Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of obesity in Sweden: cross‐sectional study of a representative adult population

Abstract. In order to facilitate research on body weight related diseases, and to plan suitable prevention and intervention programmes, data concerning the prevalence of overweight and obesity are required on a nationwide scale. In this study, data for weight and height from a representative sample (n = 14549) of adult Swedes (16–84 years of age) were analysed. Data were obtained from the Study on Living Conditions conducted by Statistics Sweden, and body mass indices (BMI, kg m−2) were calculated from these interviews. They were then calibrated, since we had previously found that reported anthropometric measurements must be corrected so as to conform to recorded height and weight values, and we have developed equations accordingly. The overall mean BMI (±SE) was 24.02±0.99 kg m−2 for women and 24.56±0.88 kg m−2 for men. However, with regard to age, striking differences between the sexes were observed using this cross‐sectional approach. Whereas in men there was a moderate increase in BMI with age, there was a sharp increase in women from 45–54 years onwards.
Histochemical Analysis of Paraspinal Rotator Muscles From Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract Morphological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations in the paraspinal skeletal muscle of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been extensively reported. We evaluated rotator muscle fibers from the apex vertebra of AIS patients through histological and immunohistochemical analysis. A population of 21 female AIS patients who underwent corrective surgery between 2010 and 2013 had biopsies taken from the paraspinal muscle in the convex and concave sides of the thoracic curve apical vertebra. Serial sections were stained following routine protocols for hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Sudan red, Gomori trichrome, NADH, ATPase, and cytochrome oxidase. We assessed muscular atrophy and hypertrophy, fatty proliferation, endomysial and perimysial fibrosis, the presence of hyaline fibers, mitochondrial proliferation, muscular necrosis, nuclear centralization, and inflammation. Two independent professionals evaluated the slices. The thoracic curves had an average Cobb angle of 68 degree. Comparative analysis of the concave and convex sides was performed with McNemar test at a significance level of 5%. Results showed significant differences in both endomysial and perimysial fibrosis and fatty involution between the two sides of the apex vertebra. Paraspinal muscles in the concave side of the scoliosis apex had significantly more fibrosis and fatty involution. However, both sides showed signs of myopathy, muscular atrophy due to necrosis, presence of hyaline fibers, and mitochondrial proliferation.
School Resources and Student Outcomes: An Overview of the Literature and New Evidence from North and South Carolina

This paper reviews and interprets the literature on the effect of school resources on students' eventual earnings and educational attainment. In addition, new evidence is presented on the impact of the great disparity in school resources between black and white students in North and South Carolina that existed in the first half of the 20th century, and the subsequent narrowing of these resource disparities. Following birth cohorts over time, gaps in earnings and educational attainment for blacks and whites in the Carolinas tend to mirror the gaps in school resources.
A Social Media Manifesto

The role of marketing communications is to advance the bottom line and the public good â€“ and not necessarily in that order. Giving back is an integral part of the New Normal. And there has never been a better tool to accomplish this mission than social media. But healthcare marketing â€“and particularly of the regulated variety --is between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand, marketers understand the importance and opportunity in social media. Itâ€™s where the people are. Itâ€™s where the action is. But then there are all those pesky regulatory concerns. As Walter Oâ€™Malley â€“the man who moved the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles once commented, â€œThe future is just one damn thing after another. â€
Analyzing Online Impact of Canadian Conference of Medical Education through Tweets

The use of social networking tools is becoming increasingly common in medical education with a variety of possible uses that people have not been able to do before. 1 For example, how is twitter used by attendees and non-attendees to a conference and how frequent are the tweets? Do people tweet about talks, set up meetings, note important sessions, or use it to coordinate social activities? The purpose of this study, therefore is to analyze one of these aspects, and find out the impact of twitter in disseminating information concerning the 2012 Canadian Conference on Medical Education (CCME).
A general algorithm for automatic lesion segmentation in dermoscopy images

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer and causes thousands of deaths worldwide each year. Recently dermoscopic imaging systems have been widely used as a diagnostic tool for melanoma detection. The first step in the automatic analysis of dermoscopy images is the lesion segmentation. In this article, a novel method for skin lesion segmentation that could be applied to a variety of images with different properties and deficiencies is proposed. After a multi-step preprocessing phase (hair removal, illumination correction, etc.), a robust histogram-based thresholding technique is used to obtain an initial mask of the lesion. The initial mask is used to sample the lesion's color and drive a contour propagation algorithm. A color probability map of the image is calculated based on sampled pixels and Bayesian classification. Using this probability map and image gradient, a novel dual-component speed function is constructed to improve the performance of propagation model. The proposed algorithm has been tested on the ISIC dataset of 900 dermoscopy images, and gained high values for evaluation metrics e.g. Dice and Jaccard coefficient values of 0.89 and 0.79, respectively. Also, the proposed algorithm ranked 5th in the ISBI melanoma segmentation challenge.
Trace amines and their relevance to psychiatry and neurology: a brief overview / Eser aminler ve psikiyatri ve nöroloji ile ilişkisi: Kısa bir gözden geçirme

