Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypoallergenic formulas – when, to whom and how long: after more than 15 years we know the right indication!

Hypoallergenic formulas are processed by enzymatic hydrolysis of different protein sources such as bovine casein/whey and soy followed by further processing such as heat treatment and/or ultrafiltration, or they are based on amino acid mixtures. The products have been classified according to the degree of protein hydrolysis as ‘extensively’ or ‘partially’ hydrolysed protein products. Product properties may be characterized by biochemical techniques, and reduction of allergenicity may be assessed in vitro with various immunological methods, and in vivo with skin prick tests, patch tests and challenge tests. In vitro tests do not predict the allergenic effects in humans, and at present there is no evidence of a specific threshold of immunogenic protein. Only pure amino acid mixtures are considered to be nonallergenic. Other ‘hypoallergenic’ products contain residual allergenicity. At present, the potential of a product for treatment and prevention of food allergy can only be determined by clinical trials using scientifically appropriate standards. It has been recommended that dietary products for treatment of cow's milk protein allergy in infants should be tolerated by at least 90% (with 95% confidence) of infants with documented cow's milk protein allergy. Some extensively hydrolysed products and amino‐acid‐based products have met these criteria. Formulas intended for prevention should have a very low, if any, allergenic activity until otherwise proven. So far there are no firm criteria available for the design of hypoallergenic foods for prevention. Newborns included in prevention studies should be from high‐risk families; they should be randomized at birth and fed the formula when supplements are needed for at least the first 4–6 months of life. Follow‐up should be at least 18 months, and children should be investigated when symptoms appear. Validated clinical criteria, including controlled food challenges, should be used for diagnosis. Infants fed formulas that claim to prevent or delay allergy should have a statistically significant lower prevalence of allergy when compared with infants fed a standard cow's milk formula. Feeding high‐risk infants a documented hypoallergenic formula combined with avoidance of solid foods during the first 4–6 months reduces the cumulative incidence of cow's milk protein allergy and atopic dermatitis as compared with a standard cow's‐milk‐based formula. Partially hydrolysed formulas may have an effect, though it seems to be less than that of extensively hydrolysed formulas at present. Thus, if exclusive breast‐feeding for 4–6 months is not possible in high‐risk infants, a documented hypoallergenic formula and avoidance of solid foods are recommended for the first 4 months of life.
Re-examining Local Debt Limits: A Disaggregated Analysis*

In the past most state governments have instituted some type of restriction on local government borrowing and debt use in an attempt to prevent the recurrence of the wave of defaults and excessive borrowing which occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The evidence on the effectiveness of these restrictions has been very mixed. ' Many of the debt limit studies have not satisfactorily controlled for the other factors affecting debt financing or have not used data which is sufficiently disaggregated to examine the variation in the behavior of individual communities. The purpose of this study is to re-examine the issue of the effectiveness of local debt limitations using a national sample of communities over ten thousand population. This data set exhibits large differences in the debt and financial characteristics of its communities particularly in various population categories and across geographic regions of the country. Thus, the use of this data will allow the testing of hypotheses and the examination of factors affecting debt limitations which have not been possible in previous research. Analysis of the data does indicate that debt limits significantly lower local per capita debt levels, but that debt referenda do not have a substantial effect on the amount of local debt. Section I of the paper presents a brief survey of the earlier literature. In section II, hypotheses about the factors affecting local per capita debt choice are discussed, and the variables used to measure these factors are described. The statistical results of this research are presented in section III while section IV provides a summary of the issues.
Investigating the Neural Mechanisms of Social Values via Hormones and Neuroimaging

