Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adenosine diphosphate-induced single-platelet count aggregation and bleeding in clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation measured by single-platelet count testing and postoperative blood loss in clopidogrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Clinical study in one cardiac surgery center. PARTICIPANTS Eighty-eight patients treated with clopidogrel (300-600 mg loading dose followed by 75 mg daily) within 7 days before CABG. INTERVENTIONS Platelet function was assessed preoperatively by single-platelet count ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS There was no significant association between ADP-induced platelet aggregation and blood loss 12 hours postoperatively (estimate -7.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -16.9-1.9; p = 0.12). ADP-induced platelet aggregation was associated significantly with the number of platelet concentrates administered within 24 hours after surgery (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98; p<0.01), but not to the number of packed red blood cells (IRR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.95-1.01; p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative ADP-induced platelet aggregation measured by single-platelet count testing in clopidogrel-treated patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing CABG was not associated with postoperative blood loss or packed red blood cells transfused, but was associated significantly with number of platelet concentrates administered during the initial 24 postoperative hours.
Analysis of Narcotic Analgesic Usage in the Treatment of Postoperative Pain

We reviewed 526 medical records of surgical patients and interviewed 81 of these patients. We also sent questionnaires to house staff (57 of 97 responded) and nurses (70 of 142 responded) involved in the care of these patients. A substantial number of patients suffered at least moderate pain during the postoperative period despite analgesic medication. Patients received 70% of the maximal ordered analgesic dose in the first 24 hours. Physicians prescribed drugs in doses that were often inadequate and to be given at inflexible intervals. The optimal doses and duration of action of meperidine, as judged by the house staff and nurses, did not agree with the accepted pharmacologic profile of this drug. ( JAMA 1983;250:926-929)
Metabolic effects of a high-fat diet post-weaning after low maternal dietary folate during pregnancy and lactation.

SCOPE Investigate the influence of low-folate supply during pregnancy and lactation on obesity and markers of the metabolic syndrome in offspring, and how provision of a high-fat diet post weaning may exacerbate the resultant phenotype. METHODS AND RESULTS Female C57Bl/6 mice were randomized to low or normal folate diets (0.4 or 2 mg folic acid/kg diet) prior to and during pregnancy and lactation. At 4 wk of age, offspring were randomized to high- or low-fat diets, weighed weekly and food intake assessed at 9 and 18 wk old. Adiposity was measured at 3 and 6 months. Plasma glucose and triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were measured at 6 months. Maternal folate supply did not influence adult offspring body weight or adiposity. High-fat feeding post weaning increased body weight and adiposity at 3 and 6 months (p > 0.001). Maternal low folate lowered plasma glucose (p = 0.010) but increased plasma TAG (p = 0.048). High-fat feeding post weaning increased plasma glucose and TAG (p = 0.023, p = 0.049 respectively). Offspring from folate-depleted (but not folate-adequate) dams had 30% higher TAG concentration when fed the high-fat diet from weaning (p = 0.005 for interaction). CONCLUSION Inadequate maternal folate intake has long-term effects on offspring metabolism, manifested as increased circulating TAG, particularly in offspring with high-fat intake post weaning.
Does the Metabolic Syndrome Exist?

In response to Davidson (1), who questions whether the metabolic syndrome conveys more risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than that contained in its risk components, I suggest that this debate is partly confused by ambiguity over the issues of prediction versus causation. The argument based on prediction contends that among the diagnostic components of the syndrome (elevated blood pressure, low levels of HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, elevated glucose, and abdominal obesity), most of the predictive power is contained in blood pressure and HDL cholesterol. Therefore, in epidemiological studies, the short-term risk for CVD for the syndrome as a whole, assessed by current …
Vertical Jump and Power

