Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Objectively-measured physical activity and body weight in Japanese pre-schoolers

Abstract Background: The prevalence of thinness has increased among Japanese children. Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among Japanese pre-school children. Subjects and methods: Subjects were 425 4–6-year-old Japanese girls and boys. Their weights were classified as normal, overweight or thin, based on Cole’s international cut-offs for BMI. Physical activity was assessed using a triaxial accelerometer (ActivTracer, GMS) for 6 consecutive days. Results: Physical activity in overweight children was comparable to that in normal-weight children after controlling for age and gender. However, thin children spent significantly greater time engaged in low-intensity activities (physical activity ratio < 2) and spent less time engaged in light-intensity physical activity (2 ≤ physical activity ratio < 3) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (physical activity ratio ≥ 3) than normal-weight and overweight children, and less time engaged in higher-intensity physical activity (physical activity ratio ≥ 4) than normal-weight children. Moreover, thin children spent significantly less time engaged in locomotive physical activity than normal-weight or overweight children. Conclusion: This study suggests that thinness, rather than excess weight, is associated with decreased light, moderate and high intensity physical activity in Japanese pre-school children.
Treating Whiplash-Associated Disorders with Intramuscular Stimulation: A Retrospective Review of 43 Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up

Background: Trauma to the neck can cause acute pain. Chronic pain and dysfunction from such injury is called “whiplash-associated disorder” [WAD]. The Quebec Task Force [QTF] classified WAD severity. This case study summarizes the courses of 50 WAD patients [class 2 or 3]. Findings: Forty-three accepted intramuscular stimulation therapy. They had pain and abnormal physical signs [allodynia, trophedema, muscle knots, limited range of motion]. With treatment, twenty-nine achieved long-term improvement. Conclusions: The symptoms were due to abnormal function of the central nervous system. Most improved subjetively and their abnormal physical signs resolved. Such direct clinical evidence of benefit is clearly meaningful.
Cytomorphometric and cytomorphologic analysis of oral mucosa in children with sickle cell anemia

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, episodic painful crises, and pathologic involvement of many organs, consequence of vaso occlusive phenomenon and vasculopathy. Several forms of the chronic anemia, consequence of hemolysis, can be associated with oral epithelial cells changes. Exfoliative cytology can be used to detect real changes in the oral mucosa in SCA. Aims: To evaluate morphometric and morphological changes in oral epithelial cells by exfoliative cytology in children with SCA. Materials and Methods: Oral smears were collected from clinically normal-appearing mucosa by liquid-based exfoliative cytology in 20 SCA children (SCA group) and 20 healthy children (C group), matched for age and gender. The slides were prepared and stained by the Papanicolaou technique. Cell morphology and cellularity were analyzed and compared by Chi-square test (P < 0.05). Images of 50 cells per slide were captured and the nuclear area (NA) and cytoplasmic area (CA) were analyzed using an image analysis system. The nucleus-to-cytoplasmic area ratio (NA/CA) was calculated. To compare the means of groups SCA and C, the Student's t-test (P < 0.05) was applied to NA and CA; test non-parametric Mann Whitney U (P < 0.05) was used to compare NA/CA. Results: Mean values for SCA and C groups were: NA (69.38 and 59.63 μm²; P = 0.01); CA (2321.85 and 2185.60 μm²; P = 0.24); NA/CA (0.03 and 0.02; P = 0.13), respectively. A significant increase in NA for SCA group (P = 0.01) was seen. No morphological differences were found between the groups. There was a predominance of nucleated cells of the superficial layer in the smears of both groups. Class I smears were predominant in both groups. Conclusions: This study revealed that SCA was able to induce significant changes on nuclear area of the oral epithelial cells.
Linking between genetic structure and geographical distance: Study of the maternal gene pool in the Ethiopian population

Abstract Background The correlation between genetics and geographical distance has already been examined through the study of the dispersion of human populations, especially in terms of uniparental genetic markers. Aim The present work characterises, at the level of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), two new samples of Amhara and Oromo populations from Ethiopia to evaluate the possible pattern of distribution for mtDNA variation and to test the hypothesis of the Isolation-by-Distance (IBD) model among African, European and Middle-Eastern populations. Subjects and methods This study analysed 173 individuals belonging to two ethnic groups of Ethiopia, Amhara and Oromo, by assaying HVS-I and HVS-II of mtDNA D-loop and informative coding region SNPs of mtDNA. Results The analysis suggests a relationship between genetic and geographic distances, affirming that the mtDNA pool of Africa, Europe and the Middle East might be coherent with the IBD model. Moreover, the mtDNA gene pools of the Sub-Saharan African and Mediterranean populations were very different. Conclusion In this study the pattern of mtDNA distribution, beginning with the Ethiopian plateau, was tested in the IBD model. It could be affirmed that, on a continent scale, the mtDNA pool of Africa, Europe and the Middle East might fall under the IBD model.
mtDNA variation in the Buryat population of the Barguzin Valley: New insights into the micro-evolutionary history of the Baikal area

