Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Natural Variances in Blood Pressure Category among Chinese Adults

Little is known about the natural progression and regression of blood pressure status, even though such knowledge would help determine the best intervention strategies. Our study aimed to explore natural changes in blood pressure status in a middle-aged Chinese population. A total of 6,129 Chinese men and women, aged 35 to 59 years at baseline, from the China Multi-center Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Epidemiology, were reexamined 6 years later to determine the probability of progression (from non-hypertension to hypertension) and regression (from hypertension to non-hypertension). The majority (80%) of non-hypertensives among the respondents in this study remained normal or pre-hypertensive; about two-thirds of stage 1 hypertensives either stayed at the same stage or regressed to non-hypertension. However, only 9% of stage 2 hypertensives regressed to non-hypertension. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis showed that the stage 1 hypertension group had a 5-fold chance of regressing to non-hypertension in comparison with the stage 2 hypertension group (odds ratio [OR]=0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1−0.3), whereas the pre-hypertension group had a 4-fold likelihood of progressing to hypertension compared with normotensive subjects (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 3.7−5.3). After excluding participants ever on drug treatment in either examinations, the OR of regression for stage 2 hypertension was over twice that for stage 1 hypertension (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3−0.7), and the possibility of progression decreased, though very slightly (OR=4.3, 95% CI: 3.6−5.1). Weight change significantly influenced progression and regression. Alcohol drinking affected progression significantly. In conclusion, the present findings support the strategy of intensively treating stage 2 hypertension and moderately treating stage 1 hypertension. Persons with pre-hypertension should be monitored for progression and advice on lifestyle modifications should be used.
Presence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Subsequent Changes of Left Ventricular Geometry over 4 Years in an Apparently Healthy Population Aged 60 and Older

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Left ventricular geometry (LVG) is a predictor for CV events. However, the influence of CKD on LVG changes in the elderly remains unclear. In this study, we performed echocardiography to evaluate LVG at baseline and at 2 and 4 years after baseline in 120 apparently healthy elderly Chinese who were recruited from a screening of 1,500 individuals. No subjects had a history of organic heart disease or chronic medication. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, as calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. The mean age was 71.5±3.9 years (range: 60−81 years). The prevalences of CKD, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy and concentric hypertrophy were significantly increased after 4 years (all p≤0.033). The LVG changes were only significant in subjects with CKD at baseline (p=0.039). If we stratified subjects into those with favorable (normal and concentric remodeling) and those with unfavorable LVG (eccentric hypertrophy and concentric hypertrophy), the presence of CKD was an independent predictor for unfavorable LVG after 4 years both in univariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR]=3.18 and 3.70, p=0.011 and 0.015, respectively). This longitudinal study showed that aging was related to increased prevalence of CKD and changes of LVG. The presence of CKD is associated with changes of LVG toward unfavorable forms. These findings might partially explain why subjects with CKD have a higher CV risk and could provide knowledge essential to the assessment of cardiac structure and disease in older subjects.
Prevalence of and contributing factors to dyslipidaemia in low-income women aged 18-90 years in the peri-urban Vaal region

Abstract Objective: Determining the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and examining dietary and other contributing factors, namely hypertension, overweight and obesity, as well as abnormal blood lipid levels in women aged 18-90 years. Design: Cross-sectional baseline survey study. Setting: Peri-urban Vaal region. Subjects: Seven hundred and twenty-two randomly selected black women in four purposively selected settlements in the Vaal region. Outcome measures: Measurements included dietary intake (24-hour recall), anthropometric (weight and height), and blood pressure and biochemical indices (lipid profile) with venous blood samples. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests and regression analyses. Results: A large percentage (34.3%) of the women (aged 18-90 years old) was dyslipidaemic. The majority of women in the nondyslipidaemic group were overweight (52.6%). 86.2% of the women in the dyslipidaemic group were obese. The total fat intake was 20% of total energy intake in both groups. No significant differences were observed between the dietary fat intake variables between the groups. Body mass index (BMI) (ß = 0.554, p-value = 0.000), age (ß = 0.419, p-value = 0.000), education (ß = 0.250, p-value = 0.000), total energy intake (ß = 0.105, p-value = 0.006) and total fat intake (ß = 0.092, p-value = 0.018) were predictors of dyslipidaemia in these women. Conclusion: Dyslipidaemia was prevalent. High triglyceride and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were the most frequent abnormalities. Although positive associations existed between the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and the known risk factors of cardiovascular disease, such as ageing, hypertension, obesity and an abnormal lipid profile; BMI, age and education were the main predictors of dyslipidaemia.
Anti-tumor effect of bevacizumab on a xenograft model of feline mammary carcinoma