SUMMARY POWER AND JUMPING ABILITY CORRELATE WITH SPORT PERFORMANCE. IMPROVING MAXIMAL FORCE AND/OR VELOCITY INCREASES POWER PRODUCTION, AND THEREFORE THEORETICALLY ENHANCES GAME PLAY. COACHES AND RESEARCHERS ALIKE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BOTH JUMPING SPECIFIC (E.G., PLYOMETRICS) AND NONJUMPING ACTIVITIES (E.G., RESISTANCE TRAINING) FUNCTION AS VALUABLE METHODS OF INCREASING POWER. HOWEVER, THEIR EFFICACY AND MECHANISMS OF ADAPTATION ARE OFTEN ARGUED. THIS ARTICLE PRESENTS A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF VERTICAL JUMPING, POWER, TRAINING MODALITIES AND PROVIDES A SAMPLE 12-WEEK TRAINING CYCLE.
Examining the Effects of Intrauterine and Postnatal Exposure to Tobacco Smoke on Childhood Cognitive and Behavioral Development

David G. Rosenthal, B.A., is a medical student at the New York University School of Medicine. Michael Weitzman, M.D., is a professor of both pediatrics and psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine. International Journal of Mental Health vol. 40, no. 1, Spring 2011, pp. 39–64. © 2011 M.E. Sharpe, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 0020–7411/2011 $9.50 + 0.00. DOI 10.2753/IMH0020-7411400103
Negotiating Therapeutic Boundaries with Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors: Choices in Decision-Making

This qualitative study explored therapeutic boundary processes during individual therapy from the perspectives of adult childhood sexual abuse survivors and therapists. Interviews exploring the context, process, and effects of negotiating boundaries were conducted with 11 survivors (8 female and 3 male) after or upon completing individual therapy, and with 11 therapists (8 female and 3 male) who were working with survivors other than those interviewed in this study. Participants reported that their abilities to negotiate boundary modifications were affected by personal beliefs, such as preconceived ideas about the utility of the boundary, and interpersonal relationships that impinge on both survivors' and therapists' capacities to refuse requests for boundary modifications. Although discussion between survivors and therapists about boundary decisions before they are made may not always preclude negative consequences, participants also stated that it is helpful to understand boundaries in the context of the therapeutic relationship. Implications for practice are discussed.
Improving the Quality and Safety as Well as Reducing the Cost for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: Missing Some Issues?

defect, providing accurate information regarding the spatial relation of the defect during the procedure, and confirming uncomplicated device deployment. 3D TEE technologies allow real-time imaging at a high spatial resolution, provide accurate tracking of catheters and devices, as well as aid in delineating precise cardiac anatomy during interventional procedures. To avoid leaving behind uncovered residual aneurysm, RSOV defects are closed as far as possible near the aortic end. This practice could result in the encroachment of the device onto the aortic valve. 3D TEE is a valuable tool to monitor this aspect as well as assess the degree of aortic regurgitation. It also is crucial in assessing the anatomic and hemodynamic effects related to aneurysm protrusion into the RVOT before and after device deployment. Device impingement onto the coronary ostia could occur, albeit rarely, and a selective angiogram has been suggested to rule out this possibility. Appropriate interrogation of the right coronary artery with 3D TEE could avoid the angiogram, which is fraught with the problem of contrast load, especially in critically ill patients. In this patient, 3D TEE was instrumental in confirming the precise location and dimensions of the defect. Color Doppler identified the residual shunt through the second lesion after the first device was deployed and confirmed the accurate placement of the catheter through the residual fenestration before deployment of the second device. Identification of the course of the right coronary artery by 3D TEE avoided a right coronary angiogram. The aortic valve function could be tracked and the probability of impingement by the devices also was ruled out. 3D TEE allowed safe, effective, and efficient navigation of the devices to the site of the defect while reducing use of fluoroscopy and exposure to contrast. Lastly, 3D TEE confirmed the proper positioning of the 2 devices with a minimal residual shunt. The authors described the successful closure of fenestrations under 3D TEE guidance with 2 devices in a patient with RSOV. Real-time 3D TEE can provide both diagnostic and procedural advantages during cardiac interventions as it is useful in delineating anatomy, guiding catheters, and ensuring closure of defects. 3D TEE is a valuable tool in cardiac interventions as it could improve procedure safety and reduce procedure time and radiation.
Analysis of Finger Position During Two- and Three-Fingered Grasp: Possible Implications for Terminal Device Design

