Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Risky Behaviors Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites

There is limited research on Hispanics in regards to experiencing depressive symptoms and the risk factors that accompany it. Understanding how these symptoms manifest in different ethnic groups can lead to the development of appropriate interventions to lower diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to examine ethnic differences in depressive symptoms, ethnic differences in risky behaviors, and to see if the association between depressive symptoms and risky behaviors differs by ethnicity. There were 401 young participants, ages 18 to 25; however, because of the goals of the study we only analyzed the data of 312 participants. Of the participants who reported their gender and ethnicity, 33% were male, 37% were Hispanic and 63% were non-Hispanic White. The General Behavior Inventory (GBI) measured depression. The Alcohol Use and Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI), and the YRBSS measured risky behaviors. There was no significant difference in depressive symptoms between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites; however, females experienced more depressive symptoms than males in both ethnic groups. Ethnic differences were observed for risky behaviors. Hispanics were more likely to be suicidal, but less likely to misuse alcohol than nonHispanic Whites. Ethnicity was not associated with NSSI or risky sexual behavior. Depressive symptoms were associated with alcohol misuse, suicidality, and NSSI, but not with risky sexual behaviors. Our findings suggest that that the relationship between depressive symptoms and risky behaviors is moderated by ethnicity.
Sumatriptan and Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity Changes During Migraine Attacks

Transcranial Doppler studies on the effects of sumatriptan on cerebral hemodynamics have shown conflicting results. We evaluated blood flow velocity changes in 21 patients suffering from migraine with (n = 4) or without aura (n = 17) during a spontaneous attack, before and after treatment with sumatriptan. Flow velocity in the internal and external carotid, middle cerebral, and basilar arteries was measured by means of transcranial Doppler. During the attack, measurements were taken before subcutaneous sumatriptan injection, then after 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours. An additional measurement was taken 1 week later, in a headache‐free state. We found a significant reduction of flow velocity during the attack in the middle cerebral artery on both sides (P < 0.05). After sumatriptan administration, flow velocity increased in the internal carotid artery on both sides (P < 0.05) and in the middle cerebral artery on the headache side (P = 0.0001), but not in the external carotid and basilar arteries (P > 0.05). Flow velocity changes may reflect the vasodilation present at the onset of the migraine attack followed by vasoconstriction in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries after sumatriptan treatment. Since vasoconstriction occurs in responders and nonresponders to treatment, it is unlikely to be the primary mechanism by which sumatriptan relieves headache.
Conceptual Model For The Integration Of The Supply Chain

A customer orientation of the supply chain is need for companies that want to generate competitive advantages in the market. Customer orientation is possible when motivated by market research. The participants of a supply chain create compatible philosophies, synchronize their processes and exchange sensitive information regarding levels of inventories and demand. Likewise, when participants meet to jointly plan the creation of an offer of products and services designed to satisfy the wishes, needs and purchasing expectations of customers, the bases of a future logistic integration are established. This work proposes a conceptual model for the integration of the supply chain focused on the client. This article was generated through an exhaustive literature review and serves as a guide for the optimal integration of the members of a supply chain
Photoperiodic Modulation of Monoamines and Amino‐Acids Involved in the Control of Prolactin and LH Secretion in the Ewe: Evidence for a Regulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity

Several neurotransmitters are implicated in the photoperiodic regulation of prolactin and luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in the ewe. This work investigated whether catecholamines, γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA), excitatory amino acids and serotonin diencephalic contents are affected by photoperiod and how such changes relate to the seasonal effects of photoperiod on LH and prolactin secretions. Moreover, to determine whether photoperiod can influence catecholamine biosynthesis, the activity of its rate limiting enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was also investigated. TH activity and the tissue content of the monoamines and their metabolites were measured in stalk‐median eminence (SME), preoptic area (POA) and the mediobasal, mediodorsal and laterobasal aspects of the hypothalamus. Investigation of excitatory amino acids and GABA was limited to the POA and the SME. Ovariectomized ewes were initially maintained in long days (LD) for 70 days. Thereafter half the ewes remained exposed to long days and the other half were transferred onto short days (SD) for 63 to 66 days to induce a stimulation of LH secretion and an inhibition of prolactin secretion. In each photoperiodic regime, half the ewes were treated with a subcutaneous oestradiol implant (+E) and half were not (−E). As expected, short days induced a decrease in prolactin and an increase in pulsatile LH secretion. These neuroendocrine changes were associated with a decrease in the TH activity of the SME in both oestradiol treated and non treated animals (146.5±24.1, 167.6±26.5 U TH/g of tissue in LD‐E and LD+E vs 83.5±12.4 and 95.0±30.2 U TH/g of tissue in SD‐E and SD+E animals; P≤0.01). A similar and parallel short day‐induced decrease was observed in the tissue content of dopamine and its metabolite, 3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenylacetic acid (SD level were 55% of LD levels, P<0.05). In POA, a short day‐induced decrease in dopamine (18%; P≤0.05) and GABA (16.4%; P≤0.05) content and an oestradiol‐induced decrease in aspartate (15.6%; P≤0.05) content were found. This study provides the first report of a photoperiodic control of the synthesis activity of catecholaminergic neurones of the SME in the ewe. The photoperiod‐induced changes in dopaminergic activity at the level of the SME were associated with changes in LH and prolactin secretion indicating that TH activity of dopaminergic neurones of the SME could be a critical component of the photoperiodic regulation of LH and/or prolactin secretion. In particular, this finding is in agreement with the hypothesis that photoperiod can control a dopaminergic pathway inhibitory of LH secretion and which ends in the median eminence.
Uptake of Crop Insurance among Smallholder Farmers: Insights from Maize Producers in Kenya

