Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of brief interventions for hazardous drinkers in primary care: systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND Because recent research in primary care has challenged the findings of previous reviews on the efficacy of brief interventions (BIs) on hazardous drinkers, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to update the evidence of BIs as applied in the primary care setting. METHODS We obtained source material by searching electronic databases and reference lists and hand-searching journals. We selected randomized trials providing frequency data that allowed assessment of the efficacy of BIs on an intention-to-treat basis. Results were summarized by the odds ratio (OR) of response. When appropriate, risk difference (RD) and its inverse (number needed to treat [NNT] to achieve a positive result) were also computed. Fixed and/or random effect models were fitted according to heterogeneity estimates. RESULTS Thirteen studies provided data for a dose-effect analysis, 12 for comparison of BIs with reference categories. No clear evidence of a dose-effect relationship was found. BIs outperformed minimal interventions and usual care (random effects model OR = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-1.90; RD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.06-0.16; NNT = 10, 95% CI = 7-17). Similar results were obtained when two influential studies were removed (fixed effect model OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.32-1.87; RD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.07-0.15; NNT = 9, 95% CI = 7-15). The heterogeneity between individual estimates was accounted for by the type of hazardous drinkers (heavy versus moderate) and by the characteristics of the included individuals (treatment seekers versus nontreatment seekers). The funnel plot did not show evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION Our results, although indicating smaller effect sizes than previous meta-analyses, do support the moderate efficacy of BIs. Further research is outlined.
Observer design for a class of Lipschitz time-delay systems

This paper deals with observers design of non-linear time-delay systems.We investigate in particular, a useful technique based on the use of the Differential Mean Value Theorem (DMVT) and the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals to give a very suitable sufficient synthesis condition to assure exponential convergence. The obtained condition is formulated in terms of matrix inequality which becomes linear whenever an unknown scalar is chosen a priori. On the other hand, we introduce a simple and relevant transformation to show how to extend the obtained results to a particular class of continuous but non-differentiable systems. To show performances of the proposed approach and the large class of systems that may be concerned, numerical examples are provided.
Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in malignant pleural mesothelioma: Focus on FGF-receptors

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) constitute a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. Four different receptors, FGFR1-4, bind 18 different fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and signal mainly along the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and the phospholipase c gamma (PLCγ) pathway. Physiologically, they are major regulators of embryonic development and metabolism. Deregulation of FGFR signals is increasingly recognized to play important roles in malignant diseases and may constitute a feasible therapeutic target. We recently investigated their role in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive malignancy mainly caused by asbestos exposure and with currently limited therapeutic options. We demonstrated high expression of several FGFs/FGFRs, especially FGFR1, FGF2 and FGF18 in cultured tumor cells and tissue specimens and identified FGFR-mediated signals as major driver of MPM cell growth, survival and migration. FGFR blockade by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or by a dominant-negative receptor construct resulted in reduced MPM growth in vitro and in vivo and, furthermore, enhanced the efficacy of chemo- or radiotherapy. Several other receptor tyrosine kinases, including EGFR, MET and AXL were found to be overexpressed in MPM but translation into clinically successful therapeutic approaches has not yet been achieved. Inhibition of FGF-receptors may have the advantage of targeting both the tumor cells as well as the tumor vasculature and should be further evaluated.
Chapter # CATEGORY CAPTAINSHIP PRACTICES IN THE RETAIL INDUSTRY

Retailers in the consumer goods industry often rely on a leading manufacturer for category management, a form of manufacturer-retailer collaboration referred to as category captainship. There are reported success stories about category captainship, but also a growing debate about its potential for anticompetitive practices by category captains. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of the existing research on category captainship, and identify research directions that would improve our understanding of its
The effect of religious, cultural and social identity on population genetic structure among Muslims in Pakistan

Knowledge of historical demography and contemporary social stratification can be valuable in understanding disease patterns, including genetic disorders, especially in communities that have a high prevalence of endogamous and/or consanguineous marriages. This paper provides a background to the religious, historical and socio-cultural factors that have helped define the bounds of endogamy for Muslims in undivided India and more specifically since the creation of Pakistan. The preference for endogamous marriage is based on the clan-oriented nature of the society, which values and actively seeks similarities in social group identity based on several factors, including religious, sectarian, ethnic, and tribal/clan affiliation. Religious affiliation is itself multi-layered and includes religious considerations other than being Muslim, such as sectarian identity (e.g. Shia or Sunni, etc.) and religious orientation within the sect (Isnashari, Ismaili, Ahmedi, etc.). Both ethnic affiliation (e.g. Sindhi, Baloch, Punjabi, etc.) and membership of specific biraderis or zat/quoms are additional integral components of social identity. Within the bounds of endogamy defined by the above parameters, close consanguineous unions are preferential due to a congruence of key features of group- and individual-level background factors.
Prolactin does not affect human platelet aggregation or secretion

