Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Motor control of fast voluntary elbow movements : exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness and learning interventions

Bottas, Reijo Motor control of fast voluntary elbow movements Exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness and learning interventions Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 2011, 97 p. (Studies in Sport, Physical Education and Health, ISSN 0356-1070; 171) ISBN 978-951-39-4334-9 (nid.), 978-951-39-4369-1 (PDF) Diss. The aim of the present series of studies was to examine if exercise-induced muscle damage would result in similar phenomena in young and healthy men than those observed in deafferented patients. Moreover, it was examined if voluntary movement range had an effect on responses. Modulations of associated electromyographic (EMG) activity patterns were compared to stretch reflex responses. Through the acute practice of target movement (TM), it was examined if performance improvement was related to decreased terminal oscillation and refinement of associated EMG activity patterns. The exercise did not disturb extension-TM, such as observed in deafferented patient. On the contrary, flexion-TM was acutely deteriorated while rhythmic movement (RM) preserved intact. The performances were changed the most at small elbow angles and at 2 h post-exercise. The changes were associated with the agonists’ decreased EMG amplitudes and changed timing (flexion-TM), and with the drop in flexor EMG amplitudes (RM). The reduction of EMG amplitudes was parallel to reduced active stretch reflex amplitudes. The one exercise protocol led to delayed increase of flexor EMG activity in RM. During the acute practice of TM, the increase of antagonist and agonist 2nd bursts relation, the decreased co-activation of these bursts, and the decrease of movement terminal oscillation was associated to improvement of movement time. To conclude, the present eccentric exercises did not have clear joint angle (muscle-length) specific effect on fast voluntary movements’ motor control. The central nervous system seemed to use EMG amplitude modulation, in order to optimize the performance during muscle fatigue, damage, and soreness. The acute EMG findings suggested the inhibitory reflex effect originated most likely from group III / IV mechanonociceptors. The delayed modulations of movements’ kinetics, kinematics and associated muscle activities referred to adaptive changes in motor control. The practice related modulations of TM reciprocal terminal oscillation suggested the involvement of reflex control refining the co-ordination of antagonistic muscles to enhance joint stiffness.
Alcohol and other psychoactive substances in Africa and the Americas: results from the WHO Global School-based Student Health Survey

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of current alcohol use and its association with cigarette and drug use among 13–15-year-olds in Africa and the Americas. Method: Cross-sectional data of the WHO Global School-based Student Health Survey from nine countries in the WHO African Region and seven countries/territories in the WHO Region of the Americas were analysed. Single and joint prevalence rates, and prevalence odds ratios were computed. Results: In the majority of countries, alcohol was the most often consumed psychoactive substance, with the prevalence of current alcohol use outweighing the prevalence of current cigarette and lifetime drug use. Gender differences for alcohol were not marked. The use of alcohol was strongly associated with cigarette or drug use, indicating clustering. Conclusions: For the bulk of countries in the Americas and for single countries in Africa, current alcohol use is as high as prevalence rates occurring in other parts of the world. It is imperative to monitor psychoactive substance use among adolescents in these countries to be able to prevent future health and social harm with the information gained.
Urinary Incontinence in US Women A Population-Based Study

Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common disorder that is increasingly important as our population ages. Less is known about UI in younger women, and few large surveys have been able to determine risk factors by linking their data to patients’ medical findings. Methods We conducted a population-based, age-stratified postal survey of 6000 women aged between 30 and 90 years who were enrolled in a large health maintenance organization in Washington State. Results The response rate was 64% (n = 3536) after exclusion criteria were applied. The population-based prevalence of UI was 45%. Prevalence increased with age, from 28% for 30- to 39-year-old women to 55% for 80- to 90-year-old women. Eighteen percent of respondents reported severe UI. The prevalence of severe UI also increased notably with age, from 8% for 30- to 39-year-old women to 33% for 80- to 90-year-old women. Older age, higher body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), greater medical comorbidity, current major depression, a history of hysterectomy, and parity increased the odds of having UI. Not being white and having had only cesarean deliveries decreased the odds of having UI. Major depression (odds ratio, 2.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.65-3.72) and obesity, defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-2.87), had the strongest association with UI. Among women with UI, age, BMI, medical comorbidity, current major depression, diabetes, a history of hysterectomy, and having had only cesarean deliveries were significantly associated with severe UI. Conclusions Urinary incontinence is highly prevalent in women across their adult life span, and its severity increases linearly with age. Age, BMI, race, medical comorbidity, current major depression, a history of hysterectomy, parity, and having only had cesarean deliveries are each independent factors significantly associated with the likelihood of having UI.
Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Biogeography of the Oriental Pitvipers of the Genus Trimeresurus (Reptilia: Viperidae: Crotalinae): A Molecular Perspective

