Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
University of Groningen The Systemic Redox Status Is Maintained in Non-Smoking Type 2 Diabetic Subjects Without Cardiovascular Disease

Decreased circulating levels of free thiols (R-SH, sulfhydryl groups) reflect enhanced oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases. Since hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress, we questioned whether plasma free thiols are altered in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without cardiovascular disease or renal function impairment. We also determined their relationship with elevated triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), a central feature of diabetic dyslipidemia. Fasting plasma free thiols (colorimetric method), lipoproteins, VLDL (nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry), free fatty acids (FFA), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity and adiponectin were measured in 79 adult non-smoking T2DM subjects (HbA1c 51 ± 8 mmol/mol, no use of insulin or lipid lowering drugs), and in 89 non-smoking subjects without T2DM. Plasma free thiols were univariately correlated with glucose (r = 0.196, p < 0.05), but were not decreased in T2DM subjects versus non-diabetic subjects (p = 0.31). Free thiols were higher in subjects with (663 ± 84 μmol/L) versus subjects without elevated triglycerides (619 ± 91 μmol/L; p = 0.002). Ageand sex-adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated that plasma triglycerides were positively and independently associated with free thiols (β = 0.215, p = 0.004), FFA (β = 0.168, p = 0.029) and PLTP activity (β = 0.228, p = 0.002), inversely with adiponectin (β = −0.308, p < 0.001) but not with glucose (β = 0.052, p = 0.51). Notably, the positive association of free thiols with (elevated) triglycerides appeared to be particularly evident in men. Additionally, large VLDL were independently associated with free thiols (β = 0.188, p = 0.029). In conclusion, circulating free thiols are not decreased in this cohort of non-smoking and generally well-controlled T2DM subjects. Paradoxically, higher triglycerides and more large VLDL particles are likely associated with higher plasma levels of thiols, reflecting lower systemic oxidative stress.
SHARING ECONOMY VERSUS COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION: WHAT DRIVES CONSUMERS TOWARDS NEW FORMS OF EXCHANGE?

The aim of this study is twofold: (1) to develop a clear conceptualization for sharing economy and collaborative consumption, and (2) to understand the differences in the reasons why consumers choose participating in either form of exchange. We draw on an extensive literature review to develop a comprehensive definition for sharing and collaborative consumption, and put forward hypotheses regarding the differences in the motivations underlying consumers’ participation. We applied structural equation modeling to 400 respondents. Findings show that different motivations underlie each form of consumption. Besides contributing to the literature, firms can better understand customers and strengthen their competitive advantage.
Temporal dynamics of the hummingbird-plant interaction network of a dry forest in Chamela, Mexico: a 30-year follow-up after two hurricanes

Background Interactions among species are a driving force of community structure. The species composition of animal-plant interaction networks can be highly dynamic on a temporal scale, even though the general network structure is usually not altered. However, few studies have examined how interaction networks change over long periods of time, particularly after extreme natural events. We analyzed herein the structure of the hummingbird-plant interaction network in a dry forest of Chamela, Mexico, comparing the structure in 1985–1986 with that in 2016–2017 following the passage of two hurricanes (category 2 Jova in 2011 and category 4 Patricia in 2015). Methods The fieldwork was carried out in the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in Jalisco, Mexico. In the last 30 years, three severe drought events and two hurricanes have affected this region. Previously, from 1985–1986, hummingbird-plant interactions were recorded monthly for one year in the study area. Then, from 2016–2017, we replicated the sampling in the same localities. We compared the network parameters describing the plant-hummingbird interactions of each period using adjacency matrices. Results We found differences in the number and identity of interacting species, especially plants. The plant species missing in 2016–2017 were either the least connected in the original network (1985–1986) or belonged to groups such as cacti, epiphytes, or trees. The new plant species incorporated in the 2016–2017 network were herbs, vines, and shrubs, or other species barely connected. These changes in the composition are consistent with reports on vegetation damage after strong hurricanes at other study sites. Conversely, all hummingbird species remained in the network, with the exception of Heliomaster constantii, which was primarily connected to a plant species absent in the 2016–2017 network. Migratory and habitat generalist species (i.e., Archilochus spp.) showed higher abundances following the disturbance events. Conclusions Most of the parameters describing the hummingbird-plant network structure remained unchanged after 30 years, with the exception of an increase in plant robustness and hummingbird niche overlap. However, the network’s generalist core was affected by the loss of some species. Also, core plant species such as Ipomoea bracteata, Combretum farinosum, and Justicia candicans were found to be important for maintaining the hummingbird-plant interaction network. The temporal perspective of this study provides unique insights into the conservation of plant-hummingbird networks across time and extreme natural events.
REVIEW OF PROBLEMS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAIL TOURISM IN TAIWAN, ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ALISHAN FOREST RAILWAY

