Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ligustilide Suppresses the Biological Properties of Danggui Buxue Tang: A Chinese Herbal Decoction Composed of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelica sinensis

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a herbal decoction composed of Radix Astragali (RA) and Radix Angelica sinensis (RAS), has been used for treating menopausal irregularity in women for more than 800 years in China. According to the old tradition, RAS had to be processed with yellow wine before DBT preparation, which markedly reduced the amount of ligustilide in RAS and DBT, as well as enhanced the bioactivities of DBT. Here, we hypothesized that ligustilide would be an ingredient that possessed suppressive effects on DBT's functions. In the presence of ligustilide, the amount of astragaloside IV, calycosin, formononetin, and total polysaccharides extracted from RA were decreased. An increase of ligustilide caused a decrease of DBT's osteogenic activity in stimulating proliferation and differentiation of cultured bone cells. In addition, in the presence of a high level of ligustilide, DBT caused a side effect inducing the proliferation of breast MCF-7 cells. The current results strongly suggest that ligustilide is a negative regulator that hinders DBT to achieve its biological efficacy, which supports the traditional practice of preparing DBT using the ethanol-treated RAS.
Do executive functions explain the covariance between internalizing and externalizing behaviors?

Abstract This study examined whether executive functions (EFs) might be common features of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems across development. We examined relations between three EF latent variables (a common EF factor and factors specific to updating working memory and shifting sets), constructed from nine laboratory tasks administered at age 17, to latent growth intercept (capturing stability) and slope (capturing change) factors of teacher- and parent-reported internalizing and externalizing behaviors in 885 individual twins aged 7 to 16 years. We then estimated the proportion of intercept–intercept and slope–slope correlations predicted by EF as well as the association between EFs and a common psychopathology factor (P factor) estimated from all 9 years of internalizing and externalizing measures. Common EF was negatively associated with the intercepts of teacher-rated internalizing and externalizing behavior in males, and explained 32% of their covariance; in the P factor model, common EF was associated with the P factor in males. Shifting-specific was positively associated with the externalizing slope across sex. EFs did not explain covariation between parent-rated behaviors. These results suggest that EFs are associated with stable problem behavior variation, explain small proportions of covariance, and are a risk factor that that may depend on gender.
Native American childhood obesity prevention interventions: a systematic review

Native American populations are at higher risk for becoming obese and suffering from obesity-related illness compared with other populations. Concurrently, prevention methods have not been successful with this group, especially intervention attempts aimed at children, which have been few and ineffective. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness and methodologies of childhood obesity prevention interventions targeting Native American youth, and to make recommendations to future researchers and practitioners. Seven databases (Medline, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, ERIC, Health Source Nursing, PsychINFO, and Sport Discus) were utilized to retrieve articles, using four sets of keywords; 1. Children AND Obesity AND Native American AND Program; 2. Children AND Obesity AND Native American AND Intervention; 3. Children AND Obesity AND Indian AND Program; and 4. Children AND Obesity AND Indian AND Intervention. Overall, six articles were found and evaluated for salient findings and key methodological issues such as use of theory, intervention duration, research design, outcome measures, process evaluation, and validated measures. Results indicated that theory was seldom used in planning the interventions, process evaluations were used some of the time, and half of the interventions were smaller pilot studies. This review suggests that there have been few interventions targeting obesity prevention among Native American youth over the past decade. Recommendations for enhancing such programs are discussed.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease presenting as bulbar palsy

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is a degenerative neurological disorder caused by a prion protein. The diagnosis may be challenging in unusual early presentations. A bulbar symptom as the initial complaint is a rare presentation for CJD, with only a few reports so far. These patients can be misdiagnosed with motor neuron disease or the Miller Fisher variant of Guillain–Barré syndrome. We describe a 69‐year‐old woman with CJD who presented with bulbar symptoms at the onset. Muscle Nerve 42: 833–835, 2010
Inflammatory markers and mortality among US adults with obstructive lung function

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by an inflammatory state of uncertain significance. The objective of this study was to examine the association between elevated inflammatory marker count (white blood cell count, C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen) on all‐cause mortality in a national sample of US adults with obstructive lung function (OLF).
Sarcoidosis presenting as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