Abstract Background: Southern Siberian populations, including the Buryat, have been of great interest in investigating the exchanges between Eastern and Western Eurasia and understanding the peopling of Siberia and the New World. Aim: Previous studies mainly employed a phylogenetic approach, and thus used pooled samples to detect a maximum of variability. As different sampling strategies may result in different pictures of a population's evolutionary history, we proposed in this study to focus on a local Buryat population selected on the basis of geographical, archaeological and ethno-historical data. Subjects and methods: This study investigated a local population from the Barguzin Valley, on the north-western shores of Lake Baikal identified as the most likely place of Buryat origin. We analysed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) RFLPs markers, HVS-I and HVS-II sequences to discuss the genetic variability of this population, and to compare our local sample with pooled Buryat samples and neighbouring Siberian populations. Results: The Barguzin Buryat sample shows depressed neutrality scores compared to the pooled Buryat sample, and different genetic affinities with the Mongol and Turco-Evenk populations. Conclusion: These results underline the need to use local samples, in addition to pooled samples, to investigate the history of human populations at the micro-evolutionary level.
Occupational Therapists Report Increased Use of Outcome Measures after Participation in an Education Programme

This before-and-after study involved 36 occupational therapists who attended a one-day workshop on outcome measurement. The participants were given nine ready-to-use outcome measures and follow-up support. Outcome measure use was evaluated after 4 months using a self-report questionnaire. The proportion of therapists reporting use of outcome measures increased from 65.7% at baseline (23/36 participants) to 91.4% at 4 months post-workshop (32/35 participants). There was a small increase in the range of outcome measures used across the sample, from 15 at baseline to 18 after 4 months. Although the proportion of therapists measuring outcomes improved markedly after 4 months, it is not known if these behaviours were maintained in the longer term.
Continuous digital ECG analysis over accurate R-peak detection using adaptive wavelet technique

Abstract Worldwide, health care segment is under a severe challenge to achieve more accurate and intelligent biomedical systems in order to assist healthcare professionals with more accurate and consistent data as well as reliability. The role of ECG in healthcare is one of the paramount importances and it has got a multitude of abnormal relations and anomalies which characterizes intricate cardiovascular performance image. Until the recent past, ECG instruments and analysis played the role of providing the PQRST signal as raw observational output either on paper or on a console or in a file having many diagnostic clues embedded in the signal left to the expert cardiologist to look out for characteristic intervals and to detect the cardiovascular abnormality. Methods and practises are required more and more, to automate this process of cardiac expertise using knowledge engineering and an intelligent systems approach. This paper presents one of the challenging R-peak detections to classify diagnosis and estimate cardio disorders in a fully automated signal processing sequence. This study used an adaptive wavelet approach to generate an appropriate wavelet for R-signal identification under noise, baseband wandering and temporal variations of R-positions. This study designed an adaptive wavelet and successfully detected R- peak variations under various ECG signal conditions. The result and analysis of this method and the ways to use it for further purposes are presented here.
ABCC2/Abcc2: a multispecific transporter with dominant excretory functions

ABCC2/Abcc2 (MRP2/Mrp2) is expressed at major physiological barriers, such as the canalicular membrane of liver cells, kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells, enterocytes of the small and large intestine, and syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta. ABCC2/Abcc2 always localizes in the apical membranes. Although ABCC2/Abcc2 transports a variety of amphiphilic anions that belong to different classes of molecules, such as endogenous compounds (e.g., bilirubin-glucuronides), drugs, toxic chemicals, nutraceuticals, and their conjugates, it displays a preference for phase II conjugates. Phenotypically, the most obvious consequence of mutations in ABCC2 that lead to Dubin-Johnson syndrome is conjugate hyperbilirubinemia. ABCC2/Abcc2 harbors multiple binding sites and displays complex transport kinetics.
Regulation of hepatic ABCC transporters by xenobiotics and in disease states

The subfamily of ABCC transporters consists of 13 members in mammals, including the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), sulfonylurea receptors (SURs), and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These proteins play roles in chemical detoxification, disposition, and normal cell physiology. ABCC transporters are expressed differentially in the liver and are regulated at the transcription and translation level. Their expression and function are also controlled by post-translational modification and membrane-trafficking events. These processes are tightly regulated. Information about alterations in the expression of hepatobiliary ABCC transporters could provide important insights into the pathogenesis of diseases and disposition of xenobiotics. In this review, we describe the regulation of hepatic ABCC transporters in humans and rodents by a variety of xenobiotics, under disease states and in genetically modified animal models deficient in transcription factors, transporters, and cell-signaling molecules.
Interim Analyses in Randomized Clinical Trials

