Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Early Readmission in Heart Failure Patients in an Inner-City Community Hospital

Heart failure (HF) is the most common hospital discharge diagnosis among the elderly. It accounts for nearly 1.4 million hospitalizations and $21 billion in spending per year in the United States. Readmission rates remain high with estimates ranging from 15-day readmission rates of 13%, 30- day readmission rates of 25%, to 6-month readmission rates of 50%. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has started penalizing hospitals with higher than expected readmission rates. Objective: To identify factors associated with increased 30-day readmission among heart failure patients in an inner-city community-based teaching hospital. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with principal discharge diagnosis of acute Heart Failure between 2008 and 2010. Demographic, clinical characteristics, length of stay, discharge medications, disposition and all-cause 30-day readmission were abstracted from the hospital’s administrative database and analyzed. Results: Almost 8 out of 10 patients were 65 years or older (mean age 75.4 ± 14.3) and 51% were female. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6% - 4.3%) with a median length of stay of 5.0 days (Interquartile range of 3 - 7). The all-cause 30-day readmission rate was 17.7% (95% CI 14.9% - 20.8%). By univariate analysis, readmissions were predicted by black race, prior history of HF, length of stay of more than 7 days and discharge to extended care facility (ECF). By logistic regression analysis, black race (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4 - 3.8), prior history of HF (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 - 2.6) and discharge to an ECF (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.5 - 3.7) were the independent predictors of 30-day readmission. HF accounted for 43.7% of the readmissions. Conclusion: Prior diagnosis of HF, black race, and discharge to an ECF were independent predictors of 30-day readmission in this cohort, and over half of the readmissions were for reasons other than HF.
Asian/Pacific Islander adolescent sexual orientation and suicide risk in Guam.

OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of same-sex orientation on suicide risks for Guam's Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents. METHODS We used a probability sample and logistic regression analysis to identify suicide risk factors. RESULTS Same-sex orientation was associated with a greater risk of suicide attempt, especially for boys. Adolescents who reported suffering physical abuse in the context of a romantic relationship, engaging in binge drinking, and experiencing feelings of hopelessness were at greater risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Race/ethnicity was associated with suicide risk for both boys and girls, and patterns suggest that membership in the same racial/ethnic group decreased suicide risk for girls and increased risk of suicide for boys. CONCLUSIONS Gay, lesbian, and bisexual Asian/Pacific Islander adolescents in Guam deserve intervention and counseling programs to reduce suicide risk.
N‐acetylcysteine reduces chemokine release via inhibition of p38 MAPK in human airway smooth muscle cells

Reactive oxygen species are involved in the activation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), key-players in the production of several cytokines. Therefore the current study investigated whether N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidative agent, inhibits the interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced expression and production of eotaxin and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC). NAC (10 mM) decreased the expression of eotaxin and MCP‐1, by 46±11% (n=7) and 87±4% (n=6), respectively; the eotaxin release was inhibited by 75±5% (n=7), whereas the MCP‐1 release was decreased by 69±4% (n=10). NAC (1 mM) also decreased the IL‐1β‐induced activation of p38 MAPK. Compared with unstimulated cells, a four-fold increase in 8‐isoprostane production in IL‐1β‐stimulated HASMC was observed, which could be inhibited by NAC in a concentration-dependent way, with a maximum inhibition of 39±12% with 1 mM NAC. The present study demonstrated that N‐acetylcysteine inhibits the interleukin‐1β‐induced eotaxin and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 expression and production due to a decreased activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. This study has also shown that N‐acetylcysteine decreases the interleukin‐1β‐induced production of reactive oxygen species, as suggested by a reduction in the 8‐isoprostane production.
Molecular mousetraps, α1-antitrypsin deficiency and the serpinopathies

Point mutations in members of the serine proteinase inhibitor or serpin superfamily cause them to change shape, polymerise and be deposited in the tissues. This process is best seen in mutants of α 1 -antitrypsin within hepatocytes to cause periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive inclu- sions and cirrhosis. An identical process underlies the PAS positive inclusions of mutants of neuro- serpin within neurones to cause a dementia that we have called familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB). In both cases, there is a direct correlation between the molecular instability, the rate of intracellular polymer formation and the severity of disease. This process of polymerisation also explains the failure to secrete mutants of other members of the serpin superfamily - antithrombin, C1 inhibitor and α 1 -antichymotrypsin - to cause thrombosis, angio-oedema and emphysema, respectively. In view of the common mechanism underlying these conditions, we have grouped them together as the serpinopathies.
Working memory task performance on prefrontal cortex activation: An optical neuroimaging study

