Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Can family meals protect adolescents from obesity?].

AIM To analyse the relationship between the frequency of family meals and the body weight of 13-year-olds and its selected determinants. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 2008 as the last stage in a prospective cohort study of 605 children. Questionnaires containing questions about the frequency of family meals, the general regularity of meals, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and the number of hours spent watching television or at the computer were sent to 13-year-olds by mail. School nurses performed anthropometric measurements of the pupils' weight and height. Statistical analyses were performed, i.e. Pearson's correlations, the two-step cluster analysis and the logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Most of the young people (80-90%) eat each of the main meals in the company of their parents at least once a week, 21% have breakfast with their parents every day, 41% - dinner, and 45% - supper. The frequency of family meals correlated negatively with the girls' BMI and the number of hours they spent watching television or at the computer, while positively with physical activity, regular meals and vegetable consumption in adolescents of both genders. The lowest mean values of BMI were found in a group of adolescents often eating family meals, the highest - in the group of young people who rarely ate family meals (over 20% of young people in this group were overweight), but the differences were statistically significant only for girls (p=0.025). The probability of less than 2 hours of sedentary behaviour daily, physical activity of at least 60 minutes per day and everyday vegetable and fruit consumption is twice as high in adolescents often consuming meals with their parents, and with the daily consumption of all the meals in this way - more than fourfold higher than in other groups. CONCLUSIONS Family meals treated as a predictor of a healthy lifestyle can indirectly protect adolescents from overweight and obesity. Promoting family meals should be an important method of preventing obesity, particularly among teenage girls.
Chondral Metaplasia in Calcific Insertional Tendinopathy of the Achilles Tendon

ObjectiveTo ascertain whether tendon samples harvested from patients with calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy showed features of failed healing response, and whether abnormal quantities of type II collagen had been produced in that area by these tenocytes. DesignComparative laboratory study. DesignUniversity teaching hospitals. PatientsTendon samples were harvested from eight otherwise healthy male individuals (average age 47.5±8.4 years, range 38 to 60) who were operated for calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy and from nine male patients who died of cardiovascular events (mean age 63.1±10.9 years) while in hospital. InterventionsOpen surgery for calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Main Outcome MeasureSemi-quantitative histochemical, immunohistochemical, and immunocytochemical methods to ascertain whether tendinopathic tendons were morphologically different from control tendons, and whether abnormal types of collagen were produced. ResultsTenocytes from tendons from patients with calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy exhibit chondral metaplasia, and produce abnormally high quantities of collagen type II and III. ConclusionsThe altered production of collagen may be one reason for the histopathological alterations described in the present study. Areas of calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy have been subjected to abnormal loads. These tendons may be less resistant to tensile forces. Further studies should investigate why some tendons undergo these changes.
Autofluorescence removal using a customized filter set

Quantitative fluorescence microscopy is severely hindered by intrinsic autofluorescence (AF). Endogenous fluorescent molecules in tissue and cell samples emit fluorescence that often dominates signals from specific dyes. This makes AF removal critical to the development and practice of quantitative fluorescence microscopy. In this study, we showed that AF signal could be separated from specific signal using a customized filter set. The filter set used the same excitation and beam splitter as the standard filter set, but the emission filter was red‐shifted 40–60 nm from the peak of the specific dye. This filter set configuration collected mostly AF with minimum contribution from the specific dye. A linear transformation of AF images was required to correct for the difference in exposure and filter configuration. The constants (slope and intercept) in linear transformation were obtained through a pixel to pixel comparison between AF images (no staining) obtained by the standard filter set and the customized AF filter set. After staining of specific dye, the standard filter collecting target dye spectra was used to capture both target signal and AF, whereas customized filter was used to capture only AF. AF removal was accomplished by subtracting the linear transformed AF image from the image obtained from the standard filter. To validate our approach, we examined weak staining of androgen receptor in an AF abundant prostate tissue sample. Our method revealed a similar but cleaner nuclear staining of androgen receptor in a specimen, when compared to a traditional autofluorescence removal method. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1007–1015, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein-mediated adhesion of Lactobacillus acidophilus BG2FO4 on human enterocyte and mucus-secreting cell lines in culture

