Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of HIV/AIDS on the living arrangements and well-being of elderly caregivers in rural Uganda

Abstract As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to devastate the sub-Saharan Africa region, the demand for care and support services to persons infected and affected by the disease is proliferating. Currently providing the bulk of this much-needed care and support are elderly persons. However, limited work has been done to examine how such care and support impacts the well-being of elderly caregivers. Using qualitative data from elderly respondents in two Ugandan districts, Kamuli and Luwero, this article examines changes in the household structure and living arrangements of older persons (50 years and above) after they take on caregiving responsibilities for persons suffering from AIDS-related illnesses and orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by HIV/AIDS. The findings show that elderly caregivers face drastic disruptions of living arrangements, including prolonged travels and absences from their homes to care for the sick. There is also a sharp increase in their household size as they take on more OVC. The implications of such changes on the older persons’ health and well-being are discussed.
Auditory brainstem evoked responses in hyperlipidaemia: effect of various lipid fractions on auditory function

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of different lipid fractions on auditory brainstem evoked responses in hyperlipidaemia. Method: We conducted a single institution (medical college), prospective, cross-sectional study of 25 hyperlipidaemic patients and 25 normolipidaemic controls, all with a normal hearing threshold on pure tone audiometry. Brainstem evoked response audiometry results were recorded in both groups. The hyperlipidaemic group were further divided into two subgroups, based on the serum value of each lipid fraction: those with less than and those with greater than the mean serum value. These two subgroups were further compared with the control group. Results: The hyperlipidaemic and normolipidaemic groups had statistically significant differences for all audiometry waves apart from the wave I and the III–V interpeak latencies. The subgroups had a statistically significant difference in brainstem evoked responses. We found a statistically significant association between low-density lipoproteins and many waveforms in the hyperlipidaemic group. Conclusion: We found that low-density lipoproteins were significantly associated with many waveforms in hyperlipidaemic patients. Thus, low-density lipoproteins may be important in auditory dysfunction.
Anorexia nervosa: beyond boundaries.

OBJECTIVE To describe Anorexia Nervosa in a patient from the Middle-East where this condition is believed to be rare. METHOD The diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa was based on detailed history and physical examination, and was in accordance with DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. DISCUSSION Anorexia Nervosa should not be overlooked in Middle-Eastern cultures. Local values may play an important role in the management of the disease.
Chromosome numbers of Costa Rican grasses