A 27-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of left ptosis and extraocular muscle weakness. The patient had been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) at 20 years of age at another clinic based on ocular myasthenic signs and a positive edrophonium test. Although he had minimal ptosis and double vision for 7 years, he had maintained normal activities of daily living without any MG therapy and never experienced an exacerbation of MG signs until his latest presentation. On admission, there was no limb weakness by manual muscle testing. However, his myasthenic condition was graded as a quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score of 5 and MGFA class 2a. Although radioimmunoprecipitation assays for serum antibodies against acethylcholine receptor (AChR) and muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) were negative, an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay for anti-ryanodine receptor (RyR) antibody was positive. Mediastinum computerized tomography scanning revealed no thymic lesions including thymoma. We diagnosed his condition as MG based on abnormal amplitude decrements on repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the trapezius (11%) and masseter (18%) muscles. We detected only two endplates with abnormal jitter [mean consecutive difference (MCD) >45 ls] in the frontalis and no endplate had abnormal jitter (>55 ls) in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles according to single-fiber electromyography (SFEMG). The mean MCD (SD) was 23.3 (12.7) ls in the frontalis, which was within the normal limit (30 ls), and 38.7 (11.2) ls in the EDC, which was abnormal (>34 ls) according to the criteria of Sanders et al. Furthermore, we measured excitation–contraction coupling time (ECCT) of the masseter using Imai’s method. In this method, ECCT was determined as the difference in onset latencies between the masseter compound muscle action potential and mandibular movement recorded using an acceleration converter after electrical trigeminal nerve stimulation (Fig. 1). The ECCT was 4.8 ms and was prolonged compared with normal values (median 3.0, mean 3.0, range 2.3–3.6 ms). Based on a diagnosis of MG, the patient was treated with oral prednisolone 15 mg/day for 2 months followed by tapering. At the second assessment, performed 2 months after treatment was started, the patient had neither ptosis nor double vision. His condition was graded as MGFA class 0. Fatiguability subsided, and the QMG score was 2. The decremental response in the masseter RNS was improved (3%). Masseter ECCT decreased from 4.8 ms to 2.9 ms. This patient may possess electrophysiological characteristics similar to those of MG patients with anti-AChR and anti-RyR antibodies, even though these abnormalities did not translate into clinical manifestations, such as
Effect of CPAP therapy on endothelial function in obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep‐related breathing disorder associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the proposed mechanistic links between OSA and the increased cardiovascular risk. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may reverse this detrimental pathophysiological consequence of OSA. Most studies on the effect of CPAP on endothelial function in OSA are limited by their low sample size. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect CPAP therapy on endothelial function in patients with OSA. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis searching literature databases up to August 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of CPAP on endothelial function in OSA, assessed by flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and other validated techniques. The primary outcome for the meta‐analysis (DerSimonian/Laird random‐effects method) was the treatment effect on FMD. Eight RCTs comparing the effects of therapeutic CPAP versus subtherapeutic CPAP (or no intervention) on endothelial function involving 245 OSA patients were included in the systematic review. The studies are consistent in effect direction, showing an improvement of endothelial function by CPAP. Four RCTs involving 150 patients could be used for the meta‐analysis. Compared to the control group, CPAP therapy (range 2–24 weeks) significantly increased absolute % FMD by 3.87% (95% confidence interval: 1.93–5.80, P < 0.001). In patients with OSA, CPAP therapy improves endothelial function significantly and to a clinically important extent.
Use of cloth masks in the practice of infection control - evidence and policy gaps

Cloth masks are commonly used in low and middle income countries. It is generally believed that the primary purpose of cloth masks is to prevent spread of infections from the wearer. However, historical evidence shows that they had been used in the past for protection of health care workers (HCWs) from respiratory infections. Currently there is a lack of evidence on the efficacy of cloth masks. In this paper, we examined the evidence on the efficacy of cloth masks and discuss the use of cloth masks as a mode of protection from infections in HCWs. We also discuss various methods to improve the effectiveness of cloth masks; for example; type of fabric, masks design and face fit. Further research is required to validate the use of cloth masks in HCWs for prevention of respiratory infections.
Resolving Quandaries in Dermatology, Pathology and Dermatopathology