The adhesion of Lactobacillus acidophilus BG2FO4, a human stool isolate, to two human enterocytelike cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29) and to the mucus secreted by a subpopulation of mucus-secreting HT29-MTX cells was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the bacteria interacted with the well-defined apical microvilli of Caco-2 cells without cell damage and with the mucus secreted by the subpopulation of HT29-MTX cells. The adhesion to Caco-2 cells did not require calcium and involved an adhesion-promoting factor that was present in the spent supernatant of L. acidophilus cultures. This factor promoted adhesion of poorly adhering human Lactobacillus casei GG but did not promote adhesion of L. casei CNRZ 387, a strain of dairy origin. The adherence components on the bacterial cells and in the spent supernatant were partially characterized. Carbohydrates on the bacterial cell wall appeared to be partly responsible for the interaction between the bacteria and the extracellular adhesion-promoting factor. The adhesion-promoting factor was proteinaceous, since trypsin treatment dramatically decreased the adhesion of the L. acidophilus strain. The adhesion-promoting factor may be an important component of Lactobacillus species that colonize the gastrointestinal tract.
An Improved Personalized Collaborative Filterinng Algolrithm in E-Commerce Recommender System

Collaborative filtering recommender systems have become important tools of making personalized recommendations for products or services during a live interaction nowadays. However, there are still some drawbacks and challenges for CF based recommender system such as prediction accuracy, scalability and sparsity. This paper points out that from a certain angle, the predictions these systems produce are not really personalized ones which lead to the above problems. After the analysis of the traditional collaborative filtering algorithm, the authors then proposes a new personalized recommender algorithm based on traditional CF algorithm to improve the recommender system. At last the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed novel algorithm is proved by four experiments using both cosine correlation similarity and Pearson correlation similarity in this paper
Data Envelopment Analysis Development in Banking Sector

Data Envelopment Analysis is a non-linear programming model introduced by Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes in 1978. It is used widely in literature to measure the relative performance of units in several various fields including the banking. The fascinating real life cases and problems needed to be solved, the nature of data and the types of indicators in the banking field makes it one the most popular fields for DEA researchers theoretically and empirically. DEA and its applications have been the subject of several reviews. However, in this paper the authors specifically review the classic and new DEA models and the applications of them in the banking field.
Terms and conditions apply: Fine print and the selling of tourism

The commodification of tourism includes the production and dissemination of words and images used to sell experiences. Tourism marketers use highly visible assurances that the experiences available are pleasurable, safe and convenient. These assurances are projected into a promotion-oriented front region. However, fine print terms and conditions – the rules that define the rights and obligations of tourism providers and consumers – occupy a back region that, in part, runs counter to the impressions fostered in the front region. Tourism marketing, it is argued, involves two mutually supportive domains that drive the sale of tourism: conspicuous (front region) words and images as well as inconspicuous (back region) fine print. A more comprehensive conceptualization of tourism marketing should consider the functions performed by the fine print. The four Ps typically associated with the marketing mix – product, price, promotion and place – are used for the purpose of organizing the analysis of the complexly crafted small type that is often hidden in plain sight but sometimes receives highly publicized scrutiny within a media-generated front region. Fine print terms and conditions (whether successfully obfuscated or the subject of a media expose) are responsible for creating a ‘stipulation surplus’, money earned or saved via the imposition of restrictions. The marketing of tourism involves the making of front region promises tempered by the imposition of back region parameters.
Overview of Extracellular Matrix

The extracellular matrix provides an environment for cells. It is produced, assembled, and modified by cells and in turn, it modifies the functions and behavior of the cells it encounters. The molecules that make up the matrix are diverse in both structure and function. This well‐illustrated unit provides an introduction to the structure and function of the major components of the extracellular matrix and serves as a background for the other units in the chapter, which include protocols for isolation and analysis of individual components. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 57:10.1. 1‐10.1. 16. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structural Breaks, Dynamic Correlations, and Hedge and Safe Havens for Stock and Foreign Exchange Markets in Greater China

This study investigates the dynamic relationship and hedging strategy between stock and foreign exchange markets in Greater China for the period 22 July 2005 to 30 November 2015. Using the DCC‐GARCH model with and without structural breaks, the results provide strong evidence of negative time‐varying correlations between these two markets in Greater China, consistent with the “stock‐oriented” models of exchange rates. Moreover, adding structural breaks reduces the degree of volatility persistence for all considered markets and can provide more accurate hedge and safe haven properties of the US dollar against Greater China stock markets. The findings have several important implications for portfolio risk managers, international investors and policymakers.
Early hemodynamic response to tibial osteotomy in rabbits: Influence of indomethacin and prostaglandin E2

