Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
All-cause mortality risk as a function of sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness

ABSTRACT Objective: Emerging work demonstrates individual associations of sedentary behavior, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on mortality risk. Limited research has evaluated all three of these parameters in a model when considering mortality risk, and their potential additive association on mortality risk has not been fully evaluated, which was the purpose of this study. Methods: Data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 2,295 adults 20–85 yrs), with follow-up through 2011. Sedentary behavior and MVPA were objectively assessed (accelerometry) with cardiorespiratory estimated from a prediction equation taking into consideration participant demographic, anthropometric and behavioral characteristics. Using the median values, a PACS (Physical Activity Cardiorespiratory Sedentary) score was created that ranged from 0–3, indicating the number of these three positive characteristics. Results: Those with below median sedentary behavior did not have a reduced all-cause mortality risk (HR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.34–1.04; P = 0.07), but those with above median MVPA (HR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.15–0.82; P = 0.02) and above median CRF did (HR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09–0.43; P < 0.001). Compared to those with a PACS score of 0, those with a PACS score of 1, 2, and 3, respectively, had a 67% (HR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17–0.63, P = 0.002), 82% (HR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.05–0.30; P < 0.001) and 96% (HR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.02–0.11; P < 0.001) reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Conclusion: Cardiorespiratory fitness and MVPA, but not sedentary behavior, were independently associated with reduced mortality risk. Adults with all three characteristics (below median sedentary and above median MVPA and CRF), however, had the lowest mortality risk.
An analysis of the geographic distribution of recently graduated dentists from the University of Western Australia: The world’s most isolated dental school

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the geographic distribution of all new dentists who graduated over a period of six years. Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, is one of the world’s most isolated cities, with a population of approximately 1.6 million people, situated over 2000km from its nearest next major capital city. It has a single dental school graduating between 25 and 50 graduates per year. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Western Australia. Method: Using data from open access sources, the practice locations of dental graduates from 2004–2009 were located. All practice locations were mapped against variables such as entry type (standard and non-standard) and year of graduation using ArcGIS, and the distribution was analyzed based on a concentric boundary approach, using the dental school as the centre point. Results: Over the period of six years, there were 228 graduates with an almost equal proportion of males (49%) and females. In total, 83% of all local graduates continue to practice in the state of Western Australia. Around 15% of recent graduates (last two years) and 35% of experienced graduates (five and six years post-graduation) work within the 10km radius of their dental school. Over a period of six years, approximately 20% of the non-standard graduates and 30% of the standard graduates practice dentistry in more urbanized areas associated with the place of graduation. Conclusion: An apparent association exists between graduation year, type of enrollment and practice location, with a larger proportion of standard graduates working in urbanized areas than their non-standard counterparts.
The Potential Impact of Discrimination Fears of Older Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgender Individuals Living in Small- to Moderate-Sized Cities on Long-Term Health Care

ABSTRACT As an exploration of the potential impact of fears of discrimination against GLBTs in long-term health care settings, this study compared perceptions of GLBT persons and heterosexuals. A total of 132 GLBT persons and 187 heterosexuals living in Eastern Washington completed a survey that contained demographic questions and perceptions of discrimination in long-term care settings. Most respondents suspected that staff and residents of care facilities discriminate against GLBTs. GLBT respondents who believed that residents of care facilities are victims of discrimination were more likely to believe that they would have to hide their sexual orientation if admitted to a care facility. GLBT respondents were more likely than heterosexual respondents to believe that GLBTs do not have equal access to health care and social services, that GLBTs residents of care facilities are victims of discrimination, that GLBT sensitivity training programs would benefit staff and residents of care facilities, and that GLBT retirement facilities would be a positive development for older GLBTs. This study is offered as a preliminary investigation of concerns about GLBT discrimination in health care settings, how concerns are expressed, and the implications of those concerns for health care needs.
Sexual Orientation and Quality of Life Among University Students from Cuba, Norway, India, and South Africa