Feline mammary carcinomas are characterized by rapid progression and metastases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of tumor angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a single drug therapy of bevacizumab on a xenograft model of feline mammary carcinoma expressing VEGF protein. Bevacizumab treatment suppressed tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis and enhancing apoptosis; however, it did not affect the tumor proliferation index. Thus, bevacizumab had anti-tumor effects on a xenograft model, and this may be useful for the treatment of feline mammary carcinoma.
Intranasal immunization with a recombinant outer membrane protein H based Haemorrhagic septicemia vaccine in dairy calves

Haemorrhagic septicemia (HS) is a contagious disease in cattle with high morbidity and mortality rates. HS vaccine in Thailand is an oil-adjuvant formulation, and is difficult to administer. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate the protection in dairy calves conferred by immunization with an in-house intranasal HS vaccine. The intranasal vaccine was formulated in a total volume of 500 µl containing either 50 or 100 µg of the recombinant outer membrane protein H (rOmpH) of Pasteurella multocida strain M-1404 (serovar B:2), and 10 µg of Cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) as a mucosal adjuvant. Intranasal immunizations were conducted three times at three-week intervals. The antibodies post-immunization were detected by indirect ELISA and demonstrated efficient in vitro activity in suppressing a P. multocida strain from the complement-mediated killing assay. An intranasal vaccine induced both the serum IgG and secretory IgA levels that were significantly higher than the level conferred by the parenteral vaccine (P<0.05). Challenge exposure was conducted with a P. multocida strain M-1404 at day 72 of the experiments. The immunized calves had reduced clinical signs after challenge exposure that would normally result in disease proliferation. We conclude that intranasal vaccination of calves with rOmpH with CpG-ODN 2007 stimulated serum and secretory antibodies to rOmpH and whole cells of P. multocida strain M-1404 antigen. Moreover, it would result in protection in calves against artificial P. multocida infection.
Accelerating Pattern Matching Queries in Hybrid CPU-FPGA Architectures

Taking advantage of recently released hybrid multicore architectures, such as the Intel's Xeon+FPGA machine, where the FPGA has coherent access to the main memory through the QPI bus, we explore the benefits of specializing operators to hardware. We focus on two commonly used SQL operators for strings: LIKE, and REGEXP_LIKE, and provide a novel and efficient implementation of these operators in reconfigurable hardware. We integrate the hardware accelerator into MonetDB, a main-memory column store, and demonstrate a significant improvement in response time and throughput. Our Hardware User Defined Function (HUDF) can speed up complex pattern matching by an order of magnitude in comparison to the database running on a 10-core CPU. The insights gained from integrating hardware based string operators into MonetDB should also be useful for future designs combining hardware specialization and databases.
Discharge Planning Decision Making by Hospitalized Patients

Although studies have examined decision making in discharge planning, few have studied the decision-making process from the patient's perspective. Using structured cases, this pilot study examined patients'decisions fordischarge planning. Four variables were manipulated to create 24 unique cases. These variables included patient living situation, personal assistance needs, home assistance needs, and complexity of medication regime. Respondents rank ordered the appropriateness of four discharge options (i.e., outpatient clinic, housekeeping/chore, home health nursing, and nursing home care) for each case. Eighty chronically ill hospitalized patients from two VA hospitals served as subjects. Patient living arrangement, home assistance needs, and personal assistance needs had strong relationships with the perceived appropriateness of outpatient and nursing home care. When patient status was good, nursing home care was clearly an inappropriate solution from the patients' perspective. Outpatient care was ranked as less appropriate when patient status deteriorated. The only significant association with home health care was personal assistance needs. Medication complexity had no significant association with the four discharge options.
Wpływ krótkiej okluzji tętnicy wieńcowej podczas przezskórnej angioplastyki wieńcowej na obecność późnych potencjałów komorowych

