Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Choosing the optimal method in programmatic colorectal cancer screening: current evidence and controversies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important health problem all over the world, being the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Western countries. The most important strategy for CRC prevention is screening (i.e. secondary prevention). Since it is widely accepted that adenomas and serrated polyps are the precursors of the vast majority of CRC, early detection and removal of these lesions is associated with a reduction of CRC incidence and, consequently, mortality. Moreover, cancers detected by screening are usually diagnosed at early stages and, therefore, curable by endoscopic or surgical procedures. This review will be address CRC screening strategies in average-risk population, which is defined by those individuals, men and women, 50 years of age or older, without any additional personal or familial predisposing risk factor. In order to maximize the impact of screening and ensure high coverage and equity of access, only organized screening programs (i.e. programmatic screening) should be implemented, as opposed to case-finding or opportunistic screening. For that reason and considering that the optimal approach for colorectal screening may differ depending on the scenario, this review will be focused on the advantages and limitations of each screening strategy in an organized setting.
The efficacy of mindfulness meditation plus Qigong movement therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To test the short and longterm benefits of an 8 week mind-body intervention that combined training in mindfulness meditation with Qigong movement therapy for individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). METHODS A total of 128 individuals with FM were randomly assigned to the mind-body training program or an education support group that served as the control. Outcome measures were pain, disability (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), depression, myalgic score (number and severity of tender points), 6 minute walk time, and coping strategies, which were assessed at baseline and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. RESULTS Both groups registered statistically significant improvements across time for the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Total Myalgic Score, Pain, and Depression, and no improvement in the number of feet traversed in the 6 minute walk. However, there was no difference in either the rate or magnitude of these changes between the mind-body training group and the education control group. Salutary changes occurring by the eighth week (which corresponded to the end of the mind-body and education control group sessions) were largely maintained by both groups throughout the 6 month followup period. CONCLUSION While both groups showed improvement on a number of outcome variables, there was no evidence that the multimodal mind-body intervention for FM was superior to education and support as a treatment option. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed before interventions of this kind can be recommended for treatment of FM.
Non-Balanced Endogenous Growth and Structural Change: When Romer Meets Kaldor and Kuznets

We propose a model of non-balanced endogenous growth in which the final good, which can be either consumed or used as capital, is produced using two intermediate inputs, one being “knowledge-intensive”. Agents working in the knowledge-intensive sector need to accumulate technological knowledge and thus have to decide how to split their individual unit of time between accumulation of technological knowledge (research) and work. Agents working in the second sector do not need to accumulate knowledge and thus devote all their individual unit of time to work. Individual knowledge therefore becomes a labor-augmenting factor, and knowledge accumulation leads to an unbounded increase in TFP in the knowledge-intensive sector, and thus to endogenous capital deepening. The asymmetry in the growth rates of TFP leads to non-balanced growth. Labor (number of workers) reallocations across sectors occur, leading to a greater increase in output for the knowledge-intensive sector. We show that non-balanced growth is consistent with Kaldor facts, as the asymptotic equilibrium is above all characterized by a constant interest rate and capital share in national income. However, the economy follows a growth path converging to a particular level of wealth that depends on the initial price of capital and knowledge. As a consequence, countries with the same fundamentals but lower initial wealth will be characterized by lower asymptotic wealth. We therefore extend the Lucas [19] finding and prove the existence of non-convergence across countries in a framework with structural change.
Protective actions of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock.

The anti-shock effects of an organic nitric oxide donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), were tested in a rat model of hemorrhagic shock. Administration of SNAP at a dose of 10 mcg/kg injection followed by 10 mcg/kg/h infusion neither significantly decreased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) nor significantly altered bleedout volumes in hemorrhagic rats, indicating that SNAP did not modify the severity of the shock protocol. However, hemorrhaged rats treated with SNAP maintained post-reinfusion MABP at significantly higher values than hemorrhaged rats receiving 0.9% NaCl (final MABP 81 +/- 3.0 mmHg vs. 54 +/- 1.1 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.001). SNAP also significantly increased survival times following hemorrhagic shock (113 +/- 4 min in SNAP treated rats compared with 70 +/- 4.5 min in vehicle treated rats, p < 0.001). The overall survival rates were 87.5% when treated with SNAP and 0% with 0.9% NaCl (p < 0.01). In hemorrhagic shock rats receiving only vehicle, a significant accumulation of neutrophils in intestinal tissue occurred as indicated by a higher MPO activity in intestinal tissue (MPO activity, 1.26 +/- 0.31 vs. 0.14 +/- 0.05U/100 mg in sham hemorrhagic shock rats, p < 0.02). Administration of SNAP significantly attenuated the neutrophil accumulation in the intestinal tissue (MPO activity, 0.42 +/- 0.09U/100 mg, p < 0.05 compared with hemorrhagic rats receiving only the vehicle). Moreover, endothelial dysfunction of superior mesenteric artery rings occurred in hemorrhagic shock rats given only 0.9% NaCl. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Predictor of early mortality for severe heart failure patients with left ventricular assist device implantation: significance of INTERMACS level and renal function.