Abstract Based on sequence variation in 806 bp of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene, phylogenetic relationships were inferred for 14 species of Trimeresurus (sensu lato) including all East Asian members. Samples analyzed also included representatives of all assemblages of species that are frequently treated as separate genera except for T. mangshanensis, a type species of the recently described monotypic genus Ermia. Results support some previous accounts chiefly from morphological studies, such as distinct divergence of T. wagleri from the remainder, and monophyly of T. mucrosquamatus, T. flavoviridis, T. jerdonii, T. elegans and T. tokarensis. On the other hand, our results negated a putative close affinity of T. monticola and T. okinavensis, and indicated the sister relationship of the latter with T. gracilis. Phylogenetic relationships revealed in this study suggested that the genus Trimeresurus dispersed into the Ryukyu region at least three times, and that T. flavoviridis and T. tokarensis from the central Ryukyus constitute a relict clade.
Effects of Selenium Supplementation for Cancer Prevention in Patients With Carcinoma of the Skin: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective. —To determine whether a nutritional supplement of selenium will decrease the incidence of cancer. Design. —A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cancer prevention trial. Setting. —Seven dermatology clinics in the eastern United States. Patients. —A total of 1312 patients (mean age, 63 years; range, 18-80 years) with a history of basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin were randomized from 1983 through 1991. Patients were treated for a mean (SD) of 4.5 (2.8) years and had a total follow-up of 6.4 (2.0) years. Interventions. —Oral administration of 200 μg of selenium per day or placebo. Main Outcome Measures. —The primary end points for the trial were the incidences of basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. The secondary end points, established in 1990, were all-cause mortality and total cancer mortality, total cancer incidence, and the incidences of lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Results. —After a total follow-up of 8271 person-years, selenium treatment did not significantly affect the incidence of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer. There were 377 new cases of basal cell skin cancer among patients in the selenium group and 350 cases among the control group (relative risk [RR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.28), and 218 new squamous cell skin cancers in the selenium group and 190 cases among the controls (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.93-1.39). Analysis of secondary end points revealed that, compared with controls, patients treated with selenium had a nonsignificant reduction in all-cause mortality (108 deaths in the selenium group and 129 deaths in the control group [RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.63-1.08]) and significant reductions in total cancer mortality (29 deaths in the selenium treatment group and 57 deaths in controls [RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.80]), total cancer incidence (77 cancers in the selenium group and 119 in controls [RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85]), and incidences of lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Primarily because of the apparent reductions in total cancer mortality and total cancer incidence in the selenium group, the blinded phase of the trial was stopped early. No cases of selenium toxicity occurred. Conclusions. —Selenium treatment did not protect against development of basal or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. However, results from secondary end-point analyses support the hypothesis that supplemental selenium may reduce the incidence of, and mortality from, carcinomas of several sites. These effects of selenium require confirmation in an independent trial of appropriate design before new public health recommendations regarding selenium supplementation can be made.
Perceived Occupational Stress and Depression of School Nurses

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify occupational stress and to determine level of depression of school nurses and to identify factors that influence depression. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Participants included 146 school nurses from D city. Data collection was conducted on January 17-21, 2011, using self-administered questionnaires. The SPSS/WIN 11.5 was used in performance of data analysis. Results: Significant differences in occupational stress were observed according to age, occupation and perceived mental health status, and in depression according to marital status, perceived mental health status and physical disease. Depression showed significant positive correlation with occupational stress (r
The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS): Final outcomes report 2nd Edition

i Summary Most improvements occur within the first few months of entering treatment. The changes in behaviour observed at first follow-up (three to five months after initial interview) are mainly only sustained at second follow-up (11 to13 months), although there are some additional improvements during this later stage of treatment. This may suggest that there are opportunities to further capitalise on the early gains that are achieved. Further work is needed to establish whether these gains are sustained once treatment has stopped. Levels of drug use declined rapidly within the first three months of starting treatment, and then continued at the same rate, for up to six months. These findings support the validity of the national performance indicator of retention in treatment for at least three months, but suggest potential value in longer measures of retention than currently employed as well as the need for treatment facilities to focus on a continuing process of change.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Suppresses Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Allergic Airway Disease

