Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of gut microbiota profiles by disease activity in patients with Crohn’s disease using data mining analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms

The gut microbiota plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD). In this study, we analyzed the disease activity and associated fecal microbiota profiles in 160 CD patients and 121 healthy individuals. Fecal samples from the CD patients were collected during three different clinical phases, the active (n=66), remission-achieved (n=51) and remission-maintained (n=43) phases. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and data mining analysis using the Classification and Regression Tree (C&RT) approach were performed. Data mining provided a decision tree that clearly identified the various subject groups (nodes). The majority of the healthy individuals were divided into Node-5 and Node-8. Healthy subjects comprised 99% of Node-5 (91 of 92) and 84% of Node-8 (21 of 25 subjects). Node-3 was characterized by CD (136 of 160 CD subjects) and was divided into Node-6 and Node-7. Node-6 (n=103) was characterized by subjects in the active phase (n=48; 46%) and remission-achieved phase (n=39; 38%) and Node-7 was characterized by the remission-maintained phase (21 of 37 subjects; 57%). Finally, Node-6 was divided into Node-9 and Node-10. Node-9 (n=78) was characterized by subjects in the active phase (n=43; 55%) and Node-10 (n=25) was characterized by subjects in the remission-maintained phase (n=16; 64%). Differences in the gut microbiota associated with disease activity of CD patients were identified. Thus, data mining analysis appears to be an ideal tool for the characterization of the gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease.
The repeatability of submaximal endurance exercise testing in cystic fibrosis

Submaximal endurance cycle ergometer exercise tests are used to measure the efficacy of an exercise intervention, but the repeatability of these tests in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the repeatability of submaximal endurance testing in stable CF. Fifteen adults with CF underwent two submaximal endurance tests carried out over a 7‐day period. A subset of six subjects returned 28 days later for a third submaximal endurance test. Workload was set at 80% of maximum workload and exercise was performed to exhaustion. Oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, tidal volume, carbon dioxide output, respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at rest, at end exercise and at four matched times during the submaximal endurance tests (20, 40, 60, and 80% of exercise duration calculated from the first endurance test). Submaximal endurance test time was highly repeatable with no significant learning effect identified on multiple testing. Submaximal endurance exercise time demonstrated a variability of 5.7% which is consistent with high levels of repeatability. Metabolic, ventilatory and cardiac variables were all also highly reproducible between test days. Submaximal endurance testing is repeatable in stable CF, confirming that submaximal endurance tests are a reliable tool for assessment of therapeutic benefit in patients with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:75–82. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supply-Side Barriers to Maternity-Care in India: A Facility-Based Analysis

Background Health facilities in many low- and middle-income countries face several types of barriers in delivering quality health services. Availability of resources at the facility may significantly affect the volume and quality of services provided. This study investigates the effect of supply-side determinants of maternity-care provision in India. Methods Health facility data from the District-Level Household Survey collected in 2007–2008 were analyzed to explore the effects of supply-side factors on the volume of delivery care provided at Indian health facilities. A negative binomial regression model was applied to the data due to the count and over-dispersion property of the outcome variable (number of deliveries performed at the facility). Results Availability of a labor room (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR]: 1.81; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.68–1.95) and facility opening hours (IRR: 1.43; CI: 1.35–1.51) were the most significant predictors of the volume of delivery care at the health facilities. Medical and paramedical staff were found to be positively associated with institutional deliveries. The volume of deliveries was also higher if adequate beds, essential obstetric drugs, medical equipment, electricity, and communication infrastructures were available at the facility. Findings were robust to the inclusion of facility's catchment area population and district-level education, health insurance coverage, religion, wealth, and fertility. Separate analyses were performed for facilities with and without a labor room and results were qualitatively similar across these two types of facilities. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of supply-side barriers to maternity-care India. To meet Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, policymakers should make additional investments in improving the availability of medical drugs and equipment at primary health centers (PHCs) in India.
JOB TRAINING IN U.S. ORGANIZATIONS

We draw hypotheses about the factors related to company provision offormal job training programs from diverse theoretical perspectives and research findings. Using data from the 1991 National Organizations Survey, we analyze a sample of 688 establishments to estimate multivariate models. The relationships between employer-provided job training and organizational size, unionization, and workforce composition are reduced or eliminated in most multivariate equations. Employer-provided training is most extensive in establishments with elaborate internal structures that operate in complex market environments. The job-training practices of U.S. employers affect employees from the executive suite to the loading dock, enhancing skills from basic literacy to interpersonal sensitivity. A new training ideology is rapidly eclipsing the traditional segmented pattern-a pattern in which universities educate the professionals and technicians, companies prime the executives, unions apprentice workers in the skilled trades, and government prepares the disadvantaged. Facing competitive world economic pressures that have eroded America's market positions, employers are now using job training as one means of coping with changes fostered by technological innovation, market competition, organizational restructuring, and demographic shifts. Although training is an integral part of the employer-employee relationship, direct evidence about company training practices based on representative samples of diverse employing organizations is almost nonexistent. Most previous research has drawn on either self-reported labor force surveys or highly restricted samples of organizations (typically skewed to very large firms). We examine hypotheses about employer-provided job-training practices in the early 1990s, using a national survey of U.S. work organizations.
Nail varnish allergy with far‐reaching consequences

