Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Respective contribution of conventional risk factors and antihypertensive treatment to stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome as the first presentation of coronary heart disease: the PRIME Study

Objective To test whether conventional risk factors and antihypertensive treatment were more predictive of stable angina (SA) than acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as the first presentation of coronary heart disease (CHD). Design We used data from the PRIME Study (Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction), a prospective cohort of 9758 asymptomatic middle-aged men recruited from WHO MONICA centers in Northern Ireland and France between 1991 and 1993. SA and ACS events were registered during 5 years of follow-up. Methods Hazard ratios (HRs) of each risk factor measured at baseline for SA and ACS events were assessed using separate Cox proportional hazard models. Difference between HRs was estimated by the bootstrap method. Results After 5 years of follow-up, there were 114 SA and 178 ACS as the first presentation of CHD. Diastolic blood pressure [adjusted HRs for 1 standard deviation increase = 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-1.54 vs. 1.04; 95% CI: 0.87-1.25; P for comparison between HRs = 0.012], and possibly cigarette smoking over or equal to 20 pack-years (adjusted HR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.43-2.99 vs. 1.29; 95% CI: 0.83-2.01; P for comparison between HRs = 0.062) were more predictive of ACS than SA, whereas this was the opposite for antihypertensive treatment (adjusted HR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.39-3.41 for SA vs. 1.28; 95% CI: 0.85-1.93 for ACS, P for comparison between HRs = 0.049). Conclusion The present data support that SA and ACS, as the first presentation of CHD, may not share exactly the same determinants.
Inferences from pulmonary O2 uptake with respect to intramuscular [phosphocreatine] kinetics during moderate exercise in humans

1 In the non‐steady state of moderate intensity exercise, pulmonary O2 uptake (V̇p,O2) is temporally dissociated from muscle O2 consumption (V̇m,O2) due to the influence of the intervening venous blood volume and the contribution of body O2 stores to ATP synthesis. A monoexponential model of V̇p,O2 without a delay term, therefore, implies an obligatory slowing of V̇p,O2 kinetics in comparison to V̇m,O2. 2 During moderate exercise, an association of V̇m,O2 and [phosphocreatine] ([PCr]) kinetics is a necessary consequence of the control of muscular oxidative phosphorylation mediated by some function of [PCr]. It has also been suggested that the kinetics of V̇p,O2 will be expressed with a time constant within 10 % of that of V̇m,O2. 3 V̇p,O2 and intramuscular [PCr] kinetics were investigated simultaneously during moderate exercise of a large muscle mass in a whole‐body NMR spectrometer. Six healthy males performed prone constant‐load quadriceps exercise. A transmit‐receive coil under the right quadriceps allowed determination of intramuscular [PCr]; V̇p,O2 was measured breath‐by‐breath, in concert with [PCr], using a turbine and a mass spectrometer system. 4 Intramuscular [PCr] decreased monoexponentially with no delay in response to exercise. The mean of the time constants (τPCr) was 35 s (range, 20–64 s) for the six subjects. 5 Two temporal phases were evident in the V̇p,O2 response. When the entire V̇p,O2 response was modelled to be exponential with no delay, its time constant (τ′V̇p,O2) was longer in all subjects (group mean = 62 s; range, 52–92 s) than that of [PCr], reflecting the energy contribution of the O2 stores. 6 Restricting the V̇p,O2 model fit to phase II resulted in matching kinetics for V̇p,O2 (group mean τV̇p,O2= 36 s; range, 20–68 s) and [PCr], for all subjects. 7 We conclude that during moderate intensity exercise the phase II τV̇p,O2 provides a good estimate of τPCr and by implication that of V̇m,O2 (τV̇m,O2).
Measurement of physical activity in older adult interventions: a systematic review

Background Interventions to promote physical activity (PA) among older adults can positively impact PA behaviour and other health outcomes. Measurement of PA must be valid and reliable; however, the degree to which studies employ valid and reliable measures of PA is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the measurement tools used in interventions to increase PA among older adults (65+ years), including both self-report measures and objective measures. In addition, the implications of these different measurement tools on study results were evaluated and discussed. Methods Four electronic research databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Web of Science and EBSCO) were used to identify published intervention studies measuring the PA behaviour of adults over 65 years of age. Studies were eligible if: (1) PA was an outcome; (2) there was a comparison group and (3) the manuscript was published in English. Data describing measurement methods and properties were extracted and reviewed. Results Of the 44 studies included in this systematic review, 32 used self-report measures, 9 used objective measures and 3 used both measures. 29% of studies used a PA measure that had neither established validity nor reliability, and only 63% of measures in the interventions had established both validity and reliability. Only 57% of measures had population-specific reliability and 66% had population-specific validity. Conclusions A majority of intervention studies to help increase older adult PA used self-report measures, even though many have little evidence of validity and reliability. We recommend that future researchers utilise valid and reliable measures of PA with well-established evidence of psychometric properties such as hip-accelerometers and the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults.
Towards a MIP‐based alignment and docking in computer‐aided drug design

