Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occupational Exposure to Rock Wool and Glass Wool and Risk of Cancers of the Lung and the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To conduct a review and meta-analysis of risks of cancers of the lung and head and neck (HN) from exposure to rock wool (RW) and glass wool (GW). Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk estimates of lung and HN cancer in epidemiologic studies of workers exposed to man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF), specifically RW and GW. Results: Sixteen estimates of lung cancer risk yielded a summary relative risk (RR) of 1.21 (95% CI = 1.11 to 1.32, based on 1662 exposed cases). Corresponding RRs were 1.26 (95% CI = 1.10 to 1.44) in studies of production workers (with similar risk for RW and GW workers), 1.06 (95% CI = 0.77 to 1.48) in studies of end users, and 1.18 (95% CI = 0.98 to 1.42) in community-based studies. The summary RR for HN cancer was 1.36 (95% CI = 1.13 to 1.63, 414 exposed cases). With a few exceptions, all studies that assessed the risk of lung or HN cancer according to various indices of MMVF exposure failed to detect a dose-risk relation. There was limited evidence of a confounding effect of tobacco smoking. No clear excess of pleural mesothelioma has been reported in MMVF-exposed workers. Conclusions: Despite a small elevation in RR for lung cancer among MMVF production workers, the lack of excess risk among end users, the absence of any dose-risk relation, the likelihood of detection bias, and the potential for residual confounding by smoking and asbestos exposure argue against a carcinogenic effect of MMVF, RW, or GW at this time. Similar conclusions apply to HN cancer risk among workers exposed to MMVF.
Campus-Wide Information Systems Emerald Article : Understanding the factors driving m-learning adoption : a literature review

Purpose – By surveying current literature, the purposes of this paper are twofold: to identify current situation of mobile learning (m-learning) adoption and specify the challenges and to identify the factors driving m-learning adoption. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews literature related to: m-learning applications and challenging issues and adoption researches on m-learning and related topics. A reflection on the unique nature of m-learning adoption building upon the literature reviewed contributes to a new conceptual model. Findings – Even if m-learning is fast evolving, the review of literature reveals a challenge as to how to promote m-learning adoption. In this light, the paper extends the scope of literature reviewed to the theories and factors relating to different roles m-learning users have into consideration, namely, technology user, consumer and learner, in an attempt to offer a more complete understanding of m-learning adoption. Insights are drawn from the proposed model. Practical implications – A number of m-learning projects have been initiated worldwide while guidelines drawing from m-learning adoption research are in short supply. A research in this regard will contribute to a better understanding of developing acceptable m-learning service. Originality/value – Based on a literature review, the paper not only specifies the current situation of m-learning adoption, but also develops factors influencing m-learning adoption to enrich our understanding of m-learning adoption – which help to facilitate and promote future empirical research.
Gq‐coupled Rhodopsin Subfamily Composed of Invertebrate Visual Pigment and Melanopsin †

Rhodopsins (rhodopsins and their related photopigments) are phylogenetically classified into at least seven subfamilies, which are also roughly discriminated by molecular function. The Gq‐coupled rhodopsin subfamily, members of which activate the Gq type G protein upon light absorption, contains pigments which underlie both visual and nonvisual physiologic functions. Gq‐coupled visual pigments have been found in the rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells of varied protostomes, and those of molluskans and arthropods have been extensively investigated. Recently, a novel photopigment, melanopsin, and its homologs have been identified in varied vertebrates. In mammals, melanopsin is localized in retinal ganglion cells and is involved in nonvisual systems, including circadian entrainment and pupillary light responses. More recently, we discovered a melanopsin homolog in amphioxus, the closest living invertebrate to vertebrates. Amphioxus melanopsin is localized in putative nonvisual photoreceptor cells with rhabdomeric morphology and exhibits molecular properties almost identical to those of invertebrate Gq‐coupled visual pigments. The localization and properties of amphioxus melanopsin bridged the functional and evolutionary gap between invertebrate Gq‐coupled visual pigments and vertebrate circadian photopigment melanopsins. Research into the Gq‐coupled rhodopsin subfamily, especially invertebrate melanopsins, will provide an opportunity to investigate the evolution of various physiologic functions, based on orthologous genes, during animal evolution.
Weighing children; parents agree, but GPs conflicted

