Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Smoking Cessation Outcomes: From The Women's Initiative for Nonsmoking Study (X): Methodological Implications

Background: Classification of smoking status has a major impact on the conclusions drawn from smoking cessation intervention research, yet few studies have addressed this critical issue. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare three classifications (naïve, optimistic, and pessimistic) of smoking cessation outcomes or smoking status from the Women's Initiative for Nonsmoking Study (WINS). Methods: This is a longitudinal prospective study nested within a randomized clinical trial (RCT) design of WINS, an RCT of 277 women over the age of 18 years who reported smoking cigarettes continuously for 1 month prior to a cardiovascular event requiring hospital admission. Women were randomized to either the usual care group (UC) or the intervention group (IG). Recruitment for WINS occurred between October 1996 and December 1998 in 10 hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area. Follow-up data on smoking status was obtained from the UC and the IG using a structured telephone interview at 6 and 12 months from baseline and was confirmed by family members and salivary cotinine levels. Results: Seven-daypointprevalence(self-report of not smoking in the past 7 days; "not even a puff") using the naïve (the most liberal) classification yields a greater number of nonsmokers than the pessimistic or most conservative classification (cotinine level verification of smoking status). The classification of smoking status also affects time to continuous smoking. The pessimistic classification results in the shortest time to continuous smoking, whereas the opposite is observed with the naïve classification. Discussion: It is important to critically evaluate the underlying assumptions made by study investigators when measuring and reporting smoking status. The classification of smoking status and the selection of analysis, meaning point prevalence versus survival analysis, affect study results and contribute to the variability observed in the research findings of smoking cessation intervention trials and the challenges faced in making appropriate comparisons across studies.
A subset of cutaneous and soft tissue mixed tumors are genetically linked to their salivary gland counterpart

Neoplasms morphologically similar to mixed tumors and myoepitheliomas of the salivary glands, under the broad concept of myoepithelial neoplasia, have recently been defined in the skin and soft tissue; however, to date, no data have supported a shared genetic background with their salivary gland counterpart. From a large body of research, it has been well established that rearrangement of pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) leads to aberrant expression of its protein and is pathogenically relevant in the development of salivary mixed tumors. On the other hand, in soft tissue lesions, compelling evidence suggests that EWSR1 is involved in a significant subset. To examine the hypothesis that there is a genetic link between these histologically similar tumors at different sites, we randomly selected 20 benign myoepitheliomas/mixed tumors of skin and soft tissue (10 cases each). Nineteen cases could be immunostained for PLAG1, of which 11 cases showed distinct nuclear staining with moderate or strong intensity in a significant number of cells. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization for PLAG1 was successfully performed in 11 cases (seven in skin and four in soft tissue) and was positive for gene rearrangement in eight cases (five in skin and three in soft tissue). All PLAG1‐rearranged tumors, except one, had clear‐cut ductal structures and were immunoreactive for PLAG1. In our series, tumors with PLAG1 alteration shared a common morphologic phenotype characterized by prominent tubuloductal differentiation, suggesting that myoepithelial neoplasms with genuine salivary gland‐like morphology, so‐called soft tissue/cutaneous mixed tumors, are genetically related to their salivary gland counterpart. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retrospective Analysis of Giant Cell Tumor Lower End Radius Treated with En bloc Excision and Translocation of Ulna

Background Distal end of radius is third most common site for GCT of long bones and 1% of these metastasize mostly to lungs. Reconstruction methods commonly used are fibula (vascularized and nonvascularized), centralization of ulna, translocation of ulna, and endoprosthetic replacement. We report the outcome of series of twenty cases where we did en bloc excision of tumor with translocation of ulna. Materials and Methods Twenty cases of giant cell tumor (GCT) of lower end of radius were included in this retrospective study. The mean age of patients was 33.15 years (range 21–55 years). We had 14 of Campanacci Grade III and 6 of Grade II. Preoperative radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of the involved wrist and forearm were done. Results Of all twenty patients, 14 were males and 6 were females. Mean followup duration was 3.9 years (range 1.5–17 years). Mean grip strength of involved side as a percentage of normal side was 71% (range 42%–86%) and the actual mean value for operated side was 29 kg as compared to 40 kg for normal side. The average range of forearm movement was supination 80.25° (60°–90°) and pronation 77.5° (70°–90°). No patient was dissatisfied as far as cosmesis was concerned. Discussion In our opinion considering the propensity to recur with more aggressiveness after recurrence, en bloc excision with translocation of ulna has become a standard treatment option for GCT of lower end of radius, with advantages of better functional outcomes, retained vascularity, and elimination of risk of donor site morbidity.
Child Maltreatment in the United States: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Adolescent Health Consequences

OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of child maltreatment in the United States and examine its relationship to sociodemographic factors and major adolescent health risks. METHODS. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health is a prospective cohort study following a national sample of adolescents into adulthood. The wave III interview, completed by 15 197 young adults in 2001–2002 (77.4% response rate), included retrospective measures of child maltreatment. We used these measures to estimate the prevalence of self-reported supervision neglect, physical neglect, physical assault, and contact sexual abuse during childhood. Next, we investigated the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and maltreatment. Finally, we examined the association between child maltreatment and adolescent self-rated health; overweight status; depression; cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and inhalant use; and violent behavior. RESULTS. Having been left home alone as a child, indicating possible supervision neglect, was most prevalent (reported by 41.5% of respondents), followed by physical assault (28.4%), physical neglect (11.8%), and contact sexual abuse (4.5%). Each sociodemographic characteristic was associated with ≥1 type of maltreatment, and race/ethnicity was associated with all 4. Each type of maltreatment was associated with no fewer than 8 of the 10 adolescent health risks examined. CONCLUSIONS. Self-reported childhood maltreatment was common. The likelihood of maltreatment varied across many sociodemographic characteristics. Each type of maltreatment was associated with multiple adolescent health risks.
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and anti‐hepatitis C virus rapid tests underestimate hepatitis prevalence among HIV‐infected patients

In the case of coinfection with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatic disease progression is often accelerated, with higher rates of liver cirrhosis and liver‐related mortality. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the rapid tests used routinely to detect HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HCV among HIV‐infected patients in Guinea‐Bissau.
Optimal allocation of embedded generation on distribution networks

As a result of the restructuring of electricity markets and the targets laid down for renewable energy, increasing amounts of embedded generation (EG) are being connected to distribution networks. To accommodate this new type of generation, the existing distribution network should be utilized and developed in an optimal manner. This paper explains the background to the technical constraints faced by EG projects, and a new methodology is developed using linear programming to determine the optimal allocation of EG with respect to these constraints. The methodology is implemented and tested on a section of the Irish distribution network. Results are presented, demonstrating that the proper placement and sizing of EG is crucial to the accommodation of increasing levels of EG on distribution networks.
OCULAR SURFACE DRYING AND TEAR FILM OSMOLARITY IN THYROID EYE DISEASE

Five factors potentially associated with corneal exposure ‐ palpebral fissure width, exophthalmos, blink rate, lagophthalmos, and lid lag ‐ were evaluated in 17 patients with Graves' disease to determine which were associated with ocular surface damage. Multiple regression analysis revealed that increased palpebral fissure width and increased blink rate were both significant predictors of ocular surface damage (as measured by rose Bengal staining). Tear osmolarity and tear film break‐up time were measured to determine the type of drying mechanism involved in thyroid eye disease. All eyes examined except one had blink rates adequate to prevent dry‐spot formation. Fourteen of 33 eyes had abnormally high tear osmolarity. Increasing palpebral fissure width and increasing blink rate were both significant predictors of elevated osmolarity in tears obtained from the inferior marginal tear strip. We suspect that increased palpebral fissure width accelerates tear film evaporation, thus increasing tear film osmolarity with resultant ocular surface damage.
Cooperativity of complex salt bridges

The energetic contribution of complex salt bridges, in which one charged residue (anchor residue) forms salt bridges with two or more residues simultaneously, has been suggested to have importance for protein stability. Detailed analysis of the net energetics of complex salt bridge formation using double‐ and triple‐mutant cycle analysis revealed conflicting results. In two cases, it was shown that complex salt bridge formation is cooperative, i.e., the net strength of the complex salt bridge is more than the sum of the energies of individual pairs. In one case, it was reported that complex salt bridge formation is anti‐cooperative. To resolve these different findings, we performed analysis of the geometries of salt bridges in a representative set of structures from the PDB and found that over 87% of all complex salt bridges anchored by Arg/Lys have a geometry such that the angle formed by their Cα atoms, Θ, is <90°. This preferred geometry is observed in the two reported instances when the energetics of complex salt bridge formation is cooperative, while in the reported anti‐cooperative complex salt bridge, Θ is close to 160°. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that complex salt bridges are cooperative for Θ < 90° and anti‐cooperative for 90° < Θ < 180°. To provide a further experimental test for this hypothesis, we engineered a complex salt bridge with Θ = 150° into a model protein, the activation domain of human procarboxypeptidase A2 (ADA2h). Experimentally derived stabilities of the ADA2h variants allowed us to show that the complex salt bridge in ADA2h is anti‐cooperative.
An effect of walking exercise applying the theory of planned behavior in people at risk of hypertension.