Supervising Professor: Daniel C. Krawczyk Recent research on the social functions of the neuropeptide hormones oxytocin and vasopressin has increasingly shown them to be dependent on context, but the nature of the contexts in which their behavioral and neural effects are elicited remains unclear. Despite rising interest, it has been particularly difficult to determine when oxytocin or vasopressin may increase trust and parochial prosocial behaviors or if they may enhance egalitarian behavior at all. This study examined the influence of these hormones on behavioral and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) responses in two social tasks, each performed by participants during three separate functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) sessions conducted within a placebo-controlled, double-blinded procedure. In one task, faces were judged on how trustworthy and how dominant they appeared, and the other task asked for single sentence descriptions of real-world activities to be evaluated on how worthwhile they were and how likely subjects were to participate in them. Each activity was categorized according to four motivational contexts conceptualized in the Basic Human Values Theory, a model of core values. Two of these contexts capture the distinction between parochial and egalitarian prosocial behavior as relating, respectively, to the
Simple Fiscal Policy Rules: two Cheers for a Debt Brake!

In a New Keynesian DSGE model with non-Ricardian consumers, we show that automatic stabilization according to a counter-cyclical spending rule following the idea of the debt brake results to perform quite well to steer the economy and in terms of welfare. However, it is essential to design the debt brake such that lapses in the spending scheme due to estimation errors in trend output or discretionary fiscal policy actions are booked on an adjustment account and cut future government spending, where discretionary lapses should be corrected faster than lapses due to estimation errors.
Distribution of selenium between fractions in erythrocytes, plasma, hair, and fingernails of Chinese women living in selenium‐deficient, ‐adequate, and ‐excessive areas of China

The distribution of selenium in fractions of erythrocytes, plasma, hair, and fingernails was investigated in women living in selenium-deficient (Xichang), -adequate (Beijing), and -excessive (Enshi) areas of China. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity was significantly higher in both plasma and erythrocytes in women living in Beijing and Enshi than those living in Xichang, but there were no differences in this activity in women living in Beijing versus those living in Enshi. There was an inverse relationship between the percentage of selenium associated with GPX in both plasma and erythrocytes with the selenium status of the women. The majority of the selenium in plasma was in the selenoprotein P fraction from women living in Xichang and Beijing, but in contrast, most of the selenium was in the albumin fraction from women living in Enshi. When measured by an antibody procedure, selenoprotein P content was found to be significantly higher in plasma from subjects living in Beijing and Enshi than those living in Xichang, but again the levels were not different in those living in Beijing versus those in Enshi. Supplementation of deficient subjects with selenium as either selenate or selenomethionine (Semet) resulted in maximum increase of selenoprotein P after only 1 month, and the different forms of selenium gave similar responses. The percentage of selenium extracted by an alkaline solution of hair from women living in Enshi was significantly greater than from those living in either Beijing or Xichang, but there was no difference in extraction of hair from women living in the latter two areas. In contrast, there was no difference in the percentage of selenium extracted by an alkaline solution from fingernails of women living in any of the three areas. After supplementation of subjects living in the deficient area with selenium as either selenate or Semet for 1 year, the percentage of selenium extracted by an alkaline solution was significantly greater in both hair and fingernails from those given selenate than those given Semet. Therefore, the selenium status affects the distribution of selenium between various fractions in plasma, erythrocytes, fingernails, and hair of humans. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 13:333–342, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Therapeutic Potential of Exercise to Improve Mood, Cognition, and Sleep in Parkinson's Disease

In addition to the classic motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a variety of nonmotor symptoms that significantly reduce quality of life, even in the early stages of the disease. There is an urgent need to develop evidence‐based treatments for these symptoms, which include mood disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disruption. We focus here on exercise interventions, which have been used to improve mood, cognition, and sleep in healthy older adults and clinical populations, but to date have primarily targeted motor symptoms in PD. We synthesize the existing literature on the benefits of aerobic exercise and strength training on mood, sleep, and cognition as demonstrated in healthy older adults and adults with PD, and suggest that these types of exercise offer a feasible and promising adjunct treatment for mood, cognition, and sleep difficulties in PD. Across stages of the disease, exercise interventions represent a treatment strategy with the unique ability to improve a range of nonmotor symptoms while also alleviating the classic motor symptoms of the disease. Future research in PD should include nonmotor outcomes in exercise trials with the goal of developing evidence‐based exercise interventions as a safe, broad‐spectrum treatment approach to improve mood, cognition, and sleep for individuals with PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
EVOLUTIONARY MISMATCH, NEURAL REWARD CIRCUITS, AND PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING

Evolutionary mismatch theory has been applied to disorders of self-regulation such as maladaptive eating patterns and drug abuse. Modern gambling represents a refinement of the elements of risk and chance, which draw upon the faculties of judgment and novelty-seeking. A set of neuroanatomical structures, including prefrontal-subcortical systems and associated limbic structures, have been implicated in the processing of reward and punishment, including gambling-related situations. Neurobiological systems guiding choice and behavior have evolved to maximize chances for survival under hunter-gatherer conditions, and modern gambling represents an abrupt departure from these circumstances, sometimes resulting in pathological gambling.
Sialic Acid, Ferritin and CEA Levels in Peripheral Blood and Blood Draining from the Tumor in Breast Cancer

Concentrations of total serum N-acetyl-neuraminic acid, carcinoembryonic antigen, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase and total proteins were measured in both tumor drainage blood (axillary vein) and in peripheral blood taken during surgery from 44 breast cancer patients. There were no significant differences in any of the markers between mean values in peripheral and tumor drainage blood, between cancer patients and healthy controls, between patients with or without axillary lymph node metastases, or according to the site of breast mass.
Bioefficacy of Turmeric Rhizome Extracts with Alum on Microbes: An in Vitro Approach

Bioefficacy of crude Turmeric rhizome extracts and in combination with alum against four (4) bacterial and five (5) fungal species were determined using disc diffusion (DD) and agar well diffusion (AWD) methods respectively. The extracts with or without Alum were active against all the test microbes in dose-dependent manner by inhibiting their growth. The highest diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) was observed with ethanolic turmeric extract (ETE) and alum (ETE+Alum) at 0.3g concentration on Gram negative bacteria; Escherichia coli (16.6±0.8mm) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (15.3±1.1mm) and Gram positive bacterium; Staphylococcus aureus (15.0±0.0mm) whereas strong antimycotic activity occurred with Alum in the order Aspergillus terreus (17.5±1.0mm) > A. flavus (17±1.0mm) > S. cerevisiae (14mm) > C. albicans (12±1.0mm) by DD respectively. Using AWD bioassay, alum exhibited the best activity against Bacillus cereus (17.8±1.0mm), S. aureus (16.0 ± 0.7mm) and 14.0mm on P. fluorescens and E. coli whereas ETE+Alum demonstrated highest antimycotic activity on A. terreus (35±1.0mm) > Penicillium crystallium and A. flavus (33.0mm) > S. cerevisiae (24.0mm). Furthermore, the demonstration of apparent antimicrobial activity on both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as well as against moulds and yeasts by extracts of Turmeric rhizome` and Alum is suggestive of broad spectrum activity. In contrast, however, the high activity of Ofloxacin (OFL) and Ketoconazole (KTA) against test microbes highlights their superiority to the extracts with or without alum. However, enhancement of bioefficacy of Turmeric rhizome extracts was achieved by incorporation of Alum and such novel approaches to research with safe, natural products would provide an alternative to antibiotic and antifungal treatment of diseases of plants, animals and humans in future.
Micronutrient Intake and Labour Productivity

Economic losses due to iron-deficiency anaemia are believed to be substantial. This paper examines the impact of iron intake on the productivity of households engaged in agricultural labour in India by applying a two-stage least-squares (2SLS) estimation technique. The results indicate that productivity, measured in wages, is indeed affected by insufficient iron intake, and that wages would on average be 5 to 17.3% higher if households achieved recommended intake levels. The results demonstrate that enhancing micronutrient intake will contribute significantly to overall economic growth and development.
Significance of 12S Toxin of Clostridium botulinum Type E

