Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of plasma cells and other cells containing immunoglobulin in the respiratory tract in chronic bronchitis

Soutar, C. A. (1977). Thorax, 32, 387-396. Distribution of plasma cells and other cells containing immunoglobulin in the respiratory tract in chronic bronchitis A study of the distribution of cells containing immunoglobulin in the respiratory tract in chronic bronchitis has been carried out on necropsy tissues from six subjects who died from complications of severe chronic obstructive bronchitis and five subjects with `incidental' chronic bronchitis who died from unrelated disease. The results have been compared with previous reported findings in normal subjects. There was a deficiency of IgA cells in all six subjects with fatal chronic bronchitis when compared with normal subjects. The IgA cell counts in the subjects with `incidental' chronic bronchitis corresponded to normal values for healthy non-smokers and did not share the increased cell counts in lower lobe bronchus occurring in healthy smokers. This work suggests that subjects who die from chronic obstructive bronchitis are deficient in plasma and other cells containing IgA in the respiratory tract, and that subjects with `incidental' chronic bronchitis are normal in this respect. A preliminary study in which local bronchial secretion of IgA was estimated in the sputum of patients with severe chronic obstructive bronchitis showed that bronchial IgA secretion appeared to be low during acute infections in five out of 14 patients. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that bronchial IgA secretion is impaired in a proportion of patients with severe chronic bronchitis.
Which Patients Are Not Suitable for a Subcutaneous ICD: Incidence and Predictors of Failed QRS‐T‐Wave Morphology Screening

The subcutaneous cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) relies on a pre‐implantation QRS‐T morphology screening (TMS) of the ECG to assure that it reliably detects the QRS complexes and T waves. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of the patients who fail this TMS is unknown.
Potential Sources of High Frequency and Biphonic Vocalization in the Dhole (Cuon alpinus)

Biphonation, i.e. two independent fundamental frequencies in a call spectrum, is a prominent feature of vocal activity in dog-like canids. Dog-like canids can produce a low (f0) and a high (g0) fundamental frequency simultaneously. In contrast, fox-like canids are only capable of producing the low fundamental frequency (f0). Using a comparative anatomical approach for revealing macroscopic structures potentially responsible for canid biphonation, we investigated the vocal anatomy for 4 (1 male, 3 female) captive dholes (Cuon alpinus) and for 2 (1 male, 1 female) wild red fox (Vulpes vulpes). In addition, we analyzed the acoustic structure of vocalizations in the same dholes that served postmortem as specimens for the anatomical investigation. All study dholes produced both high-frequency and biphonic calls. The anatomical reconstructions revealed that the vocal morphologies of the dhole are very similar to those of the red fox. These results suggest that the high-frequency and biphonic calls in dog-like canids can be produced without specific anatomical adaptations of the sound-producing structures. We discuss possible production modes for the high-frequency and biphonic calls involving laryngeal and nasal structures.
An Experimental Approach to THÉ Integration of Professional Courses at/the University of Minnesota-A Progress Report

In common with many other institutions, the College of Education at the University of Minnesota has been studying its professional curriculum for the education of teachers in an effort to improve it. Among the various projects it has undertaken is an effort to integrate certain professional courses. The approach to this problem has been experimental in an attempt to discover whether achievement in an integrated course is better than that in the usual separate courses. The purpose of this paper is to make a progress report concerning this project, but in order to present its setting it seems wise to be somewhat historical in approach and describe the background. Students at the University of Minnesota enter the College of Education at the beginning of the junior year. For a number of years the required curriculum in the college has consisted of a nine point junior year sequence, composed of educational psychology, general methods, and principles of education, followed by a nine point senior year sequence, composed of spe cial methods and student teaching courses taught concurrently. In addition to these required courses, the student selected eight points of elective courses. Growing criticism of this curriculum led, in 1938, to a series of staff conferences, in which the nature of the professional education of teachers was discussed. These conferences revealed many issues concerning the edu cation of teachers. From these, the following are selected as representative of the major issues developed in the discussions. 1. What are the outcomes necessary for teaching, in terms of informa tion, understanding, abilities, skills, appreciations, and attitudes, which should be developed by the professional curriculum in the College of Edu cation? Are there differences among the teaching fields which either require differences in emphasis among these outcomes, or peculiar and distinct out comes for specific teaching fields? 2. What should be the content of the professional curriculum which will lead to the attainment of the outcomes desired?
Factors influencing the 99th percentile of cardiac troponin I evaluated in community-dwelling individuals at 70 and 75 years of age.

