Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Effect of candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide on blood pressure and ST-segment depression in patients with arterial hypertension].

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide (6 mg and 12.5 mg, respectively) on blood pressure and ST-segment depression during daily life of patients with treated but not controlled arterial hypertension (blood pressure taken at doctor's practice (3)140/90 mmHg, despite being on at least two antihypertensive drugs) PATIENTS AND METHODS 51 patients (45 men, 17 women) with treated but reportedly uncontrolled hypertension were placed on self-measurement of blood pressure for 4 weeks of a run-in period and 8 weeks as a follow-up period. Combined 24-hour automatic blood pressure measurement (ABPM) and electrocardiography were done at the end of the run-in and the follow-up periods. Ten patients proved to be normotensive according to the self-measurement and ABPM after the run-in period (group A), while 41 were still uncontrolled according to both methods (group B). In group B the least efficacious component of the antihypertensive medication was replaced by candesartan with hydrochlorothiazide (C + HCT) and any changes in blood pressure and ST-segment depression analysed after 8 weeks of follow-up in both groups. RESULTS In group A no significant blood pressure change was observed between run-in- and follow-up periods. But in group B (n=41) the self-measured systolic blood pressure had significantly decreased (155/84 mmHg compared with [vs] 147/81 mmHg; p<0.0073) as had the systolic 24-h ABPM (148/81 mmHg vs 137/753 mmHg; p<0.0015) after C + HCT had replaced the previous noneffective medication. After the run-in period 15 patients of group B had ST-segment depression (1 mm of horizontal or descending depression for at least 1 minute). In 16 other patients of group B and in all patients of group A no ST depressions were recorded. At the end of the follow-up period significant reduction of mean ischemic burden per patient (106 vs 72 minutes), of total ischemic events (228 vs 153) and of mean duration of ST depression (372 vs 210 seconds) had occurred. CONCLUSIONS Replacing candesartan + hydrochlorothiazide for previously ineffective antihypertensive drugs in patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension significantly reduced both blood pressure and ST-segment depression during daily life.
A multi-objective hybrid genetic algorithm for detecting communities in complex networks

Communities detection algorithm based on GA is attracting common interest. To solve the shortcomings of traditional single objective Genetic Algorithms based “modularity”, which tend to find a community of similar size, according the character of the problem, the corresponding optimization model is built and a multi-objective density driven genetic algorithm called MOHGA is present. So as to avoid the population of prematurity and enhance the global search ability, the concept of individual density is designed and combined with the selection strategy of genetic operators, meanwhile, a initial method based on most neighbors is adopted to produce the accurate and diverse initial population, which can further improve the search efficiency of MOHGA. Experimental results show that the result got by our algorithm is better than that of related algorithms.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Chlorhexidine-Soaked Cloths to Reduce Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Carriage Prevalence in an Urban Jail

Objective. To assess an intervention to limit community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) dissemination. Design. Randomized, controlled trial. Setting. County Jail, Dallas, Texas. Participants. A total of 4,196 detainees in 68 detention tanks. Methods. Tanks were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: in group 1, detainees received cloths that contained chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to clean their entire skin surface 3 times per week for 6 months; group 2 received identical cloths containing only water; and group 3 received no skin treatment. During the study, all newly arrived detainees were invited to enroll. Nares and hand cultures were obtained at baseline and from all current enrollees at 2 and 6 months. Results. At baseline, S. aureus was isolated from 41.2% and MRSA from 8.0% (nares and/or hand) of 947 enrollees. The average participation rate was 47%. At 6 months, MRSA carriage was 10.0% in group 3 and 8.7% in group 1 tanks (estimated absolute risk reduction [95% confidence interval (CI)], 1.4% [−4.8% to 7.1%]; P = . 655). At 6 months, carriage of any S. aureus was 51.1% in group 3, 40.7% in group 1 (absolute risk reduction [95% CI], 10.4% [0.01%–20.1%]; P = .047), and 42.8% (absolute risk reduction [95% CI], 8.3% [−1.4% to 18.0%]; P = .099) in group 2. Conclusions. Skin cleaning with CHG for 6 months in detainees, compared with no intervention, significantly decreased carriage of S. aureus, and use of water cloths produced a nonsignificant but similar decrease. A nonsignificant decrease in MRSA carriage was found with CHG cloth use. Trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00785200.
Unions for whom? Union democracy and precarious workers in Poland and Italy

Focusing on the cases of Italy and Poland, this article examines the link between union organizational democracy and the economic and political inclusion of precarious workers. It argues that union membership of vulnerable groups is not a necessary condition for the representation of their voice and economic interests by labour organizations; rather, these two forms of inclusion are shaped primarily by the institutional contexts in which unions operate as well as by their identities and structural characteristics. In both examined countries the economic inclusion of precarious workers has been more advanced, while the degree of their political inclusion has lagged behind and varied across major union confederations in line with two distinct models of unionism: a solidaristic and a diversity-oriented one.
Efficacy and Safety of Fortification and Supplementation with Vitamin B12: Biochemical and Physiological Effects

