Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Studies with Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Different Animal Models for Muscular Dystrophy

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been widely investigated for cell-based therapy studies as an alternative source to bone marrow transplantation. Umbilical cord tissue is a rich source of MSCs with potential to derivate at least muscle, cartilage, fat, and bone cells in vitro. The possibility to replace the defective muscle cells using cell therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of progressive muscular dystrophies (PMDs), independently of the specific gene mutation. Therefore, preclinical studies in different models of muscular dystrophies are of utmost importance. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate if umbilical cord MSCs have the potential to reach and differentiate into muscle cells in vivo in two animal models of PMDs. In order to address this question we injected (1) human umbilical cord tissue (hUCT) MSCs into the caudal vein of SJL mice; (2) hUCT and canine umbilical cord vein (cUCV) MSCs intra-arterially in GRMD dogs. Our results here reported support the safety of the procedure and indicate that the injected cells could engraft in the host muscle in both animal models but could not differentiate into muscle cells. These observations may provide important information aiming future therapy for muscular dystrophies.
Hospitals in England: impact of the 1990 National Health Service reforms.

OBJECTIVES This article aims to describe recent changes in English hospitals, with particular reference to the impact of the National Health Service (NHS) and Community Care Act of 1990. METHODS Significant policies that have affected the functioning of the hospital sector of the British NHS are reviewed. Data from the NHS Department of Health are used to describe trends in utilization. RESULTS The NHS and Community Care Act of 1990 radically changed the financial and organizational framework within which hospitals operate. By creating separate purchasing organizations, the act opened the way for competition between hospitals. In practice, such competition has been very limited. Central directives aimed at reducing waiting times for nonurgent admissions, as well as at raising the volume of work done relative to the finances available have been more significant influences. These changes, combined with rising numbers of emergency admissions, have put the physical and human resources of English hospitals under intense pressure. Admissions have risen, lengths of stay have fallen across all age groups, and ambulatory care has grown rapidly. CONCLUSIONS There is little consensus on the future direction regarding the role and structure of acute-care hospitals. There is evidence, though, that improvements in the process and outcomes of care are possible within the current financial and organizational framework of the hospital sector.
Beverage Intake Assessment Questionnaire: Relative Validity and Repeatability in a Spanish Population with Metabolic Syndrome from the PREDIMED-PLUS Study

We assess the repeatability and relative validity of a Spanish beverage intake questionnaire for assessing water intake from beverages. The present analysis was performed within the framework of the PREDIMED-PLUS trial. The study participants were adults (aged 55–75) with a BMI ≥27 and <40 kg/m2, and at least three components of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). A trained dietitian completed the questionnaire. Participants provided 24-h urine samples, and the volume and urine osmolality were recorded. The repeatability of the baseline measurement at 6 and 1 year was examined by paired Student’s t-test comparisons. A total of 160 participants were included in the analysis. The Bland–Altman analysis showed relatively good agreement between total daily fluid intake assessed using the fluid-specific questionnaire, and urine osmolality and 24-h volume with parameter estimates of −0.65 and 0.22, respectively (R2 = 0.20; p < 0.001). In the repeatability test, no significant differences were found between neither type of beverage nor total daily fluid intake at 6 months and 1-year assessment, compared to baseline. The proposed fluid-specific assessment questionnaire designed to assess the consumption of water and other beverages in Spanish adult individuals was found to be relatively valid with good repeatability.
Buprenorphine/naloxone induction for treatment of acute on chronic pain using a micro-dosing regimen: A case report

