Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase level and prehypertension among US adults.

BACKGROUND Higher serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels, a marker of oxidative stress, are implicated in the development and progression of hypertension; however, data from non-Caucasian ethnicities are limited. Also, currently there is little data available on the association between serum GGT level and clinically relevant blood pressure (BP) categories earlier in the disease continuum, when hypertension prevention efforts may be applicable. The association between serum GGT and prehypertension was examined in a nationally representative sample of US adults. METHODS AND RESULTS Cross-sectional study among 5,827 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 participants aged > or =18 years without cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension. The main outcome-of-interest was the presence of prehypertension (systolic BP 120-139 mmHg or diastolic BP 80-89 mmHg) (n=2,269). Higher serum GGT levels were positively associated with prehypertension, independent of smoking, waist circumference, diabetes, cholesterol levels and other confounders. The multivariable odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) comparing quartile 4 of GGT (>29 U/L) to quartile 1 (<13 U/L) was 1.84 (1.37-2.46), p<0.0001. This association persisted in separate analyses among men and women. The results were consistent in subgroup analyses by race-ethnicity, age, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, waist circumference and diabetes. In non-parametric models, the positive association between serum GGT and prehypertension appeared to be present across the full range of GGT, without any threshold effect. CONCLUSIONS Higher serum GGT levels are associated with prehypertension in a nationally representative sample of US adults, free of CVD and hypertension.
Suppression of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans by Probiotics:an In vitro Study

Oral infections caused by microorganisms have led to increased risk of oral health problems such as Dental Caries (DC), periodontitis and Oral Candidiasis (OC). Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are the primary organisms responsible for DC and OC, respectively. The goal of the presented study was to investigate the potential of probiotics to prevent and treat DC and OC. An in vitro assay was developed to investigate several probiotic strains for their ability to inhibit the aforementioned oral pathogens. Probiotic by-products present in probiotic supernatant and live probiotic cells were both investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth of S. mutans and C. albicans. The probiotic strains investigated were L. reuteri NCIMB 701359, L. reuteri NCIMB 701089, L. reuteri NCIMB 11951, L. reuteri NCIMB 702656, L. reuteri NCIMB 702655, L. fermentum NCIMB 5221, L. fermentum NCIMB 2797, L. fermentum NCIMB 8829, L. acidophilus ATCC 314, L. plantarum ATCC 14917 and L. rhamnosus ATCC 5310.The presented research demonstrates that live probiotic cells are needed to inhibit oral pathogens, as cell-free supernatant could not inhibit the pathogens. Further experiments were performed to investigate and optimize the dose-dependent inhibition of the pathogens by live probiotic cells. As desired, an increased inhibition was observed with an increase in dose, as demonstrated by the increasing size of the zones of clearance. In addition, the observed inhibition was dependent on the strain of the probiotic used. This research implies that probiotic bacteria are capable of inhibiting the selected oral pathogens, S. mutans and C. albicans, holding promise for the future development of a probiotic therapeutic to treat and prevent oral/dental diseases. Furthermore, the research proposes further investigations into the probiotic mechanism(s) of action and efficacy for the development of an optimal therapy.
The Sources of Military Doctrine: France, Britain, and Germany Between the World Wars

power of three competing theories of the sources of innovative military doctrine. The three theories hypothesize independent, explanatory roles for civil-military conflict, intra service bargaining, and interservice competition. The first case shows a strong causal link between intense interservice competition, a Navy decision to develop Polaris as an alternative to Air Force land based forces, and an ensuing improvement in the survivability of those land based forces. The second case shows a somewhat weaker correlation between institutionalized interservice cooperation, a Navy decision to develop Trident II as a complement rather than an alternative to land based forces, and the absence of any ensuing improvement in the survivability of those forces. Thus, Polaris caused an innovative change in nuclear doctrine while Trident II did not, and the cases show that differing patterns of interservice relations had more to do with these outcomes than civil-military or intraservice relations. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the sources of different patterns of interservice relations, and argues that civilian defense leaders can manipulate interservice competition to cause doctrinal innovation. Posen isolates three crucial then examines these components from the perspectives and power taking into account the influence of and Looking at Posen challenges each theory to explain the German Blitzkrieg, the British air defense and Army's defensive doctrine often associated with the Maginot This rigorous comparative study, in which the balance of power theory emerges as useful, not only allows us to discover important implications for the study of national strategy today, but also serves to sharpen our understanding the
Risky substance use among young adults in the nightlife arena: An underused setting for risk-reducing interventions?