This article explores quality-of-life aspects among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and straight male and female students in Havana (Cuba), Tromsø (Norway), Hisar (India), and Cape Town (South Africa). In the period 2004–2005, a questionnaire survey on sexuality, happiness, and life satisfaction was undertaken among 339 students from the University of Havana, 144 students from the University of Tromsø, 200 students from Guru Jambheswar University, and 189 students from the University of the Western Cape. The majority of the participants were straight and, in Hisar and Cape Town, few of those who regarded themselves as gay/lesbian/bisexual had engaged in sex with a person of the same gender. In all cities, straight men and women scored higher than gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons on the quality-of-life measures. Quality of life among gay/bisexual men and lesbian/bisexual women was higher in cultures with accepting attitudes toward homosexuality than in cultures with restrictive attitudes.
Evaluation of ultrasound measurements of fat thickness and longissimus muscle area in feedlot cattle: Assessment of accuracy and repeatability

Data from two cattle feeding trials were used to estimate accuracy and repeatability of ultrasound measurements of 12–13th rib fat thickness and longissimus muscle area. In each trial, images from the last scan prior to slaughter were interpreted by two certified technicians. Each technician interpreted the image of each steer twice on two different days. Overall technician biases for ultrasound measurements of fat thickness and longissimus muscle area were −0.17 cm and 0.63 cm2, respectively. Mean bias in measurement of fat thickness by the two technicians was similar in amount and direction (−0.14 cm vs. −0.20 cm); however, bias in the measurement of longissimus muscle area by the two technicians took an opposite direction (−1.28 cm2 vs. 2.54 cm2). Repeatability of ultrasound-measured fat thickness was the same for both technicians (0.96 to 0.97). However, measurements of technician A showed a better repeatability (0.92) than technician B (0.79) for ultrasound-measured longissimus muscle area. Generally.
Animal evolution during domestication: the domesticated fox as a model

We review the evolution of domestic animals, emphasizing the effect of the earliest steps of domestication on its course. Using the first domesticated species, the dog (Canis familiaris), for illustration, we describe the evolutionary peculiarities during the historical domestication, such as the high level and wide range of diversity. We suggest that the process of earliest domestication via unconscious and later conscious selection of human‐defined behavioral traits may accelerate phenotypic variations. The review is based on the results of a long‐term experiment designed to reproduce early mammalian domestication in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes) selected for tameability or amenability to domestication. We describe changes in behavior, morphology and physiology that appeared in the fox during its selection for tameability, which were similar to those observed in the domestic dog. Based on the data of the fox experiment and survey of relevant data, we discuss the developmental, genetic and possible molecular genetic mechanisms underlying these changes. We ascribe the causative role in evolutionary transformation of domestic animals to the selection for behavior and to the neurospecific regulatory genes it affects.
Discrimination and Victimization: Parade for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride, in Chile

This article describes the population participating in the LGBT Pride Parade in Santiago, Chile, from discrimination and victimization standpoints. The sample consisted of 488 subjects older than 18 years (M = 25.1), who were interviewed during the 2007 event. For this purpose, a questionnaire from the Latin American Centre of Sexuality and Human Rights (CLAM) was adapted and administered. Approximately 35% of respondents reported having experimented school, religious, or neighborhood discrimination. The more discriminated are transgender people. Approximately three fourths of respondents reported experiencing ridicule and almost 60% reported experiencing insults or threats. Transgender were significantly more likely than gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals to experience discrimination or victimization events. Finally, the parade acquired an important social and political character in the context of a clearly homophobic society.
Immediate implant placement in conjunction with a DFDBA graft and resorbable membrane: A 1-10 year retrospective clinical study

