Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specialist nurse intervention to reduce unscheduled asthma care in a deprived multiethnic area: the east London randomised controlled trial for high risk asthma (ELECTRA)

Objective To determine whether asthma specialist nurses, using a liaison model of care, reduce unscheduled care in a deprived multiethnic area. Design Cluster randomised controlled trial. Setting 44 general practices in two boroughs in east London. Participants 324 people aged 4-60 years admitted to or attending hospital or the general practitioner out of hours service with acute asthma; 164 (50%) were South Asian patients, 108 (34%) were white patients, and 52 (16%) were from other, largely African and Afro-Caribbean, ethnicities. Intervention Patient review in a nurse led clinic and liaison with general practitioners and practice nurses comprising educational outreach, promotion of guidelines for high risk asthma, and ongoing clinical support. Control practices received a visit promoting standard asthma guidelines; control patients were checked for inhaler technique. Main outcome measures Percentage of participants receiving unscheduled care for acute asthma over one year and time to first unscheduled attendance. Results Primary outcome data were available for 319 of 324 (98%) participants. Intervention delayed time to first attendance with acute asthma (hazard ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.54 to 1.00; median 194 days for intervention and 126 days for control) and reduced the percentage of participants attending with acute asthma (58% (101/174) v 68% (99/145); odds ratio 0.62, 0.38 to 1.01). In analyses of prespecified subgroups the difference in effect on ethnic groups was not significant, but results were consistent with greater benefit for white patients than for South Asian patients or those from other ethnic groups. Conclusion Asthma specialist nurses using a liaison model of care reduced unscheduled care for asthma in a deprived multiethnic health district. Ethnic groups may not benefit equally from specialist nurse intervention.
Item Vetoes and Attempts to Override Them in Multiparty Legislatures

This paper analyzes the dynamics of vetoes and veto overrides in the context of a multiparty legislature using an original dataset from the period 1983–2007 in Argentina. We argue that the President can use an “item” or “partial” veto to selectively delete articles, while keeping enough distributive goods in the bill to break up the coalition responsible for its passage, thereby eliminating support for an override. Our research reveals that total vetoes – which affect all legislators equally – are more likely to be overridden than partial vetoes. Contradicting the received wisdom that in multiparty legislatures override attempts are more likely under a divided government, we find that override attempts are more likely in plurality governments. We use case analyses to illustrate the main arguments developed in this paper.
Effect of plane of nutrition on insulin sensitivity during lactation in the ewe

Summary The hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic insulin clamp technique was used to compare insulin sensitivity in lactating ewes at two levels of feeding. Clamps were performed at two (restricted intake) or three (ad libitum intake) stages of lactation and also 30 d after drying off. Dose response curves for insulin were constructed using the glucose metabolic clearance rate (MCR) as the measure of glucose metabolism and these were statistically compared between stages of lactation within the feeding levels, and also between feeding regimes. Animals on a restricted feed intake showed a weight loss throughout lactation, coupled with a lower insulin sensitivity, as measured by the ED50 (concentration of insulin required to produce a half maximal increase in MCR), while those on ad libitum feeding showed a weight gain and a decreased insulin sensitivity in the dry period. Endogenous glucose production was less sensitive to inhibition by insulin in the animals subjected to restricted food intake, compared with those on the ad libitum regime, which suggested a major role for the plane of nutrition in adjusting the homeorhetic control of metabolism during lactation.
CRYPTIC FEMALE CHOICE: CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHING FEMALE SPERM CHOICE

In this paper, I consider the criteria necessary to demonstrate the postcopulatory ability of females to favor the sperm of one conspecific male over another, that is, sperm choice. In practice it is difficult to distinguish between sperm competition and sperm choice, and sperm choice can be demonstrated only if the effects of sperm competition can be controlled. Few studies have used experimental protocols that do this, so evidence for sperm choice is limited. Moreover, in those studies in which sperm choice occurs, it does so to avoid incompatible genetic combinations and is therefore unlikely to result in directional sexual selection.
Thyroid Abnormalities among First-Degree Relatives of Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism: An Ultrasound Survey

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is caused by thyroid dysgenesis and dyshormonogenesis. Evidence suggests the presence of genetic factors in both types of pathogenesis. We investigated whether an increased incidence of thyroid abnormalities could be shown by ultrasonography among first-degree relatives of children with CH. Material and Methods: In this case-control study the presence of both developmental and non-developmental thyroid abnormalities was studied among first-degree relatives of CH patients and healthy children. Assessments included neck ultrasonography and thyroid function tests. The data obtained from parents, siblings and children were compared in the case and control groups. Results: In the case group, 92 patients, 172 parents and 57 siblings, and in the control group, 82 healthy children, 160 parents and 39 siblings were studied. Thyroid developmental abnormalities were more prevalent among parents (3.5 vs. 0%, p = 0.03) and siblings (10.5 vs. 0, p = 0.01) of CH patients than the control group. Non-developmental abnormalities were not significantly different between the case and control groups (17 vs. 13%, p = 0.3). Conclusion: Thyroid developmental abnormalities were more prevalent among parents and siblings of CH patients than the control group, confirming the familial component of this entity.
Successful RF and Cryogenic Tests of the SOLEIL Cryomodule