Contact allergy to nail varnish is well‐known, and tuluenesulphonamide formaldehyde resin (TSAfr) was identified as the main allergen in 1943. During the period October 1989‐December 1991 we identified 18 cases of contact allergy to nail varnish. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical picture, patch‐test results, course and socio‐medical consequences. Seventeen of the 18 patients were patch‐test positive to TSAfr and 17/18 were positive to their own nail varnishes. Fourteen of the 18 were also positive to one or more substances in the standard patch‐test series. The lesions were scattered, involving the face, eyelids, neck and hands. Periungual lesions were recorded in 11/18. The dermatitis resolved within a few weeks when the use of nail varnish was stopped. The socio‐medical consequences of contact allergy to nail varnish bad heen severe: sick leave (nine cases), hospitalization (four cases), cessation of visual‐display‐unit (VDU) work (two cases), and job‐loss (two cases). Our conclusions are that contact allergy to nail varnish and TSAfr is common: the socio‐medical consequences may be severe: periungual lesions occur more frequently tban previously stated, and the presence of other contact allergies makes the diagnosis easy to miss. TSAfr should be included in the standard patch‐test series and patients should also be tested with their own nail varnishes. The study illustrates the need for mandatory declaration of the ingredients of cosmetics, as is required in the U.S.A.
The Role of Magical Thinking, Religiosity and Thought-Control Strategies in Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in a Turkish Adult Sample

Background: It has been suggested that magical thinking is related to both obsessions and compulsions in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recent studies have indicated the significant relationship between level of religiosity and beliefs about the importance and need to control unwanted thoughts in OCD. People also use diverse strategies to control their unwanted thoughts. Aims: The present study aimed to examine the interrelationships between magical thinking and worry and punishment as thought-control strategies in mediating the relationship between religiosity and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms in a Turkish sample. Methods: The sample of the present study was comprised of 179 non-clinical, community-based participants who completed measures of OC symptoms (measured with the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory — Revised), magical thinking (measured with the Magical Ideation Scale), religiosity, and thought-control strategies (measured with the Thought Control Questionnaire). Results: Both worry and punishment as thought-control strategies and magical thinking mediated the links between religiosity and OC symptoms. Furthermore, the relationship between religiosity and OC symptoms was mediated by magical thinking through punishment and worry. Conclusions: Findings pointing out the mediating role of magical thinking through punishment and worry in the relationship between religiosity and OC symptoms are novel and need to be replicated in future studies.
Evaluation of push-out bond strength of two fiber-reinforced composite posts systems using two luting cements in vitro

Introduction: The concept of using a “post” for the restoration of teeth has been practiced to restore the endodontically treated tooth. Metallic posts have been commonly used, but their delirious effects have led to the development of fiber-reinforced materials that have overcome the limitations of metallic posts. The use of glass and quartz fibers was proposed as an alternative to the dark color of carbon fiber posts as far as esthetics was concerned. “Debonding” is the most common failure in fiber-reinforced composite type of posts. This study was aimed to compare the push-out bond strength of a self-adhesive dual-cured luting agent (RelyX U100) with a total etch resin luting agent (Variolink II) used to cement two different FRC posts. Materials and Methods: Eighty human maxillary anterior single-rooted teeth were decoronated, endodontically treated, post space prepared and divided into four groups (n = 20); Group I: D.T. light post (RTD) and Variolink II (Ivoclare vivadent), Group II: D.T. light post (RTD) and RelyX U100 (3M ESPE), Group III: Glassix post (Nordin) and Variolink II (Ivoclare vivadent) and Group IV: Glassix post (Nordin) and RelyX U100 (3M ESPE). Each root was sectioned to get slices of 2 ± 0.05-mm thickness. Push-out tests were performed using a triaxial loading frame. To express bond strength in megapascals (Mpa), load value recorded in Newton (N) was divided by the area of the bonded interface. After testing the push-out strengths, the samples were analyzed under a stereomicroscope. Results: The mean values of the push-out bond strength show that Group I and Group III had significantly higher values than Group II and Group IV. The most common mode of failure observed was adhesive between dentin and luting material and between post and luting material. Conclusions: The mean push-out bond strengths were higher for Groups I and III where Variolink II resin cement was used for luting the fiber post, which is based on the total etch adhesive approach. In most of the samples, failure was observed between cement–dentine interface, followed by post–cement interface, which shows difficulty in bonding between post–cement–dentine interface.
Cement dust exposure-related emphysema in a construction worker