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the effects of sex, prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD), and aging on the 99th percentile of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). METHODS cTnI was measured using a high-sensitivity assay (Abbott Diagnostics) in 814 community-dwelling individuals at both 70 and 75 years of age. We determined the cTnI 99th percentiles separately using nonparametric methods in the total sample, in men and women, and in individuals with and without CVD. RESULTS The cTnI 99th percentile at baseline was 55.2 ng/L for the total cohort. Higher 99th percentiles were noted in men (69.3 ng/L) and individuals with CVD (74.5 ng/L). The cTnI 99th percentile in individuals free from CVD at baseline (n = 498) increased by 51% from 38.4 to 58.0 ng/L during the 5-year observation period. Relative increases ranging from 44% to 83% were noted across all subgroups. Male sex [odds ratio, 5.3 (95% CI, 1.5-18.3)], log-transformed N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [odds ratio, 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2-3.0)], and left-ventricular mass index [odds ratio, 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1-1.5)] predicted increases in cTnI concentrations from below the 99th percentile (i.e., 38.4 ng/L) at baseline to concentrations above the 99th percentile at the age of 75 years. CONCLUSIONS cTnI concentration and its 99th percentile threshold depend strongly on the characteristics of the population being assessed. Among elderly community dwellers, higher concentrations were seen in men and individuals with prevalent CVD. Aging contributes to increasing concentrations, given the pronounced changes seen with increasing age across all subgroups. These findings should be taken into consideration when applying cTnI decision thresholds in clinical settings.
Societal perspectives on community pharmacy services in West Bank - Palestine

Background Understanding the public's view of professional competency is extremely important; however little has been reported on the public's perception of community pharmacists in Palestine Objective To determine the perception of Palestinian consumers of the community pharmacist and the services they offer. Methods This project used the survey methodology administered by structured interviews to consumers who attended the 39 randomly selected pharmacies, in six main cities in Palestine. The questionnaire had range of structured questions covering: Consumers' patronage patterns, consumers’ interaction with community pharmacists, consumers’ views on how the pharmacist dealt with personal health issues, procedure with regard to handling private consultations. Results Of 1,017 consumers approached, 790 consumers completed the questionnaire (77.7 %). Proximity to home and presence of knowledgeable pharmacist were the main reasons for patients to visit the same pharmacy. Physicians were identified as the preferred source of advice by 57.2% and pharmacists by 23.8%. Only 17% of respondents considered pharmacists as health professionals who know a lot about drugs and are concerned about and committed to caring for the public. In addition, 49% indicated that pharmacists spoke more quietly cross the counter during counseling and almost one third reported that the pharmacist used a private area within the pharmacy. The majority of respondents would be happy to receive different extended services in the community pharmacy like blood pressure monitoring. Conclusions Palestinian consumers have a positive overall perception of community pharmacists and the services they offer. Awareness should be created amongst the public about the role of pharmacist and the added value they can provide as health care professional. There is a need to consider privacy when giving patient counseling to increase user satisfaction.
Interferon-beta represses cancer stem cell properties in triple-negative breast cancer

Significance Current cancer therapies fail to repress tumor recurrence and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) because they fail to target cells that possess epithelial–mesenchymal (E-M) plasticity and acquire cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. Identifying and engaging signaling pathways that regulate E-M/CSC plasticity within TNBC therefore remains an unmet critical clinical need. Recent evidence demonstrates that presence of E-M/CSC plasticity in TNBC correlates with a repressed interferon/STAT gene signature. Our data demonstrate that exogenous IFN-β targets and represses E-M/CSC plasticity by reengaging type I IFN signaling in CSC. Our findings have clinical relevance, as IFN-β signaling correlates with improved patient survival and repressed CSC in TNBC. Thus, our work suggests a therapeutic use for IFN-β in the repression of E-M/CSC–driven tumor recurrence and metastasis in TNBC. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the deadliest form of this disease, lacks a targeted therapy. TNBC tumors that fail to respond to chemotherapy are characterized by a repressed IFN/signal transducer and activator of transcription (IFN/STAT) gene signature and are often enriched for cancer stem cells (CSCs). We have found that human mammary epithelial cells that undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) following transformation acquire CSC properties. These mesenchymal/CSCs have a significantly repressed IFN/STAT gene expression signature and an enhanced ability to migrate and form tumor spheres. Treatment with IFN-beta (IFN-β) led to a less aggressive epithelial/non–CSC-like state, with repressed expression of mesenchymal proteins (VIMENTIN, SLUG), reduced migration and tumor sphere formation, and reexpression of CD24 (a surface marker for non-CSCs), concomitant with an epithelium-like morphology. The CSC-like properties were correlated with high levels of unphosphorylated IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (U-ISGF3), which was previously linked to resistance to DNA damage. Inhibiting the expression of IRF9 (the DNA-binding component of U-ISGF3) reduced the migration of mesenchymal/CSCs. Here we report a positive translational role for IFN-β, as gene expression profiling of patient-derived TNBC tumors demonstrates that an IFN-β metagene signature correlates with improved patient survival, an immune response linked with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and a repressed CSC metagene signature. Taken together, our findings indicate that repressed IFN signaling in TNBCs with CSC-like properties is due to high levels of U-ISGF3 and that treatment with IFN-β reduces CSC properties, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to treat drug-resistant, highly aggressive TNBC tumors.
On the measurement of low self-control in Add Health and NLSY79

