Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nationwide Epidemiological Survey of Autoimmune Pancreatitis in Japan

Objectives To clarify the clinicoepidemiological features of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) in Japan, the nationwide survey was conducted. Methods Patients with AIP who had visited the selected hospitals in 2007 were surveyed. Autoimmune pancreatitis was diagnosed according to the Japanese clinical diagnostic criteria 2006. The study consisted of 2-stage surveys: the number of patients with AIP was estimated by the first questionnaire and their clinical features were assessed by the second questionnaire. Results The estimated total number of AIP patients in 2007 was 2790 (95% confidence interval, 2540–3040), with an overall prevalence rate of 2.2 per 100,000 populations. The number of patients, who were newly diagnosed as AIP, was estimated to be 1120 (95% confidence interval, 1000–1240), with an annual incidence rate of 0.9 per 100,000 populations. Sex ratio (male to female) was 3.7, and the mean (SD) age was 63.0 (11.4) years. Among the 546 patients whose clinical information was obtained, 87.6% of the patients presented high serum immunoglobulin G4 levels (≥135 mg/dL), and 83% received steroid therapy. Conclusions The data represent the current clinical features of AIP in Japan. From the results, most AIP patients in Japan can be categorized to type 1 AIP according to the recent classification of AIP. Abbreviations AIP - autoimmune pancreatitis CI - confidence interval IgG - immunoglobulin G MPD - main pancreatic duct
EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF WATER CRESS ON GLUCOSE AND LIPID PLASMA IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

Background: For treating diabetic patients, different nutrients are being used in some areas of Kerman province, Nasturtium officinale (NF) is one of them. In current research work, effects of NF on plasma lipid and glucose levels have been assessed in diabetic rats. Methods: In this study, 60 male rats were used. All rats randomly divided into six groups, consisting of one intact nondiabetic group, and remaining 5 groups were injected subcutaneously of 55 mg/Kg of streptozotocin to make them experimentally diabetic. Three groups of diabetic animals were eaten orally (via gavage) of low (25 mg/Kg), and high (75 mg/Kg) doses of aqueous extract of NF in a volume of 1.5 ml for short period (4 weeks)and long period (8-weeks) respectively. One group of diabetic animals was given 2–4 U of NPH insulin intraperitoneally (IP). The last remaining group of five diabetics was given nothing at the end of each experiment. In all groups, blood glucose and lipid levels were measured. Results: There was significant reduction of plasma glucose in treatment groups compared to diabetic group. The greatest decrease (96%) was observed by the high dose (long term group for NF extract) that was significantly greater than the insulin group (49%) (p<0.001). There wasn’t any change in diabetic animals’ total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of plasma. Both low and high doses of extracts increased LDL-cholesterol levels in diabetic animals (p<0.001). In diabetic animals, plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (33±2.2) decreased by long term dose of extract. Conclusion: Both doses decreased plasma glucose in diabetic animals, whereas they have no effect on plasma lipids or have negative effect. Therefore it is suggested that NF extract is useful for control of blood glucose.
Changes in Family Involvement Following a Relative's Move to a Long-Term Care Facility*

