Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma levels of active form of ghrelin during oral glucose tolerance test in patients with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE Ghrelin is an acylated peptide, whose octanoyl modification is essential for its biological activities. Previous studies demonstrated that fasting plasma ghrelin levels were high in anorectic patients, suggesting ghrelin may play an important role in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. However, antibodies used in previous work to measure ghrelin concentrations in human blood do not distinguish between the active form of ghrelin (active ghrelin) and desacyl ghrelin with no biological activities. Therefore, we studied plasma levels of active ghrelin during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in anorectic patients, using a radioimmunoassay (RIA) specific for active ghrelin. METHODS Active ghrelin response to OGTT was evaluated in five female anorectic patients and seven age-matched control females. All subjects were given a 75 g/225 ml glucose solution orally after overnight fasting. For RIA of active ghrelin, 1 N hydrogen chloride was added to the samples at final concentration of 0.1 N immediately after separation of plasma. RESULTS Plasma basal levels of active ghrelin were significantly higher in anorectic patients than in controls (52.1+/-10.5 vs 21.2+/-3.1 fmol/ml, P<0.01). They were significantly decreased during OGTT in anorectic patients and in controls, reaching a nadir of 49.0+/-7.7% and 57.3+/-4.5% of the basal levels, respectively. CONCLUSION These results suggest that hyperghrelinemia in anorectic patients is caused at least partly by increased secretion of active ghrelin and that glucose ingestion suppresses active ghrelin release in these patients.
Case against targeting long term non-attenders in general practice for a health check.

A study was undertaken to describe the consequences of implementing that part of the 1990 contract for general practitioners which requires them to offer health checks to all patients aged 16-74 years not seen within the previous three years. A random sample of 679 patients who had not attended for three years and 379 patients who had attended in this period were identified from 30 practice lists (including eight inner city practices) in five family health services authority areas. All patients were sent an invitation to a health check by their own practice and an attempt was made by the research team to conduct a home interview. The results showed that a considerable proportion of non-attenders were not in a position to take advantage of such an invitation; 17% of those at inner city practices were known to have received the invitation, 68% in practices elsewhere. Interviewed non-attenders (76% of those known to have received their invitation) had sociodemographic characteristics similar to the comparison group of interviewed attenders, although women aged 55-74 years were over-represented. At interview, non-attenders reported relatively less use of accident and emergency services and preventive health care and scored significantly better on all six dimensions of the perceived health status measure. Overall, 3% of all identified non-attenders in the inner city practices and 13% elsewhere accepted the invitation to a health check. Low levels of morbidity were found at health checks for those who had and who had not attended their general practitioners in the previous three years. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Infant and young child feeding practices of mothers attending immunisation clinic at a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow

Background: Adequate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are essential to ensure optimal survival, health, growth, development and overall nutritional status of children. Objective: The objective of the present study was to assess the IYCF practices among mothers with children aged 0-23 months attending immunisation clinic at a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. Materials and methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at immunisation clinic, King George’s Medical University from January 2015 to September 2015. Systematic random sampling was used and a total of 240 mothers with children 0-23 months old attending immunisation clinic were interviewed with the help of pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Breastfeeding (BF) was initiated within one hour of birth in 18.3% of children. Early initiation of BF was significantly associated with educational and socioeconomic status of mother and type of delivery. Pre-lacteal feeds were given to 23.4% of the children, children born at government health facility and with birth order ≤2 received pre-lacteal feeds more often. Colostrum was given by 67.9% of the mothers. Children born at private institutions or home were more likely to receive colostrum (p< 0.05). The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months was 53.8%. It was higher in children belonging to low socioeconomic group (p< 0.05). Complementary feeding was initiated at 6 months in 32.8% of children. Children of mothers belonging to upper socioeconomic Shukla M, Tyagi S, Agarwal M. Infant and young child feeding practices of mothers attending immunisation clinic at a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow. IAIM, 2016; 3(1): 58-66. Page 59 class, nuclear family and delivered at government institution through normal delivery were more likely to be started on timely complementary feeding (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that inadequate IYCF practices are still quite prevalent in the community and therefore emphasis should be given to IYCF education sessions.
The effects of goal variation on adult physical activity behaviour

