Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive Exercise Test and Obstructive Spirometry in Young Male Conscripts Associated with Persistent Asthma 20 years Later

Background. Asthma often begins in childhood or early adulthood and is a common disease among conscripts. The identification of long-term predictive factors for persistent asthma may lead to improved treatment opportunities and better disease control. Objective. Our aim was to study the prognostic factors of the severity of asthma among 40-year-old male conscripts whose asthma began in youth. Methods. We studied 119 conscripts who were referred to the Central Military Hospital during 1987–1990 due to asthma and who attended a follow-up visit approximately 20 years later. Asthma severity was evaluated during military service according to the medical records, and 20 years later during a follow-up visit using Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. We used the results of lung function and allergy tests at baseline as predictors of current persistent asthma. Results. Compared with baseline, asthma was less severe at follow-up: 11.8% of subjects were in remission, 42.0% had intermittent asthma, 10.9% had mild persistent asthma, and 35.3% had moderate/severe persistent asthma (p < .001). In multivariate models, a positive exercise test at baseline yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 3.2 (95% CI 1.0–9.8, p = .046), a decreased FEV1/FVC % predicted an OR of 4.0 (95% CI 1.7–9.3, p = .002), and a decreased FEF50% % predicted an OR of 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–6.4, p = .012) for current persistent asthma. Conclusions. About half of the men had persistent asthma at the 20-year follow-up. Positive exercise tests and obstructive spirometry results were related to the persistence of asthma and may be useful long-term prognostic factors for asthma severity.
Absence of an association between Plasmodium falciparum infection and post-ivermectin Loa-related non-neurologic serious adverse events.

Although ivermectin treatment can induce serious adverse events (SAEs) in individuals harboring high Loa loa microfilaremia (mf), not all patients with high mf levels develop such reactions, suggesting that cofactors may be involved. A study was conducted in Cameroon to investigate the possible role of Plasmodium coinfection at the time of ivermectin treatment in the development of SAEs. Before their first ivermectin treatment, thick smears were obtained from 4,175 individuals to determine the burden of Plasmodium sp. , L. loa, and Mansonella perstans. After treatment, 18 (4.3 per 1,000) patients developed a non-neurologic SAE. Logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, P. falciparum infection, and M. perstans infection intensities, confirmed that L. loa mf was the main risk factor for SAEs. We found no evidence that coinfection with P. falciparum at the time of ivermectin treatment was associated with the occurrence of Loa-related SAEs in this population.
Maximal Resilience for Reliability and Yield Enhancement in Interconnect Structure

This paper proposes a resilient scheme to achieve maximal interconnect fault tolerance, reliability and yield for both single and multiple interconnect faults under stuck-at and open fault models. By exploiting multiple routes inherent in an interconnect structure, this scheme can tolerate faulty connections by efficiently finding alternative paths with modified Longest Common Subsequence. This scheme is compatible with previous interconnect detection and diagnosis methods, and together they can be applied to implement a robust interconnect structure that may still provide correct communication even under multiple faults. Furthermore, this scheme can identify connections which will cause communication failure if they are faulty. With this knowledge, designers can significantly improve interconnect reliability by augmenting such vulnerable connections. Experimental results show that alternative paths can be found for almost all paths in this scheme, this it provides a way to achieve fault-tolerant and reliability/yield improvement.
Neurocognitive and behavioral morbidity in children with sleep disorders

Purpose of review This review examines in detail progress made regarding our understanding of the presence and pathophysiology of cognitive and behavioral morbidities among children with sleep disorders in general. Particular focus is given to pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Recent findings In recent years, increased awareness of the morbid consequences of respiratory sleep disturbances in children has emerged. Evidence suggesting a causal association of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation with alterations in memory, attention, and intelligence has accumulated. Research has also identified a link between sleep disorders, and problematic and hyperactive behaviors and mood disturbances. Furthermore, there is considerable inter-individual variability in the presence and magnitude of neurobehavioral morbidity at any given level of disease severity. This further suggests that, in addition to the disease per se, both genetic (individual susceptibility) and environmental modifiers play a role in determining morbidity. Summary A more individually tailored approach to detecting morbidity associated with sleep disorders in children, employing biomarkers and gene-related single nucleotide polymorphisms, may ultimately be required to allow more rational prioritization of treatment.
The retromer complex and clathrin define an early endosomal retrograde exit site

