Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated graphic assessment of respiratory activity is superior to pulse oximetry and visual assessment for the detection of early respiratory depression during therapeutic upper endoscopy.

BACKGROUND Recommendations from the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggest that monitoring for apnea using the detection of exhaled carbon dioxide (capnography) is a useful adjunct in the assessment of ventilatory status of patients undergoing sedation and analgesia. There are no data on the utility of capnography in GI endoscopy, nor is the frequency of abnormal ventilatory activity during endoscopy known. The aims of this study were to determine the following: (1) the frequency of abnormal ventilatory activity during therapeutic upper endoscopy, (2) the sensitivity of observation and pulse oximetry in the detection of apnea or disordered respiration, and (3) whether capnography provides an improvement over accepted monitoring techniques. METHODS Forty-nine patients undergoing therapeutic upper endoscopy were monitored with standard methods including pulse oximetry, automated blood pressure measurement, and visual assessment. In addition, graphic assessment of respiratory activity with sidestream capnography was performed in all patients. Endoscopy personnel were blinded to capnography data. Episodes of apnea or disordered respiration detected by capnography were documented and compared with the occurrence of hypoxemia, hypercapnea, hypotension, and the recognition of abnormal respiratory activity by endoscopy personnel. RESULTS Comparison of simultaneous respiratory rate measurements obtained by capnography and by auscultation with a pretracheal stethoscope verified that capnography was an excellent indicator of respiratory rate when compared with the reference standard (auscultation) (r = 0.967, p < 0.001). Fifty-four episodes of apnea or disordered respiration occurred in 28 patients (mean duration 70.8 seconds). Only 50% of apnea or disordered respiration episodes were eventually detected by pulse oximetry. None were detected by visual assessment (p < 0.0010). CONCLUSIONS Apnea/disordered respiration occurs commonly during therapeutic upper endoscopy and frequently precedes the development of hypoxemia. Potentially important abnormalities in respiratory activity are undetected with pulse oximetry and visual assessment.
Association of maladaptive parental behavior with psychiatric disorder among parents and their offspring.

BACKGROUND A longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the role of maladaptive parental behavior in the association between parent and offspring psychiatric disorder. METHODS Psychosocial and psychiatric interviews were administered to a representative community sample of 593 biological parents and their offspring from 2 counties in the state of New York in 1975, 1983, 1985 to 1986, and 1991 to 1993. In 1975, the offspring were a mean age of 6 years. Maladaptive parental behavior was assessed in 1975, 1983, and 1985 to 1986. Parent and offspring psychiatric symptoms were assessed in 1983, 1985 to 1986, and 1991 to 1993. RESULTS Maladaptive parental behavior substantially mediated a significant association between parental and offspring psychiatric symptoms. Parents with psychiatric disorders had higher levels of maladaptive behavior in the household than did parents without psychiatric disorders. Maladaptive parental behavior, in turn, was associated with increased offspring risk for psychiatric disorders during adolescence and early adulthood. Most of the youths that experienced high levels of maladaptive parental behavior during childhood had psychiatric disorders during adolescence or early adulthood, whether or not their parents had psychiatric disorders. In contrast, the offspring of parents with psychiatric disorders were not at increased risk for psychiatric disorders unless there was a history of maladaptive parental behavior. CONCLUSIONS Maladaptive parental behavior is associated with increased risk for the development of psychiatric disorders among the offspring of parents with and without psychiatric disorders. Maladaptive parental behavior appears to be an important mediator of the association between parental and offspring psychiatric symptoms.
ZCCHC 17 is a master regulator of synaptic gene expression in Alzheimer ’ s Disease

Motivation: In an effort to better understand the molecular drivers of synaptic and neurophysiologic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we analyzed neuronal gene expression data from human AD brain tissue to identify master regulators of synaptic gene expression. Results: Master regulator analysis identifies ZCCHC17 as normally supporting the expression of a network of synaptic genes, and predicts that ZCCHC17 dysfunction in AD leads to lower expression of these genes. We demonstrate that ZCCHC17 is normally expressed in neurons and is reduced early in the course of AD pathology. We show that ZCCHC17 loss in rat neurons leads to lower expression of the majority of the predicted synaptic targets and that ZCCHC17 drives the expression of a similar gene network in humans and rats. These findings support a conserved function for ZCCHC17 between species and identify ZCCHC17 loss as an important early driver of lower synaptic gene expression in AD. Availability: Matlab and R scripts used in this paper are available at https://github.com/afteich/AD_ZCC Contact: aft25@cumc.columbia. edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Relation between serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and coronary collateral development