ABSTRACT Limited attention has been devoted to the dimensionality of the low self-control scales commonly constructed in two nationally representative datasets routinely used to test self-control theory (SCT) – Add Health and NLSY79. We assess the measurement properties of the low self-control scales by comparing a series of exploratory and confirmatory models that are appropriate for the categorical nature of the observed items, including unidimensional, correlated factors, second-order factor, and bifactor models. Additionally, based on these results we explore the predictive validity of the respective scales on adolescents’ delinquent behavior. The results indicate that the low self-control scales in these data have acceptable levels of internal consistency but do not represent unidimensional latent factors. Rather, scales are best represented by a second-order factor structure. When measured this way, our Add Health scale is associated with delinquency in a cross-sectional context and our NLSY79 scale predicts delinquency longitudinally. This study reveals that low self-control is best conceptualized as a multidimensional construct within these data. The results of this study provide guidance to researchers measuring low self-control in either dataset (or other data sources) and inform the larger SCT measurement literature.
Reflecting on gratitude: Promoting healthy lifestyles in adults

The main aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an innovative health prevention program, the Healthy and Fit Adults Program (HFAP). The HFAP consists of five sessions designed after an effective evidence-based family skills training intervention, the Strengthening Families Program, which uses Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory in order to increase protective factors against health risk behaviors. The HFAP intervention included two elements (reflecting on gratitude and expressive writing as the vehicle to reflect on gratitude) as means to improve healthy behaviors. It was hypothesized that those participating in the HFAP would increase health protective factors against obesity (physical activity) and decrease health risk factors for obesity (excessive weight and depression). This study employed a quasi-experimental design (no treatment comparison and treatment groups) in order to assess the impact of the HFAP on the health behaviors of 48 voluntary participants ages 31 to 45. Standardized measures included self-reported scales to measure physical activity (IPAQ), gratitude (GQ-6), and depression (CES-D) as well as objective measures (pedometer and BMI). Data were collected and analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests (RM-ANOVAS, ANCOVA, Paired Samples t test, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests, Spearman Correlation Coefficient). iv Results showed statistically significant increases in self-reported gratitude as well as a significant decrease in depression scores within the experimental group from pretest to posttest. Self-reported physical activity measured in METs also increased significantly within the experimental group from pretest to posttest. These results were only statistically significant when baseline differences between groups were not accounted for. When baseline differences were considered (ANCOVA), the differences in main outcomes (physical activity in METs and steps, gratitude, BMI, and depression) between comparison and treatment groups from pretest to posttest were not statistically significant. There was, however, a statistically significant moderate negative correlation between levels of gratitude and depression among participants. In this study, reflecting and practicing gratitude seemed to contribute to healthier psychological self-perceptions of participants (i.e., improved gratitude and decreased depression). Findings are discussed and suggestions for future research and interventions aiming to prevent obesity among adults are provided.
Validation of an Arabic ADAM questionnaire for androgen deficiency screening in the Arab community

Background. It is well documented that testosterone levels decline with age, this decline is associated with symptoms which could be assessed denoting androgen deficiency. We investigated the validity of an Arabic version of the Saint Louis University androgen deficiency in ageing men (ADAM) questionnaire to screen for androgen deficiency in Saudi and non Saudi Arabic speaking men. Methods. It was a cross sectional study of ambulatory community-based Arabic Saudi men recruited from Volunteers in Riyadh city, Capital of Saudi Arabia, aged 18–80 years. Seven hundred thirty men agreed to fill the Arabic ADAM questionnaire, they were invited to a morning blood sample for total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin and those who agreed to complete the whole study were only 407 men. Low serum bioavailable testosterone (BT) levels (androgen deficiency) were defined as <10th percentile of serum BT levels in young healthy Saudi men (18–30 years). Results. Cronbach's Alpha of 0.71 (n = 730) showed a good internal consistency of the Arabic ADAM questionnaire. Among participants, 18.2% and 77.6% had low serum BT levels and a positive ADAM questionnaire, respectively. The prevalence of positive ADAM and low serum BT is increasing with age. The Arabic ADAM questionnaire had a high sensitivity of 86.5%, a low specificity of 24.3%, and positive predictive values (+PVs) and negative (−PVs) of 20.3% and 89%, respectively. Conclusion. The Arabic ADAM questionnaire has a very good sensitivity but very low specificity for screening of androgen deficiency in Saudi men, therefore biological confirmation is needed especially when clinical symptoms of androgen deficiency are present.
The Political Economy of Intergenerational Income Mobility