Structural alignment of ligands in their biological conformation is a crucial step in the building of pharmacophoric models in structure‐based drug design. In addition, docking algorithms are limited in some cases by the quality of the scoring functions and the limited flexibility of the environment that the different programs allow. On the other hand, GRID molecular interaction potentials (MIPs) have been used for a long time in 3D‐QSAR studies. However, in most of these studies the alignment of the molecules is performed on the basis of geometrical or physico‐chemical criteria that differ from the MIPs used in the partial least squares statistical analysis. We have previously developed a method to use the same scoring function for the molecular alignment and for 3D‐QSAR studies. This methodology, based on the use of GRID potentials, consists in the weighted averaging of similarities of the relevant MIPs of the molecules to be aligned. Here we present a method to obtain the weights for the different GRID probes in the average based on the structural information on protein‐ligand complexes for relevant systems. The method, implemented in MIPSIM, is shown to yield good accuracy in the prediction of the alignments for two systems: a set of three inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase and a set of fifteen non‐nucleoside HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). The smooth GRID potentials are shown to capture the flexible character of the active site, as opposed to traditional docking scoring energy functions. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Honduras: efectos del cambio climático sobre la agricultura

En el presente estudio se analizan algunos de los efectos potenciales del cambio climatico sobre el sector agropecuario hondureno. En particular se evaluan las variaciones en la produccion y sus efectos economicos en los proximos anos y hasta 2100. Ademas de presentar resultados para el sector en su conjunto, se examinan ciertos subsectores incluyendo algunos de los cultivos mas importantes del pais. Tambien se evaluan los efectos sobre los ingresos de los agricultores hondurenos. Aunque los mayores impactos se esperan en el largo plazo, los resultados de este estudio revelan que ya se estan presentando consecuencias adversas. Por tanto, en caso de no tomarse medidas que busquen compensar tales tendencias, las perdidas economicas podrian ser considerables. En las ultimas decadas la temperatura promedio anual en Honduras se ha incrementado mientras la precipitacion ha tendido a reducirse. Los pronosticos climaticos indican que tales tendencias se mantendran e incluso se acentuaran en los proximos anos. Partiendo de los niveles actuales, diversos escenarios climaticos proyectan para este pais aumentos en la temperatura entre 2 oC y cerca de 5 oC hacia el ano 2100, mientras la precipitacion podria reducirse entre 15% y 50%. La produccion agropecuaria hondurena, al ser altamente dependiente del clima, se veria fuertemente afectada.
Microplastic as a Vector for Chemicals in the Aquatic Environment: Critical Review and Model-Supported Reinterpretation of Empirical Studies

The hypothesis that ‘microplastic will transfer hazardous hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOC) to marine animals’ has been central to the perceived hazard and risk of plastic in the marine environment. The hypothesis is often cited and has gained momentum, turning it into paradigm status. We provide a critical evaluation of the scientific literature regarding this hypothesis. Using new calculations based on published studies, we explain the sometimes contrasting views and unify them in one interpretive framework. One explanation for the contrasting views among studies is that they test different hypotheses. When reframed in the context of the above hypothesis, the available data become consistent. We show that HOC microplastic-water partitioning can be assumed to be at equilibrium for most microplastic residing in the oceans. We calculate the fraction of total HOC sorbed by plastics to be small compared to that sorbed by other media in the ocean. We further demonstrate consistency among (a) measured HOC transfer from microplastic to organisms in the laboratory, (b) measured HOC desorption rates for polymers in artificial gut fluids (c) simulations by plastic-inclusive bioaccumulation models and (d) HOC desorption rates for polymers inferred from first principles. We conclude that overall the flux of HOCs bioaccumulated from natural prey overwhelms the flux from ingested microplastic for most habitats, which implies that microplastic ingestion is not likely to increase the exposure to and thus risks of HOCs in the marine environment.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Severe acute pancreatitis is considered to be a subgroup of acute pancreatitis with the development of local and/or systemic complications. A significant correlation exists between the development of pancreatic necrosis, the frequency of bacterial contamination of necrosis and the evolution of systemic complications. Bacterial infection and the extent of necrosis are determinants for the outcome of severe acute pancreatitis. The late course of necrotizing pancreatitis is determined by bacterial infection of pancreatic and peripancreatic necroses. Mortality increases from 5–25% in patients with sterile necrosis to 15–28% when infection has occurred. The use of prophylactic antibiotics has been recommended in patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Several controlled clinical trials demonstrated a significant reduction in pancreatic infections or a significant reduction of hospital mortality. However, the results of these clinical trials are controversial and not convincing. Recently, the largest randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind trial has been able to demonstrate that antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole has no beneficial effects with regard to the reduction of pancreatic infection and the decrease of hospital mortality. The clinical data from this placebo-controlled trial do not support antibiotic prophylaxis in all patients with necrotizing pancreatitis, but in specific subgroups of patients with pancreatic necrosis and a complicated course.
Polymorphism of DNA repair genes OGG1, XRCC1, XPD and ERCC6 in bladder cancer in Belarus