Chromosome counts are presented for 217 species of 103 genera of grasses from Costa Rica. Four of the genera and 90 of the species are reported for the first time. In addition, 26 counts differ from previous records for the same taxon. The generaGynerium, Lithachne, Luziola, andThrasya were heretofore unknown cytologically. First counts are also given for the following species:Agrostis bacillata, A. pittieri, A. sub patens, Andropogon angustatus, A. bicornis, A. virgatus, Aristida capillacea, A. jorullensis, Arundinella berteroniana, A. deppeana, Axonopus aureus, A. capillaris, A. chrysoblepharis, Bouteloua americana, B. disticha, Bromus exaltatus, Calamagrostis intermedia, C. nuda, C. pittieri, Chusquea lehmannii, C. tonduzii, Cinna poaeformis, Deschampsia pringlei, Digitaria panicea, Echinochloa polystachya, Echinolaena gracilis, Eragrostis simplicijlora, Eriochloa distachya, E. polystachya, Eriochrysis cayennensis, Festuca dolichophylla, Gymnopogon fastigiatus, Gynerium sagittatum, Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Imperata contracta, Isachne polygonoides, Ischaemum latijolium, Lithachne pauciflora, Luziola fragilis, Manisuris aurita, Panicum aquaticum, P. arundinariae, P. boliviense, P. cordovense, P. grande, P. haenkeanum, P. milleflorum, P. parviglume, P. pilosum, P. polygonatum, P. rudgei, P. stenodes, P. trichanthum, P. trichoides, P. viscidellum, Paspalum candidum, P. centrale, P. decumbens, P. fasciculatum, P. jimenezii, P. microstachyum, P. multicaule, P. nutans, P. parviflorum, P. pilosum, P. prostratum, P. pumilum, P. reclinatum, P. saccharoides, P. scabrum, P. serratum, P. squamulatum, P. standleyi, Pennisetum bambusiforme, P. distachyum, Pereilema beyrichianum, Pharus parvifolius, Sacciolepis myuros, Schizachyrium condensatum, Sorghastrum incompletum, Sporobolus ciliatus, S. purpurascens, Streptochaeta sodiroana, Thrasya gracilis, T. petrosa, T. robusta, Trisetum pringlei, T. tonduzii, Uniola pittieri, and Zeugites pittieri. In addition, the following counts are different from previous records for the same taxon:Aegopogon cenchroides, Axonopus poiophyllus, Bouteloua media, Brachiaria plantaginea, Chusquea subtessellata, Digitaria adscendens, Homolepis aturensis, Hymenachne donacifolia, Ichnanthus axillaris, I. pallens, I. tenuis, Ischaemum ciliare, Ixophorus unisetus, Oplismenus burmannii, O. hirtellus, Panicum geminatum, P. glutinosum, P. mertensii, P. parvifolium, P. sellowii, Paspalum convexum, Pennisetum nervosum, P. setosum, Polypogon elongalus, Raddia costaricensis, Schizachyrium hirtijlorum.
Full-length silicone insoles versus ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciitis: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Plantar fasciitis often leads to disability. Optimal treatment for this clinical condition is still unknown. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of wearing a full-length silicone insole with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in the management of plantar fasciitis. Study design: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: Forty-two patients with chronic unilateral plantar fasciitis were allocated randomly to have an ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection or wear a full-length silicone insole. Data were collected before the procedure and 1 month after. The primary outcome measures included first-step heel pain via Visual Analogue Scale and Heel Tenderness Index. Other outcome measures were the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and ultrasonographic thickness of the plantar fascia. Results: After 1 month, a significant improvement was shown in Visual Analogue Scale, Heel Tenderness Index, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and ultrasonographic thickness of plantar fascia in both groups. Visual Analogue Scale scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score pain, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for activities of daily living, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score for sport and recreation function, and plantar fascia thickness were better in injection group than in insole group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although both ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection and wearing a full-length silicone insole were effective in the conservative treatment of plantar fasciitis, we recommend the use of silicone insoles as a first line of treatment for persons with plantar fasciitis. Clinical relevance Silicone insole may be considered as a first-line treatment option in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Return to Sports Participation after Articular Cartilage Repair in the Knee

Background Articular cartilage injury in the athlete's knee presents a difficult clinical challenge. Despite the importance of returning injured athletes to sports, information is limited on whether full sports participation can be successfully achieved after articular cartilage repair in the knee. Hypothesis Systematic analysis of athletic participation after articular cartilage repair will demonstrate the efficacy of joint surface restoration in high-demand patients and help to optimize outcomes in athletes with articular cartilage injury of the knee. Study Design Systematic review. Methods A comprehensive literature review of original studies was performed to provide information about athletic participation after articular cartilage repair. The athlete's ability to perform sports postoperatively was assessed by activity outcome scores, rate of return to sport, timing of the return, level of postoperative sports participation, and the continuation of athletic activity over time. Results Twenty studies describing 1363 patients were included in the review, with an average follow-up of 42 months. Return to sports was possible in 73% overall, with highest return rates after osteochondral autograft transplantation. Time to return to sports varied between 7 and 18 months, depending on the cartilage repair technique. Initial return to sports at the preinjury level was possible in 68% and did not significantly vary between surgical techniques. Continued sports participation at the preinjury level was possible in 65%, with the best durability after autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Several factors affected the ability to return to sport: athlete's age, preoperative duration of symptoms, level of play, lesion size, and repair tissue morphology. Conclusion Articular cartilage repair in the athletic population allows for a high rate of return to sports, often at the preinjury level. Return to sports participation is influenced by several independent factors. The findings provide pertinent information that is helpful for the clinical decision-making process and for the management of the athlete's postoperative expectations.
Images in clinical medicine. Putaminal necrosis.