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine changes in family involvement following a relative's move to a long-term care facility as well as factors associated with these changes. Qualitative data, using in-depth, active interviews were gathered from 35 family members at two points in time following a relative's move to a facility. Findings showed some changes in contact that were related to personal, social, institutional, and health conditions. Occasionally, new types of care were provided; more often care was rebalanced or expressed in alternative ways. The majority of participants did not view themselves as caregivers, a perception that remained stable over time. Consistent with continuity theory, families, in most cases, tended to seek ways to maintain consistency in their roles as family members and carers, particularly in the first year or so after placement. Nonetheless, facility staff should be aware of the factors that might influence changes over time in family caregiving roles and offer support to families dealing with these issues. RÉSUMÉ L'objectif de cette étude consistait à étudier les changements dans la participation de la famille après le déménagement d'un proche dans un établissement de soins de longue durée ainsi que les facteurs liés à ces changements. Des données quantitatives fondées sur des entrevues actives et approfondies ont été recueillies auprès de 35 membres des familles des patients à deux moments différents après le déménagement de leur proche dans un établissement. Les résultats révèlent certains changements, en matière de contacts, liés aux conditions personnelles, sociales, institutionnelles et médicales. Dans certains cas, de nouveaux types de soins ont été fournis ; dans la plupart des cas les soins ont été redéfinis ou fournis de manières différentes. La plupart des participants ne se voyaient pas comme des prestataires de soins, une perception qui est restée stable au cours du temps. Conformément à la théorie de la continuité, dans la plupart des cas, les familles cherchaient à trouver des manières d'adopter une approche constante en ce qui a trait à leurs rô les de proches et de soignants, surtout au cours de la première année qui a suivi le placement. Le personnel des établissements devrait néanmoins être conscient des facteurs qui peuvent causer des changements au cours du temps, du point de vue du rô le joué par la famille en matière de soins, et offrir du soutien aux familles qui doivent gérer ces questions.
Comunidades de líquenes: indicadores de la calidad del aire en la ciudad de La Paz, Bolivia

El presente trabajo evaluo la calidad del aire en la ciudad de La Paz, usando el Indice de Pureza Atmosferica (IAP). Este metodo esta basado en las alteraciones que produce la contaminacion atmosferica sobre las comunidades de los liquenes. De acuerdo con este metodo, la presencia de especies tolerantes o sensibles y la modificacion en la estructura y abundancia de la comunidad liquenica, por si misma, son capaces de expresar la calidad del aire de un area especifica. Este metodo permite, de manera integral, clasificar las diferentes areas estudiadas con relacion al nivel de contaminacion, y fue aplicado en un transecto determinado por la principal fuente de contaminacion, el trafico vehicular, en diferentes areas de la ciudad. Los resultados muestran que en areas de alta intensidad vehicular, consecuentemente mas contaminadas, existe menor diversidad de liquenes, ademas de valores bajos de presencia y cobertura. Por otro lado, las areas con menor contaminacion registran mayor diversidad liquenica y valores mayores de cobertura y presencia. El metodo IAP puede ser considerado como una herramienta facil y economica de aplicar en la medicion de la calidad del aire utilizando bioindicadores.
Relation of marital status to social phobia severity

Columbia University and Anxiety Disorders Clinic of theNew York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New YorkPortions of this study were presented at the 32nd Annual Meet-ing of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy,Washington, DC, November 5–8, 1998.Contract grant sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health; Con-tract grant numbers: 44119, 40201. *Correspondence to: Richard G. Heimberg, Ph.D., Adult AnxietyClinic, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall,1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6085. E-mail:rheimber@nimbus.ocis. temple.eduReceived for publication 5 January 1999; Accepted 25 May 1999
The effect of ultrasound at 256 KHz on Microcystis aeruginosa , with and without gas vacuoles

The effect of ultrasound on the growth of M. aeruginosa confirmed to contain gas vacuoles and on a laboratory culture with no gas vacuoles was investigated. Both cultures were treated continuously for 9 d with an ultrasonic flow device. To evalu ate the influence of ultrasound during the treatment, the chlorophyll- a concentration was measured daily. Furthermore, changes in culture characteristics, e.g., flotation and gas vesicle formation, were determined. The results showed that, in contrast to the control, both ultrasonic-treated cultures had a lower chlorophyll-a concentration and cell aggregates were disrupted. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed a collapse of gas vacuoles in the environmental culture, while the laboratory culture, which did not contain gas vacuoles, showed many membrane-damaged cells. It was concluded that ultrasonic treatment of M. aeruginosa caused the disruption of gas vacuoles and destruction of cell membranes.
Economic Evaluation of 2 Treatments for Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures

The purpose of this study was to assess the relative health system costs of early hip spica cast immobilization and external fixation for pediatric femoral shaft fractures. A cost analysis was performed from the viewpoint of the study hospital and physicians using protocols based on current practice. Cost estimates were based on patient and financial information from April 1, 1993, to January 31, 1994, including the fully allocated inpatient and outpatient costs. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to analyze the effect of complications on costs. Total estimated costs (in 1994 Canadian dollars,$1.00 ≈ $0.75 US) of uncomplicated external fixation and hip spica treatments were $7626.30 and $5970.11, respectively. Fifty percent of this difference was attributable to longer inpatient stays for the external fixation treatment. The remaining difference was because of the cost of the fixator, additional operating room staff time costs, and additional professional and technical fees. Total expected costs of treatment complicated by loss of reduction, pin tract infection, and return to the operating room were $7716.01 and $6128.44 for the external fixation and hip spica treatment options, respectively. For the range of complication probabilities considered, expected total costs were always greater with the external fixation option than with the hip spica treatment.
Guanylylation and adenylylation of the alpha regulatory proteins of herpes simplex virus require a viral beta or gamma function

Herpes simplex virus genes form several groups whose expression is coordinately regulated and sequentially ordered in a cascade fashion. Most of the products of the first group, the alpha genes, appear to have regulatory functions. We report that the alpha proteins, infected cell proteins 4, 0, 22, and 27 of herpes simplex virus 1 and 4, 0, and 27 of herpes simplex virus 2, were labeled in the isolated nuclei of infected HeLa cells with [alpha-32P]GTP or [alpha-32P]ATP late in infection and that these proteins represent the largest group of virus-specific proteins labeled in this fashion. Studies with [2-3H]ATP, in which the label is in the purine ring, showed that a portion of the label in alpha proteins and in at least one other infected cell protein is due to nucleotidylylation. Analyses of the labeling reactions in nuclei of (i) cells infected with temperature-sensitive mutants at nonpermissive temperatures, (ii) cells infected with wild-type virus and harvested at different times postinfection, and (iii) cells treated with inhibitors of protein synthesis or of synthesis of viral DNA led to the conclusion that viral gene functions expressed after the synthesis of alpha proteins are required for the labeling of the alpha proteins with [alpha-32P]GTP. We conclude that several of the alpha proteins are extensively posttranslationally modified and that these modifications include nucleotidylylation.
Ectoparasitism by Eutrombicula alfreddugesi Larvae (Acari: Trombiculidae) on Liolaemus tenuis Lizard in a Chilean Fragmented Temperate Forest

Abstract We compared parasite load (prevalence and mean intensity) of Eutrombicula alfreddugesi larvae on the lizard Liolaemus tenuis sampled during January 2006 and 2007 from the interior and edges of large forest tracts in the coastal Maulino Forest (35°59′S, 72°41′W) and from nearby forest fragments (1.5–20 ha). All lizards were parasitized by chiggers regardless of location (prevalence, 100%); however, mean intensity of infestation was significantly lower at forest fragment edges compared with either large forest interiors or forest edges. We attribute differences in mean intensity to differences in microclimate among localities; maximum air temperature was significantly higher and relative humidity significantly lower in fragment edges compared with either large forest tract interior or edges.
Ensuring the reliability of the sensors for test-and-measurement and control systems for direct heating of liquid reagents blocks

The justification of choice and reliability of primary converters (sensors) for use in emerging test-and-measurement and control systems for production equipment (direct heating of liquid reagents blocks) has been accomplished. A review of suitable primary converters available in the market has been provided, as well as comparison of the technical characteristics, taking into account the application in specific technical problem. The paper studies the primary converters with wireless data transmission based on the WirelessHART protocol.
Do physical activity and body mass index modify the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and insomnia? Longitudinal data from the HUNT study, Norway

