Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emerging Biomarkers in Heart Failure and Cardiac Cachexia

Biomarkers are objective tools with an important role for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy optimization in patients with heart failure (HF). To date, natriuretic peptides are closest to optimal biomarker standards for clinical implications in HF. Therefore, the efforts to identify and test new biomarkers in HF are reasonable and justified. Along the natural history of HF, cardiac cachexia may develop, and once at this stage, patient performance and prognosis is particularly poor. For these reasons, numerous biomarkers reflecting hormonal, inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways have been investigated, but only a few convey relevant information. The complex pathophysiology of HF appears far too complex to be embraced by a single biomarker; thus, a combined approach appears reasonable. With these considerations, we have reviewed the recent developments in the field to highlight key candidates with diagnostic, prognostic and therapy optimization properties, either alone or in combination.
K-POINT CONFIGURATIONS IN SETS OF POSITIVE DENSITY OF Zn

It is shown that if n > 2k + 4 and if A ⊆ Z is a set of upper density ε > 0, then in a sense depending on ε all large dilates of any given k-dimensional simplex 4 = {0, v1, . , vk} ⊂ Z can be embedded in A. A simplex 4 can be embedded in the set A, if A contains simplex 4′ which is isometric to 4. Moreover, the same is true if only 4 ⊂ R is assumed, and 4 satisfies some immediate necessary conditions. The proof uses techniques of harmonic analysis developed for the continuous case, as well as a variant of the circle-method, due to Siegel.
Effect of myomectomy on endometrial glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and glycodelin mRNA expression at the time of the implantation window.

BACKGROUND In fertile women, glycodelin and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) genes expression rises during the luteal phase, with a peak occurring during the implantation window. The expression of these genes decreases in women with myomas. To determine whether myomectomy would reverse glycodelin and GPx3 expression, we evaluated the transcript levels of these genes in the endometrium of patients before and after myomectomy. METHODS Expression of glycodelin and GPx3 genes were examined prospectively during the midluteal phase in the endometrium obtained from infertile women with myoma (n = 12) before and three months after myomectomy. Endometrial expression of these genes was evaluated using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS Endometrial glycodelin mRNA expression levels (normalized to 18S rRNA expression) were increased significantly in endometrium of patients after myomectomy (P = 0.02). GPx3 mRNA expression was increased insignificantly after myomectomy (P = 0.43). CONCLUSION The results showed that myomectomy increased endometrial glycodelin (significantly) and GPx3 (not significantly) gene expression after 3 months. Study at different times and detecting expression of these genes can reveal more details.
Distance teaching in small rural primary schools: a participatory action research project

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to identify and examine the distance teaching practices of four teachers in three small, rural primary schools in Finland – small in the sense that the schools consists of between 20–50 pupils and between 3–12 teachers. The schools have experienced a decline in pupil numbers, thus, they are not able to employ teachers full-time. The participating teachers imagined distance education as one solution to extend the classroom and faculty. Practice architectures is used as a theoretical and analytical framework to answer the question ‘What cultural, material, and social discourses constitute the development of the practice around distance education in small, rural primary schools? ’ The data consists of interviews with and video blogs by the teachers recorded during 2016–2017. The implications are that cultural-discursive, material-economic, and social-political arrangements surrounding distance education are intertwined in small schools. Architectural arrangements enabled flexible solutions when developing distance education. The same arrangements proved to be material and cultural constraints as the teachers had many responsibilities in their everyday practice and support from the faculty was sometimes lacking. The teachers felt constrained by the technology and communicating with pupils at a distance meant they had to develop new teaching strategies.
The Ins and Outs of UK Unemployment

This paper shows that in the UK, increases in unemployment in a recession are driven by rises in the separation rate. A new decomposition of unemployment dynamics is devised that does not require unemployment to be in steady state at all times. This is important because low UK transition rates – one quarter the size of the US –imply substantial deviation of unemployment from steady state near cyclical turning points. In periods of moderation, the job finding rate is shown to have most influence on UK unemployment dynamics. Evidence comes from the first study of monthly data derived from individuals’ labour market spells recorded in the British Household Panel Survey from 1988 to 2008.
Influence of lamb finishing system on animal performance and meat quality