Rationale: Asthma is characterized by increases in airway resistance, pulmonary remodeling, and lung inflammation. The cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β has been shown to have a central role in asthma pathogenesis and in mouse models of allergic airway disease.Objectives: To determine the contribution of TGF-β to airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), we examined the time course, source, and isoform specificity of TGF-β production in an in vivo mouse asthma model. To then elucidate the function of TGF-β in AHR, inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis, we examined the effects of blocking TGF-β signaling with neutralizing antibody.Methods: Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish allergic airway disease. TGF-β activity was neutralized by intranasal administration of monoclonal antibody.Measurements and Main Results: TGF-β1 protein levels were increased in OVA-challenged lungs versus naive controls, and airway epithelial cells were shown to be a likely source of TGF-β1. In addi.
Prehospital endotracheal intubation in adult major trauma patients with head injury

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether prehospital intubation was of benefit to patients with moderate to severe head injury. 4630 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 9 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that prehospital intubation is associated with increased mortality in these patients.
Distribution of Two Distinctive Mitochondrial DNA Lineages of the Japanese Robin Luscinia akahige Across Its Breeding Range Around the Japanese Islands

The genetic structure of the Japanese robin Luscinia akahige across its breeding range was investigated based on mitochondrial cytochrome b and a control region sequence to reveal the phylogeographic history of this species, which is endemic to the islands around Japan. We obtained the 2,230-bp combined sequences of 77 robins from eight locations and identified 33 haplotypes. Of these, two phylogenetic clades, Ak and Tn, were evident in both maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analyses. Clade Ak was found throughout the range, whereas clade Tn was endemic to the Izu Islands, resulting in the mixture of both clades at this location. These two mtDNA lineages were inferred to have originated in different refugia during the mid-Pleistocene glacial period, probably one in southwestern Japan and the other in the Izu Islands. The population in the Izu Islands has been described as an independent subspecies, tanensis, and is known to be distinguished phenotypically from the nominotypical akahige. Therefore, the distribution pattern of the two mtDNA lineages may be better explained by past introgression of mitochondrial DNA rather than by assuming continuous hybridization with immigrants from the mainland. Future nuclear DNA analysis is needed to evaluate the effect of this introgression event on the genetic bases of the current Izu Islands population. Within clade Ak, the haplotype distribution pattern was inferred to be primarily a result of contiguous range expansion, reflecting the history of both range and population expansion after the last glacial period, with some effects of allopatric fragmentation in its southwestern range.
Consequences of Tooth Loss on Oral Function and Need for Replacement of Missing Teeth Among Patients Attending Muhimbili Dental Clinic

Tanzanian oral health services constitute mainly of tooth extractions. Consequently, individuals susceptible to dental caries and periodontal diseases will have a substantial number of missing teeth, which can affect oral function. The main objective of this study was to determine the consequences of tooth loss on the oral function and need for replacement of lost teeth among patients seeking treatment at the School of Dentistry MUHAS. During a period of three months, patients seeking dental treatment at the School of Dentistry were recruited for the study. Criteria included age of 20 years and above with one or more missing teeth except for third molars. Participants were interviewed for demographic information, chewing ability, symptoms of temporomandibular disorder and perceived need for replacement of missing teeth. Afterwards the subjects were examined to asses: caries status, tooth mobility, occlusal tooth wear, over eruption of unopposed teeth, and signs of temporomandibular disorders. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS 16. For comparison of proportions, chi-square analysis and t test were used. A linear regression analysis was performed, with the chewing ability score as the dependent variable and number of POP as the independent variable A total of 361 subjects with mean age of 40.2 years (s.d. = 14.2, range = 20-93 years) were recruited into the study. About half 175 (48.5%) of the subjects reported some difficulty with chewing. Generally the fewer the occluding pairs present the greater the difficulty in chewing observed. Subjects with more than 6 posterior occlusal pairs appeared to have little problem in chewing across the whole range of foods. The frequency of signs and symptoms of TMD and excessive tooth wear increased with decreasing number of posterior occluding pairs, being more evident in subjects with less than 3 posterior occlusal pairs remaining. Over a third of the participants had one or more teeth with severe overeruption but none reported impairment of oral function. More than half of the subjects needed replacement for missing teeth From this study, it is concluded that tooth loss leading to a dentition of 5 to 6 occlusal pairs impairs chewing of hard foods but not soft foods. Extensive loss of teeth leading to less than 3 POP is associated with increased symptoms of TMD and excessive tooth wear of occluding teeth. Need for replacement of missing teeth is high for both anterior and posterior regions with the cost of dentures being the main barrier to replacement of missing teeth. Dental personnel should make an effort to identify individuals with risk of tooth loss in order to retain at least 6 well-distributed posterior occlusal pairs. Dental laboratory services need improvement in order to be able to provide quality replacement of missing teeth at affordable costs. Further long-term multicenter studies to evaluate the consequence of tooth loss and assist in giving a more accurate projection needs for dentures nationwide are required.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Cancer: a Worldwide Perspective