ABSTRACT Background Due to its unique pharmacologic properties, efficacy as an analgesic, and role as a first-line medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder, sublingual buprenorphine has emerged as a treatment for patients with concurrent chronic pain and opioid use disorders. One challenge to utilizing buprenorphine is that precipitated opioid withdrawal can result if this medication is initiated in the presence of other opiates with lesser binding affinities. Micro-dosing induction regimens utilize a slower titration to avoid the need for a period of abstinence from other opiates and decrease the risk of precipitated withdrawal. Aims The aim of this article is to present a case where a standardized micro-dosing induction regimen was used to transition a patient from other opiate analgesia to a sublingual formulation of buprenorphine/naloxone. Methods This case took place on an inpatient neurosurgical unit of a Canadian tertiary-care city hospital. Written informed consent was collected prior to a detailed chart review. Results Here we present a case of a postoperative neurosurgical inpatient who was referred to our team for pain management in the context of chronic pain and a past history of opioid use disorder. She was successfully transitioned to buprenorphine/naloxone, replacing all other opioid analgesia, without a period of opioid withdrawal using a micro-dosing induction regimen. Conclusions Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone can be safe and effective for treatment of chronic pain, particularly for those with past or current opioid use disorder. Micro-dosing provides a preferable induction strategy for patients who are not able to tolerate the requirement for moderate opioid withdrawal prior to initiation with existing regimens.
Cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with the patient global assessment but not with objective measurements of disease activity

Objective Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from more cardiovascular disease (CVD), and develop cardiovascular risk factors at an earlier age than the general population. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important predictor of cardiovascular health. There are few data regarding CRF of RA patients, measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by the gold standard method; cardiopulmonary exercise testing. We compared CRF in RA patients to those from a healthy population, and investigated if risk factors for CVD and RA-specific variables including subjective and objective disease activity measures were associated with CRF in RA patients. Methods VO2peak tests of RA patients (n=93) were compared to those of an age-matched and gender-matched healthy population (n=4631) from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. Predictors of VO2peak were found using Lasso (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression, followed by standardised multiple linear regression. Results Women with RA ≥40 years and men with RA aged 40–49 years or 60–69 years had up to 20% lower CRF than the healthy population in the same age groups. By relative importance, body mass index (standardised coefficient=−0.25, p<0.001), physical activity level (coefficient=0.21, p<0.001), patient global assessment (PGA; coefficient=−0.14, p=0.006), systolic blood pressure (coefficient=−0.12, p=0.016), resting heart rate (coefficient=−0.11, p=0.032) and smoking (coefficient=−0.10, p=0.046) were significant predictors of CRF (R2=0.82, gender-adjusted and age-adjusted). Conclusion CRF in RA patients was lower than in a healthy population. CRF was associated with common risk factors for CVD and the PGA score. Focusing on fitness in RA patients may improve cardiovascular health.
Common Sequence Variation in FLNB Regulates Bone Structure in Women in the General Population and FLNB mRNA Expression in Osteoblasts In Vitro

Previous data from our group indicate that BMD is linked to chromosome 3p14–p21. Because the filamin B (FLNB gene resides in this region, is the cause of skeletal dysplasias, and was identified among the top genes in our bioinformatics analysis, we hypothesized a role for FLNB in the regulation of bone structure in the general population. Using a tag single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) approach, a family study of 767 female sibs in which the 3p14–p21 linkage with BMD was previously shown was examined. FLNB variants showing a BMD association were tested in two additional data sets, a study of 1085 UK female twins and a population study (CAIFOS) of 1315 Australian women. Genotype‐expression studies were performed in 96 human osteoblast lines to examine the variants in vitro. rs7637505, rs9822918, rs2177153, and rs2001972 showed association with femoral neck (p = 0.0002–0.02) in the family‐based study. The twin study provided further support for an association between rs7637505 and femoral neck and spine BMD (p = 0.02–0.03). The CAIFOS study further suggested an association between rs2177153 and rs9822918 and femoral neck BMD (p = 0.004–0.03). Prevalent fractures were increased in carriers of the A allele of rs2177153 (p = 0.009). In vitro studies showed association between rs11130605, itself in strong LD with rs7637505, and FLNB mRNA expression. These findings suggest common variants in FLNB have effects on bone structure in women. Although the location of variants having effects is not entirely consistent, variation at the 5′ end of the gene may reflect effects on levels of FLNB transcription efficiency.
Prevalence, etiology and antibiogram of bacterial isolates recovered from mastitis of buffaloes