BackgroundThe degree of coronary collateral development is not same in every patient with similar degree of coronary stenosis. In animal studies monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) has been found to be related to collateral vessel development. In this study we investigated whether a higher serum MCP-1 level is related to better coronary collateral vessel development in patients with stable coronary artery disease. MethodEighty-three patients with stable angina pectoris, who have at least one coronary stenosis equal to or greater than 70% at coronary angiography, were prospectively enrolled. Serum MCP-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were studied. Coronary collateral development was graded according to the Rentrop method. Patients with grade 2–3 collateral developments were included in good collateral group and formed group I. The patients with grade 0–1 collateral developments were included in poor collateral group and formed group II. ResultsThe serum MCP-1 level was significantly higher in good collateral group (288±277 pg/ml vs. 132±64 pg/ml; P<0.001). There was also a positive correlation between serum MCP-1 level and Rentrop score (r=0.39, P<0.001). The patients in the good collateral group also had a significantly higher number of coronary arteries with significant stenosis (1.7±0.7 vs. 1.4±0.6, P=0.049), and higher VEGF levels (322±147 pg/ml vs. 225±161 pg/ml, P=0.007). In multivariate analysis, only serum MCP-1 level (P=0.014, odds ratio: 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.002–1.019) was independently related to good coronary collateral development. ConclusionHigher serum MCP-1 level is related to better coronary collateral development.
A cross-cultural perspective on the role of emotion in negative service encounters

The purpose of this research is to examine cross-cultural differences in emotional responses to negative service encounters and the consequent impact on behavioural intentions. Focus groups of UK and West African consumers discussed two video scenarios, described employee and consumer behaviour, and projected emotional responses. Although anger was a major emotion, African consumers emphasised feelings of ‘sadness’ (humiliation and embarrassment). Such feelings were more likely to influence switching and other behavioural intentions when attributable to employee behaviour. Differences were also identified in interpretations of employee behaviour and perceived attribution of negative emotions.
COMPETÊNCIAS ESSENCIAIS COMO FATOR DETERMINANTE DE COMPETITIVIDADE EM AMBIENTES HIPERCOMPETITIVOS: UM ESTUDO DO SETOR DE TELEFONIA CELULAR DE MINAS GERAIS

Em ambientes competitivos e imprescindivel que as empresas inovem continuamente em recursos, capacidades e competencias, para atender rapidamente as constantes demandas do ambiente externo. Segundo alguns autores (HAMEL; PRAHLAD, 1995; HITT; IRELAND; HOSKINSSON, 2001), enquanto a concorrencia nao as imita ou as supera, as competencias essenciais (CE) promovem vantagens competitivas e retornos acima da media que se sustentam. As CE sao entendidas (BARNEY; MUHANNA, 2004; PENG, 2008) como um conjunto de capacidades VRIO (Valiosas, Raras, dificeis de Imitar e que a Organizacao consegue implementar). Em contextos hipercompetitivos, ha evidencias de que uma efetiva lideranca estrategica por meio de CE torna as empresas mais ageis e aptas a um desempenho superior (BARNEY; MUHANNA, 2004; PENG, 2008). Este artigo descreve os resultados de uma pesquisa em empresas do setor de telefonia celular de Minas Gerais, investigando os processos de formulacao e gestao de Competencias Essenciais como fatores determinantes da competicao e da obtencao da lideranca nesse setor. Adotou-se o metodo de estudo multicasos e foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os gerentes das empresas. Verificou-se que as CE sao alvo de grande atencao e preocupacao dos dirigentes das organizacoes, embora nao existam metodologias formais que promovam o seu fomento.
Impedance control of a series elastic drive system added with another actuator

As a driving source of a robot arm in order to achieve a smooth movement at high power and with a minimal size, a series elastic drive system added with another actuator is used in this research. A series elastic mechanism using a torsion bar and a high reduction actuator drives the arm, and the added low reduction actuator reduces the vibration characteristics of the arm according to the response delay of the high-reduction actuator and the elastic system. In order to drive the proposed mechanism described above in low impedance, an impedance control method was adapted to the system. From the results of the simulations and experiments, compared to the response of traditional series elastic driving system and the proposed system, we showed the effectiveness of our proposed system.
Differential pharmacological regulation of drug efflux and pharmacoresistant schizophrenia

Pharmacoresistant schizophrenia is a significant impediment to the successful management of the disease. The expression and function of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) has recently been implicated in this phenomenon. P‐gp is a multidrug efflux transporter that prevents drug substrates from crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Although the direct interaction between individual antipsychotic agents and P‐gp has been demonstrated, the effect of antipsychotic drug combinations used in disease management on P‐gp transport function remains to be elucidated. This could have important clinical implications in some individuals as dosage adjustments based on plasma drug concentration changes may not always be appropriate if drug–drug interactions and the resulting changes in drug concentration in the brain are not considered. This paper introduces the potential impact that combination antipsychotic therapy may have on P‐gp function at the BBB and discusses the consequences of this in the prevention and circumvention of unfavourable therapeutic response in schizophrenic disorders. BioEssays 30:183–188, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long-Lived Memory B-Cell Responses following BCG Vaccination