Wstep: Poźne potencjaly komorowe (LP) są wskaźnikiem ryzyka wystąpienia groźnych dla zycia arytmii komorowych u pacjentow z chorobą niedokrwienną serca. Celem pracy byla ocena wplywu ostrego niedokrwienia mieśnia sercowego, wywolanego inflacją balonu podczas zabiegu przezskornej angioplastyki wiencowej (PTCA), na parametry uśrednionego sygnalu EKG (SAE) i obecnośc LP. Material i metody: Badaniem objeto grupe 28 pacjentow z chorobą wiencową (7 kobiet, 21 mezczyzn) w wieku 58 ± 10 lat, poddanych zabiegowi elektywnej angioplastyki wiencowej (10 - prawa tetnica wiencowa, 10 - galąź miedzykomorowa przednia, 8 - galąź okalająca lewej tetnicy wiencowej). Sygnal EKG o wysokiej rozdzielczości uzyskano za pomocą rejestratorow holterowskich DelMar Digicorder. Analizy poźnych potencjalow dokonywano przed zabiegiem PTCA, tuz po rozpoczeciu inflacji balonu podczas PTCA oraz po zakonczeniu zabiegu. Oceniano nastepujące parametry uśrednionego sygnalu EKG: szerokośc zespolu QRS (QRSw), LAS40, RMS40. Obecnośc poźnych potencjalow stwierdzano, gdy byly spelnione 2 z 3 ponizszych kryteriow: 1) QRSw > 114 ms, 2) LAS40 > 38 ms, 3) RMS40 Wyniki: Nie obserwowano istotnych roznic miedzy wartościami średnimi QRSw, LAS40 i RMS40 przed zabiegiem PTCA, w trakcie niedokrwienia wywolanego inflacją balonu oraz po zabiegu. Nie obserwowano takze roznic w podgrupach w zalezności od lokalizacji niedokrwienia w zakresie lewej lub prawej tetnicy wiencowej oraz w podgrupach po przebytym zawale serca i bez zawalu. Tylko u 1 pacjenta podczas PTCA stwierdzono odwracalną obecnośc poźnych potencjalow, ktorych nie bylo przed zabiegiem. Wnioski: Ostre niedokrwienie mieśnia sercowego podczas elektywnego zabiegu PTCA nie powoduje istotnych zmian wartości parametrow uśrednionego sygnalu EKG. W pojedynczych przypadkach podczas elektywnego zabiegu PTCA moze dojśc do powstania poźnych potencjalow komorowych.
Predictors of Echinococcus multilocularis Prevalence in Definitive and Intermediate Hosts: A Meta-Analysis Approach

Abstract: Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) is a pathogenic and potentially fatal cestode causing human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). A meta-analysis was conducted using a generalized estimation equation approach (GEE) to assess the effect of taxonomic, environmental, and diagnostic variables on EM prevalence in different hosts. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) had significantly higher prevalence of EM than domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), with the diagnostic method playing an important factor in assessing prevalence. For intermediate hosts genera was significantly associated with EM prevalence, although there was some indication of publication bias in this dataset. This study also highlights the possible importance of temperature and precipitation to EM transmission. This implies the possibility of a changing climate affecting the future distribution of the parasite.
Distribution and Prevalence of Haemosporidian Parasites in the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

Abstract Avian haemosporidian parasites provide a model system for understanding ecological and evolutionary host–parasite interactions. The diversity and distribution of these parasites remains incomplete, and, here, we provide the first range-wide assessment of avian haemosporidians in a continentally distributed host, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Based on molecular techniques, we show geographical differences in prevalence and lineage diversity between host subspecies and identify several novel lineages. We use phylogenetic reconstruction to show where these lineages fit into the expanding evolutionary tree of avian haemosporidian lineages. All except 1 subspecies of Northern Cardinal are highly parasitized by a wide diversity of Plasmodium and Parahaemoproteus. Compared to published studies that used microscopy to determine prevalence in this host, we find a much higher number of infected individuals (67.4% vs. 45% or less). Consistent with previous studies, Parahaemoproteus from the Northern Cardinal was found to be highly host specific and geographically structured, whereas Plasmodium was less host specific and geographically unstructured.
Estado nutricional de preescolares de Ciudad de La Habana entre 1972 y 1993

Two anthropometric surveys of children and adolescents have been carried out in Cuba with national samples. A third study done in the province of Ciudad de la Habana provided information on the physical characteristics of the population in that area and a baseline for the periodic evaluation of its nutritional status. This article compares the weight and height results obtained in these surveys for children 0 to 5 years old who lived in this province with the international reference standards proposed by WHO. The results show that, despite the economic difficulties the country has faced, the prevalence of malnutrition is low. In 1993, the prevalence of low height-for-age was 3.1%; that of low weight-for-height, 0.4%; and that of low weight-for-age, 1.5%. Overweight was the most common type of malnutrition, with a prevalence of 5.2%. Between 1972 and 1993, the prevalence of chronic malnutrition fell 32.6%, acute malnutrition was reduced by 69.2%; malnutrition of all types decreased by 44.4%; and overweight fell 48.5%.
The pregnant male: a metasynthesis of first-time fathers’ experiences of pregnancy