Arilalkilaminler β-feniletilamin, mve p-tiramin, triptamin, mve p-oktapamin, feniletanolamin ve sinefrin klasik amin nörotransmitterler olan noradrenalin, dopamin ve 5-hidroksitriptamin (5-HT, serotonin)’e oranla santral sinir sistemindeki mutlak konsantrasyonlarının düşük olması nedeniyle eser aminler olarak adlandırılmıştır. Düşük konsantrasyonlarda bulunmalarına rağmen bu aminler bir çok psikiyatrik ve nörolojik hastalığın etyolojisi ve farmakoterapisinde yer alırlar. Eser aminlerle ilgili çalışmalar 1970’ler ve 1980’lerde kapsamlı elektrofizyolojik çalışmalar ve bazı reseptör bağlanma çalışmaları ile birlikte bu aminler için duyarlı testlerin gelişmesinden sonra artmıştır. Geçtiğimiz son on yılda bu aminlere olan ilgi, G-proteini ile çalışan reseptör ailesinin keşfi ve klonlanması ile canlanmıştır, bunlardan bazıları eser aminlerle seçici olarak aktive olması nedeniyle eser aminle ilişkili reseptörler (trace amine associated receptors (TAARs)) olarak adlandırılmıştır. Bu reseptörlerin eser aminlerin etkisi ile ve diğer birçok nörokimyasal ve psikotropik ilaçlarla ilişkisi tartışılmıştır.
An Application of PAR Models for Tourism Forecasting

This paper extends the existing literature on tourism forecasting by developing an application study based on periodic models. The need for this type of approach derives from the common procedure in tourism literature of classifying series into three seasons: peak, shoulder and off-peak. This classification is useful in identifying more parsimonious periodic models when compared with unrestricted periodic monthly models. The authors apply their proposed models on several tourism series collected and analysed from Portugal's southernmost province, Algarve. The economy of this region relies heavily on the tourism industry, catering largely for the European market. Besides statistically validating these models, the authors compare their forecasting ability with other models in the current literature. The results show that the models presented achieve a superior forecasting performance.
Multicultural examination of valuation behaviour

A series of experiments were conducted to examine valuation behaviour in the UK, the USA, and New Zealand (NZ). Professional valuers from all three countries participated in the study whose findings support the notion that the US normative model is cognitively demanding and that greater departures from it result in reduced cognitive effort. The study also concluded that subjects from cultures requiring disclosure (USA and NZ) examined a significantly greater number of sales than did subjects from the UK where disclosure is uncommon. Finally, while valuers perhaps ought to increase sales search in unfamiliar markets, this research revealed no evidence that they do so. These findings are consistent with the need to seek cognitive efficiency and reduce cognitive effort even at the expense of performance quality.
The effect of early ambulation on the incidence of neurological complication after spinal anesthesia with lidocaine

Background: Transient neurological symptoms (TNS), was described in patients recovering from spinal anesthesia with lidocaine but its etiology remains unknown this study was evaluated the influence of ambulation time on the occurrence of TNSs after spinal anesthesia with lidocaine 5%. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades I and II, who were candidates for lower abdominal surgery in supine or lithotomy positions. Patients were randomly divided into early ambulation group (Group A) who were asked to start walking as soon as the anesthesia was diminished or to the late ambulation group (Group B) who walked after at least 12 h bedridden. Participants were contacted 2 days after spinal anesthesia to assess any type of pain at surgical or anesthesia injection site, muscle weakness, fatigue, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, headache, and difficult urination or defecation. Results: Four subjects (13.3%) in Group A and two patients (6.7%) in Group B had pain at anesthesia injection site (P = 0.019). Fourteen patients in Group A (46.7%) and six patients in Group B (20%) had post-dural puncture headache (P = 0.014). Participants in Group B reported difficult urination more than Group A (P = 0.002). there were not statistically significant differences between two groups regarding frequency of fatigue, muscle weakness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, difficult defecation, paresthesia, and the mean of visual analogue scale at the surgical site. Conclusion: Early ambulation after spinal anesthesia with lidocaine did not increase the risk of neurologic complication.
An interview study investigating experiences of psychological change without psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVES Given that most people who experience psychological distress resolve this distress without the assistance of psychotherapy, the study sought to increase our understanding of naturally occurring change including the facilitators of this change. DESIGN The study sought to replicate and extend earlier work in this area. The design involved recruiting participants who had experienced some form of psychological distress and had resolved this distress without accessing psychotherapy services. METHODS Qualitative methods were used for this study because the lived experience of the participants was of interest. Semi-structured interviews were used following a pro forma developed in earlier work. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was the analytical method adopted for this study to identify themes and patterns in the transcripts of the interviews of the participants. RESULTS Data analysis identified the themes of identity, connection, threshold, desire to change, change as a sudden and gradual process, and thinking process. An unexpected finding was the subjectivity associated with deciding whether or not a problem had actually resolved. CONCLUSIONS The results are discussed in terms of their implications for clinical practice including the apparent importance of people reaching an emotional threshold prior to change. A sense of identity also appears to be important in change experiences.
Homeopathy re-revisited: is homeopathy compatible with biomedical observations?