Long known as an uncommon but serious medical disorder requiring medical management, vitamin B12 deficiency is now seen to be common worldwide, but it is in a quite different form than traditionally envisioned. Most of the newly recognized deficiency is subclinical in nature, its health impact and natural history are uncertain, and its prevalence has been greatly inflated by also including persons with “low-normal” vitamin B12 levels, few of whom are deficient. The spread of folic acid fortification has also introduced concerns about folate's potentially adverse neurologic consequences in persons with undetected vitamin B12 deficiency. Fortification with vitamin B12 may prove more complicated than fortification with folic acid, however, because the bioavailability of vitamin B12 is limited. Bioavailability for those who need the vitamin B12 the most is especially poor, because they often have malabsorption affecting either classical intrinsic factor-mediated absorption or food-vitamin B12 absorption. Moreover, new evidence shows that many elderly persons respond poorly to daily oral doses under 500 μg (1 μg = 0.74 nmol), even if they do not have classical malabsorption, which suggests that proposed fortification with 1 to 10 μg may be ineffective. Those least in need of vitamin B12 usually have normal absorption and are thus at greatest risk for whatever unknown adverse effects of high-dose fortification might emerge, such as the effects of excess accumulation of cyanocobalamin. Studies are needed to define the still unproven health benefits of vitamin B12 fortification, the optimal levels of fortification, the stability of such fortification, interactions with other nutrients, and any possible adverse effects on healthy persons. The answers will permit formulation of appropriately informed decisions about mandatory fortification or (because fortification may prove a poor choice) about targeted supplementation in subpopulations with special needs for additional vitamin B12, such as vegetarians, nursing mothers, and the elderly.
Transverse gradient diffusion in a polydisperse dilute suspension of magnetic spheres during sedimentation

In this work we investigate the pair interaction of magnetic particles in a dilute polydisperse sedimenting suspension. The suspension is composed of magnetic spherical forms of different radii and densities immersed in a Newtonian fluid, settling due to the gravity. When in close contact, the particles may exert on each other a magnetic force due to a permanent magnetization. We restrict our attention to dispersions of micromagnetic composite with negligible Brownian motion. The calculations of the relative particle trajectories are based on direct computations of the hydrodynamic interactions among rigid spheres in the regime of low particle Reynolds number. Depending on the relative importance of the interparticle forces and gravity, the collisions may result in aggregation or simply in a breaking of the particle relative trajectory time reversibility. After summing over all possible encounters, the transverse self-diffusion and down-gradient diffusion coefficients that describe the cross-flow migration of the particles are calculated. Our calculation shows first evidence and the significance of the diffusion process arising from magnetic interactions in dilute non-Brownian suspensions.
Preparation of Nano‐Structured Polymeric Proton Conducting Membranes for Use in Fuel Cells

Abstract: We briefly discuss the state of the art of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and suggest that the main obstacles to the commercial development of these fuel cells are essentially the high costs and poor characteristics of present proton conducting membranes. A strategy for the preparation of improved nanocomposite membranes based on the introduction of proton conducting lamell? in the polymeric matrix of present ionomeric membranes is then discussed. Due to their high proton conductivity (in some cases even higher than 10−1 S cm−1), tailor made lamellæ obtained by exfoliation of superacid metal (IV) phosphonates are particularly suitable for the preparation of these hybrid membranes. The expected positive influence of the dispersed lamellæ on important properties of proton conducting membranes, such as swelling, mechanical resistance, proton transport, and diffusion of methanol, are also discussed. The methods used to obtain good lamellar dispersions into ionomeric polymers and the preparation and main characteristics of some hybrid membranes are also briefly described. The presence of nanoparticles of metal phosphonates in the electrodic interfaces Nafion/Pt already considerably improves the electrochemical characteristics of fuel cells in the temperature range 80–130°C. The increased working temperature of the fuel cell considerably reduces CO poisoning of the platinum electrodes and allows better control of the cooling system, thus overcoming important obstacles to the development of medium temperature PEM fuel cells.
Myths of dental surgery in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