Rail tourism is significant in boosting Taiwan’s tourism industry with more than 560,000 tourists visited Alishan railway, one of the most significant heritage rail tourism sites in 2018. However, recently more attentions and efforts were being put on High-Speed-Rail instead of heritage rails in Taiwan. As the Taiwan Railways Administration launched the 10 years plan in replacing the heritage rail, it has raised the question of sustainability of the heritage rail tourism in Taiwan. The study aims to assess the challenges faced in developing heritage rail tourism in Taiwan by using the Porter’s Diamond Model as the assessment criteria. The data was collected through a variety of methods inclusive of interviews, observations, and review of challenges faced in the process of preparing the existing heritage railways for the future of Taiwan’s rail tourism. This study found that despite the popularity, financial subsidies and extensive promotion effort by Taiwan Railways Administration, the heritage rail tourism in Taiwan is still facing difficulties in remaining sustainable in the long-run due to inefficient firm strategy, poor pricing strategy, and also non-user-friendly online ticketing system.
Observation of the emotional condition in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Objective:To investigate the emotional condition of patients with different types of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Methods:A total of 69 patients with IBS were divided into constipation type,diarrhea type,mixed type and undifferentiated type groups.A healthy control group was established.All the IBS patients were tested by the Hamilton depression scales(HAMD) and the Hamilton Anxiety scale(HAMA). Results:The HAMD scores and HAMA scores deceased in all the constipation,diarrhea,mixed and undifferentiated IBS groups.A significant difference was found among the different groups in HAMA scores except for the constipation group and diarrhea group,the undifferentiated group and healthy control group(P0.01);a significant difference was also found among the different groups in HAMD scores except for the constipation group and diarrhea group,the mixed group and undifferentiated group(P0.01). Conclusions:IBS has a close correlation with emotional disturbance,and it is more noticeable in patients with constipation type and diarrhea type IBS.
Changing forests, stakeholders and institutions : experiences from Vietnam's North Upland

Development in the North Upland of Vietnam is currently characterised by its lack of sustainability. Forest resources, generally used for short-term gain rather than long term ecological and economic benefit, remain threatened and institutional arrangements for their management are ineffective; people's livelihoods, in which forest resources often play a significant role, are also threatened. Failure to recognise the interests and rights of stakeholders, including local people, over forest resources, and failure to encourage their participation in forest management decisions are a prime reason for the ineffectiveness of institutional arrangements for forest management. This thesis, by addressing the question 'How do contemporary institutional arrangements affect forest resource management in the North Upland of Vietnam? ' examines this issue. This study uses the Pressure-State-Response analytical framework to examine the changing relationships between forests, stakeholders and institutions in the North Upland of Vietnam during recent decades, a period affected by policy and institutional change under French colonial rule, Collectivisation and d6i mai (Renovation). Under this analytical framework, different factors are seen as causes of forest change at different times; this in tum, affects the sustainability of forests and the livelihoods of the local people who use them. Stakeholders respond to this change in different ways according to their perceptions of how forests should be managed. Policy recommendations, therefore, are required to promote a more sustainable path for forest development in the North Upland of Vietnam. This thesis examines these is·sues using both primary and secondary data. Primary information, obtained by using a broad range of methods/techniques, including Participatory Rural Appraisal, interviews and focus-group discussions, and the Creative Process, was obtained from three contrasting study sites: Mai Hamlet in HoaBinh Province; Village 7 in Y enBai Province; and D6ng V anh Village in BacGiang Province. Secondary information came largely from literature and policy paper reviews. These types of information, analysed within the Pressure-State-Response framework, were also examined in relation to CIFOR forest indicators; analytical methods included the use of NVivo-a software package designed to facilitate the organisation of qualitative data-as well as comparative study.
Coiling direction in Middle Miocene globorotaliids (Foraminiferida) – a case study in the Paratethys (Upper Silesia Basin, Poland)