ABSTRACT The purposes of this study were to examine the effects of varying levels of goals on increasing daily steps and the frequency of goal achievement among middle-aged adults. Ninety-six adults participated in a randomised control study. Participants were randomly assigned to five different step goal groups: (1) Easy (n = 19), (2) Medium (n = 19), (3) Difficult (n = 19), (4) Do-your-best (n = 19), and (5) No goal (n = 20) based on previous research. The participants wore a pedometer and were asked to reach a pre-established goal during the experimental period. In order to examine the effectiveness of the goal difficulty, (a) an average number of steps taken by different goal conditions and (b) the number of days meeting the assigned goal were tested. A one-way ANCOVA revealed significant step count differences among goal groups. Post hoc analyses indicated that the change in step count in both the Medium and Difficult goal groups was significantly greater than the remaining groups. However, there was no significant difference between the medium and difficult goal conditions. In addition, a one-way ANOVA indicated that there were no significant differences in the frequency of goal achievement among the Easy, Medium, and Difficult goal groups. Results suggest that when promoting physical activity through increasing step counts, researchers and clinicians should design goals that are specific and challenging.
CGH-based microarray detection of cryptic and novel copy number alterations and balanced translocations in cytogenetically abnormal cases of b-cell all

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in children, with the majority of cases being of precursor B-cell phenoltype. Conventional cytogenetic analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis of B-cell ALL, identifying characteristic chromosomal abnormalities associated with a given prognosis therein facilitating optimized treatment. The more recent introduction of microarray technology to the analysis of B-cell ALL has afforded both higher resolution for the detection of known abnormalities and an ability to identify novel copy number abnormalities (CNAs) with potential clinical relevance. In the current study, microarray analysis was performed on 20 cytogenetically abnormal B-cell ALL cases (10 pediatric and 10 adult), while a novel microarray-based balanced-translocation detection methodology (translocation CGH or tCGH) was applied to that subset of cases with a known or suspected recurrent balanced translocation. Standard microarray analysis identified that CNAs was not detected by previous conventional cytogenetics in 75% (15/20) cases. tCGH identified 9/9 (100%) balanced translocations defining BCR/ABL1 (x4), ETV6/RUNX1 (x3), and MLL/AFF1 (x2) breakpoints with high resolution. The results illustrate the improved molecular detail afforded by these technologies and a comparison of translocation breakpoints, CNAs and patient age offers new insights into tumor biology with potential prognostic significance.
Posterior cruciate ligament injury: MR imaging diagnosis and patterns of injury.

PURPOSE To illustrate the variety of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries and assess the type and frequency of associated knee injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a retrospective review of 1,950 magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of the knee, 47 patients with MR imaging findings of PCL injury were identified. In 24 patients, the findings on MR images were correlated with athroscopic findings (n = 14) or findings at physical examination (n = 10). Patterns of associated injuries were described and tabulated. RESULTS Twenty-one patients (45%) had complete PCL tears; 22 patients (47%), partial tears; and four patients (9%), bone avulsion. Associated injuries were seen in 34 patients (72%). Patterns of injuries differed from those seen in anterior cruciate ligament injury and correlated with the mechanism of trauma. CONCLUSION MR imaging proved accurate in assessment of the PCL in patients with clinical correlation and demonstrated patterns of associated injury that may affect management strategy.
Genetic variability in response to clopidogrel therapy: clinical implications.

This editorial refers to ‘CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C9*3 alleles are associated with stent thrombosis: a case–control study’[†][1], by A.M. Harmsze et al . , on page 3046 In the past few years, it has been realized that cardiovascular events under dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) might be associated with a poor response to clopidogrel.1 Based on different platelet function assays, ∼20–25% of clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary stenting have been defined as poor responders and were prone to an increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events.2 Reasons for a diminished action of clopidogrel are multifactorial and include besides non-compliance, under-dosing, drug–drug interactions, and several co-morbidities (e.g. diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia), also genetic disorders that interact with intestinal absorption, metabolic activation in the liver, and pharmacodynamics.3 In the current issue of the journal Harmsze and co-workers4 have elegantly demonstrated in the so far biggest patient cohort with stent thrombosis ( n = 176) during DAPT after PCI and stent implantation that carriage of the loss-of-function alleles CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C9*3 increases the risk of stent thrombosis, while no effect of other investigated genetic variants for genes involved in clopidogrel absorption (ABCB1 C1236T, G2677T/A, C3435T), metabolism (CYP2C19*3, CYP2C9*2, CYP3A4*1B, and CYP3A5*3), or the P2Y1 receptor (P2Y1A1622G) was seen. Clopidogrel is an ADP receptor inhibitor prodrug. After intestinal absorption (ABCB1 gene), the majority (85%) of the … [1]: #fn-1
Single-strand reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament restores varus and posterolateral rotatory stability of the elbow.