In spite of agriculture being an important source of income growth and a potential source of investment opportunities in Kenya, farmers face numerous production risks including climate change and variability. While literature suggests that crop insurance has the potential to unlock key services that enhance farm productivity, crop insurance uptake evidence is limited, hence, this study sought to inform on ways of making crop insurance work for the smallholder producers. Data was collected from 400 maize-producing households in areas where weather index-based insurance had been promoted. Results show that uptake of crop insurance is very low and declining and, the insurance concept is also not well understood by farmers. In addition, basis risk hinders uptake of crop insurance since farmers exhibited high levels of dissatisfaction with claim payments. Furthermore, awareness and training on crop insurance, density of automated weather stations and ownership of savings account are integral factors in enhancing its uptake. Our findings therefore highlight the need to educate farmers on the principles of crop insurance and different products that exist. Similarly, designing of crop insurance products and selection of target crop enterprises should involve all stakeholders to enhance uptake. Acknowledgement :
Effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on quantitative liver function tests.

BACKGROUND/AIMS The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) has been established as a new effective treatment for portal hypertension in advanced liver disease. Impairment of liver function due to reduced portal venous perfusion is considered to be a major risk of TIPS, and the shunt leads to an increase in the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Known complications, like the increase in the incidence of HE or TIPS stenosis, are diagnosed either clinically or by doppler ultrasound. It is not practicable to use quantitative liver function tests in the diagnostic work-up of HE, and medical or interventional therapy can be established after clinical diagnosis. Still, information is limited about the influence of TIPS on quantitative liver function tests in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to assess the effects of TIPS on various liver function tests. METHODOLOGY Fifteen patients with liver cirrhosis, a hepatopetal portal flow before TIPS, and an uncomplicated course without stenosis after elective TIPS were analysed. Liver function was quantitatively measured using the [14C]aminopyrine breath test (ABT), considered to be independent of hepatic blood flow, the monoethylglycinexylidide test (MEGX), believed to be largely dependent on hepatic blood flow, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, and prothrombin time. Measurements were performed before, 1, 3 and 6 months after TIPS. RESULTS TIPS decreased the portal venous pressure gradient from 31.0+/-2.0 cm (SEM) H2O to 16.9+/-1.8 cm H2O (p<0.01). One, 3 and 6 months after TIPS there was no significant deterioration of liver function as assessed by ABT, MEGX or serum bilirubin, serum albumin, and prothrombin time compared to baseline values before TIPS. ABT and MEGX were significantly correlated before TIPS (r=0.72; p<0.01) and after TIPS (r=0.76; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data show no significant deterioration of microsomal liver function as measured by the quantitative liver function tests ABT and MEGX over a period of 6 months after elective TIPS. In particular, there was no significant reduction of the MEGX-test considered to depend predominantly on hepatic blood flow. Thus, there is no need for the quantitative liver function tests ABT and MEGX in the routine management of patients following the TIPS procedure.
Prolonged intubation in neonatal tetanus

Despite the use of the recent phenothiazine derivatives the mortality rate in neonatal tetanus remains high. Wright1 quotes an overall mortality rate of 82.5 per cent in a consecutive series of 217 neonates treated by various forms of sedation. Adams et al2 report a mortality rate of 95 per cent in severe cases treated with chlorpromazine. They feel that in many cases death is due to respiratory failure probably resulting from tetanus intoxication ofthe medullary centres. Therefore attempts are now being made to treat severe cases by inducing total paralysis with a muscle relaxant and maintaining the ventilation mechanically3 4. Although prolonged intubation has been utilised in adults5 6 7, it is generally accepted that owing to the risk of laryngeal damages, a tracheostomy should be performed if ventilation is to be continued for more than twenty-four hours. The difficulties of managing a tracheostomy in a neonate are, however, considerable. The head is large, the neck relatively short and the trachea narrow. Difficulties in the period of weaning from the tube are also common3. A further trial ofprolongedendotrachealintubation as an alternative to tracheostomy was therefore considered justifiable. The results are detailed in the case histories which follow.
A Novel Conserved Domain Mediates Dimerization of Protein Kinase D (PKD) Isoforms