Analysis of human hand motion has been used in the past to justify theoretical designs of terminal devices. The current study assessed normal ranges of motion and finger positions during standardized grasp activities. Seated subjects (n = 7) were asked to grasp simple geometric shapes, one at a time, using either two fingers or three fingers. The objects for this study were chosen based on their shape, size, and mass distribution. Small reflective markers were affixed to the fingers and hand. A six-camera motion analysis system was used to gather marker position data that was modeled as linked segments to calculate joint angles. Thumb position during two and three finger grasp of standard geometric objects was relatively constant using less than half of the available range of motion. Average thumb positions during grasp, across all subjects, were within a 20° total range of motion. The index finger and long finger also used less than 50% of their available total range of motion. The largest variability for articular angular position during grasp was found in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the index and long fingers. In comparison, the hook terminal device had a potential angular range of motion of 70 degrees of opening at a single hinge. The hook achieved a two- or three-point grasp depending on the object geometry relative to the contact surface. The modified hook had the same 70 degree opening as the hook but achieved contact with the object because of passive rotation of secondary articulations. Design criteria for prosthetic terminal devices used specifically for grasping activities might focus on specific aspects of hand motion to reduce complexity or cost of the device.
Classroom Consultants: Colleagues Helping Colleagues.

Faculty development literature describes a wide range of classroom consultant approaches (2, 3). At one end of the spectrum is the comprehensive, multi-service teaching center and at the other end is a single, highly regarded faculty member acting as a teaching consult ant. A newly organized Teaching Effectiveness Com mittee at the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) determined that the campus was not ready for either of these alternatives. Instead, the committee sought a voluntary group of faculty members who would form two-person teams and, after training, become each other's consultants. This would be an initial step in establishing a group of faculty who would be available to assist colleagues interested in strengthening their teaching. This colleague-to-colleague approach is non threatening, requires modest resources, and can be ap plied to a variety of settings for the purpose of initiating teaching improvement.
Designing the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Souls Church-Based Diabetes Prevention Program Through a Participatory Process

Background: The Healthy Bodies, Healthy Souls (HBHS) program aims to reduce diabetes risk among urban African Americans by creating healthy food and physical activity environments within churches. Participant engagement supports the development of applicable intervention strategies by identifying priority concerns, resources, and opportunities. Purpose: We developed a church-based diabetes intervention program using participatory research methods. Methods: Thirteen planning workshops were held with church community members in 3 intervention churches to identify and prioritize foods and behaviors that congregants view as contributing to obesity and diabetes in the church community. Members of the research team moderated the workshops and introduced discussion themes. Results: Prioritized themes included problem foods in the church (fried chicken, soda) and at home (fried chicken, french fries) and healthier alternatives (baked chicken), barriers to healthy eating (time, expensive) and physical activity (commitment, laziness), healthy food-related behaviors (portion control), messages, and media tools to promote change. Discussion: Common findings across churches helped form the basis of the HBHS intervention. Tailoring intervention components to individual churches was necessary due to differences in church size, organizational structure, and resources. Translation to Health Education Practice: A participatory approach facilitated the design of culturally appropriate, potentially sustainable intervention components tailored for implementation in each church.
A dose-response evaluation of freeze-dried strawberries independent of fiber content on metabolic indices in abdominally obese individuals with insulin resistance in a randomized, single-blinded, diet-controlled crossover trial.