Because of a lack of biomechanical studies of lateral elbow ligament reconstruction in the literature, the initial stability afforded by 3 different techniques of lateral ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction was evaluated in 8 cadaveric elbows. The arm was mounted in a testing apparatus, and passive flexion was performed with the arm in varus and valgus orientations. A pivot shift test was performed with the arm in the vertical orientation. An electromagnetic tracking device was used to quantify motion pathways. After intact testing, each specimen underwent sectioning of the radial collateral and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments from the lateral epicondyle. Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament was performed in a randomized sequence, consisting of proximal single-strand, distal single-strand, and double-strand tendon grafts. Division of the radial collateral and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments from the lateral epicondyle caused a significant decrease in rotational stability when the pivot shift test was being performed (P <.0001). Varus-valgus stability also decreased after transection of the radial collateral and lateral ulnar collateral ligaments (P <.0001). Reconstruction of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament restored elbow stability to that of the intact state. There was no significant difference in stability between the single- and double-strand repair techniques (P >.05). This study demonstrates that both single- and double-strand reconstructions restore varus and posterolateral elbow stability and may be considered appropriate reconstructive procedures in patients with symptomatic insufficiency of the lateral ligaments of the elbow.
A 10-bit 200 MS/s CMOS parallel pipeline A/D converter

A 10-bit 200 MS/s parallel pipeline ADC is presented. It consists of a front-end sample-and-hold circuit and four parallel pipelined component ADCs followed by a digital offset compensation. By incorporating double sampling both in the S/H circuit and the component ADCs a power dissipation of only 280 mW from a 3.0 V supply is achieved. The circuit is implemented with a standard 0.5 µm CMOS process occupying 7.4 mm2. According to the measurements, a DNL and INL of 0.8 LSB and 0.9 LSB, respectively, is achieved while the peak SFDR is 56 dB with a 200 MS/s sample rate.
"The next best thing": a study of problem gambling.

Traditionally, gamblers whose repeated losses have resulted in serious financial, psychological, and social problems have been labeled "compulsive. " The prevailing "illness model" of compulsive gambling was developed by clinicians from the reports of those seeking treatment to stop gambling. However, researchers working in natural gambling settings generally have disavowed a compulsion model. Concerns over the efficacy of the traditional model and the therapeutic approach it produces are particularly salient since the proliferation of legalized gambling is expected to fuel a dramatic increase in problem gambling. Drawing upon empirical observations of ongoing gambling groups, a unique and comprehensive model of problem gambling is presented. Treatment plans generated from the new model, unlike prevailing programs, are compatible with a "controlled" regimen.
Changes in lymphocytes recirculation and liberation of the adoptive memory response from cellular regulation in irradiated recipients

Thoracic duct lymphocytes from previously immunized (AS2 × As)F1 rats (′TDL), were adoptively transferred to syngenic recipients and triggered by soluble HSA (s‐HSA) the following day. The response of ′TDL in an irradiated recipient was almost two orders of magnitude greater than the response in a nonirradiated adult host. The affinity of the antibody in the adult recipients was significantly reduced, but increased with time. Nonirradiated young recipients (3 weeks old) also supported an adopitve memory response which was comparable in quantity and quality to that found in irradiated host. Theb response of ′TDL declined progressively when transferred into 2‐week‐old or 4‐week‐old radiation chimeras, or was reduced in irradiated hosts when the memory cells were mixed together with nonimmune TDL. The experiements indicate that the differental response between the adult and irradiated recipient is the result of a restrictive control in the former host rather than an enhancing factor in the latter. Lymphocytes in the nonimmune population regulate both the expansion and maturation of the adoptive memory response, the high energy‐binding B cells being at a selective disadvantage. Host irradiation effectively liberates the adoptive response from this cellular control mechanism.
Comparison of the effects of continuous combined and sequential combined medroxyprogesterone acetate–estradiol treatment on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells*

Objective The aim of the study was to examine the effects of two different, clinically relevant, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) regimen types, continuous combined and sequential combined, on breast cancer cells by means of an in vitro model. The study was carried out using the C21-progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in combination with estradiol, and with the proliferation of MCF-7, a human breast cancer cell-line, as end-point. Methods Proliferation of MCF-7 cells was measured by means of a crystal violet staining technique. Growth was triggered using a constant estradiol concentration of 10-10 mol/l, while varying the MPA concentration from 10-11 to 10-6 mol/l. Results The continuous combined model of treatment led to the inhibition of estradiol-induced growth of MCF-7 with MPA concentrations of 10-10 mol/l and upwards, compared with estradiol-alone-induced growth. The sequential combined model showed a greater inhibition at the higher MPA concentrations of 10-8-10-6 mol/l, with reduced sensitivity to inhibition at the lower MPA concentrations tested, of 10-11-10-9 mol/l. The different treatment types resulted in significantly different sensitivities of the MCF-7 cells to inhibition of estradiol-induced proliferation at the higher MPA concentrations of 10-8-10-6 mol/l. Conclusions The results demonstrate the importance of considering in vivo factors in an in vitro model with regard to improving the cell culture techniques used, to obtain a clearer picture of the possible mechanisms involved in the potential breast cancer risk with different HRT regimens. Partly presented at the 2nd Amsterdam Menopause Symposium, Amsterdam, 16–18 April, 2000 and awarded 1st poster prize (abstract BRE 01)
Measurement of lung volumes in humans: review and recommendations from an ATS/ERS workshop.