Protein kinase D (PKD) isoforms are protein kinase C effectors in signaling pathways regulated by diacylglycerol. Important physiological processes (including secretion, immune responses, motility, and transcription) are placed under diacylglycerol control by the distinctive substrate specificity and subcellular distribution of PKDs. Potentially, broadly co-expressed PKD polypeptides may interact to generate homo- or heteromultimeric regulatory complexes. However, the frequency, molecular basis, regulatory significance, and physiological relevance of stable PKD-PKD interactions are largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mammalian PKDs 1–3 and the prototypical Caenorhabditis elegans PKD, DKF-2A, are exclusively (homo- or hetero-) dimers in cell extracts and intact cells. We discovered and characterized a novel, highly conserved N-terminal domain, comprising 92 amino acids, which mediates dimerization of PKD1, PKD2, and PKD3 monomers. A similar domain directs DKF-2A homodimerization. Dimerization occurred independently of properties of the regulatory and kinase domains of PKDs. Disruption of PKD dimerization abrogates secretion of PAUF, a protein carried in small trans-Golgi network-derived vesicles. In addition, disruption of DKF-2A homodimerization in C. elegans intestine impaired and degraded the immune defense of the intact animal against an ingested bacterial pathogen. Finally, dimerization was indispensable for the strong, dominant negative effect of catalytically inactive PKDs. Overall, the structural integrity and function of the novel dimerization domain are essential for PKD-mediated regulation of a key aspect of cell physiology, secretion, and innate immunity in vivo.
Effects of Selenium Status and Polymorphisms in Selenoprotein Genes on Prostate Cancer Risk in a Prospective Study of European Men

Background: Evidence for an association between selenium status and prostate cancer risk is still inconclusive. Anticarcinogenic effects of selenium are supposedly mediated through cellular protective and redox properties of selenoenzymes in vivo. We evaluated the association between serum selenium status and prostate cancer risk in a population with relative low selenium concentrations considering effect modification by genetic variants in selenoprotein genes. Materials and Methods: A case-control study of 248 incident prostate cancer cases and 492 matched controls was nested within the EPIC-Heidelberg cohort. Baseline blood samples were analyzed for serum selenium and selenoprotein P concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity. Genotyping was carried out for SEP15 (rs5859, rs540049), SEPP1 (rs3877899, rs7579), GPX1 (rs1050450), and GPX4 (rs713041). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The OR for prostate cancer was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79-1.01) per 10 μg/L increase of serum selenium concentration. This association was modified by rs1050450 (C>T) in GPX1 (Pinteraction = 0.03), with carriers of one or two T alleles having a significantly reduced OR of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76-0.99). Furthermore, there was an association between rs7579 genotype in SEPP1 and prostate cancer risk (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 0.99-2.98). Conclusions: Our results support a role of selenium and polymorphisms in selenoenzymes in prostate cancer etiology, which warrants confirmation in future studies. Impact: These findings might help to explain biological effects of selenium in prostate cancer development in order to overcome inconsistencies arising from former studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(11); 2958–68. ©2010 AACR.
IMPACT OF ISOPRENALINE AND CAFFEINE ON DEVELOPMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY AND RENAL HEMODYNAMIC IN WISTAR KYOTO RATS.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a compensatory mechanism in response to an increased work load on the heart. This study investigated the impact of chronic isoprenaline and caffeine (I/C model) administration on cardiac geometry, systemic hemodynamic and physiological data in rats as LVH develops. LVH was induced by administering isoprenaline (5 mg/kg s.c. every 72 h) and caffeine (62 mg/L) in drinking water for 14 days to Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart weight, LV weight, LV chamber diameter and thickness of myocardium were observed as LVH indicators. MAP was significantly higher (142 ± 13 vs. 119 ± 2 mmHg, respectively) while heart rate (HR) in LVH was lower (314 ± 9 vs. 264 ± 18 BPM) compared to control WKY. Heart weight, LV weight and kidney weight were 31%, 38% and 7%, respectively, greater in the LVH group as compared to the control WKY (all p < 0.05). The myocardium thickness was 101% greater while LV chamber diameter was 44% smaller in the LVH group as compared to the control WKY (p < 0.05). The superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels were significantly reduced while malonodialdehyde (MDA) level increased in LVH as compared to control WKY (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, isoprenaline and caffeine (I/C) induces LVH and cardiac hypertrophy with increases in blood pressure, fluid excretion and reduced renal hemodynamics. Prooxidant mechanism of the body and arterial stiffness are dominant in this disease model. This model of LVH is easily generated and associated with low mortality.
FDTD analysis of magnetized ferrites: a more efficient algorithm