The hemodynamic role of prostaglandins in the inflammatory phase of bone healing was studied on day 4 after creation of a nailed midtibial osteotomy in 40 rabbits, divided into groups of 10, treated with either indomethacin (oral dosage 10 mg/kg), subcutaneous (s.c.) prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) (dosage 1 mg/kg), or PGE2 infusion into the abdominal aorta (rate 20 ng/kg/min) for a 20‐min period immediately before the animals were killed. The last group served as controls. Regional blood flow was measured by means of radioactive microspheres, and plasma volume was assessed by distribution of circulating [125I]fibrinogen. Neither indomethacin nor s.c. PGE2 treatment had any hemodynamic effects in the osteotomy area. PGE2 infusion caused increased blood flow in bone, bone marrow, and muscle of the lower limbs except in the osteotomy area. Thus, the influence of prostaglandins and indomethacin on bone healing of a rabbit midtibial osteotomy does not appear to be a direct vascular effect in the early healing phase.
5-HT 1A receptors and changes in extracellular 5-HT in the guinea-pig prefrontal cortex: involvement in aversive behaviour

The study demonstrates that guinea-pigs handled daily from birth exhibit similar behaviour to rats on the elevated plus maze. Simultaneously performed intra-cortical microdialysis showed that placing guinea-pigs on the elevated plus maze results in an increase in extracellular 5-HT in the frontal cortex. 8-OH-DPAT (0.3 mg/kg s.c.) reduced significantly the increase in cortical extracellular 5-HT and resulted in an 'anxiolytic' profile of behaviour. Pre-treatment with the 5-HT1 antagonist methiothepin (10.0 mg/kg) antagonized the behavioural effects and prevented the increase in cortical extracellular 5-HT normally produced by exposure to the elevated plus maze. Methiothepin alone had no effect on behaviour in the elevated plus maze. 5-CT (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) abolished the rise in extracellular 5-HT, but did not produce an 'anxiolytic' profile of behaviour on the elevated plus maze. The results show that an increase in cortical extracellular 5-HT occurs in the saline- treated guinea-pig exposed to aversive conditions. It remains to be determined whether the 'anxiolytic' effect of 8-OH-DPAT in the guinea-pig is causally associated with decreased basal extracellular 5-HT. The results however indicate that there is no simple relationship between inhibition of 5-HT release and behaviour indicative of 'anxiolytic' drug actions.
Are Human Neurodegenerative Disorders Linked to Environmental Chemicals with Excitotoxic Properties? a

At the present time, it seems unlikely that progressive neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, and dementia of the Alzheimer type, are triggered by environmental agents with excitotoxic potential. These include excitotoxic agents that behave as glutamate agonists or disrupt energy metabolism: both types elicit permanent but self-limiting neuronal diseases with patterns of neuronal deficit that reflect selective chemical exposure (MPP+ and parkinsonism), differential susceptibility to energy dysmetabolism (NPA and dystonia), or the distribution of glutamate-receptors (domoic acid and memory loss). If environmental agents play an etiologic role in progressive neurodegenerative diseases, they are likely to target a critical, irreplaceable neuronal molecule that is required to maintain long-term neuronal integrity.
Connecting Research, Policy and Practice: Praxis-based studies of widening participation in higher education

In this Issue of International Studies in Widening Participation (ISWP) it is my great pleasure to introduce two incoming editors, Dr. Marie-Pierre Moreau and Dr. Nadine Zacharias. They bring with them an impressive range of expertise in both research and practice to enrich the journal’s praxis-based philosophy and scholarly exploration of the many different aspects of widening participation (WP) across all stages of student engagement in higher education (HE). ‘Praxis’based approaches highlight the importance of engaging in iterative, reflexive forms of action/reflection. The overarching aim of ISWP is to find ways to challenge and disrupt entrenched historical educational inequalities, especially those powerful forms which are reproduced through discourses that are often insidious and ‘hidden’ from view, and which therefore often operate through subliminal habits, rather than any overt intention to be limiting and exclusionary.
Comparison of VO2 peak performance on a motorized versus a non-motorized treadmill.

Despite growing popularity of non-motorized treadmills (NMT), little data exist regarding responses during exercise testing utilizing this equipment, which is important when providing an appropriate exercise prescription. The purpose of this study was to evaluate physiological and perceptual responses during peak graded exercise tests (GXT) on a motorized treadmill (MT) vs. NMT. Volunteers (12 M, 12 F; 18-35 yr) performed two peak GXT sessions (one MT, one NMT). Respiratory gases and HR were collected each minute; perceptual response was estimated (Borg's 6-20 RPE scale) during the final 10 seconds of each stage. Peak values (i.e., VO2, HR, speed) were determined during the final 10-seconds of each test; ventilatory threshold (VT) was assessed using the V-slope method. Paired t-tests matching variables measured at each stage of the GXT identified significantly higher values on the NMT forVO2 83% of the time, HR 67% of the time, and RPE 25% of the time. Interestingly though, neither peak VO2 (48.6 ± 9.2 vs. 47.8 ± 8.9 mlkgmin), peak HR (185 ± 9 vs. 188 ± 10 bpm; p = 0.90), nor VT (72.7 ± 5.7 vs. 73.8 ± 5.4%) were significantly different on the NMT versus the MT. However, significant differences were identified between NMT and MT tests for time to exhaustion (9:55 ± 1:49 vs 12:05 ± 2:48; p<0.01) as well as peak speed (8.0 ± 0.9 mph versus 9.2 ± 1.4 mph; p<0.01). Thus, while peak values obtained were similar between testing sessions on the NMT and MT, a majority of submaximal data was significantly different between trials. These differences are important when designing exercise prescriptions utilizing submaximal values from NMT testing that may be inappropriately high or low at corresponding intensities during training.
Beneficial effect of carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients with high-grade carotid stenosis.