n engl j med 356;22 www.nejm. org may 31, 2007 e23 A 51-year-old man presented with acute-onset bilateral blindness that had developed during the previous 4 days. He reported having consumed cheap, unbranded whisky in a bout of binge drinking. This episode was followed by severe breathlessness that lasted for 48 hours. He then noticed dimness in his vision, with pain at the back of both eyes that was exacerbated by eye movement. On physical examination, visual acuity was reduced to perception of light, and the pupils were bilaterally dilated, with afferent pupillary defect. Eye movements were painful. The optic disks were edematous bilaterally, and the margins were blurred, with pallor extending into the peripapillary regions of the retinal nerve fiber. The neurologic examination was otherwise normal. There was metabolic acidosis; no methanol was detected in the serum. Four weeks later, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed bilateral, symmetric hyperintense putaminal lesions, suggesting hemorrhagic necrosis (arrows). Direct toxicity of formic acid (an end product of methanol metabolism), ischemic injury, and acidosis are postulated mechanisms of putaminal injury. In this case, survival was probably related to the low amount of methanol ingested and its dilution with ethanol, which may have had a protective effect by inhibiting the metabolism of methanol. At follow-up 2 years later, the patient’s vision had not improved. Copyright © 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society. Putaminal Necrosis
Low- but not high-dose FK506 treatment confers atheroprotection due to alternative macrophage activation and unaffected cholesterol levels

Summary Previous studies showed both proand anti-atherogenic effects of immunosuppressant drug FK506 on atherosclerosis. As these divergent/paradoxical results of FK506 may at least in part be attributable to differences in FK506 dosing, we have, in the current study, assessed dosedependent effects of FK506 on atherosclerotic lesion formation as well as on inflammatory parameters relevant to atherosclerosis. Unlike low-dose FK506, high-dose FK506 did not protect against atherosclerosis in ApoE-/mice. The high-dose induced hypercholesterolaemia, whereas the low-dose did not. Both lowand high-dose FK506 treatment significantly reduced systemic CD3+ and CD4+CD25+ T-cell populations, and showed similar suppression of FoxP3 regulatory T-cell populations. Increased IL-4+ CD4+ T-cells and decreased IgG-MDA-LDL antibody titres pointed to a selective, albeit modest Th2 skewing in the high-dose treatment group, despite the advanced stage of atherosclerosis. Low concentrations of FK506, however, skewed bone marrow-derived macrophage polarisation towards a M2 macrophage phenotype, whereas high concentration did not. A low-dose FK506 treatment regime protected against atherosclerosis by suppressing T-cell activation and favouring (M2) macrophage polarisation. Although a high-dose FK506 treatment effected a similar T-cell suppressive effect, with an even more pronounced shift towards Th2 type immune responses, this did not translate in atheroprotection due to the hypercholesterolaemia and absent M2 skewing.
Are price-based capital account regulations effective in developing countries?

In this article, we evaluate the effectiveness of policy measures adopted by Chile and Colombia aiming to mitigate the deleterious effects of pro-cyclical capital flows. In the case of Chile, according to our GMM analysis, capital controls succeeded in reducing net short-term capital flows, but did not affect long-term flows. As far as Colombia is concerned, the regulations were capable of affecting total flows and also long-term ones. In addition, our cointegration models indicate that the regulations did not have a direct effect on the real exchange rate in the Chilean case. Nonetheless, the model used for Colombia did detect a direct impact of the capital controls on the real exchange rate. Therefore, our results do not seem to support the idea that those regulations were easily evaded.
Ultracytochemical study on the localization of superoxide producing sites in stimulated rat neutrophils