We investigated the prospective association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and risk of insomnia, and if leisure‐time physical activity and body mass index modify this association. The study comprised historical data on 11 909 women and 9938 men in the Norwegian HUNT study without sleep problems at baseline in 1995–97 and followed‐up for insomnia in 2006–08. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared to pain‐free participants, any chronic pain was associated with a RR of insomnia of 2.27 (95% CI: 1.93, 2.66) in women and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.95) in men, whereas reporting ≥5 chronic pain sites gave RRs of 3.20 (95% CI: 2.60, 3.95) and 2.40 (95% CI: 1.76, 3.27), respectively. Analysis of joint effects showed that: (i) compared to pain‐free physically active people, RRs in people with ≥5 chronic pain sites were 3.77 (95% CI: 2.42–5.85) if they were inactive and 2.76 (95% CI: 2.29, 3.31) if they were active; and (ii) compared to pain‐free people with normal weight, RRs in people with ≥5 chronic pain sites were 3.52 (95% CI: 2.81, 4.40) if they were obese and 2.93 (95% CI: 2.24, 3.84) if they had normal weight. In conclusion, chronic musculoskeletal pain increases the risk of insomnia, particularly among those who report several pain sites. Although there was no clear evidence of modifying effects, our results suggest that a healthy active lifestyle reduces the risk of insomnia in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Estimating probability of sustained recovery from mild to moderate depression in primary care: evidence from the THREAD study

Background It is important for doctors and patients to know what factors help recovery from depression. Our objectives were to predict the probability of sustained recovery for patients presenting with mild to moderate depression in primary care and to devise a means of estimating this probability on an individual basis. Method Participants in a randomized controlled trial were identified through general practitioners (GPs) around three academic centres in England. Participants were aged >18 years, with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores 12–19 inclusive, and at least one physical symptom on the Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI). Baseline assessments included demographics, treatment preference, life events and difficulties and health and social care use. The outcome was sustained recovery, defined as HAMD score <8 at both 12 and 26 week follow-up. We produced a predictive model of outcome using logistic regression clustered by GP and created a probability tree to demonstrate estimated probability of recovery at the individual level. Results Of 220 participants, 74% provided HAMD scores at 12 and 26 weeks. A total of 39 (24%) achieved sustained recovery, associated with being female, married/cohabiting, having a low BSI score and receiving preferred treatment. A linear predictor gives individual probabilities for sustained recovery given specific characteristics and probability trees illustrate the range of probabilities and their uncertainties for some important combinations of factors. Conclusions Sustained recovery from mild to moderate depression in primary care appears more likely for women, people who are married or cohabiting, have few somatic symptoms and receive their preferred treatment.
An evolutionary constrained multi-objective optimization algorithm with parallel evaluation strategy

This paper proposes an improved evolutionary algorithm with parallel evaluation strategy (EAPES) for solving constrained multi-objective optimization problems (CMOPs) efficiently. EAPES stores feasible solutions and infeasible solution separately in different populations, and evaluates infeasible solutions in an unusual manner, such that not only feasible solutions but also useful infeasible solutions will be used as parents to reproduce the populations for the next generation. The EAPES proposed in this paper ranks infeasible solutions based on the scalarizing function named constrained penalty-based boundary intersection (C-PBI), which is determined by objective function values and a total constraint violation value. Then, this paper investigates the performance of the C-PBI-based EAPES to search for Pareto-optimal solutions compared to the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and the previous EAPES without using C-PBI. The C-PBI-based EAPES with a well-tuned parameter is most capable to explore Pareto-optimal solutions with good diversity, spread, and convergence to the true Pareto front. The C-PBI-based EAPES assigns bad rank to the infeasible solutions that are expected away from an unknown Pareto front, and does not store such solutions. Thus the C-PBI-based EAPES exhibits a higher searching capability than the previous EAPES by evaluating infeasible solutions in an appropriate balance between objective functions and total constraint violation.
Anaerobic Growth, a Property Horizontally Transferred by an Hfr-Like Mechanism among Extreme Thermophiles