Aims: Alcohol and illicit substance use among young adults carries the risk of adverse consequences like violence, injuries, risky sexual behaviour and, ultimately, the development of possible addiction. The nightlife arena is a high-risk setting for excessive substance use and the aims of this study were to examine prevalence rates and identify high-risk subgroups in this context. Methods: Patrons (n = 1099, response rate 76%) entering or exiting 12 popular licensed premises in downtown Oslo, Norway, completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels were measured using a Breathalyzer. Results: The average BAC levels were similar ( t = 1.67, degrees of freedom (df)= 936, non-significant (ns)) and high both for males (1.03‰) and females (0.97‰). A total of 67% reported ever using illicit drugs, 43% reported last-year use, 25% last-month use and 14% use during the last 48 hours. High-risk groups included the youngest patrons (16–20 years) where 50% reported illicit drug use in the last year. Males reported more use of illicit drugs than females, whereas females had equally high alcohol consumption frequency and intoxication levels as males. Young age, male gender, frequent alcohol intoxications and age < 15 for first alcohol intoxication experience were associated with increased risk of illegal substance use in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The high levels of alcohol and illicit drug use, particularly among patrons younger than 21 years, should be of concern to the community, policymakers and the nightlife industry. The nightlife arena may be an under-utilized setting for the implementation of risk-reducing interventions.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Fractures Through Fibula Osteotomy–Free Posterolateral Approach

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures after open reduction and internal fixation with a fibula osteotomy–free posterolateral approach. Design: Retrospective chart and operation note review. Setting: A medical college-affiliated tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures treated with a posterolateral approach between January 2006 and July 2010 was performed. The primary (ie, the total Rasmussen function score) and secondary (ie, the postoperative infection, knee deformity, and complications) outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 32 patients were identified for this study. Patients were followed for an average of 18.2 months (range, 12–36 months); the total Rasmussen function score was 24.8 ± 2.9 points. The results were rated as excellent (≥27 points) in 19 patients, good (20–26 points) in 11, and fair (10–19 points) in 2 patients. No wound infections, screw loosening or implant fracture, and nonunion, deformity, or fracture redisplacement were seen. Stretch injury of the common peroneal nerve was found in 1 patient, who obtained recovery 2 months after additional conservative management. Conclusions: Adequate open reduction and internal fixation with a fibula osteotomy–free posterolateral approach can attain a satisfactory clinical outcome for patients with posterolateral tibial plateau fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Immunoregulatory T cell epitope peptides: the new frontier in allergy therapy

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been practised since 1911 and remains the only therapy proven to modify the natural history of allergic diseases. Although efficacious in carefully selected individuals, the currently licensed whole allergen extracts retain the risk of IgE‐mediated adverse events, including anaphylaxis and occasionally death. This together with the need for prolonged treatment regimens results in poor patient adherence. The central role of the T cell in orchestrating the immune response to allergen informs the choice of T cell targeted therapies for down‐regulation of aberrant allergic responses. Carefully mapped short synthetic peptides that contain the dominant T cell epitopes of major allergens and bind to a diverse array of HLA class II alleles, can be delivered intradermally into non‐inflamed skin to induce sustained clinical and immunological tolerance. The short peptides from allergenic proteins are unable to cross‐link IgE and possess minimal inflammatory potential. Systematic progress has been made from in vitro human models of allergen T cell epitope‐based peptide anergy in the early 1990s, through proof‐of‐concept murine allergy models and early human trials with longer peptides, to the current randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials with the potential new class of synthetic short immune‐regulatory T cell epitope peptide therapies. Sustained efficacy with few adverse events is being reported for cat, house dust mite and grass pollen allergy after only a short course of treatment. Underlying immunological mechanisms remain to be fully delineated but anergy, deletion, immune deviation and Treg induction all seem contributory to successful outcomes, with changes in IgG4 apparently less important compared to conventional AIT. T cell epitope peptide therapy is promising a safe and effective new class of specific treatment for allergy, enabling wider application even for more severe allergic diseases.
Association between biological markers of sickle cell disease and cognitive functioning amongst Cameroonian children