The monitoring of interim results in clinical trials should be planned in advance, preferably with a limited number of interim analyses focusing on only one or two specified endpoints. In this regard, various group sequential designs developed in recent years have helped considerably in the design and interpretation of randomized trials. All such designs require more stringent p-values in order to stop the trial, and this article will discuss the relative merits of various stopping rules. Unfortunately, many trials have interim analyses which were not planned in advance. Such unplanned analyses may be “data provoked, ”for example, investigators request formal analysis after informal inspection already suggests a treatment difference. This can greatly increase the type-I error, and recommendations will be made on how to cope with unplanned interim analyses. For trials that stop early, even with a formal stopping rule, the magnitude of the treatment difference (and its confidence limits) will tend to be exaggerated. This bias in the reporting of trial results needs wider recognition, and authors should routinely report on whether publication is prompted by the significance of an interim analysis. Other problems with interim analyses concern trials with more than two treatments, how to cope with multiple endpoints, and the extent to which prognostic factor adustments should be made. There is a continuing need to relate statistical methodology to the reality of monitoring clinical trials, so that clearly defined analysis policies can lead to objective unbiased decision-making and reporting of trial findings.
Primary hepatocyte cultures as prominent in vitro tools to study hepatic drug transporters

Abstract Before any drug can be placed on the market, drug efficacy and safety must be ensured through rigorous testing. Animal models are used for this purpose, though currently increasing attention goes to the use of alternative in vitro systems. In particular, liver-based testing platforms that allow the prediction of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacotoxicological properties during the early phase of drug development are of interest. They also enable the screening of potential effects on hepatic drug transporters. The latter are known to affect drug metabolism and disposition, thereby possibly underlying drug-drug interactions, which, in turn, may result in liver toxicity. Clearly, stable in vivo–like functional expression of drug transporters in hepatic in vitro settings is a prerequisite to be applicable in routine PK and pharmacotoxicological testing. In the first part of the article, an updated overview of hepatic drug transporters is provided, followed by a state-of-the-art review of drug-transporter production and activity in primary hepatocyte cultures (PHCs), being the gold-standard in vitro system. Specific focus is hereby put on strategies to maintain long-term functional expression, in casu of drug transporters, in these systems. In the second part, the use of PHCs to assess hepatobiliary transport and transporter-mediated interactions is outlined.
Pharmacological Review of Postoperative Hypertension

Postoperative hypertension is an acute, transient increase in blood pressure that develops within 30 to 90 minutes following a surgical procedure and typically lasts for 4 to 8 hours after surgery. It is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 160 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg. The increase in blood pressure is primarily due to increased systemic vascular resistance brought about by reflex changes in humoral factors, including increased levels of catecholamines, renin, and serotonin as well as alterations in baroreceptor function and carotid reflexes. Potential complications of untreated postoperative hypertension include depressed left ventricular performance, increased myocardial oxygen demand resulting in ischemic episodes, cerebrovascular accidents, arrhythmias, and suture line disruption and bleeding. Despite longstanding recognition that high blood pressure is a frequent complication after surgery, formal guidelines for the treatment of postoperative hypertension have not been developed. Postoperative hypertension is a pathophysiological state that requires rapid assessment and appropriate treatment. Several pharmacologic agents are available to achieve and maintain normotension after surgery, including nitrovasodilators (nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside), adrenergic blocking agents, and dihydroperidine calcium channel antagonists. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and fenoldopam also have been used. Each has its own distinct mechanism of action and adverse effect profile. In cardiac surgery, nicardipine is as effective as nitrovasodilators and offers coronary selectivity. In patients who are hypertensive after neurosurgical procedures, avoid direct-acting vasodilators, which may exacerbate increased intracranial pressure; β-adrenergic receptor antagonists and ACEIs are the preferred agents in these patients. More data are needed to define roles and benefits of fenoldopam in managing postoperative hypertension.
Current Understanding in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD), the commonest monogenetic disorder worldwide, represents a major public health burden because of its significant morbidity and mortality. Advances in molecular and cellular biology have resulted in an accumulation of knowledge on sickle cell pathophysiology and broadened our understanding of the complexity of this molecular disease with heterogeneous manifestations. Natural history studies and clinical trials have provided incremental data on clinical features, complications, and predictors of severity in SCD and, above all, have laid important recommendations for prevention and treatment of complications. Disease modifying therapies that have significantly improved survival of SCD patients have been identified over recent years. Despite increasingly successful therapies and better overall survival, patients continue to die especially with increasing age and health providers caring for SCD patients face major challenges. This article will highlight modern management of SCD and its impact on the lives of affected patients.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: haemodynamic and neuroendocrine responses after pneumoperitoneum and changes in position†