BACKGROUND Continuous anticoagulant therapy with warfarin is administered to prevent a variety of medical complications, including thromboembolisms and stroke. When patients receiving continuous anticoagulant therapy are scheduled for dental surgery, a decision must be made whether to continue or interrupt the anticoagulant therapy. METHODS The author reviewed the literature, focusing on dental surgery in patients receiving continuous anticoagulant therapy and in patients whose anticoagulant therapy was withdrawn before they underwent dental procedures. RESULTS Of more than 950 patients receiving continuous anticoagulant therapy (including many whose anticoagulation levels were well above currently recommended therapeutic levels) who underwent more than 2,400 surgical procedures, only 12 (< 1.3 percent) required more than local measures to control hemorrhage. Only three of these patients (< 0.31 percent) had anticoagulation levels within or below currently recommended therapeutic levels. Of 526 patients who experienced 575 interruptions of continuous anticoagulant therapy, five (0.95 percent) suffered serious embolic complications; four of these patients died. CONCLUSIONS Serious embolic complications, including death, were three times more likely to occur in patients whose anticoagulant therapy was interrupted than were bleeding complications in patients whose anticoagulant therapy was continued (and whose anticoagulation levels were within or below therapeutic levels). Interrupting therapeutic levels of continuous anticoagulation for dental surgery is not based on scientific fact, but seems to be based on its own mythology. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Dentists should recommend that therapeutic levels of anticoagulation be continued for patients undergoing dental surgery. Practitioners should consult with the patient's physician if necessary to determine his or her level of anticoagulation before performing dental surgery.
Suppressive effects of Stephania tetrandra on the neutrophil function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Crude preparations of Stephania tetrandra (ST), a traditional herbal medicine, have been used safely for arthritis and silicosis in China. The concentration of granulocyte elastase – alpha 1 protease inhibitor complex in plasma is enhanced in inﬂammatory processes, e.g. in septicaemia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being an expression of granulocyte activation during inﬂammatory response.
Development of adrenocortical cyclic nucleotide (cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP) and corticosterone circadian rhythms in male and female rats.

The daily rhythm of the adrenocortical cyclic nucleotides (cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP) was studied in infant male and female Wistar rats before and after the establishment of an adult-like daily rhythm of plasma corticosterone. As in this strain the rhythm of corticosterone is known to be present on postnatal day 18, pups of 2 and 3 weeks of age were studied. The dams and the pups as well as the young adult animals were kept on a controlled 12L-12D photoperiod. Groups of 8-10 pups were killed at 4-hr intervals throughout the day. Plasma corticosterone levels and adrenal cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP concentrations were simultaneously measured and the daily patterns established. Pups of 2 weeks of age showed neither plasma corticosterone nor adrenal cyclic AMP rhythms whereas pups of 3 weeks of age exhibited a typical adult-like circadian rhythm for both variables. The patterns for adrenal cyclic GMP differed according to sex: In female pups no cyclic GMP circadian rhythm could be detected at either 2 or 3 wk. In male pups of 3 wk a typical mature rhythm for adrenal cyclic GMP was evident whereas in younger male pups (2 wk) a circadian rhythm was detected. This circadian rhythm, however, differed from mature circadian rhythm in that its peak was located at 1300 hr instead of 0700 hr. These results demonstrate that, unlike that of cyclic AMP the adrenal cyclic GMP circadian rhythm does not appear at the same time as the plasma corticosterone circadian rhythm. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Genetic Architecture of Knee Radiographic Joint Space in Healthy Young Adults

ABSTRACT Evidence of a significant genetic component to the age-related degenerative joint disease osteoarthritis has been established, but the nature of genetic influences on normal joint morphology in healthy individuals remains unclear. Following up on our previous findings on the influence of body habitus on phenotypic variation in knee joint space [Duren et al., Human Biology 78:353–364 (2006)], the objective of the current study was to estimate the heritability of radiographic joint space in the knees of healthy young adults from a community-based sample of families. A sample of 253 subjects (mean age=18.02 years) from 87 randomly ascertained nuclear and extended families was examined. Joint width (JW) and minimum joint space in the medial (MJS) and lateral (LJS) knee compartments were measured. A maximum-likelihood variance components method was used to estimate the heritability of MJS, LJS, and JW. Covariate effects of age, sex, age-by-sex interactions, stature, weight, and BMI were simultaneously estimated. Genetic correlation analyses were then conducted to examine relationships between trait pairs. MJS, LJS, and JW were each significantly heritable (p < 0.001), with heritabilities of 0.52, 0.53, and 0.63, respectively. The genetic correlation between MJS and LJS was not significantly different from 1. Genetic correlations between each joint space measure and JW were not significantly different from 0. This study demonstrates a significant genetic component to radiographic knee joint space during young adulthood in healthy subjects. This suggests that there are specific but as yet unidentified genes that influence the morphology of healthy articular cartilage, the target tissue of osteoarthritis. Genetic correlation analyses indicate complete pleiotropy between MJS and LJS but genetic independence of joint space and JW.
Did Amendments to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act in 2009-2010 Affect the Proportion of Alcohol-Related Motor Vehicle Collisions Seen at a Level I Trauma Centre over a 10-year Period?