Cognitive brain functions such as language, comprehension, planning and reasoning require working memory (WM), a temporary storage which holds a limited information for instant manipulation. It is hypothesized that WM performance play an important role in altering the brain activity on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) region. Here, Optical Topography Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (OT-fNIRS) was used to measure the haemodynamic responses on the PFC during n-back tasks with incremental WM loads (N= 0, 1, 2). Behavioural and functional data were acquired from 14 male university student volunteers to examine the effects of n-back WM task performance. Subjects were categorized as high performance (>90% accuracy for all tasks) and normal groups for further analysis. Behavioural results showed that the normal group responded slower, regardless of the given WM load. During 2-back task, subjects in normal group performed significantly poor (low accuracy, p<0.05) as compared to high performance (HP) group. Functional results revealed that the HP group exhibits increasing oxygenated haemoglobin (OxyHb) activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) region while proceeding from 0-back task to 2-back task. Conversely, the normal group showed increase OxyHb activation from 0-back task to 1-back task, but significantly reduced OxyHb activation (p<0.05) when advanced to 2-back task. This suggests that higher brain activation for a higher WM load is only true if the task performance is maintained. Besides, higher OxyHb activation in the DLPFC (N= 1, 2) and Frontal Pole regions (N= 0, 1, 2) are found within the normal group, as compared to HP group. These indicate that the normal group subjects spent more mental effort to cope with the given tasks, as evidenced from increased OxyHb activation and longer response time, yet declined in task accuracy.
Establishing Patient Safety in Intensive Care— A Grounded Theory

Background: The modern intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex and high-risk environment, and even small adverse events and changes may deteriorate the patient’s conditions and eventually cause harm. Many factors can potentially be associated within an increased amount of errors, leading to adverse events. Nurses, nurse managers, and other leaders all play important roles in establishing patient safety. Aim: This study aimed to obtain a deeper understanding of leaders’ and nurses’ main concerns in establishing patient safety in Swedish intensive care units. Method: A grounded theory methodology was used. Data from 15 interviews with leaders and nurses involved in critical care in Sweden were collected, analysed and constant compared. Findings: The main concern in establishing patient safety was promoting quality of care, work engagement, and staffs well-being in strained ICUs. The core category building trust explained how the leaders’ and nurses’ strove for quality of care and wished a healthy, safe work environment. This is further explained in the categories “Being an accessible and able leader”, “Creating knowledge and understanding”, and “Establishing collaborative practice”. Conclusion: Establishing patient safety in the ICU requires that staffs enjoy going to work, have good work relations, are committed and want to stay at the unit. A healthy, salutogenetic unit with a work environment marked by trust provides a better opportunity to establish patient safety, and various leaders have potential to achieve this.
Determinants of companies' environmental information disclosure in China

Based on social-political theories, this study identifies the factors which would affect the level of environmental information report provided by Chinese companies. To evaluate the quality of corporate environmental information disclosure, the study develops a content analysis index based on Measures on Open Environmental Information, which was issued by the State Environmental Protection Administration in 2007, with a scoring method on the basis of Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting guidelines. The sample comprised 154 Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2014. By applying the multiple regression analysis, this study finds that firm value and the adoption of certified environmental management system are positively significantly associated with the quality of environmental information reporting. Also, a good knowledge of environmental regulations and reporting guidelines, a well-built corporate environmental culture and values, and an existence of external assurance for environmental reporting, might help companies to improve the quality of their environmental information disclosure. This study may be useful for the companies which are concerned with environmental issues and their public image, and the regulators in China who take action in ensuring the high quality of corporate environmental information as well as in the overall protection of the environment.
Activation of vascular KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channels reverses spasmogen‐induced constrictor responses in rat basilar artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cerebral vasospasm is the persistent constriction of large conduit arteries in the base of the brain. This pathologically sustained contraction of the arterial myocytes has been attributed to locally elevated concentrations of vasoconstrictor agonists (spasmogens). We assessed the presence and function of KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channels in rat basilar artery myocytes, and determined the efficacy of Kv7 channel activators in relieving spasmogen‐induced basilar artery constriction.
Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus subtilis sigB Operon Mutations That Suppress the Loss of the Negative Regulator RsbX

ABSTRACT ςB, a transcription factor that controls theBacillus subtilis general stress response regulon, is activated by either a drop in intracellular ATP or exposure to environmental stress. RsbX, one of seven ςB regulators (Rsb proteins) whose genes are cotranscribed with ςB, is a negative regulator in the stress-dependent activation pathway. To better define the interactions that take place among the Rsb proteins, we analyzed sigB operon mutations which suppress the high-level ςB activity that normally accompanies the loss of RsbX. Each of these mutations was in one of three genes (rsbT, -U, and -V) which encode positive regulators of ςB, and they all defined amino acid changes which either compromised the activities of the mutant Rsbs or affected their ability to accumulate. ςB activity remained inducible by ethanol in several of the RsbX−suppressor strains. This finding supports the notion that RsbX is not needed as the target for ςB activation by at least some stresses. ςB activity in several RsbX−strains with suppressor mutations in rsbT or -Uwas high during growth and underwent a continued, rather than a transient, increase following stress. Thus, RsbX is likely responsible for maintaining low ςB activity during balanced growth and for reestablishing ςB activity at prestress levels following induction. Although RsbX likely participates in limiting the ςB induction response, a second mechanism for curtailing unrestricted ςB activation was suggested by the ςB induction profile in two suppressor strains with mutations in rsbV. ςB activity in these mutants was stress inducible but transient, even in the absence of RsbX.
Modulation of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes by Ocimum sanctum and its role in protection against radiation injury.