We have assessed the potential for myocardial ischaemia during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 16 otherwise healthy patients. Continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring was commenced 12 h before operation and continued for 24 h after operation. The neuroendocrine stress response was assessed by measuring plasma concentrations of adrenaline and noradrenaline, human growth hormone, cortisol, renin and aldosterone, and prolactin, at specified times during surgery. Acute ST segment changes in the ECG occurred in only two patients. These episodes were independent of creation of pneumoperitoneum and changes in position. Acute intraoperative increases in MAP were noted during insufflation of carbon dioxide and reverse Trendelenburg positioning (P 0.05). There was a linear correlation between changes in plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations and MAP (r = 0.97 and r = 0.85, respectively). Prolactin concentrations increased four-fold after induction of anaesthesia. Cortisol, HGH, adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations increased after deflation of the pneumoperitoneum. The time profile-concentration changes of increased MAP and renin-aldosterone suggests a cause-effect relationship. Increased intra-abdominal pressure and reverse Trendelenburg positioning may reduce cardiac output and renal blood flow. The early increase in prolactin concentration was probably secondary to the effect of the opioid fentanyl.
Maternal transmission of human papillomavirus in retinoblastoma: A possible route of transfer

Abstract Context: After establishing the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in retinoblastoma (RB), the probable role of the mother was investigated. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 sporadic RB cases and 15/21 corresponding mothers′ cervical brushings were collected. HPV testing was carried out using multiplex PCR (PGMY09/11 primers) followed by genotyping using line blot assay. Results: We found both high- (83%) and intermediate-risk (17%) HPV types in 12/21 (57%) RB samples and only high-risk (100%) types in 6/15 (40%) cervical brushing samples. The single genotype of HPV 16 was found in six cases and HPVs 82, 68 and 35 in one case each. Both HPVs 16 and 59 were found in two cases and HPV 16 and 73 in one case. Three samples of RB harboring HPV 16, HPVs 16 and 59, and HPVs 16 and 73 had HPV genotype 16 in the respective mothers′ cervical brushing samples. Conclusions: Maternal transfer of HPV in RB could be a possible route of transmission. However, a larger cohort and sampling of the mothers′ cervical brushings at various stages, i.e. before, during, and after pregnancy will give us insight to propound an alternate mechanism for the development of sporadic RB.
Multiobjective Stochastic Programming for Mixed Integer Vendor Selection Problem Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

It has been always critical and inevitable to select and assess the appropriate and efficient vendors for the companies such that all the aspects and factors leading to the importance of the select process should be considered. This paper studies the process of selecting the vendors simultaneously in three aspects of multiple criteria, random factors, and reaching efficient solutions with the objective of improvement. Thus, selecting the vendors is introduced in the form of a mixed integer multiobjective stochastic problem and for the first time it is converted by CCGC (min-max) model to a mixed integer nonlinear single objective deterministic problem. As the converted problem is nonlinear and solving it in large scale will be time-consuming then the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is used to solve it. Also, in order to better understand ABC efficiency, a comparison is performed between this algorithm and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) and Lingo software output. The results obtained from a real example show that ABC offers more efficient solutions to the problem solving in large scale and PSO spends less time to solve the same problem.
α-Thalassemia Does Not Seem to Influence Erythrocyte Deformability in Sickle Cell Trait Carriers

Abstract Studies dealing with rheological red blood cell (RBC) behavior in sickle cell trait carriers are scarce. Moreover, the association with α-thalassemia (α-thal), which also modifies erythrocyte behavior, has not always been taken into account. We analyzed erythrocyte deformability by means of a shear stress diffractometer, along with hematological and biochemical parameters (glucose and plasma lipids), given their possible influence on erythrocyte deformability, in 14 sickle cell trait carriers and 23 healthy controls. Nine patients were also α-thal carriers and five were not. Among the thalassemia carriers, eight were heterozygous and one was homozygous. When compared with controls, sickle cell trait carriers showed no differences for any of the biochemical parameters analyzed (p > 0.05), but significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) (p = 0.003), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) (p < 0.001) levels, although no differences in erythrocyte deformability were observed at any of the shear stresses tested (p > 0.05). When comparing sickle cell trait carriers, with and without α-thal, no differences in erythrocyte deformability were observed (p > 0.05), in spite of the former showing lower MCV and MCH (p < 0.05) levels. Carriers of α-thal had lower Hb S [β6(A3)Glu → Val; HBB: c.20A > T] levels (p = 0.013) than non carriers. The existence of a compensating mechanism seems reasonable because, despite presenting lower erythrocyte indices, which could worsen erythrocyte deformability, this rheological property improves when the percentage of Hb S is lower.