BACKGROUND The preoperative risk factors for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and their impact on the clinical outcome was analyzed to evaluate the optimal timing of LVAD implantation for severe heart failure patients. METHODS AND RESULTS From January 2006 to August 2011, 82 patients underwent 84 LVAD implantations at the Osaka University Hospital. These patients were categorized into 2 groups: Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) level 1 (n=41) and INTERMACS level 2/3 (n=43). The preoperative characteristics, early mortality, and cumulative survival between the 2 groups was compared. Ten (24.4%) patients died within 90 days in the INTERMACS level 1 group (multiple organ failure: 6, cerebrovascular event: 3, sepsis: 1), whereas 1 (2.3%) patient died because of a cerebrovascular event in the INTERMACS level 2/3 group (P=0.003). The cumulative survival rate was 82.9% at 30 days, 75.6% at 90 days, and 63.7% after 1 year in the INTERMACS level 1 group, and 100%, 97.7%, and 85.3% in the level 2/3 group (P=0.015). Using multivariate analysis for the INTERMACS level 1 group data, the preoperative serum creatinine level was the independent predictor of 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS LVAD implantation in a stable condition contributes to better clinical outcome for severe heart failure patients. If critical cardiogenic shock occurs, LVAD implantation must be considered immediately before other organs' functions, especially renal function, deteriorate.
The Internet as a Health Information Source: Findings from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey and Implications for Health Communication

A wealth of health information is available online, but we do not fully understand the implications for health communication. This study examined whether health information seekers who turn to the Internet first differ from those who turn elsewhere. Data from the 2,338 respondents to the mail portion of the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2007 who reported looking for health information for themselves were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to examine whether health information seekers turning to the Internet first differed in terms of demographics, information preferences and seeking confidence, and communication with providers from those using other sources. In the final model, Internet users were younger, more educated, higher income, preferred numbers rather than words to describe chance, and think it is very important to get personal medical information electronically. There were no differences in terms of gender, health status, confidence seeking health information, or communication with providers. Health information seekers who turn to the Internet first are different, both in terms of demographics and information preferences. As the use of communication technologies increases, health communicators need to be attentive to the potential for communication inequalities.
Identification of Angiotensin II-binding Domains in the Rat AT2 Receptor with Photolabile Angiotensin Analogs*

To identify binding domains between angiotensin II (AngII) and its type 2 receptor (AT2), two different radiolabeled photoreactive analogs were prepared by replacing either the first or the last amino acid in the peptide with p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine (Bpa). Digestion of photolabeled receptors with kallikrein revealed that the two photoreactive analogs label the amino-terminal part of the receptor within the first 182 amino acids. Digestion of 125I-[Bpa1]AngII·AT2 receptor complex with endoproteinase Lys-C produced a glycoprotein of 80 kDa. Deglycosylation of this 80-kDa product decreased its apparent molecular mass to 4.6 kDa and further cleavage of this 4.6-kDa product with V8 protease decreased its molecular mass to 3.6 kDa, circumscribing the labeling site of 125I-[Bpa1]AngII within amino acids 3-30 of AT2 receptor. Treatment of 125I-[Bpa8]AngII·AT2 receptor complex with cyanogen bromide produced two major receptor fragments of 3.6 and 2.6 kDa. Cyanogen bromide hydrolysis of a mutant AT2 receptor produced two major fragments of 12.6 kDa and 2.6 kDa defining the labeling site of 125I-[Bpa8]AngII within residues 129-138 of AT2 receptor. Our results indicate that the amino-terminal tail of the AT2 receptor interacts with the amino-terminal end of AngII, whereas the inner half of the third transmembrane domain of AT2 receptor interacts with the carboxyl-terminal end of AngII.
The patient's vulnerability, dependence and exposed situation in the discharge process: experiences of district nurses, geriatric nurses and social workers.