In the Storage Ring (SR) of the Synchrotron SOLEIL light source, two cryomodules will provide the maximum power of 600 kW required at the nominal energy of 2.75 GeV with the full beam current of 500 mA and all the insertion devices. A cryomodule prototype, housing two 352 MHz superconducting single-cell cavities with strong damping of the Higher Order Modes (HOM) was built and successfully tested in the ESRF. Even though the achieved performance (3 MV and 380 kW) did meet the SOLEIL requirement for the first year of operation, it was decided to upgrade the cryomodule prototype before its implementation on the SR. Modifications of the internal cryogenic system as well as the input power and dipolar HOM couplers required full disassembling, reassembling and testing of the cryomodule, which were carried out at CERN. The refurbishment and test program, which was achieved in the framework of a collaboration between SOLEIL, CEA and CERN, is reported in this paper. A 2ndcryomodule, similar to the modified prototype, shall be implemented on the SR by the end of 2006.
Effects of nitric oxide synthesis inhibition on the atrial natriuretic peptide system.

The present study was aimed at investigating whether nitric oxide (NO) has a modulatory effect on the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system. The atrial tissue expression of ANP mRNA was determined in rats treated with an inhibitor of NO synthesis, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), for 4 weeks. Measurements of ANP peptides and NO metabolites in the plasma and atria were also taken. The blood pressure was increased by the treatment with L-NAME (40 mg l(-1)drinking water). The atrial expression of ANP mRNA was increased. Atrial natriuretic peptides were also increased, while NO metabolites decreased in the plasma and atrial tissue. An antihypertensive treatment with losartan reversed the blood pressure to the control level. However, the atrial expression of ANP mRNA was not affected but remained at an increased level. Accordingly, the plasma ANP was elevated and NO decreased. Supplementation with L-arginine, the substrate to NO synthase, prevented the changes induced by L-NAME. These results suggest that the synthesis and release of ANP be regulated by local release of NO with a transcriptional inhibition.
Variation in heart rate and blood lactate concentration in freestyle kytesurfing.

AIM The aim of this paper was to evaluate the physiological demands of freestyle kitesurfing. METHODS Ten elite subjects performed an incremental running test on a treadmill and a three 7 min simulated freestyle heats of kitesurfing in MW (Midwind) condition ranging from 15 to 22 knots. Oxygen uptake (VO(2)) was estimated from the heart rate (HR) recorded during the freestyle trial using the individual HR-VO(2) relationship determined during the incremental test. Blood lactate concentration [Lab] was measured at rest and 3 min after the exercise completion. 3 experienced kitesurfers acted as judges to better simulate competition conditions. RESULTS Linear relationship was demonstrated between scores and % HR(max) on water (r=-0.764, P<0.05), HR(max) on water (r=-0.684, P<0.05) estimated VO(2) on water (r=-0.724, P<0.05), HR on water (r=0.709, P<0.05), % VO(2) on water (r=0.740, P<0.05), final [Lab] (r=-0.884, P<0.05), anaerobic threshold (AT) (r=0.836, P<0.05), HR in AT (r=0.748, P<0.05) and ranking (r=-0,924, P<0.05), mean HR and estimated VO(2) values represented, respectively 85.4±3.0% of maximal heart rate and 80.0±4.5% of maximal oxygen uptake. Mid values for [Lab] were observed at the end of crossing trial (5.2±0.8 mmol L(-1)). CONCLUSION This first analysis of freestyle kitesurfing suggests that the energy demand is sustained by both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism during a MW condition and freestyle event of kitesurfing.
Expression of cell‐cycle regulatory proteins cyclin D1, cyclin E, and their inhibitor p21 WAF1/CIP1 in gastric cancer