Background: Some of the major complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) occur in the brain and apart from overt stroke, patients also present with cognitive impairments. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of cognitive deficits as well as their biological predicting factors in young SCD patients in Cameroon. Methods: The cognitive performances of Cameroonian SCD young patients were evaluated using a neuropsychological test battery assessing four domains of cognitive functioning (executive functions, attention, memory, and sensory-motor skills) previously adapted and normalized on healthy subjects in Yaoundé. Findings: Up to 37.5% of the 96 SCD patients aged 6 to 24 years (M = 13.5, SD = 4.9) had mild-to-severe cognitive deficits. The cognitive deficits tend to increase with age. There was a significant effect of SCD on executive functions and attention, whereas SCD patients performed as well as controls on memory and sensory-motor skills tests. Structural equation models showed a significant association between (a) severe anemia and lower executive functioning, (b) low fetal hemoglobin levels and lower executive functioning and attention, (c) history of cerebrovascular accidents and lower performances in executive functioning, sensory-motor skills, and memory, (d) pathological electroencephalogram and lower attention, and (e) abnormal Transcranial Doppler and lower memory. Conclusion: SCD patients in Cameroon presented a very high prevalence of cognitive deficits, with a specific impairment of executive functions and attention. Routine neuropsychological evaluation for early detection of cognitive deficits in SCD patients could represent a cost-effective tool to implement in resource-limited contexts such as in sub-Saharan Africa.
Protective Effect of Vitamins C and E on Depot-Medroxyprogesterone Acetate-Induced Ovarian Oxidative Stress In Vivo

A study was designed to investigate ameliorates effect of combined vitamins C and E able to against depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate- (DMPA-) induced ovarian oxidative stress in rat. Twenty-five female Wistar rats were divided into the following groups (n = 5 rats each): control (untreated) (C); depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA); DMPA plus green vitamin C (at dose of 0.2 mg/gram; 0.4 mg/gram; 0.8 mg/gram) and vitamin E (0.04 IU/gram). The treatment with combined vitamins C and E was performed for four weeks. Analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a marker of oxidative stress was done colorimetrically. Analysis of SOD level was done by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technically. This increase in ovarium MDA was significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated by medium dose treatments of combined vitamins C and E. DMPA insignificantly decreased SOD levels compared to the untreated group. This decrease in ovarian SOD level was significantly attenuated by all doses of the combined vitamins C and E. In conclusion, DMPA induces ovarian oxidative stress. Combined vitamins C and E prohibit the increase in ovarian lipid peroxidation, at least in part by modulating of superoxide dismutase. Therefore, this may provide an antioxidant therapy for attenuating the ovarian toxicity found in the DMPA therapy.
Identifying Postpartum Intervention Approaches to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk Among American Indian Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes, Oklahoma, 2012–2013

Introduction Innovative approaches are needed to reduce cardiometabolic risk among American Indian women with a history of gestational diabetes. We assessed beliefs of Oklahoma American Indian women about preventing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease after having gestational diabetes. We also assessed barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyle changes postpartum and intervention approaches that facilitate participation in a postpartum lifestyle program. Methods In partnership with a tribal health system, we conducted a mixed-method study with American Indian women aged 19 to 45 years who had prior gestational diabetes, using questionnaires, focus groups, and individual interviews. Questionnaires were used to identify women’s cardiometabolic risk perceptions and feasibility and acceptability of Internet or mobile phone technology for delivery of a postpartum lifestyle modification program. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted to identify key perspectives and preferences related to a potential program. Results Participants were 26 women, all of whom completed surveys; 11 women participated in focus group sessions, and 15 participated in individual interviews. Most women believed they would inevitably develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or both; however, they were optimistic that they could delay onset with lifestyle change. Most women expressed enthusiasm for a family focused, technology-based intervention that emphasizes the importance of delaying disease onset, provides motivation, and promotes accountability while accommodating women’s competing priorities. Conclusions Our findings suggest that an intervention that uses the Internet, text messaging, or both and that emphasizes the benefits of delaying disease onset should be tested as a novel, culturally relevant approach to reducing rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this high-risk population.
Smoking is not associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIM To analyze the relationship between smoking and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of a healthy population, carried out in a check-up unit of a university hospital in Mexico City. We enrolled 933 subjects, 368 current smokers (cases) and 565 persons who had never smoked (controls). Demographic, metabolic and biochemical variables were measured in the two groups. NAFLD was determined by ultrasound and metabolic syndrome according to ATPIII. RESULTS A total of 548 men (205 cases and 343 controls) and 337 women (114 cases and 223 controls) were included in the analysis. Statistical differences between cases and controls were observed only in high blood pressure prevalence (6.6% vs 11.3%, P < 0.05; cases and controls respectively), high-density lipoproteins (1.00 +/- 0.26 vs 1.06 +/- 0.28 mmol/L, P < 0.005), triglycerides (2.18 +/- 1.49 vs 1.84 +/- 1.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (11.3 +/- 9.3 vs 13.5 +/- 11.9 mm/h, P < 0.001). No differences were observed in the prevalence of NAFLD (22.27% vs 29.68%, P = NS) and metabolic syndrome (41.69% vs 36.74%, P = NS). Univariate analysis showed that smoking was not a risk factor for NAFLD (OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.65-1.21). CONCLUSION No differences in NAFLD prevalence were observed between current smokers and nonsmokers, and furthermore, no differences were observed in heavy smokers (more than 20 packs/year), indicating that there is no relationship between smoking and NAFLD.
Diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in a Mexican-American population: Proyecto VER.