The study was carried out in 1299 lactating buffaloes to determine prevalence and their antimicrobial sensitivity of causative organisms of mastitis in Haryana state, India. Out of 4452 quarter milk samples tested, 1503 (33.76%) and 809 (18.17%) cases were found positive for subclinical mastitis and clinical mastitis, respectively. Majority of clinical cases of mastitis were of chronic nature, occurring during first two parities and first five months of lactation. Staphylococci (51.16%) were the most prevalent organism followed by Streptococci (37.94%), E. coli (8.41%) and Corynebacterium pyogenes (1.62%). All the organisms except E. coli revealed high sensitivity against Ceftriaxone and Cefaperazone. E. coli isolates showed multiple resistance patterns. Regular monitoring of udder health and determination of antimicrobial sensitivity of causative agents prior to initiation of mastitis treatment is suggested.
A broadband wide angle metamaterial absorber for defense applications

This paper presents an ultra-thin metamaterial absorber with L-shaped patches placed diagonally at the top surface. The geometrical dimensions of the unit cell have been optimized in such a way that the structure shows broadband response in C-band. Furthermore, an absorption bandwidth of 2.6 GHz is realized with more than 90% absorptivity level ranging from 4.6 to 7.2 GHz. The proposed structure has been studied under oblique incidence, both for TE and TM polarizations where it shows wideband absorption upto 45 incident angles in both the cases. The structure is fabricated and the experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated responses.
Measurement Uncertainty, Channel Simulation, and Disturbance Characterization of an Over-the-Air Multiprobe Setup for Cars at 5.9 GHz

Over-the-air (OTA) multiprobe setups provide an efficient way to characterize the performance of today's advanced wireless communication systems. In this paper, the measurement uncertainty of such a setup using a car as a test object is characterized through three experiments: measurement system analysis, channel sounder measurements, and probe coupling measurements. Four issues were in focus for the analysis: precision, realization of the wireless communication channel, coupling between the probes, and the influence of the test object size. The analysis shows that a large test object such as a car in an OTA multiprobe ring will affect the measurement uncertainty, but only to a small degree. The measurement uncertainty expressed as expanded uncertainty was below +/-1 dB, which is a level that would not violate best practice total uncertainty levels for comparable OTA methods.
Natural bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery: a 12-month case study.

UNLABELLED Bodybuilding is a sport in which competitors are judged on muscular appearance. This case study tracked a drug-free male bodybuilder (age 26-27 y) for the 6 mo before and after a competition. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to provide the most comprehensive physiological profile of bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery ever compiled. METHODS Cardiovascular parameters, body composition, strength, aerobic capacity, critical power, mood state, resting energy expenditure, and hormonal and other blood parameters were evaluated. RESULTS Heart rate decreased from 53 to 27 beats/min during preparation and increased to 46 beats/min within 1 mo after competition. Brachial blood pressure dropped from 132/69 to 104/56 mmHg during preparation and returned to 116/64 mmHg at 6 mo after competition. Percent body fat declined from 14.8% to 4.5% during preparation and returned to 14.6% during recovery. Strength decreased during preparation and did not fully recover during 6 months of recovery. Testosterone declined from 9.22 to 2.27 ng/mL during preparation and returned back to the baseline level, 9.91 ng/mL, after competition. Total mood disturbance increased from 6 to 43 units during preparation and recovered to 4 units 6 mo after competition. CONCLUSIONS This case study provides a thorough documentation of the physiological changes that occurred during natural bodybuilding competition and recovery.
HIV and direct damage of organs: disease spectrum before and during the highly active antiretroviral therapy era

