Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diabetes-Specific Family Conflict and Blood Glucose Monitoring in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: Mediational Role of Diabetes Self-Efficacy

Abstract Purpose. To determine whether the association between diabetes-specific family conflict and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) frequency is mediated by diabetes self-efficacy. Methods. A total of 276 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (aged 15.6 ± 1.4 years; duration of diabetes 6.6 ± 1.8 years; A1C 8.9 ± 1.8%) completed measures of diabetes-specific family conflict and self-efficacy. Sociodemographic, family, and disease characteristics (including SMBG frequency and glycemic control) were obtained at the clinic visit. Results. Multivariate analyses were used to test the mediational role of self-efficacy. The first model established that family conflict was associated with lower levels of self-efficacy. The second model established that increased family conflict was associated with lower SMBG frequency. In the third model, self-efficacy was added, and the effect of family conflict on SMBG frequency became less significant (P = 0.001 to P = 0.03). The indirect effect of family conflict on SMBG frequency through diabetes self-efficacy was significant (Sobel = 2.10, P = 0.035) and explained 22% of the association between family conflict and SMBG frequency. Conclusions. Results confirm a partial mediational role of diabetes self-efficacy and suggest that a family environment characterized by conflict may also contain poorer self-efficacy in the adolescent. In these cross-sectional analyses, both variables contributed to less frequent SMBG. Future longitudinal research to confirm these relationships and potential avenues for intervention are discussed.
Transport between Two Fluids across Their Mutual Flow Interface: The Streakline Approach

Mixing between two different miscible fluids with a mutual interface must be initiated by fluid transporting across this fluid interface, caused for example by applying an unsteady velocity agitation. In general, there is no necessity for this physical flow barrier between the fluids to be associated with extremal or exponential attraction as might be revealed by applying Lagrangian coherent structures, finite-time Lyapunov exponents or other methods on the fluid velocity. It is shown that streaklines are key to understanding the breaking of the interface under velocity agitations, and a theory for locating the relevant streaklines is presented. Simulations of streaklines in a cross-channel mixer and a perturbed Kirchhoff's elliptic vortex are quantitatively compared to the theoretical results. A methodology for quantifying the unsteady advective transport between the two fluids using streaklines is presented.
GDNF and RET-Gene Expression in Anterior Pituitary-Cell Types.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is expressed in many neuronal and non-neuronal tissues during development as well as in adult animals. GDNF signaling is mediated through a two-component system consisting of the so called GDNF receptor-alfa (GFRα1) which binds to GDNF. Thereafter this complex binds to and activates the tyrosine kinase receptor RET. In this work, for the first time, we have characterized the expression of both GDNF and RET in the anterior pituitary. First of all, RT-PCR analysis, Western blot and immunohistochemistry of the whole anterior pituitary showed that GDNF, GFRα1 and RET are expressed in this gland. Following double-immunofluorescence of consecutive sections we found GDNF immunoreactivity in most cell types, and it was most abundant in corticotrophs (55%), LH (59%) and FSH-producing cells (81%). In contrast, while the majority of somatotrophs (87%) were stained for RET, no positive immunostaining could be detected in other cell types. Taken together, this data in.
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Type I Receptor Messenger Ribonucleic Acid and Protein Levels in the Ovine Fetal Pituitary: Ontogeny and Effect of Chronic Cortisol Administration.

In sheep, the ACTH secretory response to CRH in vivo or in vitro changes as a function of development, with peak responses occurring several weeks before term (145 days of gestation). CRH-stimulated ACTH secretion is mediated via the G protein-coupled CRH type I (CRH R1) receptor. We used a quantitative ribonuclease protection assay and Western immunoblotting to determine messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of the CRH R1 receptor in immature and mature fetuses and adults. In addition, we precociously elevated fetal plasma cortisol levels to determine whether the fetal CRH R1 receptor is sensitive to increases in plasma cortisol. CRH R1 receptor mRNA levels decreased markedly throughout gestation and into the transition to adult life (immature fetus, 1.24 ± 0.17; mature fetus, 0.75 ± 0.13; adult, 0.18 ± 0.093 pg/μg total anterior pituitary RNA). Also, continuous cortisol infusion in immature fetuses significantly decreased CRH R1 mRNA levels by 41%. Similar decreases were noted in protein levels. Thus,.
Human papillomavirus vaccine acceptability among parents of 10- to 15-year-old adolescents.