The pathogenesis of type E botulism is discussed as an aspect of the physicochemical and biological properties of 12S toxins (prototoxin and trypsin-activated 12S toxin) and the Eα and Eβ components of each 12S toxin. A molecular weight of 350,000 was determined for each 12S toxin and 150,000 for Eα and Eβ. Owing to the structure comprising the subunits Eα and Eβ, 12S toxins are much more stable than Eα at low pH values and high temperatures. Such was also the case with type A 19S toxin and its α component. The Eα component alone accounts for the total toxicity of type E toxin. The toxic substance detected in the blood of the animals administered 12S toxins orally or parenterally was identified as Eα from the molecular size and the chromatographic pattern. Prototoxin escaping from detoxification in the stomach owing to the subunit structure may undergo dissociation in the intestine to release the Eα component. After absorption, the activated Eα appeared in the circulating blood without any further signs of dissociation or enzymatic digestion.
Asymmetric Inheritance of Oxidatively Damaged Proteins During Cytokinesis

Carbonylated proteins were visualized in single cells of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, revealing that they accumulate with replicative age. Furthermore, carbonylated proteins were not inherited by daughter cells during cytokinesis. Mother cells of a yeast strain lacking the sir2 gene, a life-span determinant, failed to retain oxidatively damaged proteins during cytokinesis. These findings suggest that a genetically determined, Sir2p-dependent asymmetric inheritance of oxidatively damaged proteins may contribute to free-radical defense and the fitness of newborn cells.
Using aggregate estimation models for order acceptance in a decentralized production control structure for batch chemical manufacturing

Aggregate models of detailed scheduling problems are needed to support aggregate decision making such as customer order acceptance. In this paper, we explore the performance of various aggregate models in a decentralized control setting in batch chemical manufacturing (no-wait job shops). Using simulation experiments based on data extracted from an industry application, we conclude that a linear regression based model outperforms a workload based model with regard to capacity utilization and the need for replanning at the decentralized level, specifically in situations with increased capacity utilization and/or a high variety in the job mix.
The Effect of US Foreign Policy on the Relationship Between South and North Korea: Time Series Analysis of the Post-Cold War Era

In this study, I examine the effect of US foreign policy on the relationship between South Korea and North Korea. In particular, I analyze whether two different foreign policy approaches—the hard-line approach and the soft-line approach—have played a role in advancing or slowing steps toward peace in the Korean peninsula. I use the Integrated Data for Events Analysis dataset for the period 1990–2004. By employing a Vector Autoregression model, which analyzes the behavioral patterns of South and North Korea and the United States, I find that US foreign policy affects the relationship between the two Koreas by affecting North Korea's behavior toward South Korea. The triangular relationship among the United States, North Korea, and South Korea shows a reciprocal behavior pattern. This finding suggests that a soft-line and reciprocal US foreign policy toward North Korea is critical to maintaining peace in the Korean peninsula.
Observations on the Anton Antigen and Antibody

Five antisera with Anton specificity were studied serologically. The determinant is not sensitive to treatment by proteolytic enzymes (notably trypsin) and is present on cells of the recessive type of Lu(a‐b‐) phenotype. The Anton ‘para‐Lutheran’ antigen/antibody therefore seems to be associated with the Lutheran blood group system only by means of cells of the dominant type of the Lu(a‐b‐) phenotype which is controlled by In(Lu), a gene independent of the Lutheran locus.
Inefficiencies in Residential Use of Energy -- A Critical Overview of Literature and Energy Efficiency Policies in EU and Sweden