Previous studies have indicated a role for clathrin, the clathrin adaptors AP1 and epsinR, and the retromer complex in retrograde sorting from early/recycling endosomes to the trans Golgi network (TGN). However, it has remained unclear whether these protein machineries function on the same or parallel pathways. We show here that clathrin and the retromer subunit Vps26 colocalize at the ultrastructural level on early/recycling endosomes containing Shiga toxin B-subunit, a well-studied retrograde transport cargo. As previously described for clathrin, we find that interfering with Vps26 expression inhibits retrograde transport of the Shiga toxin B-subunit to the TGN. Under these conditions, endosomal tubules that take the Shiga toxin B-subunit out of transferrin-containing early/recycling endosomes appear to be stabilized. This situation differs from that previously described for low-temperature incubation and clathrin-depletion conditions under which Shiga toxin B-subunit labeling was found to overlap with that of the transferrin receptor. In addition, we find that the Shiga toxin B-subunit and the transferrin receptor accumulate close to multivesicular endosomes in clathrin-depleted cells, suggesting that clathrin initiates retrograde sorting on vacuolar early endosomes, and that retromer is then required to process retrograde tubules. Our findings thus establish a role for the retromer complex in retrograde transport of the B-subunit of Shiga toxin, and strongly suggest that clathrin and retromer function in consecutive retrograde sorting steps on early endosomes.
An Investigation into the Microstructure of Adiabatic Shear Banding in AISI 1045 Hardened Steel due to High Speed Machining

Adiabatic shear banding during high speed machining is important to understand material removal mechanisms. This paper investigates the microstructure of adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) in the serrated chips produced during the high speed machining of AISI 1045 hardened steel. Optical microscope, scanning electronic microscope(SEM) and transmission electronic microscope(TEM) were used to explore the microstructural characteristics. It was found that there are two types of adiabatic shear bands. One is the deformed adiabatic shear band composed of a significantly deformed structure generated in a range of low cutting speeds, and the other is the transformed adiabatic shear band composed of very small equiaxed grains generated under high cutting speeds. The results indicated that the deformed band has a tempered martensite structure that formed through large plastic deformation and the transformed band has experienced a dynamic recrystallization process.
THE EVOLUTION OF FAR-INFRARED CO EMISSION FROM PROTOSTARS

We investigate the evolution of far-IR CO emission from protostars observed with Herschel/PACS for 50 sources from the combined sample of HOPS and DIGIT Herschel key programs. From the uniformly sampled spectral energy distributions, whose peaks are well sampled, we computed the , , and for these sources to search for correlations between far-IR CO emission and protostellar properties. We find a strong and tight correlation between far-IR CO luminosity ( ) and the bolometric luminosity ( ) of the protostars with . We, however, do not find a strong correlation between and protostellar evolutionary indicators, and . FIR CO emission from protostars traces the currently shocked gas by jets/outflows, and far-IR CO luminosity, , is proportional to the instantaneous mass-loss rate, . The correlation between and , then, is indicative of instantaneous tracking instantaneous . The lack of a correlation between and evolutionary indicators and suggests that and, therefore, do not show any clear evolutionary trend. These results are consistent with mass accretion/ejection in protostars being episodic. Taken together with the previous finding that the time-averaged mass-ejection/accretion rate declines during the protostellar phase, our results suggest that the instantaneous accretion/ejection rate of protostars is highly time variable and episodic, but the amplitude and/or frequency of this variability decreases with time such that the time-averaged accretion/ejection rate declines with system age.
Nanopharmaceuticals : An Overview

As the need for the development of new medicines is pressing, and given the inherent nanoscale functions of the biological components of living cells, nanotechnology has been applied to diverse medical fields such as oncology, cardiovascular medicine and in treatment of other chronic diseases. Indeed, nanotechnology is being used to refine discovery of biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, and drug discovery and drug delivery, which could be applicable to management of these patients. The ideal nanopharmaceutical agent must be safe, biocompatible, biodegradable and stealthy-disguised well enough that the body's immune system will not recognize it as foreign. The ultimate agent will recognize the toxic molecules, attract and bind them quickly, reduce the free drug concentration and, in the process, trigger the heart to function normally. This requires a very delicate balance between successful detoxification and preventing toxicity with the nanopharmaceuticals. Nanopharmaceuticals can act on living cells at the nanolevel resulting not only in biologically desirable, but also in undesirable effects. In contrast to many efforts aimed at exploiting desirable properties of nanopharmaceuticals for medicine, there are limited attempts to evaluate potentially undesirable effects of nanopharmaceuticals when administered intentionally for medical purposes. So, there is a pressing need for careful consideration of benefits and side effects of the use of nanopharmaceuticals. This review article aims at providing a balanced update of these exciting pharmacological and potentially toxicological developments.
Should prophylactic antibiotics be used routinely in epistaxis patients with nasal packs?