Context: The use of immediate post-extraction implants presents several advantages in terms of reduction of surgical steps and time required to conclude the therapy. Particularly important is the possibility to minimize the bone loss that otherwise would occur in the physiologic healing of the alveolus. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate immediate implants placed with DFDBA grafts and resorbable membrane over a 10-year period based on parameters of stability, success rate, esthetics and functional integrity to evaluate predictability of this surgical technique. Settings and Design: Unicenteric, randomized clinical study. Methods and Materials: From Jan 1995 to Jan 2005, 81 immediate extraction implants were placed for 68 patients. 75 Stepped screw Frialit2, Friadent, Gmbh, Mannheim, Germany) implants and 7 Straight, Swiss-Plus self-tapping threaded implants (Zimmer, Centrepulse) were placed. Observation period ranged from minimum 6 months to maximum 10 years. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and One-way Anova test were used for assessing survival rates by comparing various variables like bone quality, bone quantity, implant sizes, implant site and problems encountered during and after surgery. Results: The 10-year survival rate was 98.76%. Majority of the implants placed showed diameter and length equal to or more than root size. Conclusions: Immediate implant placement has helped solve issues with regard to bone quantity, quality and esthetics as also treatment time, as opposed to delayed implant placement. Needless to mention is the instant gratification it provides the patient.
Akute myeloische Leukämie bei Kindern mit Down-Syndrom

: Forty-four children, aged between 0.4 and 16.2 years (median 2.0 years) with Down's syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) including subacute megakaryoblastic leukemia (M7) were diagnosed between 1980 and 1986 (group 1, n = 16) or between 1987 and 1992 (group 2, n = 28). The leukemic blasts from Down's syndrome patients often proved difficult to classify. In group 1 the most frequent diagnoses were FAB M5 (6 pts.), M6 (3 pts.), in 3 patients the morphological diagnosis of M7 can retrospectively be assumed. In group 2, 15 of 28 patients were classified as M7, in 3 patients based on morphology alone, and in the other 12 patients confirmed by immunophenotyping or biopsy. The other children in group 2 were classified as: FAB M0 (3 pts.), M1 (1 pt.), M4 (2 pts.), M5 (2 pts.), M6 (4 pts.), M6/M7 (1 pt.). Initially, the latter and 10 of the patients with M7 presented with < 30% of blasts in the bone marrow. Karyotyping in 12 of 13 children frequently revealed numeric abnormalities, particularly trisomies involving chromosomes 8 (n = 6), 11 (n = 3), 21 (n = 3) and 14 (n = 1) in addition to the constitutional + 21c. Six patients in group 1 received no specific treatment, while 10 children were treated according to the protocols AML-BFM-78 or -83. Four of them are still alive for more than 5 years, two others died from infections in remission after 1.0 and 3.8 years. Fourteen of the 28 patients in group 2 did not receive any chemotherapy (10 with M7), and subsequently died. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: towards understanding its cellular origin

B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL) is a clonal malignant disease originated in a single cell and characterized by the accumulation of blast cells that are phenotypically reminiscent of normal stages of B‐cell differentiation. B‐ALL origin has been a subject of continuing discussion, given the fact that human disease is diagnosed at late stages and cannot be monitored during its natural evolution from its cell of origin, although most B‐ALLs probably start off with chromosomal changes in haematopoietic stem cells. However, the cells responsible for maintaining the disease appear to differ between the different types of B‐ALLs and this remains an intriguing and exciting topic of research, since these cells have been posited to be responsible for resistance to conventional therapies, recurrence and dissemination. During the last years this problem has been addressed primarily by transplantation of purified subpopulations of human B‐ALL cells into immunodeficient mice. The results from these different reconstitution experiments and their interpretations are compared in this review in the context of normal B‐cell developmental plasticity. While the results from different research groups might appear mutually exclusive, we discuss how they could be reconciled with the biology of normal B‐cells and propose research avenues for addressing these issues in the future.
A Case of Anti-GQ1b-Positive Atypical Miller Fisher Syndrome With Pupil Involvement