OBJECTIVES The prevalence rate of diabetes is probably higher in Hispanics than in Caucasians, although there is controversy about differences in the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence rates of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in a population-based study of Hispanics aged > or = 40 years. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Proyecto VER is a random sample of Hispanic populations aged > or = 40 years in Arizona. A total of 4,774 individuals (71.6% of the eligible sample) completed the examinations. Diabetes was defined as self-report of a physician diagnosis or HbA(1c) value of > or = 7.0%. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed on stereo fundus photographs of fields 1, 2, and 4. RESULTS The prevalence rate of diabetes in the Hispanic community (individuals > or = 40 years of age) was 22%. The prevalence rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was 48%; 32% had moderate to severe nonproliferative and proliferative retinopathy. DR increased with increasing duration of diabetes and increasing level of HbA(1c). The prevalence rate of DR-like changes in the sample of individuals without diabetic retinopathy was 15% and was not associated with hypertension, systolic blood pressure, or diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rate of diabetes in this population of Hispanics is high, almost twice that of Caucasians. The prevalence rate of DR is high but similar to reports in a Caucasian population. The prevalence rate of 9% moderate to severe retinopathy in the newly diagnosed group suggests that efforts to improve detection and treatment of diabetes in Hispanics may be warranted.
ased Parameterizations of AirS ea Fluxes at High Winds

The long term goal of this project is to provide a new set of parameterizations of air-sea fluxes, which can be used as boundary conditions for high-resolution numerical models of ocean, atmosphere, and coupled ocean/atmosphere systems. The new parameterizations will be constructed based on physical processes of the exchange of mass, momentum, heat, moisture, energy at the interface between the ocean and the atmosphere, and will be valid for the whole range of wind speeds.
Outcome of 122 pregnancies in essential thrombocythemia patients: A report from the Italian registry

Pregnancy is a high‐risk event in women with essential thrombocythemia (ET). This observational study evaluated pregnancy outcome in ET patients focusing on the potential impact of aspirin (ASA) or interferon alpha (IFN) treatment during pregnancy. We retrospectively analyzed 122 pregnancies in 92 women consecutively observed in the last 10 years in 17 centers of the Italian thrombocythemia registry (RIT). The live birth rate was 75.4% (92/122 pregnancies). The risk of spontaneous abortion was 2.5‐fold higher than in the control population (P < 0.01). ASA did not affect the live birth rate (71/93, 76.3% vs. 21/29, 72.4%, P = 0.67). However, IFN treatment during pregnancy was associated with a better outcome than was management without IFN (live births 19/20, 95% vs. 73/102, 71.6%, P = 0.025), and this finding was supported by multivariate analysis (OR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.013–0.846, P = 0.034). The JAK2 V617F mutation was associated with a poorer outcome (fetal losses JAK2 V617F positive 9/25, 36% vs. wild type 2/24, 8.3%, P = 0.037), and this association was still significant after multivariate analysis (OR: 6.19; 95% CI: 1.17–32.61; P = 0.038). No outcome concordance between first and second pregnancies was found (P = 0.30). Maternal complications occurred in 8% of cases. In this retrospective study, in consecutively observed pregnant ET patients, IFN treatment was associated with a higher live birth rate, while ASA treatment was not. In addition, the JAK2 V617F mutation was confirmed to be an adverse prognostic factor. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Chronically Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) status at the time of hospitalization for worsening heart failure (HF) with postdischarge events in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. We conducted an analysis of 4133 patients hospitalized for HF with left ventricular ejection fraction 40% or less in EVEREST. The final analysis included patients without an electrophysiological device (n = 3102) and those with an ICD (n = 600) at the time of enrollment. During a median follow-up of 300 days, all-cause mortality was 22.9% in the no device group and 35.2% in the ICD group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.89). Rehospitalization for HF was 27.0% in the no device group and 46.8% in the ICD group (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.92-2.52). After adjustment for multiple variables, the rates for all-cause mortality were similar (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.83-1.22), but the ICD group had elevated rates of HF hospitalizations compared with the no device group (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60). In patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, an ICD at presentation for hospitalization for worsening HF was associated with similar rates of death but higher rates of rehospitalization for HF. Given our findings, further studies should investigate optimization of care in patients already implanted with an ICD as well as the role of ICD implantation during or soon after hospitalization for HF in patients not yet implanted.