-1/min in 12-h overnight collection was similar in KD, KD-Nx, and KR(127 ± 55, 110 ± 42, and 122 ± 53 pg/min respectively). Urine flow did not differ significantly among the three groups (range 0.6–3.7 ml/min). uET-1/ min correlated significantly with urine flow in KD, KD-Nx, and KR (r = 0.59, r = 0.42, and r = 0.53, p < 0.03, respectively). The slope of the three regression lines was not different. There was no correlation of uET-1/min with CsA trough level or dose. uET-1/min is urine flow-dependent during water diuresis. Because NaCl diuresis has been reported to have no influence on uET-1/min, we hypothesize that uET-1/min is linked to the state of diuresis or antidiuresis in the distal nephron. CsA therapy does not influence uET-1/min in a 12-h urine collection.
Is Willingness to Pay for Non-Consumptive Wildlife Watching Falling? Evidence From Three Rounds of the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation

ABSTRACT Since 1955, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has conducted the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Association Recreation (FHWAR) with the purpose of evaluating outdoor recreation. Using the socioeconomic, activity, and contingent valuation data collected from the last three rounds of this national survey (2001, 2006, 2011), econometric modeling demonstrates that variables such as age, income, gender, and type of land visited (public/private) explain variation in wildlife watching willingness to pay (WTP) and consumer surplus (CS). Although not having been fully investigated in the previous FHWAR contingent valuation literature, results suggest that distinguishing between in-state and out-of-state wildlife watching is important. Additionally, analyses indicate that CS for out-of-state wildlife watching along with CS and WTP for in-state wildlife watching are temporarily reliable. Given the study period overlaps the recent recession, this outcome suggests that welfare is stable across time and in the face of business cycles.
Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Veterans’ Experiences in the Veterans Health Administration: Positive Signs and Room for Improvement

This study explored the characteristics of lesbian, gay, and transgender veteran users of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services and nonusers, using a national convenience sample. Participants responded to an online, anonymous survey posted on LGBT websites and forwarded through personal contacts, using a snow-ball sampling strategy, resulting in a final sample of 218. Most participants were enrolled in VHA (n = 151). VHA users were older, more ethnically diverse, had less income, and were less public about their sexual or gender minority identity than nonusers. VHA users and nonusers did not differ on depression, anxiety, alcohol use, or tobacco use; although VHA users had more physical limitations and chronic medical conditions and lower health literacy than nonusers. Most lesbian, gay, and transgender VHA users felt welcome at their facility and comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation and gender identity with their provider. Compared with earlier studies, the positive experiences of lesbian, gay, and transgender VHA users in this study provide supportive evidence that VHA staff training efforts to raise awareness and competency have been successful. Additional efforts are needed to understand why transgender men feel less welcome and comfortable disclosing their gender identity.
Susceptibility of beige mice to Mycobacterium avium: role of neutrophils

The beige mutation in C57BL/6 mice has been shown to increase the susceptibility to infection by Mycobacterium avium. In this study, we confirmed those results and showed that the effect of the beige mutation was most obvious after infection with a strain of lower virulence than with a highly virulent isolate of M. avium. The dissemination of M. avium from the gut was observed with both C57BL/6 and beige mice but was faster in the latter. The expression of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and the priming for tumor necrosis factor production during an in vivo infection were similar between beige and immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. IFN-gamma produced during the infection of beige mice was protective in the spleen, and the administration of recombinant IFN-gamma restored the resistance in the spleen to levels similar to those found in control mice. There were no histological differences between wild-type and beige mice with respect to granuloma formation in the liver. The increased susceptibility of beige mice to M. avium as manifested in the liver was reduced by transfusing neutrophils from wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Likewise, depletion of neutrophils from C57BL/6 mice rendered them as susceptible to M. avium infection of the liver as beige mice. Our results point to the participation of neutrophils in the defect of beige mice in addition to other defects. Furthermore, these results show that neutrophils play a significant role in the defense mechanisms against mycobacterial infections and that beige animals may be a useful model for study of the role of neutrophils in mycobacteriosis.
Heterogeneity in the Determinants of Population Growth at the Local Level

Formal modeling of local population growth has usually tended to focus on identifying patterns that are presumed to hold universally. However, as Glaeser, Ponzetto, and Tobio highlighted, these laws are reliable for long-term dynamics; but in some moments or for some places, the balance between the different factors may change, giving rise to different specific behaviors. In this article, we study local population growth in Spain with no intention of searching for universal patterns. Rather, we are interested in identifying how relevant the temporal and spatial heterogeneity may be, that is, to assess the even and uneven effects that population growth determinants can exert across time and space. The geographically weighted regression (GWR) approach applied in this article for two different decades, 1991–2001 and 2001–2011, captures the spatial heterogeneity. Results on the spatially differentiated population growth factors are compared with the global ordinary least squares (OLS) estimators for both decades. Essential factors in urban and regional economics such as size (initial population) or distance (either to the big cities or to the coast) can have different effects on population growth across both space and time, corresponding to the global estimated effects for some areas but diverging from these in others. Using GWR estimation procedures, we can identify changes in the sign or in the intensity of a factor’s effect across space, such that some factors could enhance population growth in one place but reduce it in another. Only after all spatially differentiated local effects have been analyzed and taken into consideration can appropriate national or regional policies be designed à la carte to promote, retain, or deter population growth.
Results from high-frequency hearing screening in 14- to 15-year old adolescents and their relation to self-reported exposure to loud music

Abstract Objective: Data from high-frequency hearing screening in adolescent students were analysed to investigate whether practices of listening to loud music are reflected in the hearing status of young people. Design: Students were screened for their hearing at frequencies 2, 4, and 6 kHz and at a level of 20 dB HL. Failure of the screening was defined by missing at least one frequency in one ear. In addition to hearing screening, the students filled out a questionnaire asking for practices related to exposure to loud music. Study sample: 1296 adolescents aged 14 to 15 years. Results: The overall rate of failing the hearing screening was 14.9% (95% CI: 13.0%–16.8%). The rate was similar in adolescents with no, little, or moderate exposure to loud music (10% to 15%), but significantly increased (22% to 25%) in adolescents with high exposure. Conclusions: The observed failing rate compares well to findings on the prevalence of hearing deficits in adolescents reported in other studies. In addition, our study suggests that the risk for hearing damage from loud music is not steadily increasing with increase of exposure, but exists only under conditions of extreme listening.
Bromocriptine as Adjunctive Therapy to Clozapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Currently, some people argue that the inclusion ofmental illnesses under the concept of "mental health" has possibly outlived its utility. Certainly in the popular mind (and potentially in the minds of many legislators), there is a simplistic and unrealistic perspective that considers an investment in "mental health" as an alternative to the provision oftreatments for "mental illness. " Indeed, in some circles it has become fashionable to focus on "enhancing" the normative "mental health" of populations to the detriment of those individuals with serious mental illnesses.