Introduction The current mainstream practice in otolaryngology departments relating to the use of prophylactic antibiotics in epistaxis patients requiring nasal packing is highly variable. This is due primarily to the lack of any validated guidelines. As such, we introduced a new treatment algorithm resulting in significant reduction of use in the systemic antibiotics, with emphasis instead on the use of topical antibiotics. The results were validated through a complete audit cycle. Methods A total of 57 patients undergoing nasal packing for spontaneous epistaxis were studied. Reaudit occurred after the implementation of new guidelines. Telephone surveys were conducted six weeks after hospital discharge, assessing infective nasal symptoms as well as rebleeding and readmission rates. Results Systemic antibiotic prescribing in anterior nasal packing fell by 58.2% between audit cycles with no statistically significant associated increase in infective nasal symptoms, rebleeding or readmission rates six weeks following hospital discharge. Conclusions Systemic prophylactic antibiotics are unnecessary in the majority of epistaxis patients with nasal packs. The use of topical antibiotics such as Naseptin® may be more appropriate, cheaper and as effective. Implementation of this treatment algorithm will help standardise systemic antibiotic usage in epistaxis patients with nasal packing and should reduce costs associated with unnecessary use of such medication.
On rationalization of family formation in Israel.

concept of “ desirable number” of children (3 ) Ambiguity of attitudes toward, and vagueness of knowl­ edge about, practice of contraception. Religious objection to intervention. Although some of the very religious couples do intervene and attempt to control fertility, most do not intervene because of the very strong On Rationalization of Family Formation in Israel 465
Effect of ultrasonic cleaning on microorganisms.

PURPOSE To establish a method to measure microbial kill caused by ultrasonic cleaning. Secondarily, to estimate the escape of bacteria from the ultrasonic cleaning solutions during operation of the unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three commercial enzymatic detergents and saline were used as cleaners. Depending on detergent, initial operational temperature was 21 degrees C, 37 degrees C or 60 degrees C. Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 (S. mutans suspensions) was adjusted to a final concentration of 1.0 x 10(3) cells/mL in saline. Suspensions (2000 mL) at the desired temperatures were added to the cleaner. Aliquots were removed, serially diluted in letheen broth and spread plated over mitis salivarius agar. Appropriate amounts of detergent solutions were added to S. mutans suspensions and the cleaner operated for 20 minutes. Aliquots were then removed and plated. The process was repeated twice. Plates were aerobically incubated at 37 degrees C for 7 days and the colonies counted. The procedure was repeated using three temperatures of S. mutans suspensions (21 degrees C, 37 degrees C or 60 degrees C), but without detergent or ultrasound. Also, detergents were added to 21 degrees C S. mutans suspensions and allowed to sit for 20 minutes without ultrasonic cleaning. Microbial sampling was done as previously described. RESULTS Results when ultrasound was used indicated that little kill (5-15%) occurred in 21 degrees C or 37 degrees C detergent solutions. Greater kill (25-35%) was noted with 21 degrees C and 37 degrees C saline. Complete kill was accomplished with 60 degrees C saline or the 60 degrees C detergent solution. When ultrasound and detergent were not used, there was no kill in 21 degrees C and 37 degrees C saline, but complete kill in 60 degrees C saline. In the absence of ultrasound no kill was noted in 21 degrees C S. mutans suspensions to which detergent had been added. Total kill of S. mutans was observed in 60 degrees C saline or 60 degrees C detergent with ultrasound or after a 20-minute exposure in 60 degrees C saline without ultrasonic cleaning. Very few bacteria escaped from the ultrasonic cleaning solutions into the air during the cleaning process. Placement of the unit lid effectively reduced emissions to zero.
Eukaryotic genome instability in light of asymmetric DNA replication

Abstract The eukaryotic nuclear genome is replicated asymmetrically, with the leading strand replicated continuously and the lagging strand replicated as discontinuous Okazaki fragments that are subsequently joined. Both strands are replicated with high fidelity, but the processes used to achieve high fidelity are likely to differ. Here we review recent studies of similarities and differences in the fidelity with which the three major eukaryotic replicases, DNA polymerases α, δ, and ɛ, replicate the leading and lagging strands with high nucleotide selectivity and efficient proofreading. We then relate the asymmetric fidelity at the replication fork to the efficiency of DNA mismatch repair, ribonucleotide excision repair and topoisomerase 1 activity.
Growing Popularity of Ultrasensitive Microcalorimetry

Non covalent interactions in biological macromolecules mediate almost all the chemical processes in living systems. Developments in microcalorimetry has enabled a quantitative understanding of such interactions and contributed significantly to biotechnology, medicine, and novel drug design. This report addresses advancement and use of ultrasensitive microcalorimetry in connecting bioenergetics with possible applications in chemical and biological processes.
Interval and Placement Effects on Topographic Data: Using Viewshed Analysis as An Example