The paper deals with sub-evaporite Badenian deposits (Middle Miocene, Paratethys) that display a sudden appearance of globorotaliid taxa showing preferences in the taxonomic set and coiling direction. An interval of sinistrally coiled Jenkinsella mayeri with proportionally coiled Globoconella bykovae is at the bottom of the studied sequence. It is followed by an interval of proportionally coiled Jenkinsella transsylvanica . Proportionally coiled Globoconella bykovae with a small number of proportionally coiled Jenkinsella transsylvanica are at the top of the Moravian (CPN 7) substage ( Orbulina suturalis alias Lagenidae Zone). The sub-evaporite part of the Wielician (CPN 8) substage ( Uvigerina costai alias Spiroplectammina Zone) began with a globorotaliid-barren interval (IIC biozone). It is followed by biozone IID displaying three globorotallid peaks amongst globorotallid-barren deposits. Only globoconellas are present in all these three events. Proportionally coiled Globoconella bykovae appeared first. It is followed by proportionally coiled Globoconella minoritesta and sinistrally coiled Globoconella bykovae at the end of the biozone IID. Coiling preferences of globorotaliids have been compared to changes in the hydrographic regime unfolding during the CPN 7 and CPN 8 in the studied area of the Paratethys. The study discovers that the coiling of globorotaliids responded selectively to the hydrographic changes. Globoconella bykovae is highly opportunistic and can tolerate considerable temperature changes. Specimens of this taxon persist to coil proportionally during the sub-evaporite Badenian, except for the shift to sinistral coiling just prior to the Wielician evaporites. Sinistrally coiled Jenkinsella mayeri is the most sensitive to hydrographic changes. This taxon retreated at the onset of the temperature drop during the mid-Moravian cryptic cooling. This cooling is marked by the new jenkinsellid occurrence – proportionally coiled Jenkinsella transsylvanica . Proportionally coiled Globoconella minoritesta is present in the middle of the IID globorotaliid peaks. The globorotaliid coiling data, presented in this paper, has been calibrated to the global stratigraphy. The integrated data (foraminifera, nannofossils, oxygen and carbon stable isotopes, radiometric measurements) supports the view that the CPN 7/CPN 8 boundary is coeval to the Langhian/Serravalian one. In the Polish part of the Carpathian Foredeep, the boundary runs within the Skawina Formation.
Efficacy and safety of long-acting risperidone on early onset schizophrenia in adolescent patients

The present study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of long-acting risperidone on early onset schizophrenia in adolescent patients. A total of 31 adolescent patients (13 - 18 years) with schizophrenia met the DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia and their symptoms were stable when orally taking risperidone or olanzapine. They were admitted into a 24 week, open-label study on the long-acting risperidone. Risperidone was administered every 2 weeks at a dose of 25, 37.5 and up to a maximum dose of 50 mg. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) and the Extrapyramidal symptom rating scale (ESRS) were used to assess the improvement in the symptoms. Improvements in the symptoms of schizophrenia occurred in patients treated with long-acting risperidone at week 6 and continued throughout the study with significant reduction in total PANSS score at week 24 (-4.2 ± 0.2, P < 0.01). At the same time, 51.6% of patients were rated as clinical improvement at the end of study. Among these 31 cases, the most frequently reported adverse events were depression (12.9%), anxiety (9.7%), headache (9.7%) and insomnia (6.4%). ESRS scores were reduced during the treatment with long-acting risperidone. The mean decrease in serum prolactin and body weight was 13.1 ng/ml and 4.5 kg, respectively. Intramuscular administration of long-acting risperidone was safe and well tolerated in adolescent patients. Long-acting risperidone also could improve the symptoms of schizophrenia in adolescent patients.
Interaction between serum selenium level and polymorphism of GSTM1 in lung cancer

Objective: To analyze the interaction between serum selenium level and genetic polymorphism of GSTM1 in lung cancer. Methods: A case-control study was conducted which included 58 cases of lung cancer and 62 controls. The serum selenium level was determined by generation hydrogen atomic fluorospectrometry (GHAFS) and the genotypes of GSTM1 were detected by PCR. Results: The OR of lung cancer, comparing the lower level (0.109 mg/L) with the higher serum level (≥0.109 mg/L),was 4.44 (95%,CI 1.63-12.01). There was no significant association between the genotypes of generation hydrogen atomic fluorospectrometry(GSTM1)and the risk of lung cancer (OR 1.73,95%CI 0.84-3.58). There was positive interaction between serum selenium level and genetic polymorphism of GSTM1 in lung cancer. Attributable interaction was 3.40. Attributable interaction percent was 60.18%. Conclusion: There was significant inverse association between serum selenium level and risk of lung cancer, but polymorphism of GSTM1 was not associated with risk of lung cancer. The synergism between low serum selenium level and GSTM1(-) had positive effect on lung cancer .
A study examining inter-and intrarater reliability of three scales for measuring severity of psoriasis:Psoriasis Area and Severity Index,Physician's Global Assessment and Lattice System Physician's Global Assessment