Summary Platelets play an important role in the development of plaque formation and in the events after rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque, leading to atherothrombosis. Multiple hormones, either in excess or when deficient, are involved in the development of atherothrombotic disease, but, to which extent such hormones affect platelet function, is still controversial. It was the objective of this study to assess the ability of the pituitary hormone prolactin to affect platelet functions. Venous blood was collected from six healthy males. Platelet activation was studied by (i) flow cytometry in whole blood (exposure of P-selectin as a measure of platelet secretion, and binding of PAC-1 as a measure of ligand-binding conformation of αIIbβ3), and by (ii) optical aggregation and whole blood aggregation. All studies were performed without and with exposure to several concentrations of ADP (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 μM) and prolactin (50 and 1,000 μg/l). The presence of the prolactin receptor was investigated by Western blot and flow cytometry. In response to either 50 or 1,000 μg/l prolactin, no evidence of platelet activation or aggregation was found. In addition, ADP-induced platelet activation or aggregation was not enhanced by prolactin. Finally, prolactin receptors could not be detected on the surface of platelets. The present data indicate that prolactin does not directly modulate platelet function.
Self-dual Chern-Simons solitons.

These lectures are devoted to the two-year old topic of Chern-Simons solitons. Solitons have interested particle theorists since the mid-1970’s[1]; Chern-Simons dynamics, since the early 1980’s [2]. Now in the decade of the 1990’s, we are combining the two subjects.
Social behavior and characteristics of autism spectrum disorder in Angelman, Cornelia de Lange, and Cri du Chat syndromes.

We evaluated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics and social behavior in Angelman (AS; n = 19; mean age = 10.35 years), Cornelia de Lange (CdLS; n = 15; mean age = 12.40 years), and Cri du Chat (CdCS, also known as 5 p-syndrome; n = 19; mean age = 8.80 years) syndromes. The proportion of individuals meeting the ASD cutoff on the Social Communication Questionnaire was significantly higher in the AS and CdLS groups than in the CdCS group (p < .01). The groups demonstrated divergent social behavior profiles during social conditions in which adult availability, adult familiarity, and social demand were manipulated. Social enjoyment was significantly heightened in AS, whereas social approaches were heightened in individuals with CdCS. Social motivation, social communication, and enjoyment were significantly lower in CdLS. The findings highlight the importance of detailed observation when evaluating ASD and social behavior in genetic syndromes.
The effect of a streptococcus pyogenes teichoic acid on the immune response of mice.

The immunosuppressive activity of glycerol teichoic acid extracts isolated from Streptococcus pyogenes 1-RP41, a group A beta hemolytic streptococcus, has been investigated by measuring the number of direct plaque-forming cells and indirect plaque-forming cells in isolated spleen cells and serum hemolysin titers in mice treated with the teichoic acid. These extracts caused significant suppression of both the IgM and IgG response which was evident at both the organ level and the circulating antibody level. Inhibition of the immune response seemed to be a function of the poly(glycerolphosphate) backbone of the molecule since inhibition of antibody production was still evident when alanyl esters were removed from the teichoic acid polymer. In addition teichoic acid appeared to be functioning at the early processes of antibody production since treatment with the extract after antigenic challenge did not cause significant suppression.
Short-course moxifloxacin therapy for treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. The Bronchitis Study Group.