Purpose: To report a case of atypical Miller Fisher syndrome with pupil involvement. Case summary: An 18-year-old woman visited our clinic with a headache and blurred vision. Ophthalmic examination revealed a corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes, with both pupils dilated to 7.5 mm. There was a loss of light reflex and near reflex in both eyes. Ocular motor examination revealed bilateral abduction, and supraduction limitation, and mild adduction limitation. Neurological examination demonstrated hyporeflexia without ataxia. Brain CT, brain MRI, nerve conduction test, CSF study, and thyroid function tests were normal. The serologic anti-GQ1b IgG test was positive. Conclusions: We confirmed a case of atypical Miller Fisher syndrome with an anti-GQ1 antibody test that had pupil involvement, areflexia, and acute ophthlamoparesis.
Adenosine A2 receptor‐mediated excitation of a subset of AH/Type 2 neurons and elevation of cAMP levels in myenteric ganglia of guinea‐pig ileum

Abstract The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that excitatory A2 and inhibitory A1 receptors coexist on myenteric AHIType 2 neurons, and are positively coupled to adenylate cyclase to stimulate cAMP formation. The A2 agonists NECA and CGS 21680 increased excitability and depolarized the membrane in 40% of 71 AH/Type 2 neurons. In the remainder, the agonists depressed excitability and hyperpolarized the neurons. In 13% of neurons, A2 agonists caused a concentration‐dependent depolarization at nanomolar concentrations, followed by hyperpolarization at higher concentrations. CGS 21680 (EC50=0.15 nM) was 133‐fold more potent than NECA (EC50= 20 nM) in depolarizing AH/Type 2 neurons. The A1 agonist, CCPA, caused hyperpolarization and depressed excitability in more than 90% of neurons. The potency profile of agonists for depolarization was CGS 21680 ≫ NECA ≫> CCPA. NECA augmented at nanomolar and inhibited at micromolar concentrations, excitatory depolarizing responses to forskolin in AH/Type 2 neurons; whereas, CCPA only inhibited the action of forskolin. In parallel studies on enzymatically dissociated myenteric ganglia, when the ganglia were exposed to priming concentrations of forskolin (5 μM) in the presence of Ro‐20 1724, NECA enhanced the stimulatory action of forskolin on CAMP formation. This effect was abolished by the adenosine receptor antagonist DPSPX. The potency of NECA for stimulation of adenylate cyclase equalled that for depolarization of the AH/Type 2 neurons. The results suggest that high affinity excitutory A2 receptors are coupled to adenylate cyclase in a minority subset of AH/Type 2 myenteric neurons, and that inhibitory A1 and excitatory A2 receptors are co‐localized on some AH/Type 2 neurons.
Keratosis Pilaris and Scarring Alopecia

REPORT OF A CASE A 28-year-old white man was referred for evaluation of scarring alopecia of his scalp and possible folliculitis of his limbs and trunk. These problems had been present for more than 10 years. He received no benefit from prior use of various topical therapies. Seven years before presentation, he had been treated for a few weeks with oral vitamin A (50 000 U twice daily). Family history was significant for keratosis pilaris in his mother, sister, and several nieces and nephews. All family members have straight hair. The findings from the physical examination of his scalp revealed an 8-cm area of scarring alopecia with follicular scaling papules and pustules; the remainder of his scalp hair was excessively curly (Fig 1). On his trunk, arms, and legs were 1- to 2-mm erythematous follicular keratotic papules. Palms and soles showed mild diffuse keratotic thickening. Facial findings were significant for
Information empowered health consciousness

This paper presents the results of a pilot study conducted to test the methods of a more extended survey. The aim of the pilot study was to examine how the connection between existing knowledge and received health information could be studied, as well as to find out if there are differences in the health knowledge and health behaviour of individuals living in different information cultures. Nine students at Åbo Akademi University undertook three tests, and the authors found three different groups of people according to their source behaviour. These were ‘the Doctors’ group’, consisting of people preferring information from formal medical expertise; ‘the Documentary group’, using popular science sources; and ‘the News group’, living in the daily world of mass media. Of these groups only the ‘Documentary group’ was seriously interested in health information and the people in this group were also the best and most widely informed on health issues. The results show that there are major differences in health knowledge and behaviour among individuals living in different information milieus.
Helicobacter pylori: prospettive per un vaccino