The role of T-cells in immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection has been extensively studied, however, that of B-cells still remains comparatively unexplored. In this study, we determined the presence and frequencies of mycobacteria-specific memory B-cells (MBCs) in peripheral blood from clinically healthy, Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccinated (n = 79) and unvaccinated (n = 14) donors. Purified protein derivative (PPD)-specific MBCs were present in most donors (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) but their frequencies were significantly higher in vaccinated than in unvaccinated donors. MBCs specific for other mycobacterial antigens [antigen-85A (Ag85A), antigen-85B (Ag85B), 6 kDalton early secretory antigenic target (ESAT-6) and the 10 kDalton-culture filtrate protein (CFP-10)] were less prevalent than those recognising PPD. Furthermore, PPD-specific MBCs were detected in BCG vaccinated donors without ESAT-6 and CFP-10 specific responses. Together, these results indicate that BCG vaccination induces long-lived MBC responses. Similar patterns of response were seen when we examined mycobacteria-specific antibody and T-cell responses in these donors. Our data show for the first time that BCG vaccination elicits long-lived mycobacteria-specific MBC responses in healthy individuals, suggesting a more substantial role of B-cells in the response to BCG and other mycobacterial infections than previously thought.
Application of Recursive Least Squares Algorithm With Variable Forgetting Factor for Frequency Component Estimation in a Generic Input Signal

Signal estimation is important for protection, system study, and control purposes. This paper deals with the application of a modified recursive least squares algorithm, based on a variable forgetting factor, for estimation of frequency components in a generic input signal. Application areas such as synchronization and control in three- and single-phase systems for various grid conditions as well as estimation of harmonic and subsynchronous components will be discussed. Advantages of the proposed method over the available techniques in terms of estimation speed, frequency selectivity, and noise rejection capability will be described. Finally, simulation and experimental results will be used to evaluate the dynamic performance of the proposed method.
Mutual Fund vs. Life Insurance: Behavioral Analysis of Retail Investors

During the post 1990 period, service sector in most of the Asian economies witnessed growth fueled by significant changes in their financial sector. India is now being ranked as one of the fastest growing economy of the world. During last one decade or so, role of Indian insurance and mutual fund industry as a significant financial service in financial market has really been noteworthy. In fact since 1992, a number of research studies have underlined the importance of these two in the Indian capital market environment as important investment vehicles. But the existing ‘Behavioral Finance’ studies on factors influencing selection of mutual fund and life insurance schemes are very few and very little information is available about investor perceptions, preferences, attitudes and behavior. Yet again, perhaps no efforts are made to analyze and compare the selection behavior of Indian retail investors towards mutual funds and life insurances particularly in post-liberalization period. With this background this paper makes an earnest attempt to study the behavior of the investors in the selection of these two investment vehicles in an Indian perspective by making a comparative study.
The Epistemic Function of Narratives and the Globalization of Mental Disorders

The scientific model of mental disorder, which is the foundation of American psychiatry, is easily imperialistic when it is applied globally. This unwarranted extension of power is especially problematic for women, since psychiatry is easily used to deny women discursive and agential power and to ignore social and political contexts for women's suffering. By analyzing the epistemic function of narratives, I argue that the hegemonic power of the scientific narrative is unjustified and often harmful, and that a more accurate and more justly applied understanding of disorder requires accounting for alternative cultural narratives as well.
THE NONEQUIVALENT HEALTH OF HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENTS.

OBJECTIVES Millions of U.S. adults are recipients of the high school equivalency (GED) diploma. Virtually nothing is known about the health of this large group, although literature suggests GED recipients are considerably worse off than high school graduates in numerous economic and social outcomes. We analyze general health among working-age adults with a high school diploma, GED recipients, and high school dropouts. METHODS Ordered and binary logistic models of self-rated health and activity limitations were estimated using data from the 1997-2009 National Health Interview Surveys (N=76,703). RESULTS GED recipients have significantly and substantially worse health than high school graduates, among both sexes. In fact, the GED recipients' health is generally comparable to that of high school dropouts. Health behaviors and economic factors explain a large proportion of the difference but the gap remains significant. CONCLUSIONS In terms of health, adults with a terminal GED are not equivalent to high school graduates. GED recipients report considerably worse general health and activity limitations. The disadvantage is only partly due to the worse economic outcomes and health behaviors; a significant difference remains unexplained and may be due to other, unobserved pathways, or to selection mechanisms.
Commentary - Is the future of "population/public health" in Canada united or divided? Reflections from within the field.

