Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
General characteristics of anemia in postmenopausal women and elderly men

Abstract In present study, we aimed to investigate anemia etiologies, underlying causes, laboratory markers of anemia, required interventions in postmenopausal women and elderly men. The medical data of the anemic subjects were recorded from the patients' files and computerized database of the institution and retrospectively analyzed. Study population grouped into two according to the gender; men and women. Medical data of men and women were compared. A total of 113 subjects enrolled to the study; 78 women and 35 men. 51 (65%) of women and 21 (60%) of men had iron deficiency anemia, 5 (6.4%) of women and 1 (2.9%) of men had anemia of chronic disease, 2 (2.6%) of women and 10 (28.6%) of men had vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Forty seven (60.3%) of the women and 30 (85.7%) of the men had comorbidities. 47% of colonoscopies were normal in study population (44% of women and 50% of men). Etiology and causes of anemia should be carefully investigated in subjects with advanced age. Physicians should kept in mind that B12 deficiency and comorbidities were more common in elderly men and about half of the colonoscopy procedures in this population is unnecessary.
Erythromycin Resistance in Bacterial Isolates from Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract The occurrence of erythromycin resistance in bacteria causing respiratory tract infections varies among populations and is associated with inappropriate antibiotic usage. This study was undertaken to determine erythromycin resistance in bacterial isolates from patients with respiratory tract infections in Ikere-Ekiti. Bacteria were isolated from sputum specimens using standard microbiological protocols while the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method. Erythromycin resistance genes: mefA, ermA, and ermB were detected using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the 157 bacterial isolates identified using standard microbiological methods, Klebsiella spp. 40 (25%) was the most frequent followed by Staphylococcus aureus 34 (22%) and Proteus spp. 34 (22%) while Streptococcus spp. , Escherichia coli, and Bacillus spp. had 19 (12%), 20 (13%), and 10 (6%) respectively. Most of the bacterial isolates were resistant to penicillin 148 (94%), cloxacillin 147 (93.6%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 141 (90%), erythromycin 141 (90%), and tetracycline 124 (79%). However, the isolates were least resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 57 (36%). Out of the 48 bacterial isolates investigated using multiplex PCR amplification for erythromycin resistance genes, 10 (20.8%) were positive for mefA, 3 (6.3%) were positive for ermA, and 2 (4.2%) were positive for ermB. The association between the presence of mefA, ermA, and ermB genes and erythromycin resistance was not significant (p=0.464). The presence of erythromycin resistant genes in pathogenic bacterial isolates from the respiratory tract was revealed in this study. Awareness of the risk of self-medication and abuse of antibiotics should be emphasized.
Nonlinear trending of corrosion of high nickel alloys in extended marine and atmospheric exposures

Abstract The relatively limited data for the corrosion and pitting of high nickel alloys are reviewed herein and time-dependent trends developed for exposures in marine and atmospheric environments. Data sets for average or ‘uniform’ corrosion losses that are sufficiently extensive show topological consistency with the bimodal functional model previously observed for steels and various copper-nickel and aluminum alloys. Trends for localized corrosion (pit or crevice depth) plateau after earlier rapid growth over several years. The present observations add support to the concept that there is a change in corrosion behavior with extended temporal exposure and that this is generally consistent for many alloys. They also reinforce that shorter-term observations of maximum corrosion or pit depth usually is unsuited for extrapolation to, and prediction of, longer-term corrosion as typically important for practical infrastructure applications.
Glucose deprivation affects the expression of genes encoding cAMP-activated protein kinase and related proteins in U87 glioma cells in ERN1 dependent manner

Abstract Objective. The aim of this investigation was to study the expression of genes encoding cAMP-activated protein kinase catalytic and regulatory A subunits (PRKACA and PRKAR1A) and related proteins such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitors A and G (PKIA and PKIG), catalytic subunit A of protein phosphatase 3 (PPP3CA), A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12), and praja ring finger ubiquitin ligase 2 (PJA2) in U87 glioma cells in response to glucose deprivation in both control U87 glioma cells and cells with ERN1 (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1) knockdown, the major pathway of the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, for evaluation of possible significance of glucose deprivation in ERN1 dependent regulation of glioma growth. Methods. The expression level of PRKA related genes was studied in control (transfected by vector) and ERN1 knockdown U87 glioma cells under glucose deprivation by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results. It was shown that the expression level of PRKACA and PKIA genes was down-regulated in control glioma cells treated by glucose deprivation, but PJA2 gene was up-regulated. At the same time, the expression of four other genes (PRKAR1A, PKIG, AKAP12, and PPP3CA) was resistant to this experimental condition. Furthermore, ERN1 knockdown of glioma cells significantly modified the effect glucose deprivation on the expression almost all studied genes. Thus, treatment of glioma cells with inhibited ERN1 enzymatic activity by glucose deprivation lead to a more significant down-regulation of the expression level of PKIA and to suppression PRKAR1A gene expressions. Moreover, the ERN1 knockdown introduced up-regulation of PKIG and AKAP12 gene expressions in glioma cells treated by glucose deprivation and eliminated the sensitivity of PJA2 gene to this experimental condition. Conclusions. Results of this investigation demonstrated that ERN1 knockdown significantly modified the sensitivity of most studied PRKA related gene expressions to glucose deprivation and that these changes are a result of complex interactions of variable endoplasmic reticulum stress related and unrelated regulatory factors and contributed to the suppression of glioma cell proliferation and their possibly chemoresistance.
Optimization Framework to Identify Constitutive Law Parameters of the Human Heart