Evidence derived from numerous studies supports a primary role for HIV in the development of direct damage of different organs eventually being responsible for the appearance of dementia, cardiomyopathy, nephropathy and hematologic abnormalities. As a result of the introduction of effective antiretroviral combination therapies a dramatic decrease of AIDS-associated opportunistic infections and malignancies was observed; however, the role of HAART on HIV organ damage is less well appreciated. In this review we discuss the most common HIV-associated diseases, their pathogenesis as well as the possible changing scenery in the HAART era.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Obstruction – Stomach Impaction , Ileal Impaction , and Cecal Impaction

Impaction of the stomach typically consists of excessive dry, fibrous ingesta, but may also be composed of ingested materials that form a mass, such as persimmon seeds or mesquite beans. Other feeds that tend to swell after ingestion, including wheat, barley, and sugar beet pulp, may also cause impaction. Furthermore, dental disease may increase the likelihood of gastric impaction because of improper chewing of feed. Clinical signs of colic range from acute and severe to chronic and mild. For example, in one report on 4 horses with gastric impaction, colic was moderate or severe and of 8-12 hours’ duration, whereas in another report on a pony with gastric impaction, colic was chronic (7 days’ duration), associated with prolonged recumbency, anorexia, and lethargy. Additional signs may include dysphagia, dropping of feed, and bruxism. However, the diagnosis of stomach impaction is usually made at surgery on horses that have had uncontrollable colic or poor response to medical therapy. However, endoscopy will reveal gastric impaction, and may provide information on the specific nature of the impaction. Although this would not typically be performed on an acute colic case, it would be indicated in a horse with chronic colic.
Porphyromonas Gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Up‐regulation in Endothelin‐1 Interferes with Salivary Mucin Synthesis via Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a 21 amino acid peptide produced from a biologically inactive big ET‐1 by the action of endothelin‐converting enzyme‐1 (ECE‐1) that acts through G protein‐coupled ETA and ETB receptors. Using mucous cells of sublingual salivary gland, we show that P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibitory effect on salivary mucin synthesis is accompanied by a marked increase in ET‐1 generation and the enhancement in ECE‐1 activity. Inhibition of ECE‐1 with phosphoramidon led to the impedance of the LPS‐induced ET‐1 generation as well as countered the detrimental effect of the LPS on mucin synthesis. Moreover, the LPS inhibitory effect of on mucin synthesis was blocked by ETA receptor antagonist, BQ610, but not by ETB receptor antagonist, BQ788. The LPS‐induced reduction in mucin synthesis, furthermore, was countered by PD153035 (76.8%), a specific inhibitor of EGFR kinase as well as PP2 (54.7%), a selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase Src responsible for ligand‐independent EGFR transactivation. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that P. gingivalis LPS detrimental effect on salivary mucin synthesis is intimately linked to the events controlled by EGFR transactivation, triggered by upregulation in ECE‐1, enhancement in ET‐1 production, and G protein‐coupled ETA receptor activation. IUBMB Life, 56: 601‐607, 2004
Divergent Evolution of Male Aggressive Behaviour: Another Reproductive Isolation Barrier in Extremophile Poeciliid Fishes?

Reproductive isolation among locally adapted populations may arise when immigrants from foreign habitats are selected against via natural or (inter-)sexual selection (female mate choice). We asked whether also intrasexual selection through male-male competition could promote reproductive isolation among populations of poeciliid fishes that are locally adapted to extreme environmental conditions [i.e., darkness in caves and/or toxic hydrogen sulphide (H2S)]. We found strongly reduced aggressiveness in extremophile P. oecilia mexicana, and darkness was the best predictor for the evolutionary reduction of aggressiveness, especially when combined with presence of H2S. We demonstrate that reduced aggression directly translates into migrant males being inferior when paired with males from non-sulphidic surface habitats. By contrast, the phylogenetically old sulphur endemic P. sulphuraria from another sulphide spring area showed no overall reduced aggressiveness, possibly indicating evolved mechanisms to better cope with H2S.
Birds of a Feather: Value Implications of Political Alignment between Top Management and Directors