Abstract This paper explores the sensitivity of analytical results using contours as the topographic data. In visualizing the topography of a landscape using contours, the two parameters under investigation are the size of the contour interval and the base contour chosen. Different contour intervals will generate different descriptions of the landscape. This is labeled as the interval effect. Choosing different base contours to compile the contour database can produce different landscape characteristics. This is called the placement effect. Using viewshed analysis in GIS as an application example, this paper assesses the interval effect and placement effect systematically based upon two study areas in northern Virginia, US. Contour data of 5-foot interval were resampled to derive data of different intervals and of different base contours. In general, larger contour intervals overestimate visible areas but visible locations are not consistently visible with increasing intervals. Results from using different base contours do not exhibit identifiable patterns, but the placement effect can truncate the edge of the landscape by excluding low lying areas. Finally, a probability viewshed approach is suggested to handle the two effects in analyzing contour data. This paper demonstrates that expert and novice users alike using contour data for topographical analysis have to realize that the result is only one of many possible outcomes and this issue is independent of GIS software adopted.
Valoración de la pequeña vía aérea en niños asmáticos mediante Oscilometría de Impulso. ¿Alternativa a la Espirometría Forzada?

La alteracion funcional basica en el asma es la obstruccion al flujo aereo, causada por una disminucion del calibre de la via aerea. Esta obstruccion puede ocurrir en cualquier nivel del arbol traqueobronquial, pero la via aerea periferica (VAP) parece ser el principal sitio de obstruccion. El termino de via aerea periferica engloba a aquellos conductos del arbol respiratorio de calibre interno inferior a 2 mm. En los ultimos anos se han desarrollado tecnicas que permiten evaluar la afectacion de estas vias perifericas. La oscilometria de impulso (IOS), es una modalidad de la tecnica de oscilacion forzada que esta adquiriendo cada vez mas relevancia. El asma es una enfermedad inflamatoria cronica, total o parcialmente reversible de las vias respiratorias. Presenta diversos fenotipos clinicos de similares caracteristicas clinicas pero etiologias diferentes. Los ninos asmaticos muestran hiperreactividad bronquial (HRB) en un amplio porcentaje. Y aunque esta hiperrespuesta puede aparecer en otros procesos, es bastante sugerente de asma. La via aerea pequena de los pacientes asmaticos presenta similar infiltrado inflamatorio al que aparece en las vias aereas centrales, siendo incluso mas intenso en los casos de asma grave y en ciertos fenotipos asmaticos. Al ser el asma una enfermedad poligenica, su desarrollo va a depender de factores geneticos aunque tambien de la exposicion e interaccion con factores externos ambientales. El asma provoca cambios estructurales en las vias aereas proximales y perifericas.
Safety and effectiveness of the Vibrant Soundbridge in treating conductive and mixed hearing loss: A systematic review

For many years, the therapeutic approach for conductive and/or mixed hearing loss has consisted of middle ear surgery with replacement of defect ossicles, and if possible the application of a hearing aid. Advances in technology have led to the introduction of electronmagnetic active implantable devices such as the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). With its various coupling techniques for different pathophysiological situations in the middle ear, the VSB offers greater improvement in the hearing performance of affected persons.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia outcomes in women after primary breast cancer treatment: a randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) on sleep improvement, daytime symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) after cancer treatment. DESIGN A prospective, longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING Oncology clinics, breast cancer support groups, and communities in Colorado. SAMPLE 56 middle-aged BCSs with chronic insomnia. METHODS Women were randomly assigned to CBTI or behavioral placebo treatment (BPT) and completed measures of sleep, QOL, functioning, fatigue, and mood at baseline, postintervention, and at three- and six-month follow-ups. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Sleep outcomes (e.g., sleep efficiency, sleep latency, total sleep time, wake after sleep onset, number of nightly awakenings); secondary variables included sleep medication use, insomnia severity, QOL, physical function, cognitive function, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep attitudes or knowledge. FINDINGS Sleep efficiency and latency improved more in the CBTI group than the BPT group; this difference was maintained during follow-up. Women in the CBTI group had less subjective insomnia, greater improvements in physical and cognitive functioning, positive sleep attitudes, and increased sleep hygiene knowledge. No group differences in improvement were noted relative to QOL, fatigue, or mood. CONCLUSIONS Nurse-delivered CBTI appears to be beneficial for BCSs' sleep latency/efficiency, insomnia severity, functioning, sleep knowledge, and attitudes more than active placebo, with sustained benefit over time. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Oncology nurses are in a unique position to identify insomnia in cancer survivors. When sleep disturbances become chronic, nurses need to make recommendations and referrals.