Abstract Over the last decades, computational models have been applied in in-silico simulations of the heart biomechanics. These models depend on input parameters. In particular, four parameters are needed for the constitutive law of Guccione et al., a model describing the stress-strain relation of the heart tissue. In the literature, we could find a wide range of values for these parameters. In this work, we propose an optimization framework which identifies the parameters of a constitutive law. This framework is based on experimental measurements conducted by Klotz et al. They provide an end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship. We applied the proposed framework on one heart model and identified the following elastic parameters to optimally match the Klotz curve: C=313 Pa, bf=17.8, bt=7.1and bft=12A. In general, this approach allows to identify optimized parameters for a constitutive law, for a patient-specific heart geometry. The use of optimized parameters will lead to physiological simulation results of the heart biomechanics and is therefore an important step towards applying computational models in clinical practice.
Use, costs, and predictors of psychiatric healthcare services following an autism spectrum diagnosis: Population-based cohort study

A number of cross-sectional studies report extensive use of psychiatric services and high healthcare costs in autistic youths. However, little is known about how the use of these services evolves from the time of diagnosis, as children grow up. Our objectives were to investigate the use, costs, and predictors of psychiatric services following autism spectrum diagnosis. We built a cohort of 1227 newly diagnosed autism spectrum individuals identified in the Quebec (Canada) Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec administrative database (January 1998 to December 2010). Mean number and cost per individual of psychiatric healthcare use (hospitalizations, medical visits, psychoactive drug use) were calculated yearly for 5 years following autism spectrum diagnosis. Mean number of psychiatric visits decreased over time by more than threefold (7.5 vs 2.1 visits) from year 1 to year 5, whereas psychoactive drug use increased from 16.0 to 25.2 claims. Psychiatric hospitalizations decreased during follow-up, but still represented the greatest costs per individual (CAD9820 for year 1; CAD4628 for year 5). Antipsychotics represented over 50% of drug costs. Mixed-effect model with repeated measures showed that previous psychoactive drug use was the strongest predictor of greater psychiatric healthcare cost during follow-up (odds ratio: 9.96; 95% confidence interval: 7.58–13.10). These trends contrast with guidelines advocating cautious prescribing of antipsychotics with periodical re-assessment of their benefit.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Customer Trust in Online Hotel Booking Website Usage

Abstract Tourism is a rapidly growing industry worldwide, and internet technologies are becoming increasingly important in that industry. Online hotel booking website (OHBW) has become an important tool in the marketing of hotel services. In this study, the factors affecting the trust perception of OHBW users were investigated. Data collected from 456 consumers using OHBWs were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results showed that reputation, security, ease of use and risk significantly affected the user's perception of trust. In addition, the perception of trust has a positive effect on customer loyalty. As a result, this study aims to provide useful findings to OHBW managers and researchers who want to increase customer trust and ensure their loyalty.
Does Subjective Well-Being Affect Political Participation?

Abstract Subjective well-being (SWB) has been positively correlated with political activity, however the causality of the effect remains debated. By estimating within-individual effects, I show that SWB decreases protest intentions, while its effect on voting is not significant. Despite the mutual influence between SWB and protest, the results suggest that the influence of SWB on protesting is stronger than the reverse effect, thereby setting an agenda for future research in this domain.
A Comparative Effectiveness Study of a Shortened Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model and an Attachment-Informed Adaptation

Relational challenges often associated with interpersonal trauma may hinder survivors’ abilities to fully benefit from group therapy. This quasi-experimental study compared clinical outcomes of a 16-week version of the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) for women and an attachment-informed adaptation (ATREM). Prior findings of TREM are extended by demonstrating that both group conditions can facilitate comparable clinical outcomes, creating options for group facilitators. Only ATREM resulted in statistically significant improvement in individual attachment avoidance, and it trended toward a slightly higher completion rate. This study provides insight into the emerging concept of group attachment.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Carotid-Artery Stenosis Following Stenting Treatment