Objective: To synthesise qualitative study findings in order to gain an understanding of fathers’ experiences of pregnancy. Background: As the transition to fatherhood can be challenging, awareness of the factors facilitating or hindering expectant fathers’ adjustment is important. Our aim was to better understand the experiences of men during this significant life cycle phase, and to use this knowledge to advise health care professionals on how best to support men during this transition. Methods: We used Noblit and Hare’s metasynthesis approach to review and synthesise 13 qualitative studies relating to expectant fathers’ experiences of pregnancy. Results: The synthesis revealed five super-ordinate themes, which captured the emotional, psychological and physiological experiences of the expectant fathers during pregnancy: (1) Reacting to early pregnancy; (2) On the outside looking in; (3) The pregnant male; (4) A journey of acceptance; and (5) Redefining self as a father. Conclusion: Possible clinical implications and limitations of the metasynthesis approach are discussed. Relevant recommendations on how health professionals and services can be more effectively supportive of men during this period are outlined.
Establishment of Canine-Derived Giardia duodenalis Isolates in Culture

Abstract Researchers continue to rely on axenic cultivation of Giardia duodenalis trophozoites in vitro to study the life cycle and host–parasite interactions of G. duodenalis and to develop vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat giardiasis. The majority of in vitro studies of G. duodenalis have used a small subset of isolates, mostly of assemblage A, and these isolates are usually originally isolated from humans. The most commonly used isolate for lab studies is known as WB. Canine giardiasis is a disease of veterinary importance, but it may also be of relevance in zoonotic transmission. Few G. duodenalis isolates from dogs have been adapted to in vitro culture, probably because the methods used are not suitable for the canine-specific genotypes that tend to dominate in most dog populations. In the current study, an experimental approach to cultivating canine-derived isolates of G. duodenalis was attempted by modification of the standard protocol based on physiological differences between the human and canine digestive system. An adapted method is described for improving the rate of in vitro excystation of cysts isolated from dogs by chemically weakening the cyst wall. A new canine-derived assemblage A G. duodenalis isolate was successfully adapted to axenic culture by using this method; the dog apparently had a mixed infection of assemblages A and D, but the assemblage A successfully outcompeted the assemblage D under conditions of in vitro culture. Based on the results, reasons regarding why humans do not seem to be suitable hosts for G. duodenalis in assemblages C and D are discussed.
CASE REPORTS Cutaneous Melioidosis in a Man Who Was Taken as a Prisoner of War by the Japanese during World War II

Melioidosis, an infection caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Human infection is acquired through contact with contaminated water via percutaneous inoculation. Clinical manifestations range from skin and soft tissue infection to pneumonia with sepsis. We report a case of a man who was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese during World War II who presented with a nonhealing ulcer on his right hand 62 years after the initial exposure.
Epidemiologia del síndrome urémco hemolítico en Argentina: diagnóstico del agente etiológico, reservorios y vías de transmissión

agent, reservoirs and routes of transmission. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coil (STEC) cause sporadic cases and outbreaks of nonbloody and bloody diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). E. coli O157:H7 is the most prevalent STEC serotype. However, other serotypes (O26:H11; O103:H2; 0111 :NM; O121:H19; O145:NM, among others) can cause a similar disease spectrum. Shiga toxins (Stx1, Stx2, and their variants), intimin, and enterohemolysin are the main virulence factors. Three different diagnostic criteria are used to determine the frequency of STEC infection: 1) isolation and characterization of STEC strains; 2) detection of specifically neutralizable free fecal Stx; and 3) Serological tests to detect Stx-antibodies. The surveillance of the STEC strains is performed using subtyping techniques: a) genotyping of Stx and eae by PCR-RFLP; b) phage typing of E. coli O157 strains; and c) pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. STEC 0157 and non-O157 strains are recovered from clinic, animal, food and environmental samples, and E. coil O157:H7, a Stx2 and Stx2c producer, harboring eae and ehxA genes, is the most common serotype. During a prospective case-control study conducted to evaluate risk factors for sporadic STEC infection in Mendoza Province and Buenos Aires City and its surroundings during 2001-2002, exposures associated with risk included eating undercooked beef, contact with a child <5 years with diarrhea and living in or visiting a place with farm animals. Both washing hands after handling raw beef, and eating fruits and vegetables were frequently protective. Strategies of prevention and control are necessary to decrease the incidence of STEC infections in Argentina.
mSalUV: un nuevo sistema de mensajería móvil para el control de la diabetes en México