BACKGROUND Without strong evidence of benefit, the use of carotid endarterectomy for prophylaxis against stroke rose dramatically until the mid-1980s, then declined. Our investigation sought to determine whether carotid endarterectomy reduces the risk of stroke among patients with a recent adverse cerebrovascular event and ipsilateral carotid stenosis. METHODS We conducted a randomized trial at 50 clinical centers throughout the United States and Canada, in patients in two predetermined strata based on the severity of carotid stenosis--30 to 69 percent and 70 to 99 percent. We report here the results in the 659 patients in the latter stratum, who had had a hemispheric or retinal transient ischemic attack or a nondisabling stroke within the 120 days before entry and had stenosis of 70 to 99 percent in the symptomatic carotid artery. All patients received optimal medical care, including antiplatelet therapy. Those assigned to surgical treatment underwent carotid endarterectomy performed by neurosurgeons or vascular surgeons. All patients were examined by neurologists 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after entry and then every 4 months. End points were assessed by blinded, independent case review. No patient was lost to follow-up. RESULTS Life-table estimates of the cumulative risk of any ipsilateral stroke at two years were 26 percent in the 331 medical patients and 9 percent in the 328 surgical patients--an absolute risk reduction (+/- SE) 17 +/- 3.5 percent (P less than 0.001). For a major or fatal ipsilateral stroke, the corresponding estimates were 13.1 percent and 2.5 percent--an absolute risk reduction of 10.6 +/- 2.6 percent (P less than 0.001). Carotid endarterectomy was still found to be beneficial when all strokes and deaths were included in the analysis (P less than 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Carotid endarterectomy is highly beneficial to patients with recent hemispheric and retinal transient ischemic attacks or nondisabling strokes and ipsilateral high-grade stenosis (70 to 99 percent) of the internal carotid artery.
Single and multiple liver abscesses in adults in Delhi are amoebic in origin: a clinical and microbiological study

Single and multiple liver abscesses in Delhi are predominantly amoebic and must be distinguished from pyogenic abscesses which frequently require drainage. Mixed abscesses are larger, harbouring Gram negative rods. Multiple abscesses are not always pyogenic and presence of bacteria does not imply a primary pyogenic source.
Restoring the phenotype of fragile X syndrome: insight from the mouse model.

A mouse model for the fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited mental retardation, was generated a number of years ago. It shows characteristics compatible with the clinical symptoms of human patients. These include pathological changes such as macroorchidism, behavioral problems, and diminished visuo-spatial abilities. To investigate whether the fragile X syndrome is a potentially correctable disorder, several groups attempted to 'rescue' the knockout mutation by introduction of an intact copy of the FMR1 gene in the knockout mouse. Two different types of rescue mice have been created by injection of constructs based on FMR1 cDNA or on FMR1 genomic DNA. Several pathological, behavioral and cognitive function tests were performed on these two different rescue mouse lines to compare their characteristics with those of the knockout and control littermates. Each rescue line resembled the control in some aspects though neither of the 2 lines was a full 'rescue', e.g. resemble the control in all aspects investigated. Thus, rescue of some aspects of the phenotype has been achieved by introduction of FMR1 constructs in the fragile X knockout mice. The results implicate that, even if FMR1 production is cell type specific, the quantity of the FMRP expression is highly critical as overproduction may have a harmful effect.
Recent Shifts in the Volume, Nature, and Scope of State Immigration Policies in the United States

We conducted a comprehensive categorization of state-level immigration policies from 2005–2014 and described for this period the nature of growth in state-level legislative activity, the ideological directions of the policies pursued, the breadth of topic areas covered, and the influences of states’ geographical location, political party orientation, and historical experiences with immigration. Our assessment shows that while all states actively participated in this area of policy expansion, there also is substantial state-level variation in the underlying principles of implementation. Furthermore, past and current experiences with immigration and political party control of state legislatures, rather than proximity to the U.S. border, shaped the respective policy agendas adopted by states.