INTRODUCTION "Are population and public health truly a unified field, or is population health simply attaching itself to public health as a means of gaining credibility? " This commentary was prompted by the above question, which was asked during K. L. 's PhD candidacy exam. In response, K. L. cited recent developments in the field to support her conviction that population and public health (PPH) existed positively as a unified discipline. However, through conversations that ensued over the subsequent weeks and months, we concluded that this issue goes deeper than the existence of departments and organizations labelled "population and public health," and may benefit from debate and discussion, particularly for the incoming generation of PPH scholars. In this commentary, we argue that (1) the PPH label at times implies a coherence of ideas, values and priorities that may not be present; (2) it is important and timely to work towards a more unified PPH; and (3) both challenges to and opportunities for a more unified PPH exist, which we illustrate using the broad areas of research funding, the public health workforce and PPH ethics.
Effects of a Probiotic Strain of Enterococcus faecium on the Rate of Natural Chlamydia Infection in Swine

ABSTRACT Chlamydiae are obligately intracellular pathogens which cause infections associated with a broad range of diseases in both livestock and humans. In addition, a large proportion of animals may become persistently infected asymptomatic carriers and serve as reservoirs for other animals which also shed these potential zoonotic pathogens. Reducing the chlamydial load of animals is therefore of major importance, and since large-scale antibiotic treatment is neither desired nor feasible, alternative means of prevention are needed. Here we performed a study comparing the efficacy of a probiotic strain of Enterococcus faecium on the reduction of both the rate of natural infection and the shedding of chlamydiae in swine. The presence of Chlamydiaceae was detected by species-specific PCR of fecal samples of sows taken at three times prior to the birth of piglets. Piglets delivered from chlamydia-positive sows in either the control or the probiotic group were also examined for the frequency of chlamydiae at various ages. Eighty-five percent of the piglets from the control group were found to be chlamydia positive, whereas chlamydiae were found in only 60% of piglets from the probiotic group, results confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistology, which showed higher rates of infection in the control group. In addition to the reduced frequency of chlamydia-positive piglets in the probiotic group, the time of appearance of positive samples was delayed. To our knowledge, these data show for the first time that a probiotic strain of E. faecium can reduce the rate of carryover infections of piglets by obligate intracellular pathogens.
Genome-Wide Association Studies In Plant Pathosystems: Toward an Ecological Genomics Approach

The emergence and re-emergence of plant pathogenic microorganisms are processes that imply perturbations in both host and pathogen ecological niches. Global change is largely assumed to drive the emergence of new etiological agents by altering the equilibrium of the ecological habitats which in turn places hosts more in contact with pathogen reservoirs. In this context, the number of epidemics is expected to increase dramatically in the next coming decades both in wild and crop plants. Under these considerations, the identification of the genetic variants underlying natural variation of resistance is a pre-requisite to estimate the adaptive potential of wild plant populations and to develop new breeding resistant cultivars. On the other hand, the prediction of pathogen's genetic determinants underlying disease emergence can help to identify plant resistance alleles. In the genomic era, whole genome sequencing combined with the development of statistical methods led to the emergence of Genome Wide Association (GWA) mapping, a powerful tool for detecting genomic regions associated with natural variation of disease resistance in both wild and cultivated plants. However, GWA mapping has been less employed for the detection of genetic variants associated with pathogenicity in microbes. Here, we reviewed GWA studies performed either in plants or in pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and oomycetes). In addition, we highlighted the benefits and caveats of the emerging joint GWA mapping approach that allows for the simultaneous identification of genes interacting between genomes of both partners. Finally, based on co-evolutionary processes in wild populations, we highlighted a phenotyping-free joint GWA mapping approach as a promising tool for describing the molecular landscape underlying plant - microbe interactions.
Dynamic Management of Maize Landraces in Central Mexico

Conservationists of crop genetic resources have feared that in situ conservation was not viable for agriculture precisely because of changes resulting from introduction of new varieties of existing crops, new crops, and new farm practices. In addition, conservation within farming systems necessarily implies a constantly changing crop population resulting from the processes of crop evolution. Even though in situ conservation of crop genetic resources is now generally understood to be dynamic, there are few examples of how evolution takes place in farmers fields. This study describes several changes in maize landraces in four communities along an altitude transect in Central Mexico (1200 to 2400 masl). While true modern varieties have not been widely adopted in the study region, farmer management results in numerous changes in maize landrace populations. Five types of dynamic management were observed: (1) purposeful hybridization between traditional and modern maize types, (2) possible creation of a new maize landrace by directional selection of the progeny of hybridization between two traditional landraces, (3) displacement of a local landrace by the introduction of a modern variety and a non-local landrace, (4) maintenance of stable populations of a locally dominant landrace, and (5) market-driven selection for a minor variety. We concur that in situ conservation of crops must be conceived as an open process where the objective is not to maintain historic varieties or static genetic conditions. Rather, in situ conservation of crops is totally in the hands of the farmer, although interventions may be designed to influence farmers’ management of agrobiodiversity.