Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse

This article first provides an overview of a sequential approach to conducting research. This model and similar sequential approaches have sometimes been referred to as the phases of research model. Next, the article offers a summary of what has been learned from this research and offers some thoughts on what is needed in future prevention research efforts, particularly in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention. The research agendas of three federal agencies are provided, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).
Evaluation of polymorphic variants in apoptotic genes and their role in susceptibility and clinical progression to systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease marked by the disruption of the immune homeostasis. Patients exhibit a wide range of clinical manifestations, and environmental and genetic factors are involved in SLE pathogenesis. Evidence suggests that abnormalities in the cellular and molecular events that coordinate apoptosis may favour the generation of autoantigens involved in autoimmunity. In this way, the apoptotic deregulation may be affected by polymorphic variants in apoptotic-related genes. Methods We analyzed FAS, FASL, BCL-2 and BAX polymorphisms in order to correlate to SLE susceptibility and clinical features. A total of 427 SLE patients from the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and 543 controls from southern Brazil were evaluated. Results We observed higher frequencies of the FASL –844CC genotype and –844C allele, as well as of the FASL-844C/IVS2nt-124A haplotype in African-derived SLE patients when compared to controls (P < 0.001). FASL –844C, which is related to high FasL expression, could contribute to increased apoptosis and to the breakdown of immunological tolerance, favouring autoantibody production and inflammation. On the other hand, the BAX –248GA genotype and the –248A allele, related to low protein expression, were observed as a protective factor against SLE in this same population. The rate of apoptosis and cell death was evaluated in peripheral lymphocytes, and SLE patients presented a higher percentage of dead lymphocytes (CD3+Annexin V+ 7-AAD+) compared to the control group. Conclusion Our data support a role for apoptosis in SLE susceptibility.
Prevalence of dental caries in 12–13 year old Kenyan children in urban and rural areas

Summary A study of 200, 12–13 year old children in Kenya showed that those living in urban areas had a significantly higher caries prevalence than those living in rural areas. This difference in caries prevalence can be attributed to higher levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the water in rural areas and to the widespread availability and use of confectionery in the urban areas. Frequence des caries dentaires chez les enfants du Kenya de 12–13 ans dans les zones urbaines et rurales Resume Une tude portant sur 200 enfants du Kenya de 12 a 13 ans indiquait que ceux qui vivaient dans les zones urbaines presentaient une frequence de caries considerablement plus elevee que ceux qui vivaient dans des zones rurales. La difference de la frequence de caries peut etre attribuee aux niveaux plus eleves de fluorure naturel dans l'eau dans les zones rurales et au fait que l'on pouvait facilement se procurer des sucreries dans les zones urbaines. Zahnkariesvorkommen bei 12–13 jahrigen Kindern in stadtischen und landlichen Gegenden Kenias Zusammenfassung Eine Untersuchung von 200 12–13jahrigen Kenianern ergab, das die in Stadten lebenden Kinder einem erheblich hoheren Kariesrisiko ausgesetzt sind als ihre Altersgenossen in landlichen Gebieten. Die Grunde fur die Unterschiede im Kariesauftreten sind zum einen erhohtes, naturliches Fluoridvorkommen im Wasser landlicher Gegenden und zum anderen erhohter Verzehr von Suswaren in stadtischen Gebieten. Prevalencia de la caries dental en ninos de 12–13 anos de areas rurales y urbanas de Kenya Resumen Un estudio de 200 ninos de 12–13 anos de Kenya demostro que aquellos que residian en areas urbanas tenian una prevalencia de caries significativamente mas alta que los de areas rurales. Esta diferencia en la prevalencia de caries puede ser atribuida al mayor nivel de fluoruros naturales en el agua de las areas rurales y a la extensa disponibilidad y consumo de productos de confiteria en las areas urbanas.
Outcomes of 847 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients in three age groups