OBJECTIVES To determine if changes to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (OHTA) in 2009 and 2010 had an effect on the proportion of alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) presenting to a trauma centre over a 10-year period. METHODS A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a Level I trauma centre in southwestern Ontario was undertaken. The trauma registry is a database of all trauma patients with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥12 and/or who had trauma team activation. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Interrupted time series analyses with ARIMA modeling were performed on quarterly data from 2004-2013. RESULTS A total of 377 drivers with a detectable serum ethanol concentration (SEC) were treated at our trauma centre over the 10-year period, representing 21% of all MVCs. The majority (330; 88%) were male. The median age was 31 years, median SEC was 35.3 mmol/L, and median ISS was 21. A total of 29 (7.7%) drinking drivers died from their injuries after arriving to hospital. There was no change in the proportion of drinking drivers after the 2009 amendment, but there was a significant decline in the average SEC of drinking drivers after changes to the law. There was no difference in the proportion of drinking drivers ≤21 years after introduction of the 2010 amendment for young and novice drivers. CONCLUSIONS There was a significance decline in the average SEC of all drinking drivers after the 2009 OHTA amendment, suggesting that legislative amendments may have an impact on drinking before driving behaviour.
Prolonged Toll-Like Receptor Signaling by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Its 19-Kilodalton Lipoprotein Inhibits Gamma Interferon-Induced Regulation of Selected Genes in Macrophages

ABSTRACT Infection of macrophages with Mycobacterium tuberculosis or exposure to M. tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein for >16 h inhibits gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-induced major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) expression by a mechanism involving Toll-like receptors (TLRs). M. tuberculosis was found to inhibit murine macrophage MHC-II antigen (Ag) processing activity induced by IFN-γ but not by interleukin-4 (IL-4), suggesting inhibition of IFN-γ-induced gene regulation. We designed an approach to test the ability of M. tuberculosis-infected cells to respond to IFN-γ. To model chronic infection with M. tuberculosis with accompanying prolonged TLR signaling, macrophages were infected with M. tuberculosis or incubated with M. tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein for 24 h prior to the addition of IFN-γ. Microarray gene expression studies were then used to determine whether prolonged TLR signaling by M. tuberculosis broadly inhibits IFN-γ regulation of macrophage gene expression. Of 347 IFN-γ-induced genes, M. tuberculosis and 19-kDa lipoprotein inhibited induction of 42 and 36%, respectively. Key genes or gene products were also examined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and flow cytometry, confirming and extending the results obtained by microarray studies. M. tuberculosis inhibited IFN-γ induction of genes involved in MHC-II Ag processing, Ag presentation, and recruitment of T cells. These effects were largely dependent on myeloid differentiation factor 88, implying a role for TLRs. Thus, prolonged TLR signaling by M. tuberculosis inhibits certain macrophage responses to IFN-γ, particularly those related to MHC-II Ag presentation. This inhibition may promote M. tuberculosis evasion of T-cell responses and persistence of infection in tuberculosis.
Lysis of tumor cells by the retargeting of murine cytolytic T lymphocytes with bispecific antibodies

The specificity and efficiency of tumor‐cell lysis by the retargeting of murine cytolytic lymphocytes (CTL) with bispecific antibodies was examined. Bispecific antibodies (also known as heteroaggregated or hybrid antibodies) were produced by the chemical coupling of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against H‐2 antigens and the murine T‐cell receptor (TCR). Murine tumor cell lines which expressed on their plasma membrane an antigen reactive with one component of the bispecific antibody were efficiently lysed in the presence of polyclonal murine CTL. CTL capable of lysis were generated by stimulating spleen or lymph‐node cells with ConA and IL‐2, while unstimulated cells or cells incubated only with IL‐2 showed no lysis of target cells with bispecific antibodies. Furthermore, the lysis of target cells by bispecific antibodies and CTL did not cause the lysis of bystander cells (cells not expressing an antigen recognized by the antibody which are mixed with the target cells). The efficient CTL‐mediated lysis observed with these antibodies makes this a promising approach for the immunotherapy of human cancer.
Performance evaluation of multi-hop multi-branch relaying networks with multiple co-channel interferers

In this paper, the performance of opportunistic amplify-and-forward multi-hop multi-branch relaying systems operating in the presence of co-channel interferences is investigated. Considering transmissions over independent non-identical Rayleigh fading channels, exact and upper-bound expressions for the end-to-end signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) are obtained. Then, the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and the probability density function (PDF) of the upper bounded SINR are studied. Based on these statistics, the system's outage probability is analyzed in closed form. Moreover, we derive an approximate expression for the PDF of the instantaneous end-to-end SINR. Following that, simple expressions for the approximate error and outage probabilities are presented and discussed. The accuracy of the analysis is validated by comparing the numerical results with Monte Carlo simulations, and insightful discussions are provided.