Objective. To determine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance among parents of 10- to 15-year-old adolescents. Materials and Methods. Five hundred seventy-five parents or guardians completed a 30-question survey regarding their knowledge of HPV and acceptance of an HPV vaccine. Afterward, subjects read an HPV educational fact sheet and completed a 26-question survey. Results were compared using the χ2 test, analysis of variance, and McNemar's test. Results. More than 60% of subjects had a general understanding of HPV. Parents opposed to the HPV vaccine were more likely to believe it would promote earlier initiation of coitus compared with parents supportive or undecided about vaccination (24%, 9%, and 6%, respectively; p = .003). Of the subjects initially opposed to or undecided about the HPV vaccine, 37% and 65%, respectively, supported HPV vaccination after an educational intervention. Conclusions. A brief educational intervention significantly improved parent's acceptance of the HPV vaccine. The negative impact of an HPV vaccine perceived as condoning early initiation of sexual intercourse seems to be minimal.
Detection of Estrogen Receptor-β Messenger Ribonucleic Acid and 125I-Estrogen Binding Sites in Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Neurons of the Rat Brain.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) neurons of the forebrain play a pivotal role in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. Although serum estrogen levels influence many aspects of LHRH neuronal activity in the female, earlier studies were unable to detect estrogen receptors (ERs) within LHRH neurons, thus shaping a consensus view that the effects of estradiol on the LHRH neuronal system are mediated by interneurons and/or the glial matrix. The present studies used dual-label in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) and combined LHRH-immunocytochemistry/125I-estrogen binding to readdress the estrogen-receptivity of LHRH neurons in the female rat. In ISHH experiments we found that the majority of LHRH neurons exhibited hybridization signal for the “β” form of ER (ER-β). The degree of colocalization was similar in topographically distinct populations of LHRH neurons and was not significantly altered by estradiol (67.2±1.8 % in ovariectomized and 73.8±4.2 % in ovariectomized and estradiol-tre.
Derivation and Validation of a Mathematical Model for Predicting the Response to Exogenous Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (GH) in Prepubertal Children with Idiopathic GH Deficiency

Postmarketing surveillance studies of recombinant human GH therapy, such as the Kabi Pharmacia International Growth Study (KIGS; Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., International Growth Database), have accumulated extensive data concerning the characteristics and growth outcomes of children with various causes of short stature. These data provide an opportunity to analyze the factors that determine responsiveness to GH and allow the development of disease-specific growth prediction models. We undertook a multiple regression analysis of height velocity (centimeter per yr) with various patient parameters of potential relevance using data from a cohort of 593 prepubertal children with idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD) from the KIGS database. Our aim was to produce models that would have practical utility for predicting prepubertal growth during each of the first 4 yr of GH replacement therapy. These models were validated by a prospective comparison of predicted and observed growth outcomes in an additional 3 cohorts of p.
The Authors' Response

developed the disease while on INH prophylaxis harboured INH-resistant organisms. More than 20% ofM. tuberculosis isolates from this region of India were found to be resistant to INH in a recent report (3). While INH should still be used as part of multi-drug treatment regimen in patients with isolated INH-resistantTB (4), its role as a prophylactic agent is likely to be of questionable bene¢t if prevalence of INH-resistant strains in a given geographical region is high.The decision to initiate long-term INH prophylaxis is not a trivial one. In fact, compliance in such cases needs to be monitored closely to prevent emergence of drug-resistant bacilli. Empirical treatment based on sputum microscopy for AAFB is justi¢ed in individual cases. However, study designs for the purpose of trials need to be more robust so as to draw valid conclusions.
Minireview: Neuroprotective Effects of Estrogen-New Insights into Mechanisms of Action.

An accumulating body of evidence clearly establishes that estradiol is a potent neuroprotective and neurotrophic factor in the adult: it influences memory and cognition, decreases the risk and delays the onset of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, and attenuates the extent of cell death that results from brain injuries such as cerebrovascular stroke and neurotrauma. Thus, estradiol appears to act at two levels: 1) it decreases the risk of disease or injury; and/or 2) it decreases the extent of injury incurred by suppressing the neurotoxic stimulus itself or increasing the resilience of the brain to a given injury. During the past century, the average life span of women has increased dramatically, whereas the time of the menopause has remained essentially constant. Thus, more women will live a larger fraction of their lives in a postmenopausal, hypoestrogenic state than ever before. Clearly, it is critical for us understand the circumstances under which estradiol exerts protective actions a.
On the cycle structure of the product of random maximal cycles

The subject of this paper is the cycle structure of the random permutation $\sigma$ of $[N]$, which is the product of $k$ independent random cycles of maximal length $N$. We use the character-based Fourier transform to study the number of cycles of $\sigma$ and also the distribution of the elements of the subset $[\ell]$ among the cycles of $\sigma$.
New Volume Change Mechanism Using Metal Bellows for Buoyancy Control Device of Underwater Robots

