Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zinc supplementation increases growth velocity of male children and adolescents with short stature

We assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on growth velocity in 79 children and adolescents (48 males, 38 females) with idiopathic short stature. Their height‐for‐age was < 5th percentile (NCHS standards) and their weight‐for‐age was normal. Patients were assigned randomly to a supplemented group (S) to receive Zn 10 mg/day or to a placebo (P) group, according to gender and age, and were followed‐up for 12 months using a double‐blind design. Weight, height, armspan, length of lower segment and plasma and hair concentrations of Zn were measured at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. On admission and at 6 months, energy, protein, dietary fiber and zinc intakes were similar for groups S and P; mean zinc intake was < 6.5mg/day. No differences were found in plasma zinc, hair zinc, weight. armspan or lower segment increments. Pre‐adolescent males in group S had a significantly greater increase in stature compared with group P (6.2 ± 2.1 versus 4.5 ± 1.2 cm/year p < 0.025); z score improved from —2.42 to —2.24 in group S and from — 2.63 to — 2.61 in group P. For adolescent males, the difference was also significant (8.3 ± 1.5 versus 6.2 & 2.1 cm/year; p < 0.025). No differences were noted in females. In Chilean male schoolchildren and adolescents with idiopathic short stature, zinc supplementation increases growth velocity over a 12‐month period.
A Bayesian GED-Gamma stochastic volatility model for return data: a marginal likelihood approach

Several studies explore inferences based on stochastic volatility (SV) models, taking into account the stylized facts of return data. The common problem is that the latent parameters of many volatility models are high-dimensional and analytically intractable, which means inferences require approximations using, for example, the Markov Chain Monte Carlo or Laplace methods. Some SV models are expressed as a linear Gaussian state-space model that leads to a marginal likelihood, reducing the dimensionality of the problem. Others are not linearized, and the latent parameters are integrated out. However, these present a quite restrictive evolution equation. Thus, we propose a Bayesian GED-Gamma SV model with a direct marginal likelihood that is a product of the generalized Student's t-distributions in which the latent states are related across time through a stationary Gaussian evolution equation. Then, an approximation is made for the prior distribution of log-precision/volatility, without the need for model linearization. This also allows for the computation of the marginal likelihood function, where the high-dimensional latent states are integrated out and easily sampled in blocks using a smoothing procedure. In addition, extensions of our GED-Gamma model are easily made to incorporate skew heavy-tailed distributions. We use the Bayesian estimator for the inference of static parameters, and perform a simulation study on several properties of the estimator. Our results show that the proposed model can be reasonably estimated. Furthermore, we provide case studies of a Brazilian asset and the pound/dollar exchange rate to show the performance of our approach in terms of fit and prediction. Keywords: SV model, New sequential and smoothing procedures, Generalized Student's t-distribution, Non-Gaussian errors, Heavy tails, Skewness
Sociodemographic Factors Associated With High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of high-risk (cancer-associated) human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in U.S. women, identify sociodemographic factors associated with infection, and explore the implications for prevention of HPV-related disease in the vaccination era. METHODS: Women aged 14–59 years (n=1,921) participating in the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey provided a vaginal swab which was evaluated for 37 HPV types. We determined which sociodemographic characteristics were associated with high-risk HPV, using logistic regression models. RESULTS: High-risk HPV infection was present in 15.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.6–18.6%) of participants, corresponding to a population prevalence of 12,028,293 U.S. women. Women living below the poverty line, compared with those living three or more times above it, were more likely to be positive for high-risk HPV (23% versus 12%, P = .03). Among participants living below the poverty line, only Mexican-American ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9) and unmarried status (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2–8.9) were associated with HPV prevalence. In contrast, several factors were associated with HPV among participants living above the poverty line, including black race (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0), income (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84–0.99), unmarried status (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–3.0), and age (OR for 22–25 year olds 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0). CONCLUSION: High-risk HPV infection is common in U.S. women, particularly in poor women. Cervical cancer prevention efforts in the vaccination era must ensure that all low-income women have access to preventive services including education, Pap test screening, and HPV vaccines. Otherwise, existing disparities in cervical cancer could worsen. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and HIV in Children in Swaziland

