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Q&A: Default and Loss Data by ADB and Other MDBs

ADB’s report on sovereign default and loss rates demonstrates the low credit risk in ADB's sovereign operations, with an average default rate of 0.54% over the last 34 years and zero new defaults from 2010 to 2021.




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Rice Contract Farming in Lao PDR: Moving from Subsistence to Commercial Agriculture

This study finds contract farming in Lao PDR to be effective in raising incomes of small farmers, thus reducing poverty.



  • Publications/Papers and Briefs

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to write a user manual for a website

to write a user manual for a website




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Why the words we use in physics obscure the true nature of reality

Simple words like "force" and "particle" can mislead us as to what reality is actually like. Physicist Matt Strassler unpacks how to see things more clearly




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Atoms at temperatures beyond absolute zero may be a new form of matter

Physicists have coaxed a cloud of atoms into having a temperature beyond absolute zero and placed them in a geometric structure that could produce an unknown form of matter




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Why the words we use in physics obscure the true nature of reality

Simple words like "force" and "particle" can mislead us as to what reality is actually like. Physicist Matt Strassler unpacks how to see things more clearly




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Ocean thunderstorms generate the most intense lightning ever observed

An analysis of satellite observations has identified some extreme thunderstorms over the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Mexico with lightning flashes so frequent that the sky would appear continuously lit




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FAQ: Steve Jobs' Pancreatic Cancer

Title: FAQ: Steve Jobs' Pancreatic Cancer
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2011 11:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2011 12:00:00 AM




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New IBS Drug Linzess Approved

Title: New IBS Drug Linzess Approved
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2012 11:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2012 12:00:00 AM




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Mental and Substance Disorders Major Cause of Nonfatal Illnesses

Title: Mental and Substance Disorders Major Cause of Nonfatal Illnesses
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2013 7:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2013 12:00:00 AM




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Summer Is High Time for College Kids Trying Illegal Substances

Title: Summer Is High Time for College Kids Trying Illegal Substances
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Injuries Tied to Illegal Meth Labs on the Rise: CDC

Title: Injuries Tied to Illegal Meth Labs on the Rise: CDC
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2015 12:00:00 AM




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Diet Study Suggests It's Carbs, Not Fats, That Are Bad for You

Title: Diet Study Suggests It's Carbs, Not Fats, That Are Bad for You
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2017 12:00:00 AM




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AHA News: Obstacles Didn't Stop This Heart Defect Survivor From Competing on 'American Ninja Warrior

Title: AHA News: Obstacles Didn't Stop This Heart Defect Survivor From Competing on 'American Ninja Warrior
Category: Health News
Created: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/15/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Smoking Rates Drop for Americans Battling Depression, Substance Abuse

Title: Smoking Rates Drop for Americans Battling Depression, Substance Abuse
Category: Health News
Created: 4/27/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2022 12:00:00 AM




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The noninvasive ventilation outcomes score in patients requiring NIV for COPD exacerbation without prior evidence of airflow obstruction

Introduction

Exacerbation of COPD complicated by respiratory acidaemia is the commonest indication for noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The NIV outcomes (NIVO) score offers the best estimate of survival for those ventilated. Unfortunately, two-thirds of cases of COPD are unrecognised, and patients may present without COPD having been confirmed by spirometry.

Methods

In the 10-centre NIVO validation study there was no pre-admission spirometry in 111 of 844 consecutive patients (termed "clinical diagnosis" patients). We compared the performance of the NIVO, DECAF and CURB-65 scores for in-hospital mortality in the clinical diagnosis cohort. Usual clinical practice was not influenced, but confirmation of COPD in the year following discharge was captured.

Results

In the clinical diagnosis cohort, in-hospital mortality was 19.8% and rose incrementally across the NIVO risk categories, consistent with the NIVO validation cohort. NIVO showed good discrimination in the clinical diagnosis cohort: area under the receiver operating curve 0.724, versus 0.79 in the NIVO validation cohort. At 1 year after discharge, 41 of 89 clinical diagnosis patients had undertaken diagnostic spirometry; 33 of 41 had confirmation of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/(forced) vital capacity <0.7), meaning the diagnosis of COPD was incorrect in 19.5% of cases.