We propose a new volume change mechanism using a metal bellows for a buoyancy control device of underwater robots and vehicles. Our proposed buoyancy control method utilizes the volume change caused by the phase-change of materials. We chose paraffin wax as a phase-change material because its volume change exceeds other candidates. Our proposed device consists of a metal bellows and an aluminum housing that contains paraffin wax and water. The paraffin wax is heated and cooled by a nichrome wire and a peltier device. We conducted two experiments and confirmed that the heat sink in the aluminum housing increases the speed of the buoyancy change and that the thickness of the air layer is crucial for efficient insulating. Then, we built a prototype robot with the four devices and confirmed that the robot can change its buoyancy up to its maximum value.
Impacto de una intervención de autoevaluación clínica sobre la adecuación de la estancia hospitalaria

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de una intervencion sobre la proporcion de estancias inapropiadas (EI), para contrastar la hipotesis de que una intervencion sencilla de informacion y participacion (adeQhos®) permite reducir la proporcion de EI. Metodo: Estudio pre/postintervencion mediante el cuestionario «adeQhos®», que compara 2 grupos experimentales (medicina, cirugia) y 2 grupos control (otras especialidades medicas, cirugia ortopedica y traumatologia), en 10 hospitales de agudos de Cataluna. Los mismos revisores evaluaron la adecuacion mediante el Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol, antes y despues de la intervencion. Resultados: Se revisaron 1.594 estancias antes de la intervencion y 1.495 despues. El 41,1% de todas las estancias revisadas (dia previo al alta) resultaron inapropiadas. La intervencion se realizo sobre 4.613 estancias. Hubo un incremento significativo de EI en el grupo control de medicina (del 39,7 al 48,6%), mientras que en los grupos de intervencion no se observo ninguna disminucion (en medicina del 46,7 al 50,6%, y en cirugia del 27,2 al 31,2%). Sin embargo, la correlacion entre la intensidad de la intervencion y las diferencias de EI antes y despues fue de r = -0,373 (p = 0,106). La intensidad de la intervencion fue desigual en los diferentes hospitales; en los que presentaban una intensidad de intervencion > 60% el porcentaje de EI disminuyo 10,7 puntos en medicina y 4,8 en cirugia, mientras que en los grupos control aumento. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de EI en el dia previo al alta en los hospitales estudiados fue considerablemente alta (del 41,1%). No se observo ninguna reduccion significativa de la inadecuacion hospitalaria tras una intervencion de baja intensidad.
Mammary Gland Development in Adult Mice Requires Epithelial and Stromal Estrogen Receptor α.

Complete mammary gland development takes place following puberty and depends on the estrogen receptor (ER)α and the progesterone receptor (PR) and is tightly regulated by the interaction of the mammary epithelium with the stromal compartment. Studies using mammary tissues of immature mice have indicated that stromal but not epithelial ERα is required for mammary gland growth. This study investigates whether these same tissue growth requirements of neonate tissue are necessary for mammary development and response in adult mice. Mammary epithelial cells were isolated from adult mice with a targeted disruption of the ERα gene (αERKO) or from wild-type counterparts and injected into epithelial-free mammary fat pads of 3-wk-old female αERKO or wild-type mice. Ten weeks after cell injection, analysis of mammary gland whole mounts showed that both stromal and epithelial ERα were required for complete mammary gland development in adult mice. However, when the mice were treated with high doses of estradiol (E2) an.
Guided Waves in a Photonic Bandgap Structure with a Line Defect

Numerical simulations have shown that when a line of defects is introduced into a photonic bandgap structure, waves can be guided along the line. It has been conjectured that the mechanism responsible for the guidance phenomenon is the introduction of a spectrum in the bandgap by the defect. The purpose of this work is to give a mathematical framework for understanding this phenomenon. We show that there exist solutions of the scalar wave equation that is localized near the line defects that behave like guided modes. Moreover, these solutions can be parameterized by a frequency spectrum that is continuous and can cover parts of the original bandgap. The frequency of the guided modes depends on a wave number parameter and can be interpreted as a dispersion relation. We illustrate the main findings of the investigation in a numerical example.
Successful conservative management in placenta previa percreta involving urinary bladder