In recent years, alternative medicine has been attracting considerable attention, from both consumers and the medical profession, 1,2 The possible efficacy of many types of approaches (eg, medicinal plants, manipulative therapies, acupuncture) may be explained by mechanisms that are compatible with the biomedical model. However, the tenets of homeopathy seem to contradict the knowledge accumulated in the past 2 centuries in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. For this reason, it has been viewed unfavorably by conventional scientists and physicians. The purpose of this article is to reexamine this belief that homeopathy is conceptually incompatible with Western medical knowledge.
Deoxygenated Disaccharide Analogs as Specific Inhibitors of β1–4-Galactosyltransferase 1 and Selectin-mediated Tumor Metastasis*

The disaccharide peracetylated GlcNAcβ1–3Galβ-O-naphthalenemethanol (disaccharide 1) diminishes the formation of the glycan sialyl Lewis X (Neu5Acα2–3Galβ1–4(Fucα1–3) GlcNAc; sLeX) in tumor cells. Previous studies showed that the mechanism of action of disaccharide 1 involves three steps: (i) deacetylation by carboxyesterases, (ii) action as a biosynthetic intermediate for downstream enzymes involved in sLeX assembly, and (iii) generation of several glycans related to sLeX. In this report, we show that GlcNAcβ1–3Galβ-O-naphthalenemethanol binds to the acceptor site of human β1–4-galactosyltransferase much like the acceptor trisaccharide, GlcNAcβ1–2Manβ1–6Man, which is present on N-linked glycans. The 4′-deoxy analog, in which the acceptor hydroxyl group was replaced by -H, did not act as a substrate but instead acted as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme. The acetylated form of this compound inhibited sLeX formation in U937 monocytic leukemia cells, suggesting that it had inhibitory activity in vivo as well. A series of synthetic acetylated analogs of 1 containing -H, -F, -N3, -NH2, or -OCH3 instead of the hydroxyl groups at C-3′- and C-4′-positions of the terminal N-acetylglucosamine residue also blocked sLeX formation in cells. The reduction of sLeX by the 4′-deoxy analog also diminished experimental tumor metastasis by Lewis lung carcinoma in vivo. These data suggest that nonsubstrate disaccharides have therapeutic potential through their ability to bind to glycosyltransferases in vivo and to alter glycan-dependent pathologic processes.
Evaluation of the osteoclastic population in iliac crest biopsies from 36 normal subjects: A histoenzymologic and histomorphometric study

After histochemical staining of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, the total and active trabecular resorption surfaces and the number of osteoclasts were determined by histomorphometry on iliac crest biopsies from 36 healthy volunteers. The subjects were separated into three groups according to age and sex. Total trabecular resorption surface showed no significant variation in any group, but the fraction of active resorption surface was significantly higher in the older population. The number of TRAP cells per mm2 of section area, related to trabecular bone volume or surface, showed a significant increase in elderly subjects. The mean osteoclast interface was similar in all the groups. We found a significant decrease in resorption depth between young and old populations. These results are consistent with a reduced activity of bone‐resorbing cells in advancing age. These normal values, established after histochemical identification of osteoclasts, may be applied for evaluating abnormal bone‐resorbing cell activity in metabolic bone diseases.
Self‐directed expatriation: family matters

Purpose – To provide a theoretically grounded exploration of the family's role in the decision to expatriate independently.Design/methodology/approach – This is a qualitative study drawing on data collected in interviews with 30 British faculty working in universities in Singapore, New Zealand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. Data analysis was performed using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (NVivo). Findings – Family played a strong role in the decision to expatriate independently, particularly spouse and children. Yet, extended family remaining in the home country were also implicated. Moreover, participants drew on previous family experiences and history to explain their decision. The concept of the “significant” other was useful in explaining these findings.Research limitations/implications – As an exploratory study the sample size was appropriate. However, a larger study might present further themes and/or allow generalization. Alternative family forms were not well represente.
Intégration financière et régimes de change dans les pays candidats

The Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) entering the EU in May 2004 are expected to have a monetary policy compatible with the ERM-II system to eventually enter EMU (European Monetary Union). Abandoning an independent monetary policy could entail significant costs for countries in the process of catching up. However, these costs have probably been overestimated, biased by the traditional optimal currency area criteria. Firstly, these costs actually change depending on whether they are evaluated ex ante and ex post accession. Between times, financial integration is likely to increase significantly, which changes the evaluation parameters. Accession to the EU and greater capital mobility means that there is little room left for an independent monetary policy, especially in relatively small countries more vulnerable to speculative attacks. Secondly, while the link between choice of exchange rate regime and the underlying fundamentals is somewhat tenuous, the political determinants prove to be decisive.
Nature and Nurture: Genetic and Environmental Influences on Behavior

The appropriate conjunction between the words nature and nurture is not versus but and. There is increasing acceptance of the evidence for substantial genetic influence on many behavioral traits, but the same research also provides the best available evidence for the importance of environmental influence and important clues about how the environment works. Because much developmental action is at the interface between genes and environment, genetic research needs to incorporate measures of the environment, and environmental research will be enhanced by collecting DNA.
Posttranscriptional regulation of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases

Introduction: The uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) superfamily of enzymes (EC 2.4.1.17) conjugates glucuronic acid to an aglycone substrate to make them more polar and readily excreted. In general, this reaction terminates the activities of chemicals, drugs and toxins, although occasionally a more active or toxic species is produced. Areas covered: In addition to their well-known transcriptional responsiveness, UGTs are also regulated by posttranscriptional mechanisms. Here, the authors review these mechanisms, including latency, modulation of co-substrate accessibility and binding, dimerization and oligomerization, protein–protein interactions, allosteric inhibition and activation, posttranslational structural and functional modifications and developmental switching for UGTs. Expert opinion: Posttranscriptional regulation of UGTs has traditionally received less attention than nuclear regulation, in part because mechanisms involving ribosomes and endoplasmic reticula are challenging to investigate. Most promising of the posttranscriptional mechanisms reviewed are likely to be effects on co-substrate (UDP-glucuronic acid) transport and availability and structure–function changes to UGT proteins through, for example, glycosylation and phosphorylation. Although classical biochemistry continues to illuminate many aspects of UGT function, advances in proteomics and structural biology are beginning to assist in the determination of posttranscriptional regulation mechanisms for UGTs.
The Foreign Trade Pattern and Foreign Trade Specialization of Candidates of the European Union

The enlargement of the European Union will bring many political, economical and structural changes on the Continent, which require careful and deep analysis to be made. This paper will grasp the enlargement of the European Union from the aspect of the trade pattern and trade specialization of six major European Union candidates; namely, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Poland and the Czech Republic by focusing on the years from 1996 to 2002. In other words, the main purpose of this paper is to examine the international competitiveness of six candidate countries and to compare the structure of specialization in foreign trade with each other and the EU/15.
Integrating disease control strategies: balancing water sanitation and hygiene interventions to reduce diarrheal disease burden.

OBJECTIVES Although the burden of diarrheal disease resulting from inadequate water quality, sanitation practices, and hygiene remains high, there is little understanding of the integration of these environmental control strategies. We tested a modeling framework designed to capture the interdependent transmission pathways of enteric pathogens. METHODS We developed a household-level stochastic model accounting for 5 different transmission pathways. We estimated disease preventable through water treatment by comparing 2 scenarios: all households fully exposed to contaminated drinking water and all households receiving the water quality intervention. RESULTS We found that the benefits of a water quality intervention depend on sanitation and hygiene conditions. When sanitation conditions are poor, water quality improvements may have minimal impact regardless of amount of water contamination. If each transmission pathway alone is sufficient to maintain diarrheal disease, single-pathway interventions will have minimal benefit, and ultimately an intervention will be successful only if all sufficient pathways are eliminated. However, when 1 pathway is critical to maintaining the disease, public health efforts should focus on this critical pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide guidance in understanding how to best reduce and eliminate diarrheal disease through integrated control strategies.
Investment and disclosure: The disciplinary role of periodic performance reports

When the profitability of new investments is privately known only to firms' managers, price pressure from the capital market induces managers to ignore their superior information and base their decisions on the market's uninformed judgements. We show that performance reporting, such as periodic earnings disclosures, supplements price pressure with reporting pressure and alleviates this perverse incentive. Managers choose investment to influence their private anticipation of future performance reports and the market's price response. This disciplines managers' choices in such a way that investment becomes a fully revealing signal of future profitability. Tradeoffs between reporting precision and investment are developed and optimized.