Chronic bronchitis is common among adults and infectious exacerbations contribute considerably to morbidity and mortality. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of moxifloxacin to clarithromycin for the treatment of patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) using a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel group trial. Between November 21, 1996 and April 7, 1998, 936 patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) were enrolled at 56 centers across the United States of which 491 (52%) had ABECB (i.e. pretherapy pathogen). Patients were randomized to either oral moxifloxacin 400 mg administer once daily, for either 5 or 10 days, or clarithromycin 500 mg bid for 10 days. For the purpose of study blinding, the patients taking moxifloxacin received placebo to maintain uniform dosing. The main outcome measures were bacteriological response at the end of therapy (post-therapy days 0-6) and follow-up (7-17 days post-therapy) visits, as well as overall clinical response, clinical response at the end of therapy and clinical response at follow-up. Two patient populations were analyzed: efficacy-valid (i.e., those with a pretherapy pathogen) and intent-to-treat (i.e., all subjects that took drug). In 420 efficacy valid patients with a pretherapy organism, overall clinical resolution was 89% for 5 days moxifloxacin vs. 91% for 10 day moxifloxacin vs. 91% for 10 day clarithromycin. Bacteriological eradication rates at the end of therapy were 94% and 95% for 5-day moxifloxacin and 10-day moxifloxacin, respectively, and 91% for the clarithromycin group. Eradication rates at follow-up were 89% and 91% for 5-day moxifloxacin and 10-day moxifloxacin respectively, and 85% for the clarithromycin group. Among 926 intent-to-treat patients (312 5-day moxifloxacin, 302 10-day moxifloxacin and 312 clarithromycin), drug-related events were reported for 26%, 30% and 35%, respectively. Moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily, as a 5 or 10 day regimen, was found to be clinically and bacteriologically equivalent to 10 day clarithromycin for the treatment of ABECB. Given its favorable safety and tolerability profile, moxifloxacin administered once daily for 5 days may be as effective and a more convenient treatment than a standard course of clarithromycin for patients with ABECB.
[Appropiateness of colonoscopy in a gastrointestinal unit in 2001: a prospective study using criteria established by a European panel of experts].

UNLABELLED Criteria for appropriateness of colonoscopy have been elaborated by an European Panel (EPAGE). OBJECTIVES 1) To assess the feasibility of EPAGE criteria in clinical practice, 2) to assess colonoscopy appropriateness using EPAGE criteria, 3) to compare colonoscopy appropriateness and findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred and six consecutive examinations were included. The referral indication was judged using a scoring system on the basis of the EPAGE criteria. RESULTS Appropriateness could be assessed in 94% of the colonoscopies. Fifty-four percent were appropriate, 40% equivocal, and 6% inappropriate. Rate of abnormal colonoscopy was not different between the 3 groups, however endoscopic findings were more severe when the indication was appropriate. In the appropriate group, adenomatous polyps were more frequent (24%) than in the two other groups (13% and 12%; P<0.05) and tended to be larger in size. In the inappropriate group, patients were significantly younger, and no cancer was found. There were 5 colonic cancers in the inappropriate group and 12 in the appropriate group. CONCLUSION Colonoscopy is generally not overused according to EPAGE guidelines. However, on an individual basis it could be rather difficult to determine colonoscopy appropriateness using a scoring system. Indeed, a third of the indications was judged equivocal and the endoscopic findings were no different whether indication was appropriate or equivocal.
Comparison of inflammatory markers for the prediction of neointimal hyperplasia after drug-eluting stent implantation

BackgroundWe compared the relationship between inflammatory markers and neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. MethodsWe implanted a single DES in 42 consecutive patients with stable angina. The plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were measured before, and 24 and 72 h after the procedure. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound were performed. ResultsNo relationship was noted between the baseline hs-CRP level and NIH. A significant positive correlation was noted between NIH and the hs-CRP level obtained at 24 h (r=0.435, P=0.004), and 72 h (r=0.334, P=0.031) after the procedure. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between the change (&Dgr;) in the hs-CRP level and NIH at 24 h (r=0.414, P=0.006). The fourth quartile of the hs-CRP at 24 h after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) had significantly larger volume of NIH than the first quartile (20.1±25.1 vs. 2.7±6.4 mm3, P<0.05). Moreover, NIH in the fourth quartile (20.9±26.4 mm3) was higher than the first quartile (3.3±8.6 mm3) of the &Dgr; hs-CRP level at 24 h (P<0.05) after the procedure. Although the IL-6 level at the baseline and 72 h after the procedure were positively correlated with NIH (r=0.337, P=0.029 and r=0.435, P=0.004, respectively), the &Dgr; IL-6 level at any stage was not correlated with NIH. Neither the MMP-9 level nor the &Dgr; MMP-9 level at any stage was correlated with NIH. ConclusionThis prospective intravascular ultrasound study showed the inflammatory response after PCI, as measured by hs-CRP levels, but not the baseline hs-CRP level, predict NIH after DES implantation. Neither a change in the IL-6 nor MMP-9 levels at any stage after PCI reflected NIH.
Part 12: cardiac arrest in special situations: 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This section of the 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC addresses cardiac arrest in situations that require special treatments or procedures beyond those provided during basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS). We have included 15 specific cardiac arrest situations. The first several sections discuss cardiac arrest associated with internal physiological or metabolic conditions, such as asthma (12.1), anaphylaxis (12.2), pregnancy (12.3), morbid obesity (12.4), pulmonary embolism (PE) (12.5), and electrolyte imbalance (12.6). The next several sections relate to resuscitation and treatment of cardiac arrest associated with external or environmentally related circumstances, such as ingestion of toxic substances (12.7), trauma (12.8), accidental hypothermia (12.9), avalanche (12.10), drowning (12.11), and electric shock/lightning strikes (12.12). The last 3 sections review management of cardiac arrest that may occur during special situations affecting the heart, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (12.13), cardiac tamponade (12.14), and cardiac surgery (12.15). Asthma is responsible for more than 2 million visits to the emergency department (ED) in the United States each year, with 1 in 4 patients requiring admission to a hospital.1 Annually there are 5,000 to 6,000 asthma-related deaths in the United States, many occurring in the prehospital setting.2 Severe asthma accounts for approximately 2% to 20% of admissions to intensive care units, with up to one third of these patients requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation.3 This section focuses on the evaluation and treatment of patients with near-fatal asthma. Several consensus groups have developed excellent guidelines for the management of asthma that are available on the World Wide Web: ### Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of asthma consists of 3 key abnormalities: Complications of severe asthma, such as tension pneumothorax, lobar atelectasis, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema, can contribute to fatalities. Severe asthma exacerbations are commonly associated with …
Long-term survival of porcelain laminate veneers using two preparation designs: A retrospective study