Background: Placenta Previa Percreta is a potentially life-threatening obstetric condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to management. The incidence of placenta accrete/percreta has been increased now and seems to parallel the increasing caesarean section (CS) rate. Case Presentation: This is a case of morbidly adherent placenta successfully managed conservatively. The patient was G 3 P 2 L 2 with previous 2 lower segment caesarean sections (CS), antenatally diagnosed to be anterior placenta previa with placenta percreta. Elective classical CS followed by post op bilateral uterine artery embolization was done for this case. She required only 2 blood transfusions peri-operatively. The baby was fine. She required re-embolization after 5 weeks for hematuria due to bladder invasion of placenta percreta. Serum beta hCG value became normal after 18-20 weeks. She is doing well with normal menstrual cycle 1 year after classical caesarean section. Conclusion: Conservative management of placenta previa percreta, especially when involving bladder even if fertility preservation is not the concern, should be preferred over caesarean hysterectomy if facilities are available.
Competitive Exclusion and Coexistence of Multiple Strains in an SIS STD Model

In this paper we give a rather complete analysis for a two-sex, susceptible-infective-susceptible (SIS) sexually transmitted disease (STD) model with two competing strains, where the females are divided into two different groups based on their susceptibility to two distinct pathogenic strains. We investigate the existence and stability of the boundary equilibria that characterize the competitive exclusion of the two competing strains; we also investigate the existence and stability of the positive coexistence equilibrium, which characterizes the possibility of coexistence of the two strains. We obtain sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence and global stability of these equilibria. We verify that there is a strong connection between the stability of the boundary equilibria and the existence of the coexistence equilibrium---that is, there exists a unique coexistence equilibrium if and only if the boundary equilibria both exist and have the same stability. This coexistence is globally stable o.
Emerging Roles for MicroRNAs in Diabetic Microvascular Disease: Novel Targets for Therapy

Chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation and impaired microvascular function are critical hallmarks in the development of insulin resistance. Accordingly, insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Accumulating studies demonstrate that restoration of impaired function of the diabetic macro- and microvasculature may ameliorate a range of cardiovascular disease states and diabetes-associated complications. In this review, we focus on the emerging role of microRNAs (miRNAs), noncoding RNAs that fine-tune target gene expression and signaling pathways, in insulin-responsive tissues and cell types important for maintaining optimal vascular homeostasis and preventing the sequelae of diabetes-induced end organ injury. We highlight current pathophysiological paradigms of miRNAs and their targets involved in regulating the diabetic microvasculature in a range of diabetes-associated complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, wound healing, and myocardial injury. We provide an update of the potential use of circulating miRNAs diagnostically in type I or type II diabetes. Finally, we discuss emerging delivery platforms for manipulating miRNA expression or function as the next frontier in therapeutic intervention to improve diabetes-associated microvascular dysfunction and its attendant clinical consequences.
Paternal skeletal size predicts intrauterine bone mineral accrual.

BACKGROUND We have previously demonstrated that maternal body build and lifestyle factors predict neonatal bone mineral accrual. However, the paternal determinants of neonatal bone mass are not known. In this study we explored the relationship between a father's bone mass and that of his offspring. METHODS A total of 278 pregnancies (142 male and 136 female neonates) were recruited from the Southampton Women's Survey, a unique, well-established cohort of women, aged 20-34 yr, who had been assessed before and during pregnancy. The neonates and their fathers underwent whole body dual-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) within 2 wk of birth using a Lunar DPX (General Electric Corp., Madison, WI) and Hologic Discovery instrument (Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA), respectively; correlation and regression methods were used to explore the parental determinants of neonatal bone mass. RESULTS After adjusting the paternal DXA indices for father's age and the neonatal for baby's gestational age and age at DXA scan, there were highly significant positive associations between baby's whole body bone area, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density and the corresponding indices in the father (P = 0.003, 0.0002, 0.046, respectively) among female infants. These relationships were independent of maternal height and fat stores. The associations for male infants with paternal DXA indices did not achieve statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The father's skeletal size predicts skeletal size more strongly in female than male offspring, independently of the mother's body build. These data point toward the importance of considering paternal genotype in studies exploring the developmental origins of osteoporotic fracture and raise intriguing mechanistic questions about the gender specificity of influences on intrauterine bone mineral accrual.
Contending with the challenges of HIV: a first-hand account

Douglas D Richman speaks to Jacob McCarthy, Commissioning Editor Douglas D Richman is Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD; CA, USA), and the Florence Seeley Riford Chair in AIDS Research. He additionally directs both the Center for AIDS Research at UCSD and the UCSD AIDS Research Institute. He is currently a staff physician at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. He received his MD from Stanford (CA, USA) in 1970, having focused on infectious disease and medical virology, and worked at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (MD, USA), and Harvard Medical School (MA, USA) before joining the UCSD in 1976. Although his initial research interests included such topics as influenza and herpesviruses, for the past 25 years he has focused on HIV and its pathogenesis, with the highlights of this research including the first identification of HIV drug resistance and the joint-first report of HIV latency in CD4 cells. His current resear.