OBJECTIVE To investigate an effectiveness of walking exercise program applying the Theory of Planned Behavior in people at risk of hypertension in Samut Sakorn province. MATERIAL AND METHOD The present study is a quasi-experimental research. The inclusion criteria were people aged 35-59 years old, systolic blood pressure 120-139 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mmHg. Participants were randomly selected into the experimental group (n = 34) and the comparison group (n = 34). The experimental group received activities including health information, benefits of walking exercise, group discussion in exercise barriers, modeling and experience exchange, walking exercise practice, and practice on using walking monitoring booklet at the baseline and the 2nd week, whereas the comparison group received only health information and the booklet practice at the beginning of the intervention. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires at the baseline, 2nd week, and 6th week. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, Independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS The experimental group made significant improvements in attitude towards walking exercise, perceived behavior control, subjective norm, walking exercise intention, and walking exercise over time (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences between the experimental and the comparison groups were found in subjective norm, systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to the 6th week. The experimental group had a significant higher mean difference score of attitude towards walking exercise, perceived behavior control, walking exercise intention, walking exercise, weight, and BMI compared to those in the comparison group (p < 0.05). Subjective norm scores in the experimental group were more likely to increase from baseline to the 6th week, but not a significant difference. CONCLUSION Walking exercise programs applying the Theory of Planned Behavior should be recommended in people at risk of hypertension. Health professionals should also be motivated to practice with this program.
Endothelin in septic patients: Effects on cardiovascular and renal function and its relationship to proinflammatory cytokines

Objective To determine the time course of big-endothelin (big-ET) and its relationship to proinflammatory cytokines and organ function in sepsis. Design Prospective analysis in patients meeting criteria of severe sepsis as part of a multicenter study (RAMSES) with an anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody F(ab′)2 fragment (afelimomab). Setting University hospital intensive care unit. Patients A total of 23 nontrauma patients with severe sepsis or septic shock and ten multiple trauma patients. Septic patients were randomized for additional experimental treatment when initial interleukin (IL)-6 serum level was above 1000 pg/mL. Interventions Randomized patients received 1.0 mg/kg afelimomab or placebo three times daily over 3 days in addition to standard treatment. In each patient, serial blood samples for plasma big-ET and cytokine determination as well as clinical data were collected over 28 days. Measurements and Main Results Significantly increased concentrations of circulating big-ET were found in patients with severe sepsis as compared with healthy subjects. In septic patients, big-ET plasma levels were higher than in multiple trauma patients, and were more elevated in randomized than in nonrandomized patients. At study entry (day 0), big-ET reached a peak concentration and significantly correlated with IL-6 (r2 = .43) and IL-8 (r2 = .44) in patients with severe sepsis. Moreover, big-ET levels in septic patients, pooled over all observation days, correlated positively with pressure-adjusted heart rate, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance and correlated inversely with creatinine clearance (r2 = .54, .54, .59, .40, and .51, respectively, p = .0001). In all randomized septic patients, pressure-adjusted heart rate decreased from day 0 to day 2 in parallel with big-ET; however, a significant decrease in big-ET (day 0 to day 2) was only found in patients additionally treated with afelimomab. Conclusions In patients with severe sepsis, big-ET plasma levels are markedly increased, even above those of multiple trauma patients, in close relationship to IL-6 and IL-8, and with significant correlation to renal function and pulmonary vascular tone.
NAD+‐glycohydrolase acts as an intracellular toxin to enhance the extracellular survival of group A streptococci