Background : Epidemiologic studies have shown that the association of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) with cervical cancer is strong, independent of other risk factors, and consistent in several countries. There are more than 20 different cancer-associated HPV types, but little is known about their geographic variation. Purpose : Our aim was to determine whether the association between HPV infection and cervical cancer is consistent worldwide and to investigate geographic variation in the distribution of HPV types. Methods : More than 1000 specimens from sequential patients with invasive cervical cancer were collected and stored frozen at 32 hospitals in 22 countries. Slides from all patients were submitted for central histologic review to confirm the diagnosis and to assess histologic characteristics. We used polymerase chain reaction-based assays capable of detecting more than 25 different HPV types. A generalized linear Poisson model was fitted to the data on viral type and geographic region to assess geographic heterogeneity. Results : HPV DNA was detected in 93% of the tumors, with no significant variation in HPV positivity among countries. HPV 16 was present in 50% of the specimens, HPV 18 in 14%, HPV 45 in 8%, and HPV 31 in 5%. HPV 16 was the predominant type in all countries except Indonesia, where HPV 18 was more common. There was significant geographic variation in the prevalence of some less common virus types. A clustering of HPV 45 was apparent in western Africa, while HPV 39 and HPV 59 were almost entirely confined to Central and South America. In squamous cell tumors, HPV 16 predominated (51% of such specimens), but HPV 18 predominated in adenocarcinomas (56% of such tumors) and adenosquamous tumors (39% of such tumors). Conclusions : Our results confirm the role of genital HPVs, which are transmitted sexually, as the central etiologic factor in cervical cancer worldwide. They also suggest that most genital HPVs are associated with cancer, at least occasionally. Implication : The demonstration that more than 20 different genital HPV types are associated with cervical cancer has important implications for cervical cancer-prevention strategies that include the development of vaccines targeted to genital HPVs. [J Natl Cancer Inst 87 :796-802, 1995]
An Archival, Follow-Forward Exploration of the Metabolic Syndrome in Randomly Selected, Clozapine-Treated Patients

Objectives: Cross-sectional studies indicate that clozapine is associated with unusually high rates of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in schizophrenia. These studies cannot address the extent to which schizophrenia or other factors are major risks for the MetS, independent of clozapine exposure. The objectives of this study were to longitudinally examine metabolic risk factors before and after clozapine initiation: 1) to determine MetS prevalence rates during firstgeneration antipsychotic (FGA) and clozapine treatment; 2) to identify metabolic changes contributing to the MetS; and, 3) to evaluate the extent to which prior treatment and subject variables contributed to increased MetS prevalence rates. Methods: Using an archival, follow-forward design, metabolic risk factors were sampled on a quarterly basis from medical records of twenty-five randomly selected inpatients. The sampling period was six years (three years of FGA and three years of clozapine). All subjects had been treated only with FGAs prior to clozapine exposure. Results: During clozapine treatment 16 of 25 (64%) subjects met MetS criteria; however, half (8 of 16) of the subjects already met MetS criteria during FGA treatment. Increased MetS prevalence with clozapine resulted from increases in fasting glucose and triglyceride levels and increased systolic BP. BMI was stable over time. Gender, age of clozapine initiation, and clozapine dose and duration may have contributed to long-term MetS risk. Conclusions: Clozapine-treated patients are at increased risk for the MetS. When observed longitudinally, however, it is clear that a significant proportion of the metabolic risk involves factors other than clozapine exposure alone.