Aqueous extract (OE) of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, the Indian holy basil, has been found to protect mouse against radiation lethality and chromosome damage and to possess significant antioxidant activity in vitro. Therefore a study was conducted to see if OE protects against radiation induced lipid peroxidation in liver and to determine the role, if any, of the inherent antioxidant system in radioprotection by OE. Adult Swiss mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 10 mg/kg of OE for 5 consecutive days and exposed to 4.5 Gy of gamma radiation 30 min after the last injection. Glutathione (GSH) and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione transferase (GST), reductase (GSRx), peroxidase (GSPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as lipid peroxide (LPx) activity were estimated in the liver at 15 min, 30 min, 1, 2, 4 and 8 hr post-treatment. LPx was also studied after treatment with a single dose of 50 mg/kg of OE with/without irradiation. OE itself increased the GSH and enzymes significantly above normal levels whereas radiation significantly reduced all the values. The maximum decline was at 30-60 min for GSH and related enzymes and at 2 hr for SOD. Pretreatment with the extract checked the radiation induced depletion of GSH and all the enzymes and maintained their levels within or above the control range. Radiation significantly increased the lipid peroxidation rate, reaching a maximum value at 2 hr after exposure (approximately 3.5 times that of control). OE pretreatment significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced the lipid peroxidation and accelerated recovery to normal levels. The results indicate that Ocimum extract protects against radiation induced lipid peroxidation and that GSH and the antioxidant enzymes appear to have an important role in the protection.
Hypothyroidism with Graves' disease.

A 27-year-old woman had rapidly progressive ophthalmopathy and pretibial myxedema. The protein-bound iodine concentration was 2. 5μg/100 ml. The 24-hour radioactive iodine uptake was 0.6% and did not increase after stimulation with thyrotrophin. Results of a serum assay for the long-acting thyroid stimulator (LATS) were positive with a response index of 273%. The antithyroglobulin titer was 1:512 and a thyroid biopsy showed thyroiditis. The findings in this case emphasize that Graves' disease is a systemic illness in which the typical manifestations may occur without hyperthyroidism and this can be explained by a lack of sufficient functional thyroid tissue to respond to those factors which would ordinarily produce thyrotoxicosis. In hypothyroidism, where the uptake of radioactive iodine is insufficent to demonstrate nonsuppressibility, positive finding of a LATS assay suggests Graves' disease.
Heart rate variability after isocaloric exercise bouts of different intensities.

PURPOSE To examine cardiac autonomic modulation, via heart rate variability (HRV), after exercise bouts at 50% (LO) and 80% (HI) of VO2 reserve (VO2R). METHODS Thirteen male volunteers (age: 25.7+/-3 yr) exercised on a treadmill at either LO or HI (randomly assigned) on separate days, expending 300 kcal during each bout. During each visit, electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were obtained during a supine 5-min period before exercise (PRE) and during 30 min of postexercise supine recovery (POST). The last 25 min of POST was divided into five 5-min segments to closely examine postexercise HRV. ECG segments were analyzed for the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), whereas total- (lnTP), low- (lnLF), and high-frequency (lnHF) power were obtained via spectral analysis. LF and HF were further normalized (LFNU and HFNU) to better quantify autonomic balance. RESULTS There were main effects of time and intensity on SDNN such that it was lower than PRE until 15 min POST, and lower after HI. There were significant intensity x time interactions on lnTP, lnLF, lnHF, LFNU, HFNU, and lnLF/lnHF. Post hoc analysis revealed that lnTP and lnLF were lower than PRE up to 20 min POST after HI. lnHF was lower than PRE for 25 min POST for HI, and for 10 min POST for LO. LFNU and lnLF/lnHF were greater, whereas HFNU was lower, compared with PRE up to 15 min POST, and from 20-25 min POST for HI only. CONCLUSION Exercise at 50% VO2R caused less of a shift in the cardiac autonomic balance, with a quicker restoration of vagal modulation than exercise at 80% VO2R.
Effects of surface stability on the morphological transformation of metals and metal oxides as investigated by first-principles calculations