Objective The objective of this study was to assess outcomes of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) in three different age groups evaluated at last visit: group A early-onset disease (<6 years), group B school age (≥6 and <12 years) and group C adolescent (≥12 and <18 years). Methods An observational cohort study was performed in ten pediatric rheumatology centers, including 847 cSLE patients. Results Group A had 39 (4%), B 395 (47%) and C 413 (49%). Median disease duration was significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C (8.3 (0.1–23.4) vs 6.2 (0–17) vs 3.3 (0–14.6) years, p < 0.0001). The median Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-DI) (0 (0–9) vs 0 (0–6) vs 0 (0–7), p = 0.065) was comparable in the three groups. Further analysis of organ/system damage revealed that frequencies of neuropsychiatric (21% vs 10% vs 7%, p = 0.007), skin (10% vs 1% vs 3%, p = 0.002) and peripheral vascular involvements (5% vs 3% vs 0.3%, p = 0.008) were more often observed in group A compared to groups B and C. Frequencies of severe cumulative lupus manifestations such as nephritis, thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). Mortality rate was significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C (15% vs 10% vs 6%, p = 0.028). Out of 69 deaths, 33/69 (48%) occurred within the first two years after diagnosis. Infections accounted for 54/69 (78%) of the deaths and 38/54 (70%) had concomitant disease activity. Conclusions This large multicenter study provided evidence that early-onset cSLE group had distinct outcomes. This group was characterized by higher mortality rate and neuropsychiatric/vascular/skin organ damage in spite of comparable frequencies of severe cumulative lupus manifestations. We also identified that overall death in cSLE patients was an early event mainly attributed to infection associated with disease activity.
A memetic algorithm for computing 3D capacitance in multiconductor VLSI circuits

A memetic algorithm for computing the capacitance coupling in Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits is presented in this work. The method is based on an approximate extended version of the method of images, is general and applicable to an arbitrary geometry and configuration of conductors. Simulation results are presented for several practical case studies where our method is compared with a commercial tool employing the Finite Element Method (FEM). The capacitance value computed by the proposed method is shown to be in close agreement with the value obtained by the commercial tool with the average difference kept below 3%, thus revealing the efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Productivity after neuropsychologically oriented milieu rehabilitation

Thirty-eight traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients who underwent a neuropsychologically oriented milieu rehabilitation program were compared with an historical control group of 38 TBI patients who did not receive this form of rehabilitation. Patients were matched according to admitting Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, age at injury, and gender. Educational level and chronicity of brain injury were not completely matched but were controlled for in statistical analyses. A greater number of TBI patients who received this form of rehabilitation were productive (ie, a student, a worker, or both) compared with the untreated group. A good or excellent working alliance with the rehabilitation staff was significantly related to a positive productivity status. The same finding was observed when assessing the relationship of the working alliance with the patients' families and productivity status. The data support the proposition that specialty neurorehabilitation programs aimed at work reentry may be helpful in a selected group of TBI patients.
Auditory nerve representation criteria for speech analysis/synthesis

Traditional speech analysis/synthesis techniques are designed to produce synthesized speech with a spectrum (or waveform) that is as close as possible to the original. It is suggested, instead, that representations of the synthetic and the original speech be matched at the auditory nerve level. This concept has been used in conjunction with the sinusoidal representation of speech analysis/synthesis suggested by McAulay and Quatieri [6]. Based on informal listening, the synthesized speech is natural, including some tonal artifact, and highly intelligible for various kinds of speech material, in both quiet and noisy environments. The inherent dominance property of the auditory nerve representation reduces the number of sinusoidal components needed for synthesis by approximately 70 percent, offering a potential for reduced data rate.
Genomics. DNA sequencers still waiting for the nanopore revolution.

Two years ago, Oxford Nanopore Technologies demonstrated a revolutionary new sequencing technology at a meeting for genomicists, but it9s taken until now for it to show more data and to begin to share its new cheap, hand-held device with researchers. Meanwhile, Illumina, by far the biggest maker of sequencing machines, is about to introduce a 10-machine system that can produce 18,000 human genomes per year for less than $1000 a piece. But the machines cost $1 million apiece. Both promise to change the face of sequencing.
Eavesdropping on ecosystems.

Advances in cheap, tough automated recorders and powerful sound-analysis software are inspiring scientists to launch increasingly ambitious efforts that use sound to document and analyze ecosystems. A growing community of self-described soundscape ecologists are capturing thousands of hours of sound—from birdsong and insect choruses to rushing water, thunderclaps, and even the drone of cars and airplanes. Converting complex soundscapes into relatively simple numerical indices of biodiversity is proving difficult, and researchers are struggling to turn huge collections of digital recordings into something they can use. But if they9re successful, they9ll have a powerful and noninvasive way to describe ecosystems and measure how they9re changing.
Altered Vascular Response to the K+induced Vasorelaxation in Aortic Smooth Muscle of Renal Hypertensive Rats