Discussion

These data support the use of the NIVO score in patients with a "clinical diagnosis" of COPD. NIVO can help guide shared decision-making, assess risk-adjusted outcomes by centre and challenge prognostic pessimism. Accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that acute and long-term treatment is optimised; this study highlights failings in the follow-up of such patients.




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Simplified Method for Kinetic and Thermodynamic Screening of Cardiotonic Steroids through the K+-Dependent Phosphatase Activity of Na+/K+-ATPase with Chromogenic pNPP Substrate [Article]

The antitumor effect of cardiotonic steroids (CTS) has stimulated the search for new methods to evaluate both kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of their binding to Na+/K+-ATPase (IUBMB Enzyme Nomenclature). We propose a real-time assay based on a chromogenic substrate for phosphatase activity (pNPPase activity), using only two concentrations with an inhibitory progression curve, to obtain the association rate (kon), dissociation rate (koff), and equilibrium (Ki) constants of CTS for the structure-kinetics relationship in drug screening. We show that changing conditions (from ATPase to pNPPase activity) resulted in an increase of Ki of the cardenolides digitoxigenin, essentially due to a reduction of kon. In contrast, the Ki of the structurally related bufadienolide bufalin increased much less due to the reduction of its koff partially compensating the decrease of its kon. When evaluating the kinetics of 15 natural and semisynthetic CTS, we observed that both kon and koff correlated with Ki (Spearman test), suggesting that differences in potency depend on variations of both kon and koff. A rhamnose in C3 of the steroidal nucleus enhanced the inhibitory potency by a reduction of koff rather than an increase of kon. Raising the temperature did not alter the koff of digitoxin, generating a H (koff) of –10.4 ± 4.3 kJ/mol, suggesting a complex dissociation mechanism. Based on a simple and inexpensive methodology, we determined the values of kon, koff, and Ki of the CTS and provided original kinetics and thermodynamics differences between CTS that could help the design of new compounds.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This study describes a fast, simple, and cost-effective method for the measurement of phosphatase pNPPase activity enabling structure-kinetics relationships of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitors, which are important compounds due to their antitumor effect and endogenous role. Using 15 compounds, some of them original, this study was able to delineate the kinetics and/or thermodynamics differences due to the type of sugar and lactone ring present in the steroid structure.




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Low-Efficacy Mu Opioid Agonists as Candidate Analgesics: Effects of Novel C-9 Substituted Phenylmorphans on Pain-Depressed Behavior in Mice [Behavioral Pharmacology]

Low-efficacy mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists may serve as novel candidate analgesics with improved safety relative to high-efficacy opioids. This study used a recently validated assay of pain-depressed behavior in mice to evaluate a novel series of MOR-selective C9-substituted phenylmorphan opioids with graded MOR efficacies. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (IP acid) served as a noxious stimulus to depress locomotor activity by mice in an activity chamber composed of two compartments connected by an obstructed door. Behavioral measures included (1) crosses between compartments (vertical activity over the obstruction) and (2) movement counts quantified as photobeam breaks summed across compartments (horizontal activity). Each drug was tested alone and as a pretreatment to IP acid. A charcoal-meal test and whole-body-plethysmography assessment of breathing in 5% CO2 were also used to assess gastrointestinal (GI) inhibition and respiratory depression, respectively. IP acid produced a concentration-dependent depression in crosses and movement that was optimally alleviated by intermediate- to low-efficacy phenylmorphans with sufficient efficacy to produce analgesia with minimal locomotor disruption. Follow-up studies with two low-efficacy phenylmorphans (JL-2-39 and DC-1-76.1) indicated that both drugs produced naltrexone-reversible antinociception with a rapid onset and a duration of ~1 h. Potency of both drugs increased when behavior was depressed by a lower IP-acid concentration, and neither drug alleviated behavioral depression by a non-pain stimulus (IP lithium chloride). Both drugs produced weaker GI inhibition and respiratory depression than fentanyl and attenuated fentanyl-induced GI inhibition and respiratory depression. Results support further consideration of selective, low-efficacy MOR agonists as candidate analgesics.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This study used a novel set of mu opioid receptor (MOR)-selective opioids with graded MOR efficacies to examine the lower boundary of MOR efficacy sufficient to relieve pain-related behavioral depression in mice. Two novel low-efficacy opioids (JL-2-39, DC-1-76.1) produced effective antinociception with improved safety relative to higher- or lower-efficacy opioids, and results support further consideration of these and other low-efficacy opioids as candidate analgesics.