A rather large literature argue that firms and households do not improve energy efficiency by investing in new technology despite that is cost-effective to do so. If this is the case people would be able to reduce their energy bills and spend their money on more pleasurable things. We argue that the so-called energy efficiency gap to some extent is a numerical artifact that can be explained by heterogeneity within the frames of rational choice not captured in the calculations of average cost-effectiveness of various measures to improve energy efficiency. In this paper we have reviewed the theoretical and empirical literature on the energy efficiency gap and provided a rational for policy makers to act on improving energy efficiency. By eliminating market failures, welfare can be improved in a broad sense, including both environmental quality and material welfare. Social ‘nudges’ are an example of policy instruments which does not directly target any market failure in energy markets, but still may have a significant impact on energy use. As social ‘nudges’ do not restrict choices available to consumers such ‘nudges’ can be considered as least-cost instruments, given they have persistent and desirable effects on energy demand.
Long-term effects of pravastatin on plasma concentration of C-reactive protein. The Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) Investigators.

BACKGROUND Elevated plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We evaluated whether long-term therapy with pravastatin, an agent that reduces cardiovascular risk, might alter levels of this inflammatory parameter. METHODS AND RESULTS CRP levels were measured at baseline and at 5 years in 472 randomly selected participants in the Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) trial who remained free of recurrent coronary events during follow-up. Overall, CRP levels at baseline and at 5 years were highly correlated (r=0.60, P<0.001). However, among those allocated to placebo, median CRP levels and the mean change in CRP tended to increase over time (median change, +4. 2%; P=0.2 and mean change, +0.07 mg/dL; P=0.04). By contrast, median CRP levels and the mean change in CRP decreased over time among those allocated to pravastatin (median change, -17.4%; P=0.004 and mean change, -0.07 mg/dL; P=0.002). Thus, statistically significant differences were observed at 5 years between the pravastatin and placebo groups in terms of median CRP levels (difference, -21.6%; P=0.007), mean CRP levels (difference, -37.8%; P=0.002), and absolute mean change in CRP (difference, -0.137 mg/dL; P=0.003). These effects persisted in analyses stratified by age, body mass index, smoking status, blood pressure, and baseline lipid levels. Attempts to relate the magnitude of change in CRP to the magnitude of change in lipids in both the pravastatin and placebo groups did not reveal any obvious relationships. CONCLUSIONS Among survivors of myocardial infarction on standard therapy plus placebo, CRP levels tended to increase over 5 years of follow-up. In contrast, randomization to pravastatin resulted in significant reductions in this inflammatory marker that were not related to the magnitude of lipid alterations observed. Thus, these data further support the potential for nonlipid effects of this agent.
Active safety monitoring of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme of Sri Lanka

Objectives This study was designed to report incidence and characteristics of selected adverse events following immunisation which have consistent causal association (AEFIc) with Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccination given at the age of one year in the National Immunisation Programme of Sri Lanka. Methods The data presented here were obtained from a cohort event monitoring study. It was carried out in the Jaffna Regional Directorate of Health Services area from November 2012 to December 2014. A representative sample of 3002 infants who received MMR immunisation were actively followed up for adverse events (AE) using over the phone interviews, self-reporting, and home or hospital visits up to 45 days. All AEs were reviewed by two investigators independently in two step-wise processes to detect the AEFIc. Seven AEFIc were detected using standard case definitions and onset time limit criteria. They were subjected to further analysis to describe the incidence rates and characteristics. Results Of the 2398 (80%) infants who completed follow up of 45 days, 1321 infants experienced 2621 AEFI. Of them 209 were classified as AEFIc. Incidence of AEFIc was 87/ 1000 immunisation. They were mainly nonserious and resolved completely. There were no fatal or life threatening AEFIs. Incidence per 1000 immunisations; allergic reactions 0.83, injection site reactions 4.58, fever100.4° F or lasting more than  3 days 9.59, macular papular rash 2.92, parotitis 2.92 and generalised convulsions 1.25. Conclusions The MMR vaccine used in NIP of Sri Lanka had low incidence of AEFIc and were mainly non-serious in nature.