Background Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been regarded as a reliable treatment approach for carotid artery stenosis. However, recurrent carotid artery stenosis after CAS affects long-term outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential risk factors for carotid restenosis. Material/Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS implantation at our department from September 2012 to July 2015. Each included study patient was followed up with serial duplex ultrasound scanning. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate freedom from restenosis and potential risk factors were analyzed. Results There were 33 patients enrolled in our study. The mean age was 65.5±11.5 years. The technique was successfully achieved in all patients. No death or major stroke occurred after stenting. There were 2 events of minor stroke and one myocardial infarction within 30 days after stent implantation. All the patients were followed up for 3 years. Cumulative rates of freedom from recurrent stenosis at 1, 2, and 3 years were 87.4%, 74.6%, and 68.3% respectively. Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that male sex, smoking and hyperlipidemia were independent risk factors associated with restenosis. Conclusions In this study, we identified that CAS was a reliable approach for carotid artery stenosis. Male sex, smoking, and hyperlipidemia were independent risk factors associated with restenosis. Thus, hyperlipidemia should be monitored and routine follow-up with ultrasonography are recommended especially for male patients with current or history of smoking.
Non-linear Association Between Body Mass Index and Ventricular Tachycardia/Ventricular Fibrillation in Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator or Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Background: Results from studies on the effects of obesity on sudden cardiac death (SCD) or ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (ICD/CRT-D) are inconsistent. Our study aimed to explore the impact of BMI on VT/VF in patients with an ICD/CRT-D. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from the Study of Home Monitoring System Safety and Efficacy in Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device–implanted Patients in China. Nine hundred and seventy ICD/CRT-D patients were enrolled. The outcome was the first occurrence of VT/VF requiring appropriate ICD/CRT-D therapy. A general linear model and general additive model were used to assess the relationship between BMI and VT/VF. Results: After a median follow-up of 5.17 years, 352 (36.3%) patients experienced VT/VF requiring appropriate ICD/CRT-D therapy. BMI, whether as a continuous variable or a categorical variable classified by various BMI classification criteria, had no significant effect on VT/VF according to a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model with adjustment for potential confounders. However, a non-linear association between BMI and VT/VF was identified using a cubic spline function model and smooth curve fitting. The inflection point for the curve was found at a BMI level of 23 kg/m2. The hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for VT/VF were 1.12 (1.01–1.24) and 0.96 (0.90–1.02) to the left and right of the inflection point, respectively. Conclusions: BMI is related to VT/VF in a non-linear manner in patients with an ICD/CRT-D. Our research suggests a complicated role of BMI in VT/VF with different impacts at different ranges.
G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Taste Physiology and Pharmacology

Heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest receptor family in mammals and are responsible for the regulation of most physiological functions. Besides mediating the sensory modalities of olfaction and vision, GPCRs also transduce signals for three basic taste qualities of sweet, umami (savory taste), and bitter, as well as the flavor sensation kokumi. Taste GPCRs reside in specialised taste receptor cells (TRCs) within taste buds. Type I taste GPCRs (TAS1R) form heterodimeric complexes that function as sweet (TAS1R2/TAS1R3) or umami (TAS1R1/TAS1R3) taste receptors, whereas Type II are monomeric bitter taste receptors or kokumi/calcium-sensing receptors. Sweet, umami and kokumi receptors share structural similarities in containing multiple agonist binding sites with pronounced selectivity while most bitter receptors contain a single binding site that is broadly tuned to a diverse array of bitter ligands in a non-selective manner. Tastant binding to the receptor activates downstream secondary messenger pathways leading to depolarization and increased intracellular calcium in TRCs, that in turn innervate the gustatory cortex in the brain. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between agonist binding and the conformational changes required for receptor activation, several major challenges and questions remain in taste GPCR biology that are discussed in the present review. In recent years, intensive integrative approaches combining heterologous expression, mutagenesis and homology modeling have together provided insight regarding agonist binding site locations and molecular mechanisms of orthosteric and allosteric modulation. In addition, studies based on transgenic mice, utilizing either global or conditional knock out strategies have provided insights to taste receptor signal transduction mechanisms and their roles in physiology. However, the need for more functional studies in a physiological context is apparent and would be enhanced by a crystallized structure of taste receptors for a more complete picture of their pharmacological mechanisms.
Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles from aqueous leaf extract of Alternanthera sessilis and its anticancer activity on cervical cancer cells (HeLa)