Morphology is a key property of materials. Owing to their precise structure and morphology, crystals and nanocrystals provide excellent model systems for joint experimental and theoretical investigations into surface-related properties. Faceted polyhedral crystals and nanocrystals expose well-defined crystallographic planes depending on the synthesis method, which allow for thoughtful investigations into structure–reactivity relationships under practical conditions. This feature article introduces recent work, based on the combined use of experimental findings and first-principles calculations, to provide deeper knowledge of the electronic, structural, and energetic properties controlling the morphology and the transformation mechanisms of different metals and metal oxides: Ag, anatase TiO2, BaZrO3, and α-Ag2WO4. According to the Wulff theorem, the equilibrium shapes of these systems are obtained from the values of their respective surface energies. These investigations are useful to gain further understanding of how to achieve morphological control of complex three-dimensional crystals by tuning the ratio of the surface energy values of the different facets. This strategy allows the prediction of possible morphologies for a crystal and/or nanocrystal by controlling the relative values of surface energies.
Fear of discovery among Latino immigrants presenting to the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES Recent legislation mandating reporting of undocumented immigrants may instill fear of discovery when they access emergency department (ED) services. The objectives of this study were to: 1) characterize the knowledge and beliefs of undocumented Latino immigrants (UDLI) about health care workers' reporting (or nonreporting) of illegal immigrants in the ED, 2) determine whether UDLI fear discovery when presenting to the ED, and 3) determine the nature and sources of this fear. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of UDLI and two comparison groups conducted in two California county EDs, from November 2009 to August 2010. The authors interviewed a convenience sample of adult UDLI, Latino legal residents (LLR), and non-Latino legal residents (NLLR) using a structured instrument in their native language. The main outcome was fear of discovery among UDLI and the sources of that fear. RESULTS Of 1,224 patients approached, 1,007 (82.3%) were interviewed: 314 UDLI, 373 LLR, and 320 NLLR. The median age was 43 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 31 to 55 years), and 51% were male. UDLIs were less likely to speak English (14%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10% to 18%), have health insurance (39%, 95% CI 32% to 44%), or have a regular primary care provider (PCP; 39%, 95% CI = 34% to 45%), compared to LLR (English 56%, 95% CI = 51% to 61%; health insurance 50%, 95% CI = 45% to 55%; regular PCP 51%, 95% = CI 46% to 57%) and NLLR (English 95%, 95% CI = 92% to 97%; health insurance 49%, 95% CI = 43% to 54%; regular PCP 51%, 95% CI = 45% to 56%). Of the 16% of UDLI who stated that nurses and doctors treat undocumented immigrant patients differently than citizens, 41% (95% CI = 29% to 54%) reported less respect given to UDLI by staff. Thirty-two percent of UDLI had heard of Proposition 187, 13% believed hospital staff reported UDLI to immigration authorities, and 9% said they were asked about their citizenship status. Fear of coming to the hospital because of discovery was expressed by 12% (95% CI = 9% to 16%) of UDLI, with 42% (95% CI = 28% to 58%) citing discussions with friends/family, 32% (95% CI = 19% to 47%) citing media and 16% (95% CI = 7% to 30%) citing both as sources of this fear. CONCLUSIONS One in eight of UDLI presenting to the ED express fear of discovery and consequent deportation. Belief that medical staff report UDLI and recent immigration are risk factors for this fear. Family, friends, and media are the primary sources of these concerns.
Digital preservation: The conduit through which open data, electronic government and the right to information are implemented

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which digital preservation facilitate the implementation of electronic government, open data and the right to information. Design/methodology/approach A case study research which chronicles the link between transparency and data availability. It makes use of a theoretical framework based on the open archival information system to analyse, explain, clarify and justify the application of open data, electronic government and the right to information. Findings The paper argued that e-government, open data and the RTI will remain elusive if a digital preservation infrastructure is not pursued. Within the context of e-government, the paper adumbrated that government agencies can incorporate e-government legislations into their digital preservation activities, precisely because the relationship between digital preservation and e-government have always been symbiotic. It alluded to the fact that an obligation will be placed on all public authorities and private agencies covered by the RTL law to create, keep and organise an effective and efficient system of record keeping, so as to give meaning to the right to information when citizens apply for information. Practical implications Future research should examine closely the implication of open data government within the context of digital preservation. Whilst digital preservation looks forward to the longevity of digital records and its accessibility, open data focusses on the utility of these records through online services, reuse and distribution for the purposes of transparency and citizens’ participation. Originality/value The application of digital preservation to open data in this paper appears to be more relevant at a time when most governments of the world are striving to obtain data to fight poverty, achieve universal primary education, fight HIV and foster maternal health. Its originality can further be established from the symbiotic relationship between digital preservation and electronic government, open data and the right to information.