Inspired and expired lung volumes measured by spirometry have been used clinically for over one hundred years and have proved useful in the detection, characterization, and quantification of the severity of lung disease. Measurements of absolute lung volumes, residual volume (RV), functional residual capacity (FRC), and total lung capacity (TLC) have been used clinically for fewer years, are technically more challenging, and the results are more controversial regarding their clinical usefulness. In contrast with the relative simplicity of spirometric volumes, because the measurements of absolute lung volumes include the "inaccessible" space of residual volume, a variety of techniques have been developed to make these measurements. These include gas dilution (as used in the helium or argon dilution technique), gas washout (as used in the nitrogen washout measurements), body plethysmography using a variety of specific methodologies, and radiographic imaging using standard posterior-anterior and lateral chest radiographs and computerized tomography. As part of the ongoing efforts of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) to develop recommendations and standards regarding clinical testing, a workshop was convened and charged with developing recommendations for measuring absolute lung volumes in humans. In order to provide the diversity of expertise necessary to meet these challenges, and with the goal of developing recommendations that could be endorsed by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) as well as the ATS, many of those invited to participate in the workshop were from Europe. It was recognized that these measurements often presented different challenges in infants and children; however, we also concluded that, in the workshop, it would be useful to integrate those with experience in making these measurements in both adult and pediatric environments, not only with the goal of developing more universally applicable recommendations and "standards", but also because we believed that exchanges of information about the measurements unique to either adult or paediatric population might be helpful for better defining optimal techniques and clinical limitations for both groups of subjects. Optimal predictive normal values for lung volumes may be as important as optimal measurement techniques. For this reason we also included a review of normal predictive values. It was recognized that the clinical usefulness of measurements of absolute lung volumes is an important issue (especially in these days of limited resources for medical care), so reviews and developed conclusions regarding the pathophysiology of lung volumes and the clinical applications and usefulness of these measurements were solicited. The scope of the resulting review was considerable. If all of the background information and recommendations developed by consensus were compressed into a single document of length suitable for publication as a
The Reform of the Quebec Health Care System: Potential for Innovation?

The recent reform of the health care system in Quebec can be viewed as the result of a continuous process that originated with the first reform launched in the early 70s. The reform focuses on three elements: decentralization, citizen participation, and outcome-centered management. The context in which the reform is being launched contains both favorable conditions and obstacles to its successful implementation.
Effect of Hydroxyzine on Morphine Analgesia for the Treatment of Postoperative Pain

In a double-blind, single-dose study hydroxyzine combined with morphine was administered intramuscularly to postoperative patients to determine the efficacy of this combination in the relief of postoperative pain, and to compare its effect to that produced by morphine alone. Eighty-two patients received morphine (5 or 10 mg) with or without hydroxyzine (100 mg). Analgesia was measured by a method quantifying the subjective responses of patients when questioned about pain. Analgesia obtained when 10 mg of morphine was combined with 100 mg of hydroxyzine was significantly superior to that obtained with morphine alone. Drowsiness was significantly more frequent when 10 mg of morphine was combined with 100 mg of hydroxyzine than with morphine alone.
The Effect of Eating Disorder Memoirs in Individuals With Self-Identified Eating Pathologies

Abstract As part of a larger, mixed-methods study, we posted an invitation to participate in a study on the effects of reading eating disorder memoirs on the website of an organization that provides support for people with eating disorders. Twenty-four women completed the questionnaire. Qualitative analysis of their responses indicated a recovery continuum, whereby the direction of memoir influence seemed to depend on an individual's recovery stage and motivation to recover. Individuals who reported that they were exposed to memoirs before, or during, their illness reported experiencing negative consequences including making unfavorable social comparisons, along with emulation and triggering of disordered behaviors, whereas those who reported being exposed when in recovery reported more positive outcomes including hope, validation, and social support. Findings have implications for the use of personal accounts as a means of facilitating patient recovery in eating disorder treatment settings. Future research should test the influence of memoirs using a larger eating disorder sample, and across different recovery stages.