This study aimed to assess the influence of lamb finishing systems on zootechnical performance, as well as on carcass and meat quality. The experiment was conducted at the APTA’s experimental farm. Thirty-three lambs were used – both sexes, initial age of 90 ± 3 days, Texel with Santa Inês, each animal being one experimental unit, with 6 males and 5 females per treatment. Treatments consisted of: lambs finished on pasture, in semi-feedlot or in feedlot. The lambs were slaughtered with average live weight of 35 kg. Weight gain and carcass measures were taken by ultrasound. After slaughter, carcass conformation and yield, pH, temperature, color, water retention capacity and tenderness were measured. Animals finished on pasture had lower weight gain, were slaughtered at an older age, with lighter carcass weight, smaller loin area, lower shank compactness index, besides lighter shoulder and shank weights, compared to the other production systems (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the semi-feedlot and the feedlot systems for the assessed characteristics. In conclusion, production systems affect animal performance, as well as carcass and meat quality, especially when it comes to important production aspects, such as slaughter age and yield of premium cuts.
Assessment of Oral Conditions and Quality of Life in Morbid Obese and Normal Weight Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of oral disease on the quality of life of morbid obese and normal weight individuals. Cohort was composed of 100 morbid-obese and 50 normal-weight subjects. Dental caries, community periodontal index, gingival bleeding on probing (BOP), calculus, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, dental wear, stimulated salivary flow, and salivary pH were used to evaluate oral diseases. Socioeconomic and the oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) questionnaires showed the quality of life in both groups. Unpaired Student, Fisher’s Exact, Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and Multiple Regression tests were used (p<0.05). Obese showed lower socio-economic level than control group, but no differences were found considering OIDP. No significant differences were observed between groups considering the number of absent teeth, bruxism, difficult mastication, calculus, initial caries lesion, and caries. However, saliva flow was low, and the salivary pH was changed in the obese group. Enamel wear was lower and dentine wear was higher in obese. More BOP, insertion loss, and periodontal pocket, especially the deeper ones, were found in obese subjects. The regression model showed gender, smoking, salivary pH, socio-economic level, periodontal pocket, and periodontal insertion loss significantly associated to obesity. However, both OIDP and BOP did not show significant contribution to the model. The quality of life of morbid obese was more negatively influenced by oral disease and socio-economic factors than in normal weight subjects.
Hemagglutinin-specific cytotoxic T-cell response during influenza infection

Specific cytotoxic thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes were detected in the cervical lymph nodes and spleen during influenza infection of mice. The cytotoxic T cells can distinguish target cells infected with different influenza A subtypes. Infection with parent viruses and their recombinant progeny possessing the hemagglutinin of one parent and the neuraminidase of the other demonstrated that significant cytotoxicity occurred only when the hemagglutinin of the immunizing viruses was the same as that of the virus used to infect the target cell. In addition to this specific cytotoxic response to the major surface antigen, a cross-reactive response could be detected when the relatively nonpermissive L cell was used as the target cell. These results indicate there is a specific cytotoxic T-cell response to the surface hemagglutinin, and a cross-reactive cytotoxic response, not directed to the hemagglutinin, during influenza infection. The cytotoxic T-cell response specific for the hemagglutinin antigen may play an important role in in vivo immunity to influenza.
Robust 3D Face Recognition by Local Shape Difference Boosting

This paper proposes a new 3D face recognition approach, Collective Shape Difference Classifier (CSDC), to meet practical application requirements, i.e., high recognition performance, high computational efficiency, and easy implementation. We first present a fast posture alignment method which is self-dependent and avoids the registration between an input face against every face in the gallery. Then, a Signed Shape Difference Map (SSDM) is computed between two aligned 3D faces as a mediate representation for the shape comparison. Based on the SSDMs, three kinds of features are used to encode both the local similarity and the change characteristics between facial shapes. The most discriminative local features are selected optimally by boosting and trained as weak classifiers for assembling three collective strong classifiers, namely, CSDCs with respect to the three kinds of features. Different schemes are designed for verification and identification to pursue high performance in both recognition and computation. The experiments, carried out on FRGC v2 with the standard protocol, yield three verification rates all better than 97.9 percent with the FAR of 0.1 percent and rank-1 recognition rates above 98 percent. Each recognition against a gallery with 1,000 faces only takes about 3.6 seconds. These experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm is not only effective but also time efficient.
Occupational Radiation Exposure to the Extremities of Medical Staff during Hysterosalpingography and Radionuclide Bone Scan Procedures in Several Nigerian Hospitals