Ackerman, a prolific author of dermatopathology books, has completed a volume that he considers his most original and daring. The book was fun to read and stimulated a range of emotions. It has been said that half of what we are taught in medicine is incorrect; we just don't know which half. This volume does not resolve the quandaries about what is right or wrong in dermatopathology. It may create as many quandaries as it resolves; however, it does stimulate the reader to think about some of these puzzles. As Ackerman explains at the end of the book, the term resolving does not mean "to imply that those conundra have now been solved. In time, some of the concepts advanced in these pages may be demonstrated to be correct. others, doubtlessly, will be proved wrong. " The table of contents lists 100 quandaries that have been proposed by 3 of Ackerman's
Does gum chewing reduce postoperative ileus after intestinal resection in children? A prospective randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of gum chewing to standardized postoperative care is associated with a significantly earlier return of bowel function compared to simple postoperative management in children with intestinal anastomosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. All patients who underwent laparotomy with either colon or small bowel resection between June 2006 and March 2008 were randomized to one of two groups. Group one consisted of patients receiving standardized postoperative care plus gum chewing (gum-chewing group) (n=15); Group two consisted of patients receiving only standardized postoperative care (control group) (n=15). The patients in the gum-chewing group chewed one stick of sugarless gum three times per day, for an hour, each day. RESULTS The groups were statistically similar. The time to first flatus was 35.73+/-14.67 h in the gum-chewing group and 42.00+/-20.77 h in the control group (p=0.347). The time to first bowel movement was 56.27+/-22.14 h in the gum-chewing group and 63.00+/-26.34 in the control group (p=0.444). The length of hospital stay was 5.80+/-0.68 days for the gum-chewing group and 6.67+/-0.98 days for the control group (p=0.005). The hospital charges were 2451+/-806 YTL for the gum-chewing group and 2102+/-678 YTL for the control group (p=0.206). CONCLUSIONS The addition of gum chewing to the standardized postoperative care of children with intestinal anastomosis was not associated with a significantly earlier return of bowel function compared to simple postoperative management, but it was associated with an earlier discharge from hospital, although this earlier discharge had only minor clinical significance and no difference was found in hospital charges.
Click here Terms of use : Click here Web-based collaborative reading exercises for learners in remote locations : the effects of computer-mediated feedback and interaction via computer-mediated communication

Despite the fact that the benefits of pair and group work for those espousing an interactionist view of second language learning are well documented (Lightbown & Spada, 1999; Long, 1981; Pica, 1994, 1996; Van Lier, 1996), learning environments exist in which students have no option but to study alone. Of particular interest for this research are learners who, despite studying in contexts supportive of collaborative interaction in the classroom, have little opportunity to interact with partners when trying to participate in collaborative reading comprehension exercises outside school. In an attempt to find a solution to this potentially inhibiting learning context, this research comprises an investigation into (a) whether the introduction of computer-mediated Elaborative feedback before Knowledge of Correct Response (KCR) feedback better promotes quality interaction and comprehension of a web-based reading text and (b) whether computermediated communication (CMC) offers a suitable means for generating quality interaction between peers in remote locations. While completing a web-based multiple-choice reading comprehension exercise, students worked in pairs and received either KCR feedback only, or Elaborative feedback before KCR feedback. In contrast to KCR feedback which simply comprises the correct answers, Elaborative feedback was produced in the form of hints to foster interaction and to support dyads in their attempts at self-correcting any incorrect answers. Using a multiple-try methodology, hints became increasingly specific for questions repeatedly answered incorrectly. Upon completing a follow-up comprehension exercise alone, all students were provided with KCR feedback only. Results from a quantitative analysis of the comprehension scores indicate that students who were provided with Elaborative feedback subsequently scored significantly higher on the follow-up exercise. Furthermore, results from a qualitative analysis of interactions suggest that CMC is a suitable way of generating quality interaction between students, particularly when Elaborative feedback is included.
Efficacy and safety of cryobiopsy versus forceps biopsy for interstitial lung diseases and lung tumours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Forceps biopsy (FB) is the most commonly used diagnostic tool for lung pathologies. FB is associated with a high diagnostic failure rate. Cryobiopsy (CB) is a novel technique providing a larger specimen size, few artefacts, more alveolar parts and superior diagnostic yield. CB, however, has drawbacks such as higher bleeding and pneumothorax rate. We conducted a meta‐analysis to investigate the specimen area, diagnostic rate and bleeding severity in CB versus FB in interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and lung tumours.
Differences between coronary hyperresponsiveness to ergonovine and vasospastic angina.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the differences between coronary hyperresponsiveness without ischemia and vasospastic angina in an ergonovine provocation test using multivariate analysis. We have sometimes experienced a more than 50 arrowing response of vascular diameter without ischemia in a coronary response to ergonovine. We studied 107 patients with less than 50 tenosis in a coronary arteriogram. Their vascular responses to ergonovine were measured and the patients were divided into three groups, as follows: Group 1 had 50 0r less vascular narrowing response without ischemia; Group 2 had a vascular hyperresponsiveness of more than 50 arrowing response without ischemia; and Group 3 experienced a hyperresponsiveness with ischemia. The degree of coronary response was found to be related to smoking, inpaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and the Gensini score by multiple regression analysis. A multiple logistic analysis revealed that the Gensini score and smoking were significant predictive factors for Group 3 (odds ratio: 1.20 and 8.97). The only factor different between Group 2 and Group 1 was gender. The coronary hyperresponsiveness to ergonovine without ischemia differs from vasospastic angina in the degree of coronary atherosclerosis and smoking habits. The patients with hyperresponsiveness had similar characteristics to those with atypical chest pain rather than vasospastic angina, except for a gender difference.
A Study of the Interrelations of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus

In investigations on the interrelations of rheumatoid arthritis and the various endocrine disturbances, very little attention has been paid to diabetes mellitus. Thus, there exist only short notes on the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis among diabetics (Wolf, 1936), and only the effects of an insulin treatment given to rheumatoid arthritis patients have been subjected to a closer examination (Copeman, 1946). A further reason for analysing the interrelations of rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus was that an increased secretion of the adrenocortical glucocorticoids (as cortisone or Compound E) and of the antehypophyseal hormones (ACTH) is at present regarded as a feature of diabetes mellitus; and these hormones are those upon which the interest in rheumatoid arthritis is now concentrating. Material The study comprises the rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus patients treated at the Third Medical Clinic of the University of Helsinki and in the medical wards of the Kivela Hospital during the 15-year period 1934-1948. Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. -There were 1,008 in this group, of whom 725 were female and 283 male. The average age in the whole group was 48-7 years. Diabetes Mellitus Patients. -There were 766 altogether, of whom 490 were female and 276 male. The average age was 51 -6 years.
Mn3O4 Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Dielectric Properties

Mn3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by a simple chemical route using cetyltetramethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a template agent. Mn3O4 nanocrystals present an octahedral shape, and their crystallite size varies between 20 and 80 nm. They were characterized by XRD, SEM, DTA/TG, and IR spectroscopy. XRD studies confirm the presence of a highly crystalline Mn3O4 phase. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data confirms that Mn3O4 nanoparticles crystallize in the tetragonal system with space group I41/amd. DTA/TG and XRD measurements demonstrate the phase transition toward a spinel structure between 25 and 700∘C. The electrical conductivity increases between 80 and 300∘C, suggesting a semiconducting behaviour of Mn3O4. Both dielectric dispersion (e′) and dielectric loss (e′′) were investigated from 80 and 300∘C in the frequency range of 10 Hz–13 MHz. The dielectric properties showed typical dielectric dispersion based on the Maxwell-Wagner model.
Trends in disability prevalence over 10 years in older people living in Gloucestershire.

INTRODUCTION life expectancy in the UK appears to be growing faster than healthy life expectancy, which may imply that there are increasing years of disability. There are few sequential studies examining changes in disability amongst older people within a defined locality. METHODS the population aged 75 and over of 10 general practices in Gloucestershire was surveyed using a validated postal questionnaire for disability called the Elderly At Risk Rating Scale. Surveys were carried out in 1998 and 2008. Age-adjusted disability prevalences were measured. Care home residents were under-represented in the 1998 survey, and missing data was supplied from a countywide census of care home residents in 2000. RESULTS response rates of 81 and 74% were achieved. Reductions in disability prevalence were found for mobility, vision and self-care, but there was no significant change in a measure of self-rated health. Higher rates of independence were found in both genders and across the age range in 2008. The improvements suggested that the latter sample was equivalent to subjects being 3.8 years 'younger' than 10 years before and entering dependency on care 2.1 years later. DISCUSSION the prevalence of disability affecting activities of daily living appears to have reduced over 10 years in older people in Gloucestershire. If generalisable, these results provide some optimism for current trends in ageing in England.
Did giant mitochondria delay muscle maturation? An uncommon congenital myopathy

Introduction: Mitochondria are semi‐autonomous organelles that are able to change their shape, size, location, and number inside the living cell. Mitochondrial division is an extremely important process, because cell survival depends on there being an adequate number of mitochondria in each cell. The dynamics of these organelles are particularly important for normal embryonic cell development. We studied morphological and ultrastructural features of muscle‐cell immaturity, with the appearance of abnormal giant mitochondria, in a child with an unusual congenital myopathy. Methods: The biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris muscles were analyzed at the light and electron microscopy levels. Results: Ultrastructural features of muscle‐cell immaturity were manifested in the presence of primary and mature myotubes coexisting with abnormal giant mitochondria. Conclusions: Failure of mitochondrial fusion/fission machinery at an early stage of development may lead to delayed muscle‐cell maturation. Muscle Nerve 46: 125–129, 2012