AIM The aim of the study was to obtain a deeper understanding of the experiences of the discharge process among different professionals. BACKGROUND An optimal discharge process for hospitalized elderly to other forms of care is of crucial importance, especially since health and medical policies encourages shorter hospital stays and increased healthcare service in outpatient care. METHODS Nurses and social workers from inpatient care, outpatient care, municipal care and social services were interviewed. Eight focus-group interviews with a total of 31 persons were conducted. The subsequent analyses followed a phenomenological approach. RESULTS The findings revealed three themes, Framework, Basic Values and Patient Resources, which influenced the professionals' actions in the discharge process. The overall emerging structure comprised the patient's vulnerability, dependence and exposed situation in the discharge process. CONCLUSION In conclusion some factors are of special importance for the co-operation and the actions of professionals involved in the discharge process. Firstly, a distinct and common framework, with conscious and organizationally based values. Secondly the need to take the patient resources into consideration. Together these factors could contribute to secure the patients involvement in the discharge process and to design an optimal, safe and good care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Collaborative approaches among a range of professionals within a variety of organizations are common, especially in the care of the elderly. The role and support of both the organizations and the educational units are decisive factors in this area.
Soldiering as an obstacle to manhood? Masculinities and ex-combatants in Burundi

ABSTRACT The image of the warrior as the ultimate symbol of manhood is familiar across cultures and countries. There is a large quantity of research that demonstrates the connection between militarism and masculinity, and militarized masculinities have been argued to be the hegemonic form of masculinity, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Recently, however, there has been a call for the rethinking of the connection between masculinity and violence. In this article, I explore the construction of masculinities among ex-combatants in Burundi. Based on participant observation, 18 individual interviews and four focus-group discussions, I argue that having served in an armed group has not had a significant impact on the masculinity ideas of my interlocutors. There is a weak connection between ideas of what makes a good soldier on the one hand and manhood in civilian life on the other. Marriage, fatherhood, and being the provider are the most important factors in masculinity construction in Burundi. These all require economic capital. In addition, socio-economic status is important for the power and respect that it brings. The focus on socio-economic status as the locus of masculinity construction also applies to ex-combatants, but many of them are struggling to adhere to it. My interlocutors presented their time spent in the armed group as time wasted, that would otherwise have been used on education or starting a career – in other words, on the path to achieving manhood. The narrative given was thus one of soldiering being not an avenue but an obstacle to manhood.
Gene–diet interactions on plasma lipid levels in the Inuit population

The Inuit population is often described as being protected against CVD due to their traditional dietary patterns and their unique genetic background. The objective of the present study was to examine gene–diet interaction effects on plasma lipid levels in the Inuit population. Data from the Qanuippitaa Nunavik Health Survey (n 553) were analysed via regression models which included the following: genotypes for thirty-five known polymorphisms (SNP) from twenty genes related to lipid metabolism; dietary fat intake including total fat (TotFat) and saturated fat (SatFat) estimated from a FFQ; plasma lipid levels, namely total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and TAG. The results demonstrate that allele frequencies were different in the Inuit population compared with the Caucasian population. Further, seven SNP (APOA1 − 75G/A (rs670), APOB XbAI (rs693), AGT M235T (rs699), LIPC 480C/T (rs1800588), APOA1 84T/C (rs5070), PPARG2 − 618C/G (rs10865710) and APOE 219G/T (rs405509)) in interaction with TotFat and SatFat were significantly associated with one or two plasma lipid parameters. Another four SNP (APOC3 3238C>G (rs5128), CETP I405V (rs5882), CYP1A1 A4889G (rs1048943) and ABCA1 Arg219Lys (rs2230806)) in interaction with either TotFat or SatFat intake were significantly associated with one plasma lipid variable. Further, an additive effect of these SNP in interaction with TotFat or SatFat intake was significantly associated with higher TC, LDL-C or TAG levels, as well as with lower HDL-C levels. In conclusion, the present study supports the notion that gene–diet interactions play an important role in modifying plasma lipid levels in the Inuit population.
The location of the Italian manufacturing industry, 1871–1911: a sectoral analysis

This study focuses on industrial location in Italy during the period 1871–1911, when manufacturing moved from artisanal to factory-based production processes. There is general agreement in the historical and economic literature that factor endowment and domestic market potential represented the main drivers of industrial location. We test the relative importance of the above drivers of location for the various manufacturing sectors using data at the provincial level. Estimation results reveal that the location of capital intensive sectors (such as chemicals, cotton, metalmaking and paper) was driven by domestic market potential and literacy. Once market potential and literacy are accounted for, the evidence on the effect of water endowment on industrial location is mixed, depending on the manufacturing sector considered.
Why do lenient claims handling practices exist in the insurance industry? A survey study of ethical decisions by claims adjusters