Background: Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) can be a severe and life-threatening reaction with many potential causes, including multiple medications used in HIV care and treatment. Specific risk factors, especially in children, are not currently well-understood. Methods: We describe a series of cases of SJS that occurred from 2006 to 2010 in an HIV-focused clinic in Mbabane, Swaziland. The electronic medical and pharmacy records of all pediatric patients <20 years old were reviewed to identify cases of SJS. Patient demographic, immunosuppression and outcome data were also collected. Results: A total of 19 cases of SJS were documented. Eighty-four percent of cases were attributed to nevirapine (NVP) exposure whereas the remaining cases were caused by cotrimoxazole (11%) and efavirenz (5%). Median symptom onset was 22 days after initiation of the offending medication (interquartile range = 14–25 days). At time of SJS, 84% had advanced or severe immunosuppression. Forty-two percent of patients required hospitalization, and no SJS-associated deaths were known to occur. Use of efavirenz was attempted in 8 NVP-associated cases after SJS resolution and was successful in all except 1. Conclusions: SJS occurrence was rare in this population, with the majority of cases being associated with NVP. All occurred within 32 days of medication initiation, providing a target window for intensified monitoring and anticipatory guidance. SJS can occur in children at any age, with any level of immunosuppression, and can occur during the lead-in dosing period of NVP.
Stigma and the Daily News: Evaluation of a Newspaper Intervention

Objective: To evaluate a media intervention designed to improve one newspaper's portrayal of mental illnesses, specifically, schizophrenia. The project was part of an international antistigma program, Open the Doors, organized by the World Psychiatric Association. Methods: The media intervention attempted to influence news content directly by providing reporters with more accurate background information and helping them develop more positive story lines. The evaluation compared story content and length over a 24-month period: 8 months prior to the antistigma intervention and 16 months postintervention. Results: Positive stories outnumbered negative stories by a factor of 2 in both pre- and postperiods. Positive mental health stories increased by 33% in the postintervention period and their word count increased by an average of 25%. Stories about schizophrenia also increased by 33%, but their word count declined by 10%. At the same time, negative stories about mental illness increased by 25% and their word count by 100%. The greatest increase was in negative news about schizophrenia. Stigmatizing stories about schizophrenia increased by 46%, and their length increased from 300 to 1000 words per story per month. Conclusion: The immediate effects of the media intervention were positive, resulting in more and longer positive news stories about mental illness and more positive news stories about schizophrenia. However, when considered from a broader perspective, locally focused efforts yielded meager results in light of the larger increases in negative news, particularly in negative news concerning people with schizophrenia—the target group for the program.
An acidic extracellular pH disrupts adherens junctions in HepG2 cells by Src kinases‐dependent modification of E‐cadherin

We have previously shown that culturing HepG2 cells in pH 6.6 culture medium increases the c‐Src‐dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of β‐catenin and induces disassembly of adherens junctions (AJs). Here, we investigated the upstream mechanism leading to this pH 6.6‐induced modification of E‐cadherin. In control cells cultured at pH 7.4, E‐cadherin staining was linear and continuous at cell–cell contact sites. Culturing cells at pH 6.6 was not cytotoxic, and resulted in weak and discontinuous junctional E‐cadherin staining, consistent with the decreased levels of E‐cadherin in membrane fractions. pH 6.6 treatment activated c‐Src and Fyn kinase and induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p120 catenin (p120ctn) and E‐cadherin. Inhibition of Src family kinases by PP2 attenuated the pH 6.6‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of E‐cadherin and p120ctn, and prevented the loss of these proteins from AJs. In addition, E‐cadherin was bound to Hakai and ubiquitinated. Furthermore, pH 6.6‐induced detachment of E‐cadherin from AJs was blocked by pretreatment with MG132 or NH4Cl, indicating the involvement of ubiquitin‐proteasomal/lysosomal degradation of E‐cadherin. An early loss of p120ctn prior to E‐cadherin detachment from AJs was noted, concomitant with a decreased association between p120ctn and E‐cadherin at pH 6.6. PP2 pretreatment prevented the dissociation of these two proteins. In conclusion, pH 6.6 activated Src kinases, resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of E‐cadherin and p120ctn and a weakening of the association of E‐cadherin with p120ctn and contributing to the instability of E‐cadherin at AJs. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 851–859, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long-term monitoring of transplanted human neural stem cells in developmental and pathological contexts with MRI

Noninvasive monitoring of stem cells, using high-resolution molecular imaging, will be instrumental to improve clinical neural transplantation strategies. We show that labeling of human central nervous system stem cells grown as neurospheres with magnetic nanoparticles does not adversely affect survival, migration, and differentiation or alter neuronal electrophysiological characteristics. Using MRI, we show that human central nervous system stem cells transplanted either to the neonatal, the adult, or the injured rodent brain respond to cues characteristic for the ambient microenvironment resulting in distinct migration patterns. Nanoparticle-labeled human central nervous system stem cells survive long-term and differentiate in a site-specific manner identical to that seen for transplants of unlabeled cells. We also demonstrate the impact of graft location on cell migration and describe magnetic resonance characteristics of graft cell death and subsequent clearance. Knowledge of migration patterns and implementation of noninvasive stem cell tracking might help to improve the design of future clinical neural stem cell transplantation.
Validation of a Global Measure of Faculty's Clinical Teaching Performance