OBJETIVO: Disenar y desarrollar un sistema de mensajeria movil llamado mSalUV, que permita recordar a pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 la toma de medicacion y la asistencia a citas y que promueva estilos de vida saludables, asi como explorar su opinion con respecto al uso del sistema. METODOS: Se consideraron tres etapas: la primera incluyo el diseno y desarrollo de mSalUV. La segunda abarco el diseno y construccion de los mensajes de texto. La tercera exploro la opinion de los usuarios con respecto al uso de mSalUV. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo el sistema mSalUV, ademas se disenaron alrededor de 40 mensajes de texto. Durante los 45 dias del periodo de intervencion se envio un total de 1 850 mensajes. Los usuarios opinaron que mSalUV los ayudaba en el tratamiento de su enfermedad, que era de facil uso, mostraron una actitud favorable para continuar su uso en el futuro, ademas de que las personas cercanas a ellas (familiares y redes de apoyo), estaban de acuerdo en que lo utilizaran. Por otra parte, percibieron al sistema como "alguien que los queria". CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados presentados nos sugieren que un sistema como mSalUV seria bastante aceptado por los posibles usuarios, en este caso, personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Esto nos plantea un escenario muy interesante que permitira aprovechar a las nuevas tecnologias en beneficio de la salud. Se requieren mas investigaciones para evaluar la eficacia y efectividad del sistema.
In Vivo Study on the Biocompatibility of New Resin-based Root Canal Sealers

목 적 근관 치료의 최종 목적인 근관계의 영구적인 충전을 위해 사용되는 근관 봉함제는 많은 연구와 개선을 거쳐서 현재는 다양한 성분의 봉함제가 시판되고 있다. 이중에서 레진이 주성분인 봉함제는 조작이 편리하고 흐름성이 좋으며 근관의 벽에 높은 밀폐성을 보이고 충분한 작업시간과 높은 방사선 불투과성을 가지는 장점을 가짐에도 불구하고 높은 초기 생 체 독성을 나타내는 단점을 가지고 있다. 본 실험에서는 기존의 상용화된 제품 중 레진이 주성분인 두 종류의 봉함제(AH 26, AH plus)와 산화 아연이 주성분 인 봉함제(Pulp Canal Sealer EWT)와 국내에서 새로이 개발한 제품으로서 레진이 주성분인 두 종류의 봉함제 (Adseal-1,2)를 생체조직에 매식하여 국소적인 반응을 비교하여 생체친화성을 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법 수종 봉함제의 생체 친화성을 알아보기 위하여 64마리의 Sprague-Dawley rat을 사용하였다. 봉함제의 피하조직 매 식을 위해 길이와 직경이 각각 5와 1. 5mm인 폴리에틸렌 테프론 관을 사용하였으며 이를 에탄올과 증류수로 세척한 후 고압증기멸균을 시행하였다. Rat에 대하여 케타민으로 복강내 마취를 시행한 후 배부를 면도하고 iodine으로 소독한 다 음 네 곳에 절개를 시행하였으며 blunt dissection을 통해 깊이 10mm 이상의 피하조직 pocket을 형성하였다. 각각의 봉함제를 제조사의 지시에 따라 혼합 후 즉시 멸균된 테프론 관에 주사기를 이용하여 담은 다음에 봉함제가 흐르지 않게 유의하며 pocket내로 삽입하였으며 이때 16개의 관을 대조군으로 사용하기 위해 봉함제를 넣지 않은 상태로 삽입하였 다. 이 후 절개 부위를 surgical gut suture로 봉합하였으며 1주일 후에 발사하였다. Rat을 1, 2, 4, 12주 후에 각 군 당 세 마리 씩 에테르 흡입을 통해 희생하였으며 이 때 한 마리씩의 대조군도 포함시 켰다. 이 후 매식된 관을 주위 조직과 함께 제거하고 포르말린에서 48시간 고정시킨 후 파라핀에 포매한 다음에 microtome을 사용하여 6μm로 serial section을 시행하였다. 정중선 부위의 시편에 Hematoxylin-Eosin staining을 시행한 후 Olsson, Orstavik 그리고 Mjor 등의 방법에 따라 조직학적 변화를 관찰한 후 slight(1), moderate(2), severe inflammation(3)의 단계로 분류하였다. 얻어진 결과를 통계처리 프로그램인 Jandel사의 Sigmastat을 이용하여 Kruskal Wallis Test로 통계처리를 하였다. 결 과