Abstract Context: The study of DNA base and nucleotide excision repair gene polymorphisms in bladder cancer seems to have a predictive value because of the evident relationship between the DNA damage response induced by environmental mutagens and cancer predisposition. Objective: The objective was to determine OGG1 Ser326Cys, XRCC1 Arg399Gln, XPD Asp312Asn, and ERCC6 Met1097Val polymorphisms in bladder cancer patients as compared to controls. Methods: Both groups were predominantly represented by Belarusians and Eastern Slavs. DNA samples from 336 patients and 370 controls were genotyped using a PCR-RFLP method. Results: The genotype distributions were in agreement with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The minor allele frequencies in the control population were in the range of those in Caucasians in contrast to Asians. The OGG1 326 Ser/Cys and XPD 312 Asp/Asn heterozygous genotypes were inversely associated with cancer risk (OR [95% CI] = 0.69 [0.50–0.95] and 1.35 [1.0–1.82], respectively). The contrasting effects of these genotypes were potentiated due to their interactions with smoking habit or age. Conclusions: Among four DNA repair gene polymorphisms, the OGG1 326 Ser/Cys and XPD 312 Asp/Asn heterozygous genotypes might be recognized as potential genetic markers modifying susceptibility to bladder cancer in Belarus.
Relationship Between Endogenous Progesterone and Follicular Dynamics in Lactating Dairy Cows with Ovarian Follicular Cysts1

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to examine circulating concentrations of progesterone (P4) in cows with ovarian follicular cysts (OFCs) and to relate differing levels of P4 to subsequent follicular events. In experiment 1, peripheral concentrations of P4 were determined in cows diagnosed with OFCs. Nonpregnant, lactating Holstein and Jersey cows (n = 32) were diagnosed as having OFCs by rectal palpation. Ovarian follicular cysts were then examined by transrectal ultrasonography to confirm the presence of OFCs (follicle diameter, ≥17 mm; absence of luteal tissue). At confirmation, a blood sample was collected for quantification of P4. The concentration of P4 at confirmation was classified as low (<0.1 ng/ml), intermediate (0.1–1.0 ng/ml), or high (1.0–2.0 ng/ml). More OFCs were associated with intermediate (66%) than with either low (28%) or high (6%) concentrations of P4. In experiment 2, the fate of follicles (diameter, ≥10 mm) that formed in the presence of an OFC was determined and related to circulating concentrations of P4 during follicular development. Follicles (n = 59) that formed in the presence of an OFC ovulated (n = 19), formed a cyst (n = 30), or underwent normal growth and regression (NGR; n = 10). Endogenous P4 in the 7-day period during follicular development was classified as low (if P4 dropped to <0.1 ng/ml for 1 day or longer), intermediate (if P4 averaged between 0.1 and 1.0 ng/ml and never dropped to <0.1 ng/ml), or high (if P4 averaged >1.0 ng/ml and never dropped to <0.1 ng/ml). In the presence of intermediate P4, 75% of observed follicles formed cysts, compared with 10% that ovulated and 15% that experienced NGR. In the presence of low P4, 53%, 41%, and 6% of follicles ovulated, formed a follicular cyst, or experienced NGR, respectively. Thus, an association between intermediate P4 and the formation of OFCs was established.
Herbarium specimens, photographs, and field observations show Philadelphia area plants are responding to climate change.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY The global climate is changing rapidly and is expected to continue changing in coming decades. Studying changes in plant flowering times during a historical period of warming temperatures gives us a way to examine the impacts of climate change and allows us to predict further changes in coming decades. The Greater Philadelphia region has a long and rich history of botanical study and documentation, with abundant herbarium specimens, field observations, and botanical photographs from the mid-1800s onward. These extensive records also provide an opportunity to validate methodologies employed by other climate change researchers at a different biogeographical area and with a different group of species. METHODS Data for 2539 flowering records from 1840 to 2010 were assessed to examine changes in flowering response over time and in relation to monthly minimum temperatures of 28 Piedmont species native to the Greater Philadelphia region. KEY RESULTS Regression analysis of the date of flowering with year or with temperature showed that, on average, the Greater Philadelphia species studied are flowering 16 d earlier over the 170-yr period and 2.7 d earlier per 1°C rise in monthly minimum temperature. CONCLUSIONS Of the species studied, woody plants with short flowering duration are the best indicators of a warming climate. For monthly minimum temperatures, temperatures 1 or 2 mo prior to flowering are most significantly correlated with flowering time. Studies combining herbarium specimens, photographs, and field observations are an effective method for detecting the effects of climate change on flowering times.
The Making of the Civil Registration Act of 1836