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Reimagining Biologically Adapted Somatostatin Receptor-Targeted Radionuclide Therapy: Perspectives Based on Personal Experience and Observations on Recent Trials




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Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS), pH 7.4




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Phosphate-Buffered Saline with Tween and BSA (PBSTB)




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Phosphate-Buffered Saline with Tween (0.1%) (PBST)




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Phosphate-Buffered Saline with 1% BSA (PBSB)




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PBSP Buffer




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Weight trends among adults with diabetes or hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study using OpenSAFELY

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic restrictions may have influenced behaviours related to weight.AimTo describe patterns of weight change among adults living in England with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension during the pandemic.Design and settingAn observational cohort study using the routinely collected health data of approximately 40% of adults living in England, accessed through the OpenSAFELY service inside TPP.MethodClinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with rapid weight gain (>0.5 kg/m2/year) were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsData were extracted on adults with T2D (n = 1 231 455, 43.9% female, and 76.0% White British) or hypertension (n = 3 558 405, 49.7% female, and 84.3% White British). Adults with T2D lost weight overall (median δ = −0.1 kg/m2/year [interquartile range {IQR} −0.7–0.4]). However, rapid weight gain was common (20.7%) and associated with the following: sex (male versus female: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.77 to 0.79]); age (older age reduced odds, for example, aged 60–69 years versus 18–29 years: aOR 0.66 [95% CI = 0.61 to 0.71]); deprivation (least deprived Index of Multiple Deprivation [IMD] quintile versus most deprived IMD quintile: aOR 0.87 [95% CI = 0.85 to 0.89]); White ethnicity (Black versus White: aOR 0.95 [95% CI = 0.92 to 0.98]); mental health conditions (for example, depression: aOR 1.13 [95% CI = 1.12 to 1.15]); and diabetes treatment (non-insulin treatment versus no pharmacological treatment: aOR 0.68 [95% CI = 0.67 to 0.69]). Adults with hypertension maintained stable weight overall (median δ = 0.0 kg/m2/year [IQR −0.6–0.5]); however, rapid weight gain was common (24.7%) and associated with similar characteristics as in T2D.ConclusionAmong adults living in England with T2D and/or hypertension, rapid pandemic weight gain was more common among females, younger adults, those living in more deprived areas, and those with mental health conditions.




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Family Medicine Obstetrics: Answering the Call [Editorials]




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Correction to "Opioid-related emergency department visits and deaths after a harm-reduction intervention: a retrospective observational cohort time series analysis"




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Scottish investment group sells off software subsidiary

Scottish investment giant abrdn has sold its Focus Solutions software business and is said to be eyeing other potential disposals




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RPG Cast – Episode 690: “Spay and Neuter Your Owlbear Cubs”

Kelley dishonors herself in Baldur's Gate 3 and retreats to Vampire Survivors. Chris goes on the hunt for Dr. Robotminsc. Robert hits level 50 before the third scripted battle.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 690: “Spay and Neuter Your Owlbear Cubs” appeared first on RPGamer.