Purpose To validate the University of Michigan Global Rating Scale (GRS), a single-item, five-point global measure of faculty members' clinical teaching performances previously shown to be reliable. Method In June 1998, 98 senior medical residents (98% of seniors) from four academic institutions completed the GRS for all teaching faculty at their institutions. Each resident also completed the 26-item Stanford Faculty Development questionnaire (SFDP26) for ten faculty with whom he or she had had teaching contact during residency. The SFDP26 is a validated instrument that measures seven specific aspects of clinical teaching (e.g., communication of goals, feedback). Results The mean GRS score (SE) was 3.83 (.07). There was no difference in mean GRS or SFDP26 subscale scores across institutions. In a random-effects model that controlled for interrater reliability, correlation coefficients comparing the mean GRS scores and the mean scores for the individual SFDP26 subscales ranged from . 86 to . 98. Conclusions The GRS correlates highly with measures of seven specific aspects of teaching effectiveness among senior medical residents. The GRS is a simple, readily administered measure of faculty's teaching performances that can be used by residency programs as part of an incentive or reward program, to identify teachers as potential candidates for faculty development, or for consideration in promotion decisions.
A quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis of collagen fibers to determine the role of connective tissue stroma on biological behavior of odontogenic cysts: A histochemical study

Background: Intricate relationship between epithelium and connective tissue is believed to play a significant role in pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions. Role of epithelium in its pathogenesis is well established and at the same time role of mesenchyme cannot be underestimated. Aim: To investigate, compare and correlate different types and pattern of collagen fibers in odontogenic cysts using picrosiriusred stain under polarizing microscopy in order to delineate its exact role in biological behavior of these lesions. Materials and Methods: The color and orientation of collagen fibers in the wall of 15 odontogenickeratocysts, 15 dentigerous cysts and 15 radicular cysts and 5 progressive stages of odontogenesis was studied histochemically by staining sections with picrosirius red and examining under polarizing microscope. Results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results: In OKC, DC and progressive stages of odontogenesis the predominant color of thin collagen fibers birefringence was found to be greenish yellow and in radicular cyst it was orange red whereas thick fibers in OKC showed yellow orange color whereas DC and RC showed orange red color. OKC showed principally parallel orientation of collagen fibers in loosely packed stroma in contrast to dentigerous and radicular cyst. Conclusion: Quality, organization and packing of collagen fibers is different in 3 cystic lesions which accounts for difference in biological behavior of these lesions and it justifies that neoplastic growth requires a functional stroma and the ability of neoplastic cells to induce the formation of such a stroma is of great importance.
Implementation of innovation in Spanish digital media: analysis of journalists’ perceptions

s [ES] Introducción. El ecosistema periodístico afronta la aparición de tecnologías y plataformas disruptivas que dificultan su supervivencia en un escenario donde la producción, las audiencias y los modelos de negocio cambian constantemente. Existe el consenso de que la innovación es el recurso necesario para superar estos retos. En este artículo analizamos cómo se origina, se desarrolla y se implanta la innovación en los cibermedios desde la perspectiva de los periodistas. Metodología. La investigación se apoya en 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de una muestra de medios representativa, a lo largo de 2016. Resultados. Los resultados del trabajo de campo abordan el origen y el concepto de innovación, el tipo de innovaciones implementadas en los medios, la organización y los perfiles profesionales. Para los entrevistados, la innovación debe ser “nueva” y tener “éxito”, obedece al deseo de “experimentar”, debe aportar “algo diferente” en el entorno y proviene de la capacidad de “anticiparse a los retos”. La tecnología ocupa un papel relevante y transversal. Los periodistas también valoran las competencias de tipo procedimental, cognoscitivo y actitudinal en la práctica innovadora. Conclusiones. Los profesionales son una fuente clave para conocer los cambios del sector periodístico, porque su visión ayuda a profundizar en áreas de la innovación que suelen quedarse al margen de la perspectiva académica. [ES] Introduction. The media industry is facing the emergence of technologies and disruptive platforms that challenge its survival in an environment where audiences, production and business models constantly change. There is a consensus that innovation is a key resource to overcome this RLCS, Revista Latina de Comunicación Social, 73 – Páginas 369 a 384 [Investigación] [Financiada] DOI: 10.4185/RLCS-2018-1260| ISSN 1138-5820 | Año 2018 http://www.revistalatinacs. org/073paper/1260/19es.html Página 370 uncertainty. This article analyses the origin, development and implementation of innovation in digital news media from the journalists’ point of view. Methods. Our research builds upon the groundwork of 26 semi-structured interviews carried out in 2016 with professional journalists from a sample of innovative media organisations. Results. The results reveal journalists’ perceptions on the concept of innovation, its implementation, typology of innovations and professional profiles. Journalists believe that innovation must be “new” and “successful”, that it responds to the desire to “experiment”, that it must provide “something different” to the organisation, and that it comes from the capacity to “anticipate challenges”. Technology plays a relevant and transversal role. Journalists also value procedural, cognitive and attitudinal competencies in the innovative practice. Conclusions. Professionals are a key source to identify the changes that have taken place in journalism, because their insights help us understand and delve into the areas of innovation that are usually left out from the academic perspective.
Mitiglinide for type 2 diabetes treatment