A more efficient FDTD algorithm is introduced for the analysis of structures involving magnetized ferrites. A critical issue of time and space synchronism ensuring second order accuracy is discussed, and a method to provide it based on extrapolation rather than interpolation used by previous authors is presented. Numerical examples validating the method are given. <<ETX>>
Aerobic conditioning in mild asthma decreases the hyperpnea of exercise and improves exercise and ventilatory capacity.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of an aerobic conditioning program on fitness, respiratory physiology, and resting lung function in patients with mild asthma. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Outpatient rehabilitation facility. METHODS Five patients with mild intermittent asthma and five normal control subjects completed a 10-week aerobic conditioning program. Pulmonary function studies and noninvasive cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed before and after the conditioning program. RESULTS After aerobic conditioning, there were significant gains in maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2)max; 22.73 mL/kg/min vs 25.29 mL/kg/min, p = 0.01, asthma; 22.94 mL/kg/min vs 27.85 mL/kg/min, p = 0.03, control) and anaerobic threshold (0.99 L/min vs 1.09 L/min, p = 0.03, asthma; 0.89 L/min vs 1.13 L/min, p = 0.01, control) in both groups. Although FEV(1) was unchanged, the maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) improved in the asthma group (96.0 L/min vs 108.2 L/min, p = 0.08, asthma; 134.0 L/min vs 131.2 L/min, p = 0.35, control). During exercise, minute ventilation (VE) for each level of work was decreased in the asthma group after conditioning, while little change occurred in the control group (68. 48 L/min vs 51.70 L/min at initial VO(2)max, p = 0. 02, asthma; 65.82 L/min vs 63.12 L/min at initial VO(2)max, p = 0.60, control). A significant decrease in the ventilatory equivalent (VE/oxygen consumption, 40.8 vs 30.4 at VO(2)max, p = 0.02, asthma; 37.2 vs 35.8 4 at VO(2)max, p = 0.02, control) and the dyspnea index (VE/MVV) at submaximal (0.44 vs 0.38, p = 0.05, asthma; 0.32 vs 0.38, p < 0.01, control) and maximal exercise (0.72 vs 0.63, p = 0.03, asthma; 0.49 vs 0.62, p = 0.02, control) occurred in the asthma group. CONCLUSIONS Exercise rehabilitation improves aerobic fitness in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic participants of a 10-week aerobic fitness program. Additional benefits of improved ventilatory capacity and decreased hyperpnea of exercise occurred in patients with mild asthma.
Safety, infectivity, transmissibility and immunogenicity of rhesus rotavirus vaccine (MMU 18006) in infants

In an attempt to evaluate the immunogenicity, infectivity, transmissibility and safety of rhesus rotavirus vaccine (RRV) MMU 18006, 27 infants ages 5 to 20 months participated in two randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trials, one in a day care setting to allow for child to child contact and close surveillance and the other on an outpatient basis. Fourteen infants (mean age, 8.3 months) received 105 plaqueforming units of RRV and 13 (mean age, 11.1 months) received placebo. In the eight infants who participated in the vaccine trial in the day care setting, there was no evidence of transmissibility of RRV, by either stool excretion or seroconversion. The data from both trials showed RRV to be 100% infective and immunogenic in the vaccinees. There were no gastrointestinal side effects although there was an association between vaccine administration and fever occurring on Days 3 and 4. Based on these encouraging preliminary results, further work is proceeding to evaluate this vaccine at lower doses in this age group of infants.
Differential management of mild-to-severe psoriasis with biologic drugs: An Italian Delphi consensus expert panel

Abstract Background: In the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis, increasingly complex clinical scenarios necessitate practical tools for appropriate biologic therapy selection in individual patients. An Italian Delphi consensus panel provided guidance on biologic use in selected clinical scenarios. Methods: Ten experts defined statements under consideration, which were distributed as an online survey to a dermatologist panel. Plenary discussions of contentious statements were held to achieve consensus. Results: The survey was sent to 30 clinicians. After plenary discussions, consensus was reached on all 20 statements on the following topics: special populations; infections; comorbidities; immunogenicity; extra-cutaneous involvement; pregnancy; and adherence. Three statements required further discussion in order to gain consensus: use of subcutaneous biologics in mild liver impairment (final 94% agreement), use of any biologic in discoid lupus erythematosus (final 100% disagreement), and use of etanercept in patients with history of hypersensitivity reactions to drugs and/or food (final 75% disagreement). Conclusions: This Delphi expert consensus on the use of biologics in psoriasis provides practical recommendations for dermatologists to use when choosing an appropriate biologic in challenging but common clinical scenarios. More data are required to clarify clinical differences of biologic drugs used to treat psoriasis.