The expression and prognostic role of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and p21 (WAF1/CIP1) were immunohistochemically investivated in 413 curatively resected gastric carcinomas. p21 was expressed in 65·4 per cent ( n=270), cyclin D1 in 23·7 per cent ( n=98), and cyclin E in 13·6 per cent ( n=56) of the tumours. The expression of p21, cyclin D1, and cyclin E was positively associated with the papillary or tubular type of the WHO classification, as well as with the intestinal type according to the Lauren classification. No significant correlation could be found between the expression of p21, cyclin D1 and cyclin E and the parameters pT category, lymph node involvement, and blood vessel and lymphatic vessel invasion. Concerning survival, no prognostic impact of p21, cyclin D1, and cyclin E expression could be verified, even when different subgroups of patients were analysed separately according to the pT and pN category as well as to the Lauren classification. The present data suggest that neither cyclin D1, cyclin E nor their inhibitor p21 can predict the survival of gastric cancer patients, nor is their immunohistochemical detection a suitable tool for identifying subgroups of patients who may be at higher risk. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Metronidazole Vaginal Cream in the Treatment of Papanicolaou Smears Showing Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASCUS)

Objective To compare topical metronidazole gel vs. placebo to assess resolution to normal in subsequent Pap smears of patients with ASCUS. Materials and Methods Patients with ASCUS pap smears were randomized to metronidazole or placebo. Resolution of ASCUS vs. persistence, or progression, was the endpoint. A subanalysis stratified patients for bacterial vaginosis (BV) to determine if this population responded differently. Discrete variables were compared using chi-square analysis. Results Forty-nine patients received metronidazole and 52 received placebo. The rate of resolution in the placebo group were 60%, and 67% in the metronidazole group. With BV, the rate of resolution in the placebo group was 67%, and 70% in the metronidazole group. These were not significantly different. Conclusions Treatment of ASCUS Pap smears using topical metronidazole did not demonstrate a significant increase in the rate of resolution in subsequent Pap smears in the overall group nor in a subgroup with BV.
Membrane depolarization causes a direct activation of G protein-coupled receptors leading to local Ca2+ release in smooth muscle

Membrane depolarization activates voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) inducing Ca2+ release via ryanodine receptors (RyRs), which is obligatory for skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction and other physiological responses. However, depolarization-induced Ca2+ release and its functional importance as well as underlying signaling mechanisms in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are largely unknown. Here we report that membrane depolarization can induce RyR-mediated local Ca2+ release, leading to a significant increase in the activity of Ca2+ sparks and contraction in airway SMCs. The increased Ca2+ sparks are independent of VDCCs and the associated extracellular Ca2+ influx. This format of local Ca2+ release results from a direct activation of G protein-coupled, M3 muscarinic receptors in the absence of exogenous agonists, which causes activation of Gq proteins and phospholipase C, and generation of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3), inducing initial Ca2+ release through IP3 receptors and then further Ca2+ release via RyR2 due to a local Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release process. These findings demonstrate an important mechanism for Ca2+ signaling and attendant physiological function in SMCs.
Unsupervised change detection from remote sensing images using hybrid genetic FCM

This paper presents a new technique for unsupervised change detection in bitemporal remote sensing images using spectral change difference images and hybrid genetic FCM. The proposed method works in three steps. In the first step, three spectral change difference images:absolute value difference image, ratio image and log ratio image are computed. In the next step, a feature vector space is created using PCA. Finally, the change detection is obtained by dividing the feature vector space into two clusters using genetic FCM. The validity of the clusters is measured by DB index. The parts of image of Reno-Lake Tahoe area was used as data set for the performance evaluation of proposed algorithm. The results obtained were compared with EM based, MRF based and NSCT methods. The results verify that the proposed algorithm provides superior results than the other existing methods.
Estimating the Total Mortality Among Problem Drug Users

This paper's objective is to develop a method to estimate the total mortality among problem drug users. The total mortality is given by a base rate of mortality not related to drugs and the deaths that are directly and indirectly related to drugs. A fatal poisoning by drugs (overdose) is directly related to drugs, whereas a casualty due to a drug-related disease or a drug-related accident is indirectly related to drugs. As an example of a method to estimate the total mortality, the results from a cohort study among methadone patients in Amsterdam were projected on the whole population of problem drug users in The Netherlands. Due to differences between the problem drug users in Amsterdam and the rest of the country, adjustments were required. It was found that an initial estimation did not require adjustment for injection behavior and gender but did require adjustment for age and the percentage of HIV infection. In a first unadjusted estimation, the total number of deaths among problem drug users in The Netherlands in 2001 was estimated at 606 deaths. After adjustment for age, the estimated mortality decreased to 573 deaths, and after adjustment for HIV infection, this estimation again decreased to 479 deaths. From the ultimately estimated mortality, 11% was considered to be not related to drugs, 23% was attributed directly to drugs, and 66% was attributed indirectly to drugs. The number of direct deaths, as estimated by this method, falls in the same order of magnitude as the number extracted from the Causes of Death Statistics, when selecting cases according to the Drug-Related Deaths Standard as established by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Further cross-validation with other measures will be needed to assess the accuracy of the method, the limitations of which are discussed with respect to stipulating directions for future research.
Managing the symptoms of Behçet’s disease