Introduction: Mitiglinide, a rapid-acting insulin secretion-stimulating agent, is approved in Japan for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Rapid-acting insulin secretion-stimulating agents, also known as meglitinides, are not recommended as monotherapy, however, may be added to metformin therapy for those patients with continued postprandial hyperglycemia. Currently, repaglinide (Prandin®) and nateglinide (Starlix®) are the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved agents in this class of drugs. Areas covered: This review describes the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and potential role in therapy of mitiglinide therapy. Phase II and III clinical studies have demonstrated that A1C levels should be expected to decrease by 0.17 – 1.1% with mitiglinide therapy. The most common adverse effects in these studies were hypoglycemia related. Expert opinion: Meglitinides are limited by their cost, frequency of administration, and minimal available data assessing clinical impact; however, mitiglinide shows selective action on the pancreatic β-cells, has greater affinity for β-cells, and limited metabolism when compared to other meglitinides. These properties may allow more utility in patients with chronic kidney disease or at high risk of hypoglycemia. The primary role in therapy for mitiglinide is the treatment of elevated postprandial glucose in patients with T2DM.
Prevention of sudden cardiac death: return to sport considerations in athletes with identified cardiovascular abnormalities

Sudden cardiac death in the athlete is uncommon but extremely visible. In athletes under age 30, genetic heart disease, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and ion channel disorders account for the majority of the deaths. Commotio cordis, involving blunt trauma to the chest leading to ventricular fibrillation, is also a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. As the athlete ages, coronary atherosclerosis contributes to an increasing incidence of sudden death during sporting activities. For athletes with aborted sudden death or arrhythmia-related syncope, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is generally indicated, and they should be restricted from most competitive sports. Participation in competitive athletics for athletes with heart disease should generally follow the recently published 36th Bethesda Conference Eligibility Recommendations for Competitive Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities.
Efficacy of single-agent chemotherapy in low-grade B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with prominent gastric expression.

PURPOSE The treatment of low-grade B-cell mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with prominent gastric expression is controversial. Total gastrectomy has been proposed, but is associated with significant morbidity. The aim of this monocentric study was to assess the efficacy of continuous oral chemotherapy with a single alkylating agent. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-four consecutive patients, 13 men and 11 women, were studied. Their mean age was 51 years (range, 22 to 79). Low-grade B-cell MALT lymphoma was diagnosed by histologic and immunohistologic examination of endoscopic biopsies. Seventeen patients had stage I disease and seven stage IV disease, with lung and gastric involvement. Two of these seven patients also had bone marrow involvement. The alkylating agent (cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil) was administered orally and daily for periods of 12 to 24 months. RESULTS The median follow-up time was 45 months (range, 14 months to 14 years). Complete remission was obtained in 18 patients (75%) after a median treatment duration of 12 months. Five patients relapsed; two of them were successfully re-treated, and one died of MALT lymphoma that had transformed into large-cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy was stopped after 24 months for six patients who only achieved a partial remission; two of them required further treatment for progressive disease (surgery for a small-bowel localization in one case and cyclophosphamide rechallenge in the other). Nine patients had neutropenia that required a reduced chemotherapy dosage. CONCLUSION In low-grade MALT lymphoma with prominent gastric expression, continuous monochemotherapy may constitute an efficient alternative to gastrectomy, regardless of disease stage.