Superoxide anion production in neutrophils plays an important role in the microbicidal defense system in the body. In this study, isolated rat neutrophils were stimulated experimentally and examined by electron microscopy to determine the site of superoxide production and its subsequent translocation during different cell stimulation time periods. Blood and peritoneal neutrophils were incubated for periods of 5, 10, and 15 min with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), N‐formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe (fMLP), and combinations of PMA and cytochalasin B (CB) and fMLP and CB. Ultracytochemical detection of O2− was performed with the 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine‐manganese (DAB/Mn) cytochemical method and cationized ferritin (CF) particles were added to stimulation media to monitor endocytotic events that occurred during neutrophil stimulation. Unstimulated neutrophils were devoid of O2− activity in cytoplasmic granules and at the plasma membrane surface. After 5 min stimulations with PMA, PMA + CB, or fMLP + CB, electron‐dense DAB/Mn reaction product was detected in small, centrally located tubular compartments within the neutrophils. CF particles which were added to the stimulation media became internalized in endocytotic vesicles after 5 min stimulation; these vesicles were devoid of O2− activity. At 10 min stimulation with PMA, O2−‐positive granules subsequently fused with each other and translocated to sub‐plasma membrane regions where they either contacted the plasma membrane or fused with CF‐containing endocytotic vesicles. Little reaction product was observed on the surface of the neutrophils. Spectrophotometric comparison of the stimulatory effects of PMA, fMLP, and fMLP + CB revealed different rates and yields of O2− production. Results from this study suggest that the O2−‐producing sites of rat neutrophils originate intracellularly and translocate to the plasma membrane surface following stimulation with PMA, PMA + CB, and fMLP + CB, but not with fMLP or CB alone. Furthermore, these compartments appear to possess the ability to fuse with endocytotic vesicles, a process that may be linked to intracellular microbicidal activity in circulating and tissue neutrophils. Anat Rec 258:156–165, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential expression of microRNAs in mouse liver under aberrant energy metabolic status[S]

Despite years of effort, exact pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains obscure. To gain an insight into the regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in aberrant energy metabolic status and pathogenesis of NAFLD, we analyzed the expression of miRNAs in livers of ob/ob mice, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice, and normal C57BL/6 mice by miRNA microarray. Compared with normal C57BL/6 mice, ob/ob mice showed upregulation of eight miRNAs and downregulation of four miRNAs in fatty livers. Upregulation of miR-34a and downregulation of miR-122 was found in livers of STZ-induced diabetic mice. These results demonstrate that distinct miRNAs are strongly dysregulated in NAFLD and hyperglycemia. Comparison between miRNA expressions in livers of ob/ob mice and STZ-administered mice further revealed upregulation of four miRNAs and downregulation of two miRNAs in livers of ob/ob mice, indicating that these miRNAs may represent a molecular signature of NAFLD. A distinctive miRNA expression pattern was identified in ob/ob mouse liver, and hierarchical clustering of this pattern could clearly discriminate ob/ob mice from either normal C57BL/6 mice or STZ-administered mice. These findings suggest an important role of miRNAs in hepatic energy metabolism and implicate the participation of miRNAs in the pathophysiological processes of NAFLD.
Hypothesis Is Cadmium a Cause of Human Pancreatic Cancer ? 1

Little is known about the etiology of pancreatic cancer, which is an important cause of cancer mortality in developed countries. We hypothesize that exposure to cadmium is a cause of pancreatic cancer. Cadmium is a nonessential metal that is known to accumulate in the human pancreas. The major risk factors for pancreatic cancer (increasing age, cigarette smoking, residence in Louisiana, and occupations involving exposure to metalworking and pesticides) are all associated with increased exposure to cadmium. Our meta-analysis of cohorts with high exposure to cadmium is also consistent with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer (standardized mortality ratio 5 166; 95% confidence interval, 98–280; P 5 0.059). Cadmium can cause the transdifferentiation of pancreatic cells, increases in the synthesis of pancreatic DNA, and increases in oncogene activation. Thus, cadmium is a plausible pancreatic carcinogen. The cadmium hypothesis provides a coherent explanation for much of the descriptive epidemiology of pancreatic cancer and suggests new avenues for analytical research.
Online information encountering: modeling the process and influencing factors