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown aetiology with a myriad of immunological and pathological consequences. Patients with BD are clustered along the ancient silk road, extending from Far-East Asia to Turkey. The disease affects both genders of all ages from infants to the elderly. It is a long-term, cyclical disease and such patients may have symptom-free periods of weeks, months or years that are interrupted by exacerbations of varying intensities lasting a few days, weeks or months. Clinical features include oral aphthae, genital ulcers, ocular inflammation, skin lesions, as well as articular, vascular, neurological, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal and genitourinary manifestations. The main histopathological finding is a widespread vasculitis of the arteries and veins of any size or thrombophilia according to the site of involvement. BD may start with just one or two small symptoms but other symptoms may gradually appear over the years. Recurrent ocular inflammation, which occurs in ∼ 50% of cases, is the major morbidity that may eventually lead to blindness. The treatment of BD is usually symptomatic and palliative. Therefore, the main objectives are to relieve symptoms associated with mucocutaneous lesions and arthritis, to modify the course of the disease, to control inflammatory eye disease, clinically suppress the inflammation and vasculitis, to prevent recurrences and thus, prevent irreversible damage. The choice of treatment is based on the severity of systemic involvement, clinical presentation and the site affected. The preferred treatment modalities are combined drug therapy and include topical therapies as well as systemic corticosteroids, NSAIDs, colchicine, dapsone and immunosuppressive and cytotoxic agents. Such therapies are tailored to the individual patient depending on clinical manifestations. Thalidomide, tacrolimus, IFN-α and anti-TNF monoclonal antibody have recently attracted attention as novel therapeutic approaches.
Longitudinal diet quality is not associated with depressive symptoms in a cohort of middle-aged Australian women

Abstract There is increasing evidence for the role of nutrition in the prevention of depression. This study aims to describe changes in diet quality over 12 years among participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health in relation to changes in depressive symptoms. Women born between 1946 and 1951 were followed-up for 12 years (2001–2013). Dietary intake was assessed using the Dietary Questionnaire for Epidemiological Studies (version 2) in 2001, 2007 and every 2–3 years after that until 2013. Diet quality was summarised using the Australian Recommended Food Score (ARFS). Depressive symptoms were measured using the ten-item Centre for Epidemiologic Depression Scale at every 2–3-year intervals during 2001–2013. Linear mixed models were used to examine trends in diet quality and its sub-components. The same model including time-varying covariates was used to examine associations between diet quality and depressive symptoms adjusting for confounders. Sensitivity analyses were carried out using the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) index to assess diet quality. Minimal changes in overall diet quality and its sub-components over 12 years were observed. There was a significant association between baseline diet quality and depression (β=−0·24, P=0·001), but this was lost when time-varying covariates were added (β=−0·04, P=0·10). Sensitivity analyses showed similar performance for both ARFS and MDP in predicting depressive symptoms. In conclusion, initial associations seen when using baseline measures of diet quality and depressive symptoms disappear when using methods that handle time-varying covariates, suggesting that previous studies indicating a relationship between diet and depression may have been affected by residual confounding.
Food restriction modulates amphetamine‐conditioned place preference and nucleus accumbens dopamine release in the rat

Food restriction has been shown to increase self‐administration of psychostimulants, including cocaine and amphetamine (AMPH). Consistent with this, food‐restricted rats are more sensitized to the rewarding effects of cocaine as measured by conditioned place preference (CPP). This study investigated whether moderate food restriction in rats (15 g/day) results in an increased CPP, relative to ad libitum‐fed controls, to a second psychostimulant, AMPH. Conditioning trials consisted of six alternating injections of i.p. AMPH (0.425–6.8 mg/kg) and i.p. saline, paired with distinct environments. On Day 7, a drug‐free 20‐min choice test for environment was carried out to assess CPP. 0.85 mg/kg AMPH significantly increased CPP in food‐restricted vs. ad libitum‐fed rats. At 1.7 and 3.4 mg/kg AMPH, food‐restricted rats showed decreased CPP, but increased locomotor activity, relative to ad libitum fed controls. To evaluate whether an alteration in extracellular fluid DA levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core could account for these behavioral alterations, DA release was measured by microdialysis. DA release to a single acute i.p. injection of either 0.85 or 1.7 mg/kg AMPH was comparable in food‐restricted and ad libitum fed rats. However, ad libitum fed rats demonstrated conditioned DA release after an AMPH conditioning paradigm analogous to the CPP paradigm, whereas food‐restricted rats demonstrated no conditioned DA release. In conclusion, altered DA release in the nucleus accumbens core is not a primary effect of moderate food restriction and cannot completely account for either the altered CPP behavior or enhanced locomotor activity observed in this study. Synapse 46:83–90, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.