For 2,695 US corporations from 1996 to 2009, we find that alignment in political orientation between the chief executive officer (CEO) and independent directors is associated with lower firm valuations, lower operating profitability, and increased internal agency conflicts such as a reduced likelihood of dismissing poorly performing CEOs, a lower CEO pay-performance sensitivity, and a greater likelihood of accounting fraud. Importantly, we show that our results are driven neither by the effects associated with various measures of similarity and diversity within the board nor the effects of local director labor market and political conditions on board structure. We provide evidence that our measure of individual political orientation reflects the person׳s political beliefs rather than opportunistic attempts to seek political favor. Overall, our results suggest that diversity in political beliefs among corporate board members is valuable.
Natural Isotopic Signatures of Variations in Body Nitrogen Fluxes: A Compartmental Model Analysis

Body tissues are generally 15N-enriched over the diet, with a discrimination factor (Δ15N) that varies among tissues and individuals as a function of their nutritional and physiopathological condition. However, both 15N bioaccumulation and intra- and inter-individual Δ15N variations are still poorly understood, so that theoretical models are required to understand their underlying mechanisms. Using experimental Δ15N measurements in rats, we developed a multi-compartmental model that provides the first detailed representation of the complex functioning of the body's Δ15N system, by explicitly linking the sizes and Δ15N values of 21 nitrogen pools to the rates and isotope effects of 49 nitrogen metabolic fluxes. We have shown that (i) besides urea production, several metabolic pathways (e.g., protein synthesis, amino acid intracellular metabolism, urea recycling and intestinal absorption or secretion) are most probably associated with isotope fractionation and together contribute to 15N accumulation in tissues, (ii) the Δ15N of a tissue at steady-state is not affected by variations of its P turnover rate, but can vary according to the relative orientation of tissue free amino acids towards oxidation vs. protein synthesis, (iii) at the whole-body level, Δ15N variations result from variations in the body partitioning of nitrogen fluxes (e.g., urea production, urea recycling and amino acid exchanges), with or without changes in nitrogen balance, (iv) any deviation from the optimal amino acid intake, in terms of both quality and quantity, causes a global rise in tissue Δ15N, and (v) Δ15N variations differ between tissues depending on the metabolic changes involved, which can therefore be identified using simultaneous multi-tissue Δ15N measurements. This work provides proof of concept that Δ15N measurements constitute a new promising tool to investigate how metabolic fluxes are nutritionally or physiopathologically reorganized or altered. The existence of such natural and interpretable isotopic biomarkers promises interesting applications in nutrition and health.
Sodium Butyrate Upregulates miR-203 Expression to Exert Anti-Proliferation Effect on Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background: As the end product of the bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the colonic lumen, sodium butyrate (NaBt) has been reported to exert antitumor effects on colorectal cancer (CRC). In addition to functioning as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, NaBt also regulates the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) to inhibit CRC cell proliferation. Yet, the mechanisms involved are not completely understood. Here we investigate whether NaBt regulates miR-203 to inhibit CRC growth and explore the promising target gene of miR-203 in CRC cells. Methods: We conducted qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays to evaluate the effects of NaBt on the expression of miR-203 and NEDD9 in HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines. The promising target gene of miR-203 was predicted by miRNA target prediction and dual luciferase reporter assay. CRC Cell proliferation, colony formation, cell apoptosis and cell invasion assays were performed to explore the effect of NaBt, miR-203 and NEDD9 on HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines. Results: The results showed that NaBt increased the expression of miR-203 to induce CRC cell apoptosis as well as inhibit cell proliferation, colony formation and cell invasion. Moreover, we determined that the NEDD9 was a target gene of miR-203. NEDD9 partially overcame the inhibitory effects of miR-203 on CRC cell colony formation and invasion. Conclusions: NaBt could induce CRC cell apoptosis, inhibit CRC cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion through miR-203/NEDD9 cascade. The present study may enrich the mechanisms underlying the process that NaBt exerts anti-tumor effects on CRC cells.