Objective: The practice of regular dose measurement helps to ascertain the level of occupational dose delivered to the staff involved in diagnostic procedures. This study was carried out to evaluate the dose exposed to the hands of radiologists and a radiologic technologist carrying out HSG and radionuclide bone scan examinations in several hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: Radiation doses exposed to the hands of radiologists and a technician carrying out hysterosalpingography (HSG) and bone scan procedures were measured using calibrated thermo-luminescent dosimeters. Five radiologists and a radiologic technologist were included in the study for dose measurement. Results: The study indicates that each radiologist carried out approximately 2 examinations per week with the mean dose ranging between 0.49-0.62 mSv per week, resulting in an annual dose of 191 mSv. Similarly, the occupational dose delivered to both the left and right hands of a radiologic technologist administering 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) without cannula and with cannula were 10.68 (720.2) and 13.82 (556.4) mSv per week (and per annum), respectively. It was determined that the left hand of the personnel received higher doses than their right hand. Conclusion: The estimated annual dose during HSG is far below the annual dose limit for deterministic effects, however, it is greater than 10% of the applicable annual dose limit. Hence, routine monitoring is required to ensure adequate protection of the personnel. The total annual dose received during the bone scan exceeds the annual dose limit for both hands, and the dose to either left or right hand is greater than the dose limit of 500 mSv/yr. The radiologists monitored are not expected to incur any deterministic effects during HSG examinations, however, accumulated doses arising from the scattered radiation to the eyes, legs, and neck could be substantial and might lead to certain effects. More staff are required to administer 99mTc-MDP in Nigerian institutions to prevent excessive doses to personnel.
Permission to teach: program evaluation of the A+ schools model

ABSTRACT This study examines teacher response to year one implementation of the A+ Schools Program arts integration model. Twenty-two randomly selected teachers from three school sites were observed over a 12-month period to gather baseline and year one data. Performance results indicated no significant changes in teacher behaviors based on Friedman’s test assessing teacher growth. Focus group perceptual data indicated teachers endorsed the A+ Schools Program model as having benefit and giving them “permission to teach” even as they reported a need for more professional development and support with arts integration pedagogy.
Evidencias de Validez de la Versión Española de las Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales-Short Form (SIS/SES-SF)

espanolSe examino la validez de la version espanola de l as Sexual Inhibition/Sexual Excitation Scales – Short Form (SIS/SES - SF), relacionando la s con excitacion subjetiva y respuesta genital ante estimulos sexuales. Una muestra de 164 jovenes h eterosexuales completo el SIS/SE S - SF y el MGH - SFQ. Despues realizaron una tarea experimental consistente en la visualizacion de un video de contenido neutro y un video con contenido sexual explicito , mientras se evaluaba la respuesta genital y la excitacion subjetiva. Los resultados mostra ron diferencias significativas entre el video neutro y el erotico en la excitacion objetiva y subjetiva en ambos sexos. Se obtuvieron correlaciones significativas entre SES y excitacion subjetiva en mujeres. La propension a excitarse explico el 18% de la v arianza de la excitacion subjetiva y el 6% de las sensaciones genitales femeninas. La inhibicion sexual relacionada con el miedo a la ejecucion sexual tuvo capacidad para discriminar dificultades en el funcionamiento sexual en ambos sexos. Finalmente, se a vala la necesidad de evaluar conjuntamente la excitacion subjetiva y la objetiva. EnglishPredictive validity of the Spanish ver sion of the Sexual Inhibition/ Sexual Excitation Scales - Short Form (SIS/SES - SF) was examined. We correlated sexual inhibition and sexual excitation with subjective arousal and genital response during exposure to visual erotic sti muli. A sample of 164 heterosexual young people completed the SIS/SES - SF and the MGH - SFQ. Participants performed an experimental sequence in which a neutral content film and an erotic film were presented. In the meantime, genital response and subjective se xual arousal were evaluated. Results showed significant differences between neutral and sexually explicit films in objective and subjective arousal in both men and women. A significant correlation between SES and subjective arousal was obtained in women. P ropensity to become aroused explained 18% of the variance of female subjective arousal and 6% of female genital sensations. Sexual inhibition related to the threat of sexual performance failure was able to discriminate difficulties in sexual functioning in both men and women. Finally, there is a need to assess the subjective sexual arousal along with the objective sexual response.
Circulating Children, Underwriting Capitalism: Chinese Global Households and Fast Fashion in Italy