Group A streptococci (GAS) produce several secreted products that are thought to enhance pathogenicity by facilitating spread of the organisms through host tissues. Two such products, streptolysin O (SLO) and NAD+‐glycohydrolase, appear to be functionally linked, in that SLO is required for transfer of NAD+‐glycohydrolase into epithelial cells. However, the effects of NAD+‐glycohydrolase on host cells are largely unexplored. We now report that SLO‐mediated delivery of NAD+‐glycohydrolase to the cytoplasm of human keratinocytes results in major changes in host cell biology that enhance GAS pathogenicity. We derived isogenic mutant strains deficient in the expression of SLO, NAD+‐glycohydrolase or both proteins in the background of a virulent, M‐type 3 strain of GAS. All three mutant strains were internalized by human keratinocytes more rapidly and in higher numbers than were organisms from the wild‐type strain. Association of the mutant strains with keratinocytes also resulted in reduced cytotoxicity and reduced keratinocyte apoptosis compared with wild‐type GAS. These results support a model in which NAD+‐glycohydrolase contributes to GAS pathogenesis by modulating host cell signalling pathways to inhibit GAS internalization, to augment SLO‐mediated cytotoxicity and to induce keratinocyte apoptosis. We conclude that NAD+‐glycohydrolase is a novel type of bacterial toxin that acts intracellularly in the infected host to enhance the survival and proliferation of an extracellular pathogen.
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Differentiate Degenerative From Infectious Endplate Abnormalities in the Lumbar Spine

Study Design. A retrospective observational study of healthy volunteers and patients with degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities in the lumbar spine. Objectives. Our purpose was to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for the differentiation of degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities using 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Summary of Background Data. DWI can provide valuable structural information about tissues that may be useful for clinical applications in differentiation between degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities. Methods. Sixteen consecutive patients with endplate abnormalities that was detected by MRI of the lumbar spine, and 15 healthy volunteers were studied. DWI was performed using whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression with a b value of 1000 s/mm2. Apparent diffusion coefficient values of normal and abnormal vertebral bone marrow were calculated. Results. Twenty-nine vertebral abnormalities were found in 16 patients. Nine vertebral abnormalities in 5 patients were because of infections and 20 vertebral abnormalities in 11 patients were because of degenerative changes; 7 levels were classified as Modic type 1, 7 levels as type 2, and 6 levels as type 3. DWI showed hyperintensity in all patients with infection, similar to that used in positron emission tomography, but not in the intervertebral spaces of any patients with degenerative disease. Apparent diffusion coefficient values of infectious bone marrowwere significantly higher than normal and degenerative bone marrow. Conclusion. DWI is useful for differentiation of degenerative and infectious endplate abnormalities. Moreover, MRI is widely used clinically because of the lack of ionizing radiation, low cost, and fast imaging time as compared with positron emission tomography. Therefore, DWI has the potential to be used as a screening tool.
Localism and the third sector: New relationships of public service?

Using interview and documentary empirical evidence from leaders of a local community group that took on the running of a leisure facility after its threatened closure by the local authority, this article examines the relationship between third sector and state sector, the role of volunteers, the changing role of third sector organisations and the theoretical and practical limitations of ‘localism’ in making sense of these changes. It is suggested that localism is to be understood in relation to continuing central influences over policy, that community and voluntary organisations are inextricably bound up with the public sector rather than being a discrete and independent sector in their own right, and that the extant academic literature on networks, agencies and partnerships does not adequately describe these emergent new relationships of public service.
Hippocampal volume and the Mini-Mental State Examination in the diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic efficacy of hippocampal volumetry and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in differentiating amnestic mild cognitive impairment from the normal changes of aging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The conditions of healthy older persons (n = 17) and persons with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (n = 18) were classified on the basis of results of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. All subjects underwent MRI at 4 T, including high-resolution coronal T1-weighted images. Hippocampal volume was calculated by tracing right and left hippocampal formations on coronal slices and normalizing by single-slice intracranial area. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of hippocampal volume and the MMSE in differentiating subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment from subjects with normal cognitive function. RESULTS The mean +/- SE area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for left hippocampal volume (0.886 +/- 0.056) was greater than that for right hippocampal volume (0.614 +/- 0.097). The AUC for MMSE score (0.745 +/- 0.085) was intermediate and not statistically different from that of hippocampal volume measurements alone. The AUC for the combination of left hippocampal volume and MMSE score (0.92) was significantly greater than that of MMSE score alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In the diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, use of left hippocampal volume may be more efficacious than use of right hippocampal volume and may add to the value of routine screening MMSE. Automated hippocampal volumetry may become a useful diagnostic adjunct in settings in which sophisticated neuropsychological testing is not readily available.