PURPOSE This study evaluated the long-term survival of anterior porcelain laminate veneers placed with and without incisal porcelain coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two prosthodontists in a private dental practice placed 110 labial feldspathic porcelain veneers in 50 patients; 46 veneers were provided with incisal porcelain coverage, and 64 were not. The veneers were evaluated retrospectively from case records for up to 7 years (mean 4 years). RESULTS At 5, 6, and 7 years, the cumulative survival estimates were 95.8% for veneers with incisal porcelain coverage and 85.5% for those without incisal coverage. The difference was not statistically significant. Six of the nine failures occurred from porcelain fracture in the veneers without incisal coverage. CONCLUSION Although there was a trend for better long-term survival of the veneers with incisal porcelain coverage, this finding was not statistically significant.
Oxytocin injected into the ventral tegmental area induces penile erection and increases extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of male rats

The neuropeptide oxytocin (20–100 ng), induces penile erection when injected unilaterally into the caudal but not rostral mesencephalic ventral tegmental area (VTA) of male Sprague–Dawley rats. Such pro‐erectile effect started 30 min after treatment and was abolished by the prior injection of d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)2‐Orn8‐vasotocin (1 µg), an oxytocin receptor antagonist injected into the same caudal ventral tegmental area or of haloperidol (1 µg), a dopamine receptor antagonist, injected either into the nucleus accumbens shell (NAs) or into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) ipsilateral to the injected ventral tegmental area. Penile erection was seen 15 min after the occurrence of, or concomitantly to, an increase in extracellular dopamine and its metabolite 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the dialysate obtained from the nucleus accumbens or the paraventricular nucleus, which was also abolished by d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)2‐Orn8‐vasotocin (1 µg), injected into the ventral tegmental area before oxytocin. In the caudal ventral tegmental area oxytocin‐containing axons/fibres (originating from the paraventricular nucleus) appeared to closely contact cell bodies of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons retrogradely labelled with Fluorogold injected into the nucleus accumbens shell, suggesting that oxytocin effects are mediated by the activation of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, followed in turn by that of incerto‐hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons impinging on oxytocinergic neurons mediating penile erection. As the stimulation of paraventricular dopamine receptors not only induces penile erection, but also increases mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission by activating oxytocinergic neurons, these results provide further support for the existence of a neural circuit in which dopamine and oxytocin influence both the consummatory and motivational/rewarding aspects of sexual behaviour.
Periodization: What is it good for?

Resistance training increases muscle size and strength and is associated with numerous health benefits. For many, periodization serves as the cornerstone of programming for resistance training and is commonly touted in the literature as a superior method of training. Objective: To review the literature on the effects of periodization for those looking to improve muscle size and strength. Design and Methods: Non-systematic review. Research articles were collected using search terms such as linear periodization, non-linear periodization, non-periodized, undulating periodization, and strength training models. Results: Previous research has found no differences in muscle size between periodized and non-periodized training programs. Further, there are conflicting reports on what periodized program is superior for increasing muscle strength. It is our contention that the proposed superiority in strength with periodized programs is often explained by the principle of specificity. Conclusion: The use of a periodized program may be advantageous for an athlete in certain sports due to practice and competitions throughout the season. However, we wish to suggest that the proposed benefits of periodization for those only interested in increasing muscle size and strength are largely founded in conjecture and that there is little compelling evidence that periodization is a superior method of training. (Journal of Trainology 2016;5:6-12)