Purpose – Information encountering is the serendipitous acquisition of information that requires low or no involvement and expectation of users. The purpose of this paper is to model the explicit process and the implicit factors of online information encountering, i.e. how and why it occurs. Design/methodology/approach – The critical incident technique was adopted to collect qualitative data from 16 interview participants. They contributed 27 true incidents of online information encountering which were used to identify the key phases of the encountering process. They also commented on the factors that they thought had an influence on the chance of the occurrence of encountering. Findings – The macro-process of information encountering is composed of three phases. First, browsing, searching, or social interaction provides the context for encountering; second, the encountering occurrence consists of three steps – noticing the stimuli, examining the content, and acquiring interesting or useful content; and t.
Single-antigen immunofluorescence test for chlamydial antibodies

A simple method is presented for producing large numbers of inclusions of Chlamydia trachomatis serotype L2 in cell cultures on slides for immunofluorescence antibody staining. Preliminary results with a total of 1,241 human sera from different groups were consistent with findings by earlier methods: 82% of chlamydia-positive men with nongonococcal urethritis had antibodies at titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 44.9; 68.5% of chlamydia-negative men with nongonococcal urethritis had titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a GMT of 38.6; 27% of male blood donors had titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a GMT of 19.6; 95.0% of chlamydia-positive women had titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a GMT of 80.3; 67.0% of chlamydia-negative partners of men with nongonococcal urethritis had titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a GMT of 47.0; 50.2% of control women had titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a GMT of 27.7% and 8.1% of children (aged 1 to 15 years) had titers of greater than or equal to 8, with a GMT of 17.8.
Upper extremities and spinal musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors in students using computers

Objective: To examine the effects of computer usage on the musculoskeletal system discomforts (MSD) of Turkish university students, the possible risk factors and study implications (SI). Methods: The study comprised a total of 871 students. Demographic information was recorded and the Student Specific Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (SsCMDQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal system discomforts. Results: The neck, lower back and upper back areas were determined to be the most affected areas and percentages for SI were 21.6%, 19.3% and 16.3% respectively. Significant differences were found to be daily computer usage time for the lower back, total usage time for the neck, being female and below the age of 21 years (p<0.05) had an increased risk. Conclusions: The neck, lower back and upper back areas were found to be the most affected areas due to computer usage in university students. Risk factors for MSD were seen to be daily and total computer usage time, female gender and age below 21 years and these were deemed to cause study interference
Sleep disturbance in association with elevated pulse rate for prediction of mortality – consequences of mental strain?

Abstract. Nilsson PM, Nilsson J‐Å, Hedblad B, Berglund G (University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden). Sleep disturbance in association with elevated pulse rate for prediction of mortality – consequences of mental strain? J Intern Med 2001; 250: 521–529.
In vitro Activation of Mononuclear Cells by Two Probiotics: Lactobacillus paracasei I 1688, Lactobacillus salivarius I 1794, and their Mixture (PSMIX)

Background: Most studies on probiotics have described their effects on the human immune system after ingestion of LAB, but little is known about their effect on in vitro stimulation of human immune cells. Aim of the study: Evaluate the “in vitro” activity of Lactobacillus paracasei (I 1688), Lactobacillus salivarius (I 1794), and a commercial mix of the two (PSMIX, Proge Farm), on immune cells from healthy individuals. Materials: Two probiotic strains, Lactobacillus salivarius (I 1794; Proge Farm, Italy) and Lactobacillus paracasei (I 1688; Proge Farm, Italy), which are contained in the functional food ENTEROBACILLI, were evaluated for their ability to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells and modulate surface phenotype and cytokine production. Results: All subjects responded to the bacteria, with different levels of response. The cell populations that showed a significant percent increase were CD4+/CD25+ cells (T-helper activated regulatory cells), CD8+/CD25+ (T-suppressor/cytotoxic activated cells), and CD16+/CD56+ (NK cells) (p<0.05). IL-12 and IFN-γ in vitro production significantly increased with exposure to probiotics (p<0.05 for both). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus salivarius are capable of inducing a specific immune response that may be useful in the clinical setting for improving innate and adaptive immune responses.