This paper analyzes how kin-related values, norms, and practices become entangled in the hegemony of global supply chains. Our collaboration focuses on the Made in Italy fast fashion sector, where the ultimate flexible workers are Chinese migrants. We home in on a paradox: half of the births in this Italian textile city are to foreign women, yet once weaned many of these babies are then sent to China. This circulation of children gives rise to a host of new discourses and interventions on parenting from various institutions and experts. We develop and use an encounter ethnography framework to contrast the expert views of childhood circulation with those of immigrant parents. We argue that global households underwrite capitalism through noncapitalist elements that are integral to the economic organization that fast fashion requires. Parents find value in circulating children in its power to activate systems of reciprocity across kin, to create networked bodies across territories, to secure affective bonds across generations, and to free up time so as to enhance their ability to work and make money.
Progressive Disseminated Essential Telangiectasia and Erythrosis Interfollicularis Colli as Examples for Successful Treatment with a High-Intensity Flashlamp

Background: Treatment of progressive disseminated essential telangiectasia and erythrosis interfollicularis colli by flashlamp pulsed dye laser frequently results in a mottled appearance and often leads to hypo- or hyperpigmentation after treatment. Furthermore, treatment is time-consuming due to the small spot size. Objective: To report the successful removal of thin vessels in patients with the above-mentioned indications by an intense pulsed light (IPL) source. Methods: Four patients with progressive disseminated telangiectasia on the extremities and 5 patients with erythrosis interfollicularis colli were treated with IPL. Results: A clearance of up to 90% of the telangiectasias was achieved. Conclusion: The superficial, thin vessels of progressive disseminated essential telangiectasia and erythrosis interfollicularis colli can be successfully treated by IPL.
Assessing the Ability of Zonal δ18O Contrast in Benthic Foraminifera to Reconstruct Deglacial Evolution of Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

δ18O in foraminifera (δ18Oc) is a useful proxy for density, and the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) can be reconstructed by the zonal density contrast in the Atlantic. However, whether the deglacial zonal δ18Oc contrast can represent the AMOC change is still unclear. δ18Oc contrast across the Florida Straits has been hypothesized as a proxy for the AMOC evolution during the last deglaciation, but the strength of Florida Current could also be influenced by wind forcing. Here we examine the ability of the zonal δ18Oc contrast to reconstruct AMOC in a deglacial model simulation. The model simulation suggests that the deglacial variation of the Florida Current strength is dominated by AMOC, with the wind effect on the variation of the Florida Current being negligible. Furthermore, the δ18Oc contrast across the western boundary along the entire Atlantic and the basin‐wide δ18Oc contrast in the North Atlantic in the upper ocean can also be used to reconstruct AMOC. However, using basin‐wide δ18Oc contrast to reconstruct AMOC in the South Atlantic is not possible at all water depths. In the subtropical South Atlantic, the basin‐wide δ18Oc contrast is decoupled from the density contrast between 400 to 600 m through the deglaciation because of the deglacial change of the Antarctic Intermediate Water. Therefore, δ18Oc is a useful proxy to reconstruct past density and in turn past AMOC, but caution has to be used when using the basin‐wide δ18Oc contrast to reconstruct the basin‐wide density contrast in the South Atlantic.
Deciding First-Order Properties for Sparse Graphs

We present a linear-time algorithm for deciding first-order logic (FOL) properties in classes of graphs with bounded expansion. Many natural classes of graphs have bounded expansion: graphs of bounded tree-width, all proper minor-closed classes of graphs, graphs of bounded degree, graphs with no sub graph isomorphic to a subdivision of a fixed graph, and graphs that can be drawn in a fixed surface in such a way that each edge crosses at most a constant number of other edges. We also develop an almost linear-time algorithm for deciding FOL properties in classes of graphs with locally bounded expansion, those include classes of graphs with locally bounded tree-width or locally excluding a minor. More generally, we design a dynamic data structure for graphs belonging to a fixed class of graphs of bounded expansion. After a linear-time initialization the data structure allows us to test an FOL property in constant time, and the data structure can be updated in constant time after addition/deletion of an edge, provided the list of possible edges to be added is known in advance and their addition results in a graph in the class. In addition, we design a dynamic data structure for testing existential properties or the existence of short paths between prescribed vertices in such classes of graphs. All our results also hold for relational structures and are based on the seminal result of Nesetril and Ossona de Mendez on the existence of low tree-depth colorings.