Background: There is a lack of consensus as to the best way of monitoring psoriasis severity in clinical trials. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is the most frequently used system and the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) is also often used. However, both instruments have some drawbacks and neither has been fully evaluated in terms of ‘validity’and ‘reliability’as a psoriasis rating scale. The Lattice System Physician's Global Assessment (LS-PGA) scale has recently been developed to address some disadvantages of the PASI and PGA. Objectives: To evaluate the inter-rater and intra rater reliability of the PASI, PGA and LS-PGA. Methods: On the day before the study, 14 dermatologists (raters), with varied experience of assessing psoriasis, received detailed training (2.5 h) on use of the scales. On the study day, each rater evaluated 16 adults with chronic plaque psoriasis in the morning and again in the afternoon. Raters were randomly assigned to assess subjects using the scales in a specific sequence, either PGA, LS-PGA, PASI or PGA, PASI, LS-PGA. Each rater used one sequence in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The primary endpoint was the inter-rater and intrarater reliability as determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: All three scales demonstrated ‘substantial’(a priori defined as ICC 80%) intrarater reliability. The inter-rater reliability for each of the PASI and LS-PGA was also ‘substantial’and for the PGA was ‘moderate’(ICC 75%). Conclusions: Each one of the three scales provided reproducible psoriasis severity assessments. In terms of both intrarater and inter-rater reliability values, the three scales can be ranked from highest to lowest as follows: PASI, LS-PGA and PGA.
Electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair performance for children aged 7 to 9 years

Introduction Northern Ireland wheelchair guidelines state that wheelchair users who wish to drive their National Health Service provided powered wheelchairs outdoors must complete an electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair test. Within the same guidelines, children in Northern Ireland under the age of 10 years are not permitted to complete this assessment. Research was completed to evaluate how children under 10 years would perform in electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair training and testing under adult supervision. Method A case-study design was utilised with three children aged 7–9 years to evaluate if: (a) these children can complete electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair training/testing safely with adult supervision; (b) the length of time using an electric powered indoor chair correlates with performance on electrically powered indoor chair training/testing; (c) the current Northern Ireland guidelines on age restriction should be re-evaluated so that each child is assessed on an individual basis rather than age. Findings Paediatric powered wheelchair users aged seven to nine years can become competent electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair users with adequate training and adult supervision. Length of time (years) driving an electrically powered indoor chair may not correlate with improved electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair performance. Conclusion Regional Northern Ireland criteria relating to electrically powered indoor/outdoor chair provision for children should be revised in order to consider an individual needs assessment, rather than imposing an age restriction.
Mortality associations with long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution in a national English cohort

Background: Long-term exposure to ambient levels of fine particulate matter has been associated with increased mortality, particularly from cardiovascular disease. Relatively few studies have investigated these relationships in nationally representative population samples, in European populations or included gaseous pollutants. Aim: To investigate the relationship between long-term exposure to a range of pollutants and mortality in a national English cohort. Methods: 835,607 patients aged 40-89 years, registered with 205 general practices were followed from 2003-7. Annual average concentrations in 2002 for particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter <10 and <2.5 (PM2.5) microns, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone and sulphur dioxide (SO2) at 1km2 resolution, estimated from emission based dispersion models, were linked to patient residential postcode. Deaths were ascertained from linkage to death certificates, and hazards ratios (HR) for all- and cause-specific mortality for pollutants were estimated .
Steroids and Vasopressor-Resistant Hypotension in Preterm Infants

Abstract: Despite our inability to appropriately define the gestational- and postnatal-age dependent normative values of blood pressure, hypotension is often been diagnosed and treated in preterm neonates especially during the transitional pe-riod. Although the perceived normal blood pressure values can be restored in the majority of preterm neonates by admini-stration of volume and vasopressor-inotropes, some patients will not respond even to higher doses of vasoactive medica-tions. In these neonates with so-called “vasopressor-resistant hypotension”, steroid administration is usually effective in increasing the blood pressure to the perceived normal range and decreasing vasopressor requirement. The etiology of vasopressor-resistant hypotension is thought to be a combination of transient adrenocortical insufficiency of prematurity and downregulation of the cardiovascular adrenergic receptors. In the clinical practice, hydrocortisone is used most fre-quently for the management of vasopressor-resistance. Importantly, low-dose hydrocortisone appears to improve blood pressure without compromising cardiac function or systemic perfusion in these patients. However, caution must be exer-cised when hydrocortisone is administered during the first postnatal week as significant side effects including gastrointes-tinal perforation may occur especially in infants co-exposed to indomethacin. In addition, although the available data on the lack of a documented impact of early low-dose hydrocortisone administration on brain development are encouraging, more and appropriately powered studies are needed to put this concern to rest.