Helicobacter pylori causes one of the most widespread infections worldwide: it affects more than 50% of the human population, and is responsible for serious gastric pathologies such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, atrophic gastritis and, in some individuals, gastric cancer. Current treatments with antibiotics are efficacious, but encounters several drawbacks at the level of compliance, side effects, antibiotic resistance, etc.The availability of vaccines could contribute in reducing the burden of H. pylori associated diseases. Several bacterial antigens have been identified as virulence factors and proposed as potential vaccine candidates. Some of these antigens have been tested in experimental animal models of challenge with H. pylori. The experiments in animals have shown that prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against H. pylori is indeed feasible. Several open questions still remain concerning the understanding of the host-microbe relationship and the quality of the immune response which should be induced in order to confer protective immunity in man.The answers to these questions will be crucial in helping the preparation of appropriate vaccine formulations able to efficaciously protect humans both prophylactically and therapeutically. A few clinical trials have been carried out so far with still limited results. Other trials in humans are in progress and are planned for the next few years.The final hope is that these new vaccines will show the expected efficacy against H. pylori and will permit the elimination of this pathogen which has cohabited with humans for more than 100,000 years.
Clinical trials in New Zealand: Progress, people, and policies

Competition for clinical trial projects outsourced by the global pharmaceutical industry is increasing with more countries bidding to provide these services. A comprehensive review of the clinical trial landscape in New Zealand was conducted by analysing clinical trial applications, and interviewing senior industry representatives on their expertise, capabilities, knowledge management, and innovative behaviours, as well as the policies and factors that had influenced the development of the industry. The number of clinical trial application approvals increased from 33 in 1989/1990 to 113 in 2008/2009 indicating continued confidence of the pharmaceutical industry in placing clinical research projects in New Zealand. Much of this growth has been due to an increasing number of phase I and II trials as a result of the availability of new purpose‐built facilities. The sponsors of clinical trials in New Zealand have changed from predominantly representatives of the pharmaceutical industry to mainly local and overseas CROs. The industry representatives are very experienced with the range of capabilities expected for clinical trials. They prefer informal sources of knowledge acquisition and display innovative behaviours such as solving problems that cause others difficulty, teamwork, and project planning. A large number of factors have encouraged the clinical trials industry in New Zealand including quality sites and data, the western healthcare system, the high incidence of some diseases, and seasonal opposition to Europe and the United States. Respondents suggested policies and strategies to address the increasing threat from global competition. New Zealand has developed significant expertise in clinical research but it should continue to monitor its industry to ensure continued growth. Drug Dev Res 72: 299–304, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Why does the brain (not) have glycogen?

In the present paper we formulate the hypothesis that brain glycogen is a critical determinant in the modulation of carbohydrate supply at the cellular level. Specifically, we propose that mobilization of astrocytic glycogen after an increase in AMP levels during enhanced neuronal activity controls the concentration of glucose phosphates in astrocytes. This would result in modulation of glucose phosphorylation by hexokinase and upstream cell glucose uptake. This mechanism would favor glucose channeling to activated neurons, supplementing the already rich neuron‐astrocyte metabolic and functional partnership with important implications for the energy compounds used to sustain neuronal activity. The hypothesis is based on recent modeling evidence suggesting that rapid glycogen breakdown can profoundly alter the short‐term kinetics of glucose delivery to neurons and astrocytes. It is also based on review of the literature relevant to glycogen metabolism during physiological brain activity, with an emphasis on the metabolic pathways identifying both the origin and the fate of this glucose reserve.