Background:An increase of the extracellular K concentrations up to about 8 mM in the isolated vessels causes relaxation in pre-contracted state. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of K-induced relaxation and compare with that of 2-kidney, 1 clip (2K1C) renal hypertensive rats, we recorded aortic vascular tension using an organ bath study. Methods:2K1C hypertension was made by clipping the left renal artery and agematched control rats received a sham treatment. Thoracic aortic rings were mounted in tissue baths for measurement of isometric contractile force. Results:Exposure to K (from 2 to 8 mM) relaxed a phenylephrine (2×10 M)-induced contraction in K-free Krebs-Ringer solution, dose-dependently. Ouabain (10 M) enhanced the K-induced relaxation in above 2 mM K. The K-induced relaxation was still induced in endothelium-denuded condition. Incubation with the K channel blockers such as tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM), glibenclamide(10 M), 4-aminopyridine (3 mM), barium (5 mM) and cesium (2 mM) did not affect on the K-induced relaxation. In renal hypertensive rats, the K-induced relaxation was markedly suppressed and ouabain enhanced it. Conclusions:These results suggest that the K-induced relaxation in aorta be mediated by Na-pump independent mechanisms, and the decrease of the K-induced relaxation in the renal hypertensive rats may be a possible mechanism of hypertension. (Korean Circulation J 2000;30(8):980-988)
Oceanography. Chemical atlas shows where seas are tainted--and where they can bloom.

The new atlas, which shows the distribution of important trace metals and other substances, is the first product of GEOTRACES, a $300 million international effort. It draws on careful measurements from more than 30,000 seawater samples drawn from nearly 800 locations. One map, for example, shows the distribution of minute trace levels of the toxic metal lead, once a major component of gasoline. In the Atlantic Ocean, GEOTRACES researchers show that lead-tainted water that was once at the surface has now sunk some 1000 meters, creating a kind of time capsule recording past pollution. But the map also shows that contamination in continuing, with relatively high trace levels entering the Atlantic from the Indian Ocean, which is bordered by nations where cars still burn leaded gasoline. Overall, however, lead levels in the Atlantic have been dropping since the United States and Europe banned leaded gasoline decades ago, and the levels pose no threat to humans or wildlife.
Respiratory Muscles: Functional Evaluation

The respiratory muscles are essential components of the pump that move air in and out of the lungs. The function of the respiratory muscles is intimately linked with their anatomical arrangement and their histological and biochemical composition. Dis eases that affect the respiratory system invariably affect the muscles and their work. More often the end result is a decrease in the force the muscles can generate, and in some ex treme cases the development of muscle fatigue. Compromise in the function can be ini tially assessed by simple history, especially positional dyspnea. Determination of the res piratory rate, and observation of the thoraco-abdominal displacement in the upright and supine position complement the initial evaluation. Measurement of spirometry in the sit ting and the supine position, and determination of lung volumes and blood gases help di rect attention to the respiratory muscles. Decreased strength is confirmed by measuring inspiratory and expiratory forces. Decreased endurance can also be measured with rela tively simple stools. The addition of esophageal and gastric pressures, EMG and thoraco abdominal movements add certainty to the evaluation. The near future incorporation of MRI to the dynamic evaluation of respiratory muscle function will add a new dimension to our capacity to evaluate their function. This monograph systematically reviews these ac cepted concepts and offers the readers a tool to enhance their knowledge in this important area of respiration.
Ischial apophysiolysis: a case report and a short review

A case of an apophysiolysis of the ischial tuberosity in a 13‐year‐old female recreational iceskater is described. Despite slight dislocation, the patient developed hyperplastic callus and signs of fibrous healing after 13 months. She was, however, only bothered by this to a minor degree after prolonged sitting. The injury mechanism and possible predisposing factors as well as the controversies in the literature about treating this condition are discussed. The condition may be overlooked in several instances. We suggest that a pelvic X‐ray examination be performed in people from the age of 12 to 25 with a history of gradual pain around the ischial tuberosity after vigorous activities in sports implying repetitive stretching of the hamstrings or after an acute injury from a momentary stretching of the hamstrings with tenderness on palpation of the ischial tuberosity. Treatment depends on the degree of dislocation and on the functional requirements of the patient.
Community-acquired pneumonia: Changing paradigms about mortality

of antibiotics in the 1950’s. [26,27] In particular, the mortality rates of hospitalized CAP patients in Europe are 5-15% rising to 40% in intensive care unit admitted patients. [2] Moreover, in hospitalized CAP patients mortality increases dramatically in the presence of determined risk factors (comorbidities, immunosuppression, increasing age) up to 20-40%. [28,29] Indeed, it is known that 25-50% of all deaths from pneumonia are reported within the first 30 days after diagnosis with a large proportion of deaths being related to co-morbidities rather than directed due to pneumonia. After 30-day, mortality is still increased in patients with CAP with the majority of deaths being the result of co-morbidities and particularly cardiovascular co-morbidities. [27,30-32]
Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains

"Identification of Pathological Conditions in Human Skeletal Remains" provides an integrated and comprehensive treatment of pathological conditions that affect the human skeleton. There is much that ancient skeletal remains can reveal to the modern orthopaedist, pathologist, forensic anthropologist, and radiologist about the skeletal manifestations of diseases that are rarely encountered in modern medical practice. Beautifully illustrated with over 1,100 photographs and drawings, this book provides essential text and materials on bone pathology, which will improve the diagnostic ability of those interested in human dry bone pathology. It also provides time depth to our understanding of the effect of disease on past human populations. Key features include: comprehensive review of skeletal diseases encountered in archeological human remains; more than 1100 photographs and line drawings illustrating skeletal disease including both microscopic and gross features; based on extensive research on skeletal paleopathology in many countries for over 35 years; and a review of important theoretical issues in interpreting evidence of skeletal disease in archeological human populations.
An Introduction of the Chinese DTTB Standard and Analysis of the PN595 Working Modes

A digital terrestrial television broadcasting (DTTB) standard named "Frame structure, channel coding and modulation for digital television terrestrial broadcasting system" was published in China in August 2006. This is the first paper of a series that provide a complete and in depth description to the standard including laboratory and field measurement results, detailed analysis on technologies in achieving stable fixed reception and fast mobile reception, as well as methodologies in spectrum allocation, and principles and technologies in performing single frequency network operation. Among the hundreds of operation modes to support multi-program SDTV/HDTV terrestrial services in the standard, the key features and major applications of a series of modes named "PN595 + C1" are described in detail. Measurement results of PN595 + C1 are also presented to demonstrate the satisfactory performances in fixed reception and high speed mobile reception
LexSearch: a specialized database for legislative documents

The Lexsearch system is part of a broader project aimed at building a computational support system for drafting legislative texts. In the global architecture of the system, Lexsearch is placed in an intermediary position between two other modules: Lexedit and Lavagna. Lavagna will be the framework which, in the phase of drafting, will enable the user to choose the structure of the new text, selecting the type of document. Once the user has selected the model, he can 'assemble' the legislative contents, choosing each kind of provision from menus presented by Lavagna. Lexedit will supply the lexical and syntactic linguistic tool. Lexsearch will be capable of exploiting the structural and functional organisation of the texts in order to carry out conceptual retrieval and diagnosis. The present function of Lexsearch (and of Lexedit) is to identify lexical, syntactic and structural models that constitute Lavagna's menus, obviously by working on existing legislative texts, for abstracting and generalising formal and non ambiguous models.
Public health. NIH puts massive U.S. children's study on hold.

A long-delayed plan to follow the health of 100,000 U.S. children from birth to age 21 is in limbo again, in the wake of a critical outside review. A National Academies panel finds that the National Children's Study has some strong points—but also a host of weaknesses. The panel recommends that the study's leader, the National Institutes of Health's (NIH's) child health institute, make changes to the study's design and management that would likely delay initial recruitment, now planned for 2015. And the price tag that the panel puts on the revamped effort—upward of $1.5 billion—could erode support for the ambitious effort. In response to the report, NIH Director Francis Collins has put the study on hold.
Closed-form fiducial confidence intervals for some functions of independent binomial parameters with comparisons

Approximate closed-form confidence intervals (CIs) for estimating the difference, relative risk, odds ratio, and linear combination of proportions are proposed. These CIs are developed using the fiducial approach and the modified normal-based approximation to the percentiles of a linear combination of independent random variables. These confidence intervals are easy to calculate as the computation requires only the percentiles of beta distributions. The proposed confidence intervals are compared with the popular score confidence intervals with respect to coverage probabilities and expected widths. Comparison studies indicate that the proposed confidence intervals are comparable with the corresponding score confidence intervals, and better in some cases, for all the problems considered. The methods are illustrated using several examples.
The Task of Medicine: Dialogue at Wickenburg

This book is a summary by Dr Kerr L. White of a 4-day conference sponsored by the Kaiser Foundation at which the future of medicine and medical education was discussed in depth. The conference's "point of departure," actually its focus, was a monograph by Charles E. Odegaard, former president of the University of Washington, entitledDearDoctor.1Additionally, the conference members were given "a series of commissioned papers and published reprints," many (all? ) of which are included in the appendix to this book. There were 39 physicians and 6 nonphysicians in attendance. The large majority of physicians were academicians. After reading this book and its appendixes carefully, it became obvious that to understand it fully, one needs first to readDear Doctor. This I did, and it was worth the effort. From all of this reading I have arrived at a summary statement, to wit: the conference at Wickenburg
Quelle culture pour l'expression et l'actualisation de la sensibilité éthique au sein des unités de soins intensifs ?

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