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Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival beats its way onto Steam today, with 70+ songs (and 700 more behind a subscription)

I first played Taiko no Tatsujin in an arcade (in Japan, because I am very cool), where it's controlled by hitting a recreation of an actual taiko drum. It was fun enough that I wish there was a taiko drum peripheral available for PC now the series is on our platform.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is out now via Steam, where it offers over 70 songs to drum through, and a subscription service through which to unlock over 700 more. Maybe I should try to get my Donkey Konga drums working on PC, but I'll probably settle for playing it with a gamepad.

Read more




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Millions of websites could be impacted by UK deal on Chagos Islands

The UK government's decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius surprisingly threatens the extinction of millions of website addresses ending in ".io", and no one is quite sure what will happen next




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American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez Finale Recap: Absolute Freedom

The finale doesn’t look to provide a definitive answer to what drove Aaron’s actions, much to the show’s credit.





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Quadruped robot climbs ladders, creeps us out

A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.



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  • fox-news/tech/technologies/robots
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Ashley Cole signs new one-year deal at LA Galaxy&nbsp;

Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has signed a new one-year contract to remain with the LA Galaxy for a third season in Major League Soccer..




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Jordan Nobbs Column: England Have Impressed So Far But Must Be Wary of Tough Japan Challenge

Arsenal and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs will be a columnist for 90min & BBC Sport pundit at the Women's World Cup in France this summer, as Phil Neville's Lionesses' look to secure a maiden World Cup triumph. Two wins from our first two games is obviously what we were all hoping for. The first game of a World Cup, or any other major tournament, is never going to be one where you're playing at your absolute best. But the 2-1 win over was Scotland was great given the pre-match hype, the..







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Police seeking cruel yobs who filmed themselves harming animals



Police are hunting laughing yobs who filmed themselves hurling a cat off a bridge and posted the video on Snapchat.




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'More than 100' Post Office branches and 'hundreds of jobs at risk' after strategic review



As many as 115 Post Office Branches and hundreds of jobs could be at risk following a strategic review held by Post Office Chairman Nigel Railton.




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Media portrayals peddle a dangerous fiction about substance misuse

Narratives around addiction often reduce it to a series of poor choices, lack of values and weakness. This has real-world consequences, warns Anna Wolfe




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ICE nabs another illegal immigrant in Mass. charged with child sex crime, as gov snubs Trump deportations

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested another illegal immigrant charged with child sex offenses, as the state's governor says police won't help the Trump administration.



  • 70ed09d8-1b0b-5551-9915-35cb29dcea5e
  • fnc
  • Fox News
  • fox-news/us/immigration/illegal-immigrants
  • fox-news/us/immigration
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'America's Got Talent': How the Show Addressed Simon Cowell's Absence Following His Bike Accident

Kelly Clarkson filled in for Cowell as he recuperates from back surgery.

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]




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‘Justin Welby was absolutely right to resign’ says Dean of Chapel at King’s College Cambridge

We spoke to Reverend Doctor Stephen Cherry, Dean of Chapel at King's College, Cambridge.




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How to Transform Your Online Presence with a Custom Website

In today’s digital age, your website is more than just a virtual storefront—it’s the heart of your online presence. Whether you’re a small business, a growing startup, or an established brand, a custom-designed website can be the key to standing out in a crowded market. But what does it take to truly transform your digital […]

The post How to Transform Your Online Presence with a Custom Website appeared first on Chart Attack.




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Is a Premium IPTV Subscription Worth the Extra Cost?

I’ve been hearing a lot about IPTV lately. There’s no denying that it’s shaken up the way we consume content. From streaming live sports events to watching your favorite shows on demand, IPTV services have become incredibly popular. But let’s be honest: with so many different subscription options out there, it can get a little […]

The post Is a Premium IPTV Subscription Worth the Extra Cost? appeared first on Chart Attack.




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New SMB-friendly subscription tier may be too late to stop VMware migrations

Broadcom acquisition was a "wake-up call" for VMware-dependent SMBs.




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Suniel Shetty 'absolutely fine' after minor injury on set, thanks fans for love

Bollywood star Suniel Shetty sustained a minor injury on the sets of the web series ‘Hunter 2’