Although, smoking is considered the most important predisposing factor in development of emphysema; environmental exposures also play an important role. There have been several studies on work related respiratory symptoms and ventilatory disorders among employees of cement industry. We report a case of cement exposure related emphysema in 75 years old woman construction worker.
Metallothionein and p-Akt proteins in oral dysplasia and in oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the main potentially malignant lesion of the oral cavity, and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for more than 95% of all malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the immunoexpression of p-Akt and Metallothionein (MT) proteins in dysplasic and neoplasic oral lesions. METHODS Immunohistochemical studies were carried out on 10 normal epithelium, 30 OL and 15 OSCC paraffin-embedded samples. Immunoperoxidase reaction for p-Akt and MT proteins was applied on the specimens, and the positivity of the reactions was calculated for 1000 epithelial cells. RESULTS Using the ANOVA and the Tukey's post hoc statistical analyses, it was observed a significant difference in the immunoexpression for p-Akt and MT when the OSCC samples were compared with normal and dysplasic epithelial groups. In addition, the Pearson's correlation test showed a significant correlation between the proteins' expression. CONCLUSION Based on the data obtained, p-Akt and MT activation may play an important role in the conversion of a potentially malignant oral lesion to a malignant carcinoma since its earlier stages.
Prediction of protein signal sequences and their cleavage sites

Protein signal sequences play a central role in the targeting and translocation of nearly all secreted proteins and many integral membrane proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The knowledge of signal sequences has become a crucial tool for pharmaceutical scientists who genetically modify bacteria, plants, and animals to produce effective drugs. However, to effectively use such a tool, the first important thing is to find a fast and effective method to identify the “zipcode” entity; this is also evoked by both the huge amount of unprocessed data available and the industrial need to find more effective vehicles for the production of proteins in recombinant systems. In view of this, a sequence‐encoded algorithm was developed to identify the signal sequences and predict their cleavage sites. The rate of correct prediction for 1,939 secretory proteins and 1,440 nonsecretory proteins by self‐consistency test is 90.14% and that by jackknife test is 90.13%. The encouraging results indicate that the signal sequences share some common features although they lack similarity in sequence, length, and even composition and that they are predictable to a considerably accurate extent. Proteins 2001;42:136–139. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The cell envelope glycoconjugates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) remains the second most common cause of death due to a single infectious agent. The cell envelope of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of the disease in humans, is a source of unique glycoconjugates and the most distinctive feature of the biology of this organism. It is the basis of much of Mtb pathogenesis and one of the major causes of its intrinsic resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. At the same time, the unique structures of Mtb cell envelope glycoconjugates, their antigenicity and essentiality for mycobacterial growth provide opportunities for drug, vaccine, diagnostic and biomarker development, as clearly illustrated by recent advances in all of these translational aspects. This review focuses on our current understanding of the structure and biogenesis of Mtb glycoconjugates with particular emphasis on one of the most intriguing and least understood aspect of the physiology of mycobacteria: the translocation of these complex macromolecules across the different layers of the cell envelope. It further reviews the rather impressive progress made in the last 10 years in the discovery and development of novel inhibitors targeting their biogenesis.
Lower tidal volume ventilation and plasma cytokine markers of inflammation in patients with acute lung injury*