The intergenerational elasticity of income is considered one of the best measures of the degree to which a society gives equal opportunity to its members. While much research has been devoted to measuring this reduced-form parameter, less is known about its underlying structural determinants. Using a model with exogenous talent endowments, endogenous parental investment in children and endogenous redistributive institutions, we identify the structural parameters that govern the intergenerational elasticity of income. The model clarifies how the interaction between private and collective decisions determines the equilibrium level of social mobility. Two societies with similar economic and biological fundamentals may have vastly different degrees of intergenerational mobility depending on their political institutions. We offer empirical evidence in line with the predictions of the model. We conclude that international comparisons of intergenerational elasticity of income are not particularly informative about fairness without taking into account differences in politico-economic institutions.
A gene expression study on strains of Nostoc (Cyanobacteria) revealing antimicrobial activity under mixotrophic conditions

Cyanobacteria are well known for their production of a multitude of highly allelopathic compounds. These products have features such as incorporation of non-proteinogenic amino acids which are characteristics of peptides biosynthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). Some of these peptides have acetate-derived moieties, suggesting that their biosynthesis also involves polyketide synthases (PKSs). Among the photosynthetic microorganisms, cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Nostoc are regarded as good candidates for producing biologically active secondary metabolites. Aiming at the maximization in the production of natural product, we compared autotrophic, and mixotrophic growth at high light intensity of two Nostoc species in relation to the production of bioactive compounds with the antimicrobial activity at different source of sugar. Glucose was shown to be the best substrate for the production of high natural product when compared with sucrose. Also, the rate of biomass production and antimicrobial activity was reaching ~2.0 to 2.5 and ~1.5 times greater than that of the autotrophic and sucrose grown cultures, respectively. Also, we conduct a combined NRPSs and PKSs polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequences presented in this study was deposited in GenBank and had accession numbers JF795278 and JF795279 (NRPS A domains) and JF795280 and JF795281 (PKS KS domains). Computer modeling and phylogenetic analysis was conducted to predict the putative amino acid recognized by the unknown adenylation domain in the NRPS sequences. This study highlights the importance of environmental and nutrimental factors in maximization of antibiotic production of two Nostoc species. Keywords: Peptide synthetase gene, polyketide synthase gene, Nostoc , secondary metabolites, mixotrophic conditions
Studies on anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in experimental animal models

Abstract Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, constant use of NSAID may lead to some side effects like gastrointestinal ulcers, bleeding and renal disorders. This study evaluates analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Lactobacillus rhamnosus in female Wistar rats. Methods: Diclofenac sodium was used as a standard drug for comparison. L. rhamnosus, drugs and vehicle were administered orally. Acetic acid-induced writhing test and carrageenan-induced paw edema model were used for evaluation. Paw edema and number of writhes were measured subsequently. Pro-inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-17) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines were estimated in serum after 24 h. Results: Results showed that L. rhamnosus significantly decreased the paw thickness at t=24 h by 28.66 % while drug decreased by 19.33 %. Also, L. rhamnosus treatment and standard drug showed a protection of 66.66 % and 41.66 %, respectively. L. rhamnosus and diclofenac sodium treatment significantly down-regulated pro-inflammatory and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines at p<0.0001. Overall, protection provided by L. rhamnosus was more pronounced in comparison to diclofenac sodium. Conclusions: The present study clearly suggests that L. rhamnosus suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema after second phase and decreased the acetic acid-induced writhings. It ameliorated the inflammatory pathways by down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, additional clinical investigations are needed to prove the efficacy of L. rhamnosus in treatment/management of inflammatory joint diseases.
Detection of Ventricular Fibrillation Using Random Forest Classifier

Early warning and detection of ventricular fibrillation is crucial to the successful treatment of this life-threatening condition. In this paper, a ventricular fibrillation classification algorithm using a machine learning method, random forest, is proposed. A total of 17 previously defined ECG feature metrics were extracted from fixed length segments of the echocardiogram (ECG). Three annotated public domain ECG databases (Creighton University Ventricular Tachycardia database, MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database and MIT-BIH Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmia Database) were used for evaluation of the proposed method. Window sizes 3 s, 5 s and 8 s for overlapping and non-overlapping segmentation methodologies were tested. An accuracy (Acc) of 97.17%, sensitivity (Se) of 95.17% and specificity (Sp) of 97.32% were obtained with 8 s window size for overlapping segments. The results were benchmarked against recent reported results and were found to outper-form them with lower complexity.