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate which factors will affect the insurance claims adjusters’ attitude and behavior intention toward lenient claims handling practices. These factors include organizational justice, behavioral-based control, significant others, and customer complaints. Design/methodology/approach Data are collected with questionnaires from full-time licensed insurance claims adjusters in Taiwan. Partial least squares method is used to test the hypotheses. Findings The main results show that significant others and organizational justice have significant effects on the claims adjusters’ attitude toward the lenient claims handling practices. Significant others and attitude have significant effects on the behavioral intention. Originality/value The influence of claims management on insurance companies’ operation is quite considerable. Poor claims management may not only harm insurance companies’ finance, but also affect the adjustment of future premiums. Yet, in reality, some claims adjusters are found to make flawed claims decisions. Very few studies discuss this problem. This study provides an initial step toward understanding this issue.
Perceptions of Family Caring and Its Impact on Peer Associations and Drug Involvement Among Rural Dwelling African American and White Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the premise that adolescent perceptions of family caring are a precipitating source of substance use deterrence. More specifically, this study examined the role of family caring on communication of substance use harm and sanctions of use and the effect of these on peer substance involvement and individual use outcomes. A sample of rural dwelling African American and White 7th and 8th grade students (N = 1780) was assessed through self-report. It was anticipated that family caring would be positively related to harm communication and sanctions of use, and that these would be negatively related to peer substance involvement and individual use. Results suggest that family caring was positively linked to harm communication and sanctions of use, and that these were both negatively related to peer substance involvement and individual use. Several significant race differences were noted, which suggest differential associations between some variables. Results are discussed in terms of these race differences, as well as in terms of rural residency.
Influences of acute alcohol consumption, sexual precedence, and relationship motivation on women’s relationship and sex appraisals and unprotected sex intentions

Guided by the cognitive mediation model of sexual decision making (Norris, Masters, & Zawacki, 2004. Cognitive mediation of women’s sexual decision making: The influence of alcohol, contextual factors, and background variables. Annual Review of Sex Research, 15, 258–296), we examined female social drinkers’ (N = 162) in-the-moment risky sexual decision making by testing how individual differences (relationship motivation) and situational factors (alcohol consumption and sexual precedence conditions) influenced cognitive appraisals and sexual outcomes in a hypothetical sexual scenario. In a path model, acute intoxication, sexual precedence, and relationship motivation interactively predicted primary relationship appraisals and independently predicted primary sex appraisals. Primary appraisals predicted secondary appraisals related to relationship and unprotected sex, which predicted unprotected sex intentions. Sexual precedence directly increased unprotected sex intentions. Findings support the cognitive mediation model and suggest that sexual risk reduction interventions should address alcohol, relationship, sexual, and cognitive factors.
Lipogenic regulators are elevated with age and chronic overload in rat skeletal muscle

Aim: Both muscle mass and strength decline with ageing, but the loss of strength far surpasses what is projected based on the decline in mass. Interestingly, the accumulation of fat mass has been shown to be a strong predictor of functional loss and disability. Furthermore, there is a known attenuated hypertrophic response to skeletal muscle overload with ageing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 28 days of overload on the storage of intramuscular triglycerides (IMTG) and metabolic regulators of lipid synthesis in young and old skeletal muscle.
Clinical Experience of Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Patients withAcute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema Treated in a Community Hospital in Japan

Objective: To review our use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPO) in the routine clinical management, especially in terms of the timing of endotracheal intubation (ETI) and outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 61 patients diagnosed with ACPO admitted to our emergency room (ER) or intensive care unit (ICU) and who received NPPV. The reasons for ETI were reviewed, and the intervals between the estimated appropriate time for ETI and the actual time of ETI and in-hospital mortality were recorded. Results: The mortality rate of patients receiving NPPV was 8.2% (five out of 61). Forty-eight patients (78.7%) were successfully weaned off NPPV without ETI, and 13 (21.3%) required ETI. Five of the 13 intubated patients died, but there was no significant difference in the duration of NPPV before ETI between those who survived and those who died. The interval between the estimated appropriate time for ETI and the actual time of ETI was significantly shorter in patients who survived than in those who died (1.9 ± 3.8 hours versus 8.6 ± 5.4 hours, p=0.02). The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with an interval of longer than 1.8 hours between the estimated appropriate time for ETI and the actual time of ETI (66.7% versus 14.3%, p<0.001). Conclusions: In patients with ACPO receiving NPPV, a delay in performing ETI beyond the appropriate time was significantly associated with increased mortality. The duration of NPPV before ETI was not associated with mortality.