The ‘Act for Registering Births, Deaths, and Marriages in England’ of 1836 was a significant Act in at least four respects. First, it may be regarded as marking the foundation of the modern era in vital statistics in England and Wales. By it the General Register Office was created which ever since has proved a major source of both data and analysis concerning the demographic structure of England and Wales. Secondly, the Act was of importance in the process of the growth of government in nineteenth-century Britain. Thirdly, it remedied one of the major grievances of Dissenters by providing a civil, not ecclesiastical, registration of births, deaths, and marriages. Finally, the story of its passage casts much light on the fragility of the unity amongst the Dissenters in the period from 1829 to 1836.
Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Prognostic Predictor for Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Radical Resections

ObjectivesHypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) is an aggressive disease in the head and neck region. Therefore, simple and useful prognostic predictors of HPSCC are needed for clinical practice. This study investigates the prognostic significance of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with HPSCC who received radical resections. MethodsRetrospective review was conducted on medical records at a tertiary referral hospital involving 146 consecutive patients who underwent radical resection for HPSCC between January 2000 and December 2010. The prognostic significance of NLR and other clinicopathologic factors was analyzed. The relationships between the NLR value and clinicopathologic factors were also evaluated. ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 146 patients with HPSCC, with a mean age of 57.5 years (range, 34–89 years). The median number of NLR was 2.28 (range, 0.71–8.75). On the basis of this median value, the cutoff value of NLR was set as 2.3. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a low (<2.3) NLR group and a high (≥2.3) NLR group. Patients with NLR of 2.3 or more had significantly higher incidence of wound complications (P = 0.026). The 3-year overall survival rate was 69.9% in patients in the low NLR group and 27.4% in those in the high NLR group (P <0.001; hazard ratio;2.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.91–4.67). ConclusionsResults showed that high preoperative NLR is associated with increased wound complications and poor survival in patients with HPSCC.
THE EFFECT OF APROTININ ON RENAL FUNCTION IN ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION1

Background. In the European Multicenter Study on the Use of Aprotinin in Liver Transplantation (EMSALT), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective study, we demonstrated that aprotinin significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Aprotinin is metabolized in the kidney and potentially nephrotoxic at high concentrations. Renal insufficiency is a common and serious complication after OLT. It is unknown whether aprotinin increases the risk of renal failure after OLT. Methods. We analyzed intraoperative urine output, need for postoperative dialysis, perioperative serum creatinine levels, and creatinine clearance in 93 patients enrolled in EMSALT, receiving a high dose of aprotinin, a regular dose, or placebo. Results. Peak increase in serum creatinine exceeding 0.5 mg/dl during one of the postoperative days occurred in 11 (35%) patients in the placebo group, in 11 (34%) patients in the high-dose group, but only in 1 (3%) patient in the regular-dose group (P =0.007). Furthermore, a perioperative decrease in creatinine clearance was seen in the placebo group (–23.9±10.1 ml/min) but not in both high-dose (–1.6±13.3 ml/min) and regular-dose (9.7±10.3 ml/min) groups (P <0.02 comparing regular-dose and placebo group). Conclusions. Despite its potential nephrotoxicity, the use of aprotinin for reducing blood loss during OLT does not lead to a higher incidence of postoperative renal insufficiency. In combination with the observed reduction in blood loss, these findings support the prophylactic use of regular-dose aprotinin during OLT.
Design of power receiving side in wireless charging system for UAV application

This paper proposes a design of power receiving side on capacitive coupling wireless power transfer for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In order to minimize a component used in the system and fitted the circuit to the drone, the realized system must be very compact and efficient. The power receiving circuit in CPT system for simple application consists of rectifier and capacitor. In an advanced method, several components added into a circuit that makes the size and weight of the system increased. In this paper, all resonant matching system is placed and controlled in the primary side, thus the secondary side circuit could have a light module with minimum components. This paper focuses on the design a secondary side of CPT consisted of a rectifier, a DC-DC buck converter, and a charging circuit. The system is designed to operate with wide range input voltage. Simulation and experimental results have demonstrated that the proposed system could obtain charging process for Li-Ion cells battery by the output power of 8 W, with the power efficiency exceeding of 77%.