ABSTRACT Despite the fact that the extreme thermophilic bacteria belonging to the genus Thermus are classified as strict aerobes, we have shown that Thermus thermophilus HB8 (ATCC 27634) can grow anaerobically when nitrate is present in the growth medium. This strain-specific property is encoded by a respiratory nitrate reductase gene cluster (nar) whose expression is induced by anoxia and nitrate (S. Ramı́rez-Arcos, L. A. Fernández-Herrero, and J. Berenguer, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1396:215–1997). We show here that this nar operon can be transferred by conjugation to an aerobic Thermus strain, enabling it to grow under anaerobic conditions. We show that this transfer takes place through a DNase-insensitive mechanism which, as for the Hfr (high frequency of recombination) derivatives ofEscherichia coli, can also mobilize other chromosomal markers in a time-dependent way. Three lines of evidence are presented to support a genetic linkage between nar and a conjugative plasmid integrated into the chromosome. First, the naroperon is absent from a plasmid-free derivative and from a closely related strain. Second, we have identified an origin for autonomous replication (oriV) overlapping the last gene of thenar cluster. Finally, the mating time required for the transfer of the nar operon is in good agreement with the time expected if the transfer origin (oriT) were located nearby and downstream of nar.
A Qualitative Study of Fitness Instructors' Experiences Leading an Exercise Program for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

ABSTRACT. Children with arthritis face challenges when they try to increase their physical activity. The study's objective was to identify elements of a successful community-based exercise program for children with arthritis by investigating the perspectives of fitness instructors who led the program. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach. Four fitness instructors participated in individual interviews. Themes were developed through inductive analytic methods. Three main themes were identified: (a) children with arthritis require encouragement and guidance throughout the program from fitness instructors who understand their arthritis, and support from parents and peers; (b) children need help to overcome their negative perceptions about exercise; and (c) exercise program participation can launch the adoption of a more active lifestyle. Pediatric physiotherapists can encourage the establishment of successful exercise programs for children with arthritis in nonmedical or community environments through the formation of supportive, education-based partnerships with community-based fitness instructors.
Maternal Smoking Leads to Increased Cord Serum IgG3

IgG subclass levels in cord serum of unselected European newborns were studied in relation to parental smoking. Cord IgG3 was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in newborns of smoking mothers (n= 18; geom.mean = 87.0%) compared to those of non‐smoking mothers (n= 66; geom.mean = 61.0%). Maternal smoking did not influence (P > 0.10) cord IgG2 or cord IgG4. Paternal smoking did not affect any of the three immunoglobulins in cord serum (P > 0.10). These data suggest that tobacco smoking affects IgG3 synthesis in some direct or indirect way.
A common sequence motif determines the Cajal body‐specific localization of box H/ACA scaRNAs

Post‐transcriptional synthesis of 2′‐O‐methylated nucleotides and pseudouridines in Sm spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs takes place in the nucleoplasmic Cajal bodies and it is directed by guide RNAs (scaRNAs) that are structurally and functionally indistinguishable from small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) directing rRNA modification in the nucleolus. The scaRNAs are synthesized in the nucleoplasm and specifically targeted to Cajal bodies. Here, mutational analysis of the human U85 box C/D‐H/ACA scaRNA, followed by in situ localization, demonstrates that box H/ACA scaRNAs share a common Cajal body‐specific localization signal, the CAB box. Two copies of the evolutionarily conserved CAB consensus (UGAG) are located in the terminal loops of the 5′ and 3′ hairpins of the box H/ACA domains of mammalian, Drosophila and plant scaRNAs. Upon alteration of the CAB boxes, mutant scaRNAs accumulate in the nucleolus. In turn, authentic snoRNAs can be targeted into Cajal bodies by addition of exogenous CAB box motifs. Our results indicate that scaRNAs represent an ancient group of small nuclear RNAs which are localized to Cajal bodies by an evolutionarily conserved mechanism.
The effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain

tively much larger tracheal tube is passed. Incorrect use of the equipment is far more likely to cause airway trauma than any minor variation in dimensions [4]. Greenland’s comments about a ‘blind spot’ apply equally to the metal re-usable version. In difficult airway scenarios, an indirect monitor image is used rather than a direct view on the monitor, so any concern about a blind spot lacks clinical significance. We think the disposable C-MAC blade adequately reproduces the qualities of a re-usable blade and we support its continued use. We agree with Greenland that the disposable is not the same as the re-usable blade, but in our experience, it’s the same enough.