SCOPE This study evaluated the dose-response relationship of strawberries, an anthocyanin-rich fruit, on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in individuals with insulin resistance (IR), including changes in plasma anthocyanins, markers of oxidative stress, and inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS In a randomized controlled, four-arm, dose-response, crossover trial, 21 adults with IR consumed a high-carbohydrate, high-fat meal with one of four beverages containing 0 g freeze-dried whole strawberry powder (0g FDS, control), 10, 20, or 40 g FDS, controlled for fiber. Blood was collected at 0 min and at 30 min intervals postmeal until 2 h, then hourly until 6 h. Postmeal insulin concentrations (6 h) were significantly reduced after the 40-g FDS beverage compared to other beverages (p < 0.05). Postmeal 6 h glucose concentrations were not different, although mean insulin:glucose ratio was significantly different among beverages (p < 0.05). Pelargonidin-glucuronide was inversely associated with mean insulin concentrations after the 20 and 40 g FDS (p < 0.05). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein was reduced after 20 g FDS (p < 0.05) and IL-6 was not different among treatments. Strawberry intake reduced the insulin demand to manage postmeal glucose in obese individuals with IR, which was related to plasma anthocyanin/pelargonidin concentrations. CONCLUSION The data support a role of strawberries in improving insulin sensitivity in people with IR.
Association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and telomere length and C‐reactive protein from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey‐1999–2002

SCOPE Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an important biomarker of aging. This study examined whether inflammatory potential of diet, as measured by the Dietary Inflammatory IndexTM (DII) has an impact on telomere shortening in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We also carried out validation of the DII with C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS AND RESULTS Data came from NHANES 1999-2002. LTL and CRP were assayed from leukocyte DNA and serum specimens, respectively. The DII was calculated from food intakes assessed using 24-h dietary recalls and expressed per 1000 calories consumed. Associations were examined using survey-based multivariable linear regression for log-transformed LTL. After multivariable adjustment, higher DII scores (i.e. relatively more pro inflammatory) were associated with shorter LTL both when used as continuous (b = -0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.005, -0.0002) and as quartiles (bDIIquartile4vs1 = -0.013; 95% CI = -0.025, -0.001; Ptrend = .03). In this same sample the DII also was associated with CRP ≥3 mg/L (ORDIIcontinuous = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.16). CONCLUSION In these NHANES data there was an association between DII and LTL. This study also provided a successful construct validation of the DII using CRP in a nationally representative sample. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that diet-associated inflammation determines LTL.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [14 C]sesamin in rats.

SCOPE Sesamin is a major lignan in sesame seeds and has various physiological effects. Although metabolism of sesamin by cytochrome P450 or intestinal microflora has been reported, little is known concerning the mass balance, pharmacokinetics, and tissue distribution of sesamin. METHODS AND RESULTS Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [14 C]sesamin were investigated after a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg in rats. Sesamin was absorbed with peak plasma radioactivity at 1.0 h and declined with a terminal half-life 4.7 h. The cumulative excretion of radioactivity was 37.5 ± 3.1% in urine and 58.7 ± 4.8% in feces. In bile duct-cannulated rats, the cumulative excretion of radioactivity was 66.3 ± 8.4% in bile and 27.8 ± 10.2% in urine. Tissue distribution was investigated using quantitative whole-body autoradiography. Radioactivity was widely distributed over the whole body and was highly detected in the liver and kidney. The metabolites profile was examined using radiochromatography. Sesamin was mainly distributed in the form of conjugate metabolites. CONCLUSIONS Sesamin was absorbed efficiently and distributed over the whole body. In particular, sesamin was highly distributed in the form of the metabolites in the liver and kidney. The results of this study are useful in elucidating the action mechanism of sesamin.
The Distancing-Embracing model of the enjoyment of negative emotions in art reception