Objectives:To evaluate the association between interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10 and clinical outcomes including mortality in patients with acute lung injury and to determine whether lower tidal volume ventilation was associated with a decrease in plasma cytokines in patients with acute lung injury. Design:Multiple-center, randomized trial. Setting:Intensive care units in ten university centers. Patients:The study included 861 patients enrolled in the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Clinical Network trial of lower tidal volumes compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury. Interventions:Patients were randomized to a 6 mL/kg or a 12 mL/kg tidal volume strategy that has been previously described. Measurements and Main Results:Baseline plasma levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10 were each associated with an increased risk of death in both logistic regression analyses controlling for ventilator group (odds ratio 1.63 per log-10 increment, 95% confidence interval 1.33–1.98; odds ratio 2.33 per log-10 increment, 95% confidence interval 1.79–3.03; odds ratio 2.02 per log-10 increment, 95% confidence interval 1.47–2.76, respectively) and multivariate analyses controlling for ventilation strategy, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, Pao2/Fio2 ratio, creatinine, platelet count, and vasopressor use (odds ratio 1.63 per log-10 increment, 95% confidence interval 0.93–1.49; odds ratio 1.73 per log-10 increment, 95% confidence interval 1.29–2.34; odds ratio 1.23 per log-10 increment, 95% confidence interval 0.86–1.76, respectively). Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels were also associated with a significant decrease in ventilator free and organ failure free days. Patients with sepsis had the highest cytokine levels and the greatest risk of death per cytokine elevation. By day 3, the 6 mL/kg strategy was associated with a greater decrease in interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels. There was a 26% reduction in interleukin-6 (95% confidence interval, 12–37%) and a 12% reduction in interleukin-8 (95% confidence interval, 1–23%) in the 6 mL/kg group compared with the 12 mL/kg group. Conclusions:In patients with acute lung injury, plasma interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 levels are associated with morbidity and mortality. The severity of inflammation varies with clinical risk factor, suggesting that clinical risk factor should be considered when both developing and testing therapeutic interventions. Low tidal volume ventilation is associated with a more rapid attenuation of the inflammatory response.
S‐100β and insulin‐like growth factor‐II differentially regulate growth of developing serotonin and dopamine neurons in vitro

To study the phenotypic specificity of S‐100β and insulin‐like growth factor II (IGF‐II) for developing monoamine neurons, serotonin (5‐HT) neurons from the embryonic day 14 (E14) rostral raphe or dopamine (TH) neurons from the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area were cultured for 3 days in vitro (3 DIV) in the presence of these factors. Neuronotrophic effects were analyzed by computer‐assisted morphometry of 5‐HT and TH‐immunoreactive neurons. S‐100β significantly increased several parameters of neurite outgrowth by 5‐HT neurons but inhibited the spatial extent (field area) of TH neurites. IGF‐II promoted growth of cell bodies of both phenotypes, but only stimulated neurite outgrowth by TH neurons. S‐100β and IGF‐II differentially affected the number of GFAP immunoreactive cells from raphe and substantia nigra, but these effects did not correlate with the specificity of neuronotrophic effects. S‐100β and IGF‐II immunoreactivities were expressed in glial cultures derived from the same brain regions, raising the possibility that these factors have autocrine effects on glia as well as paracrine actions on neurons. The results of this study suggest that specificity of neuronotrophic factors for particular embryonic neurons may be correlated with their neurotransmitter phenotype. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving Web Service Discovery by a Functional and Structural Approach

Service oriented Architecture (SOA) has been widely used in service computing applications and this fact has been encouraged the publication over the Web in a Web Service format. Whereas the number of Web services published on the Web is growing up, discovery techniques must be improved so as to retrieve more desirable services. Nowadays, the most commonly used technique is semantic filters based on ontological concepts. However, such mechanisms can leave out some important Web services of the matching process, because of their structural relationship not mentioned in an ontology. In order to overcome such problems, some authors have proposed a hybrid approach to combine traditional syntactic and semantic approaches. These proposals remain restricted especially with respect to complexity, precision and time of execution, thus making such solutions in most of cases unfeasible. In this paper, we combine semantic filters based on functional properties with a structural approach, analyzing each neighbor relationship in an ontology. The results showed a considerable improvement in terms of performance and a complexity reduction with respect to other existing techniques. Furthermore, we implement a tool called OWLS-S Discovery in order to simplify the use of our approach by developers.
A New H I Survey of Active Galaxies

We have conducted a new Arecibo survey for H I emission for 113 galaxies with broad-line (type 1) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) out to recession velocities as high as ~35,000 km s−1. The primary aim of the study is to obtain sensitive H I spectra for a well-defined, uniformly selected sample of active galaxies that have estimates of their black hole masses in order to investigate correlations between H I properties and the characteristics of the AGNs. H I emission was detected in 66 out of the 101 (65%) objects with spectra uncorrupted by radio frequency interference, among which 45 (68%) have line profiles with adequate signal-to-noise ratio and sufficiently reliable inclination corrections to yield robust deprojected rotational velocities. This paper presents the basic survey products, including an atlas of H I spectra, measurements of H I flux, line width, profile asymmetry, optical images, optical spectroscopic parameters, as well as a summary of a number of derived properties pertaining to the host galaxies. To enlarge our primary sample, we also assemble all previously published H I measurements of type 1 AGNs for which we can estimate black hole masses, which total an additional 53 objects. The final comprehensive compilation of 154 broad-line active galaxies, by far the largest sample ever studied, forms the basis of our companion paper, which uses the H I database to explore a number of properties of the AGN host galaxies.