Abstract Cervical cancer is the third most common highest mortality in women worldwide. The use of standard chemotherapeutic drugs against cervical cancer patients received several side effects. Therefore, we focused phytoconsituents-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) considered as greatest attention in the treatment of cervical cancer. In this present study, we reported that green synthesis of AuNPs by using with Alternanthera Sessilis aqueous extract. Synthesis of AuNPs were characterized by UV visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), selected area diffraction pattern (SAED), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and atomic force microscope. Synthesized AuNPs confirmed by the UV absorption maximum at 535 and crystal structure of gold AuNPs was further confirmed by EDX and SAED. TEM and atomic force microscopy images show the size and morphological distribution of nanoparticles. FTIR analysis was confirmed the hydroxyl groups, amine and alkaline groups of biomolecules are present in the AuNPs. Moreover, AuNPs induce cytotoxicity in cervical cancer cells and also induce apoptosis through modulating intrinsic apoptotic mechanisms in cervical cancer cells. This green synthesis of AuNPs from Alternanthera sessilis approach was easy, large scaled up and eco-friendly.
The Sleep – Migraine Enigma: A Comment

We appreciate the thoughtful review of our studies in “Blame it on the Sleep”. Given the common attribution of sleep disturbances as a trigger of migraine, we conducted a prospective cohort study among 98 adults with episodic migraine to examine the bidirectional, temporal associations between migraine onset and sleep duration, quality, and fragmentation. We shared the reviewers’ surprise that we did not observe strong bidirectional associations between sleep duration and quality and next-day migraine. The authors suggested that our findings might have been diluted since we did not restrict enrollment to only patients who reported under-sleeping or over-sleeping as a migraine trigger. However, as previously reported, 68% of our sample endorsed sleeping too little as a trigger, 27% endorsed sleeping too much as a trigger, and 77% endorsed either short or long sleep as a trigger. In unpublished sensitivity analyses restricted to participants reporting short or long sleep as a trigger, the results were similar. We acknowledge that our current analyses do not answer the question raised by Dr. Cooper and Dr. Kaniecki as to whether sleep regularity, which may reflect circadian phase and represents an orthogonal dimension of sleep, is associated with migraine. We agree that this is an important area of future investigation. Scientifically, we continue to ponder: what is to blame? Perhaps investigating sleep regularity, or a more chronic or cumulative assessment of sleep characteristics and problems will elucidate the relationships underlying the connection between sleep and migraine commonly expressed by patients. While more work is needed, our recent studies emphasize the importance of identifying and targeting sleep problems in patients with episodic migraine. Clinicians should avoid attributing migraine attacks solely to sleep problems. Likewise, we should not attribute sleep problems solely to the occurrence of individual attacks. We hope our research stimulates continued interest to unravel the sleep – migraine enigma.
Obesity and overweight in patients with hemophilia: Prevalence by age, clinical correlates, and impact on joint bleeding

Background: The prevalence of obesity in patients with hemophilia (PWH) varies among different ethnicities, and its influence on joint bleeding and hemophilic arthropathy has not been studied in Taiwan population. We explored the prevalence and clinical correlates of obesity and the impact of body mass index (BMI) on annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) and hemophilic arthropathy in PWH in Taiwan. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical information on 140 severe/40 moderate PWH from 2006 to 2014. The patients’ median age was 31.5 years, ranged from 6 to 73 years. Their BMI, 6 index joints score by Pettersson scoring, AJBR, and other clinical data were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity by age group was 7.1% in PWH aged ⩽10 years, and rapidly increased to 34.5% in PWH aged 11 to 18 years, 46.7% in PWH aged 18 to 29 years, 61.8% in PWH aged 30 to 39 years, 60.6% in PWH aged 40 to 49 years, and 48% in PWH aged ≥50 years, respectively. Two peak rates were 72.7% in PWH aged 35 to 44 years and 66.7% in PWH aged >65 years. Age, HCV infection, knee score, elbow score, and total 6 index joints scores were found to correlate positively with BMI. However, subtype and severity of hemophilia, ankle scores, HBV and HIV infection did not correlate with BMI. Finally, BMI was found to correlate positively with AJBR in both adult and pediatric PWH. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescent and adult PWH was higher than those in the general male population in Taiwan, which rapidly increased with age to peak in PWH aged 35 to 44 years and >65 years. High index joint score, with the exception of ankle scores, positively correlated with high BMI. Further, BMI and obesity also had positive correlation with AJBR in PWH. To our knowledge, this is the first study examining these associations in PWH in Taiwan.