Abstract Why are negative emotions so central in art reception far beyond tragedy? Revisiting classical aesthetics in the light of recent psychological research, we present a novel model to explain this much discussed (apparent) paradox. We argue that negative emotions are an important resource for the arts in general, rather than a special license for exceptional art forms only. The underlying rationale is that negative emotions have been shown to be particularly powerful in securing attention, intense emotional involvement, and high memorability, and hence is precisely what artworks strive for. Two groups of processing mechanisms are identified that conjointly adopt the particular powers of negative emotions for art's purposes. The first group consists of psychological distancing mechanisms that are activated along with the cognitive schemata of art, representation, and fiction. These schemata imply personal safety and control over continuing or discontinuing exposure to artworks, thereby preventing negative emotions from becoming outright incompatible with expectations of enjoyment. This distancing sets the stage for a second group of processing components that allow art recipients to positively embrace the experiencing of negative emotions, thereby rendering art reception more intense, more interesting, more emotionally moving, more profound, and occasionally even more beautiful. These components include compositional interplays of positive and negative emotions, the effects of aesthetic virtues of using the media of (re)presentation (musical sound, words/language, color, shapes) on emotion perception, and meaning-making efforts. Moreover, our Distancing-Embracing model proposes that concomitant mixed emotions often help integrate negative emotions into altogether pleasurable trajectories.
Excretion of Avenanthramides, Phenolic Acids and their Major Metabolites Following Intake of Oat Bran

Scope Wholegrain has been associated with reduced chronic disease mortality, with oat intake particularly notable for lowering blood cholesterol and glycemia. To better understand the complex nutrient profile of oats, we studied urinary excretion of phenolic acids and avenanthramides after ingestion of oat bran in humans. Methods and results After a 2‐d (poly)phenol‐low diet, seven healthy men provided urine 12 h before and 48 h after consuming 60 g oat bran (7.8 μmol avenanthramides, 139.2 μmol phenolic acids) or a phenolic‐low (traces of phenolics) control in a crossover design. Analysis by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)–MS/MS showed that oat bran intake resulted in an elevation in urinary excretion of 30 phenolics relative to the control, suggesting that they are oat bran‐derived. Mean excretion levels were elevated between 0–2 and 4–8 h, following oat bran intake, and amounted to a total of 33.7 ± 7.3 μmol total excretion (mean recovery: 22.9 ± 5.0%), relative to control. The predominant metabolites included: vanillic acid, 4‐ and 3‐hydroxyhippuric acids, and sulfate‐conjugates of benzoic and ferulic acids, which accounted collectively for two thirds of total excretion. Conclusion Oat bran phenolics follow a relatively rapid urinary excretion, with 30 metabolites excreted within 8 h of intake. These levels of excretion suggest that bound phenolics are, in part, rapidly released by the microbiota.
Flavonoid‐Rich Apple Improves Endothelial Function in Individuals at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

SCOPE The cardioprotective effects of apples are primarily attributed to flavonoids, found predominantly in the skin. This study aimed to determine if acute and/or chronic (4 weeks) ingestion of flavonoid-rich apples improves endothelial function, blood pressure (BP), and arterial stiffness in individuals at risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS In this randomized, controlled cross-over trial, acute and 4 week intake of apple with skin (high flavonoid apple, HFA) is compared to intake of apple flesh only (low flavonoid apple, LFA) in 30 participants. The primary outcome is endothelial function assessed using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, while main secondary outcomes are 24 h ambulatory BP and arterial stiffness. Other outcomes include fasting serum glucose and lipoprotein profile, plasma heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox-1), F2 -isoprostanes, flavonoid metabolites, and plasma and salivary nitrate (NO3- ) and nitrite (NO2- ) concentrations. Compared to LFA control, the HFA results in a significant increase in FMD acutely (0.8%, p < 0.001) and after 4 weeks chronic intake (0.5%, p < 0.001), and in plasma flavonoid metabolites (p < 0.0001). Other outcomes are not altered significantly. CONCLUSION A lower risk of CVD with higher apple consumption could be mediated by the beneficial effect of apple skin on endothelial function, both acutely and chronically.