Background General practitioners (GPs) do not routinely check children's weight, partly due to concern regarding parental/child response. The aim of this study is to compare GP concerns regarding weighing with parental/child responses. Objective Compare GP insights on weighing children with the experience of parents whose children had been weighed. Methods Part 1: postal survey of 20% sample of Irish GPs. Part 2: general practice-based study checking weight of 5–12 year olds attending 10 practices, with postconsultation parental survey. Setting Irish General Practice. Participants 393 GPs and 457 parents. Outcome measures GP (n=393) and parental (n=434) responses. Results Of 490 GPs surveyed, 393 responded (response rate 80.2%). Few GPs (3.56%) always checked children's weight. Concern regarding parental response was often (52.2%) or always (19.0%) a concern that affected the likelihood of discussing a child's weight. Among children (n=457), 14.9% were overweight and 10.9% obese. Almost all (98.6%) parents indicated checking weight was helpful. 4.4% of parents and just over 1 in 4 obese children responded negatively to weighing. Overweight children were more likely to respond negatively (χ2=62.6, df=4, p<0.001). Children 5–6 years were most likely to respond positively. Conclusions GPs are conflicted regarding the acceptability of weighing the child but almost all parents believed it helpful. A minority of obese children responded negatively.
Spatial distribution and seasonal changes of mayflies (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) in a Western Balkan peat bog

Abstract Peat bogs are unique wetland ecosystems of high conservation value all over the world, yet data on the macroinvertebrates (including mayfly assemblages) in these habitats are still scarce. Over the course of one growing season, mayfly assemblages were sampled each month, along with other macroinvertebrates, in the largest and oldest Croatian peat bog and an adjacent stream. In total, ten mayfly species were recorded: two species in low abundance in the peat bog, and nine species in significantly higher abundance in the stream. Low species richness and abundance in the peat bog were most likely related to the harsh environmental conditions and mayfly habitat preferences. In comparison, due to the more favourable habitat conditions, higher species richness and abundance were observed in the nearby stream. Three of the recorded species, Caenis luctuosa from the peat bog, and Eurylophella karelica and Leptophlebia marginata from the stream are new records for the Croatian mayfly fauna. Typical Central European life cycle patterns were confirmed for several species (e.g. Baetis vernus, Nigrobaetis niger, Electrogena ujhelyii), while for several others (e.g. Habrophlebia fusca, Paraleptophlebia submarginata) some discrepancies were observed. Therefore, these results provide new and valuable information on the ecology of mayflies in peat bog habitats.
Understanding inhibitor resistance in Mps1 kinase through novel biophysical assays and structures

Monopolar spindle 1 (Mps1/TTK) is a protein kinase essential in mitotic checkpoint signaling, preventing anaphase until all chromosomes are properly attached to spindle microtubules. Mps1 has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapy, and a variety of compounds have been developed to inhibit its kinase activity. Mutations in the catalytic domain of Mps1 that give rise to inhibitor resistance, but retain catalytic activity and do not display cross-resistance to other Mps1 inhibitors, have been described. Here we characterize the interactions of two such mutants, Mps1 C604Y and C604W, which raise resistance to two closely related compounds, NMS-P715 and its derivative Cpd-5, but not to the well characterized Mps1 inhibitor, reversine. We show that estimates of the IC50 (employing a novel specific and efficient assay that utilizes a fluorescently labeled substrate) and the binding affinity (KD) indicate that, in both mutants, Cpd-5 should be better tolerated than the closely related NMS-P715. To gain further insight, we determined the crystal structure of the Mps1 kinase mutants bound to Cpd-5 and NMS-P715 and compared the binding modes of Cpd-5, NMS-P715, and reversine. The difference in steric hindrance between Tyr/Trp604 and the trifluoromethoxy moiety of NMS-P715, the methoxy moiety of Cpd-5, and complete absence of such a group in reversine, account for differences we observe in vitro. Our analysis enforces the notion that inhibitors targeting Mps1 drug-resistant mutations can emerge as a feasible intervention strategy based on existing scaffolds, if the clinical need arises.
Aldosterone in heart and kidney diseases.

derstanding of the contribution of steroid hormones to cardiovascular and renal disease has increased significantly. The action of aldosterone is well known. It is recommended for the control of sodium (Na) secretion via mechanisms that depend on the function of mineralocorticoid receptors. Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced by the cholesterol in the glomerular zone of the adrenal cortex and it is the most important mineralocorticoid of the human organism. It was described for the first time fifty years ago, when it was isolated from the urine of patients with heart failure and was found to cause Na retention and to contribute to the development of oedemas, a condition that later came to be known as renin-dependent, or secondary aldosteronism. In contrast to the classical view concerning the synthesis and function of aldosterone, recent data support the importance of its synthesis in locations outside the adrenal glands. Indeed, it seems that aldosterone is produced by the endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the heart, in blood vessels, and in the brain. It acts via the epithelial mineralocorticoid receptors, mainly in the kidneys but also in the sweat and salivary glands and in the colon, while to a lesser degree it also affects epithelial receptors in the brain and cardiovascular system. It plays a major role in regulating the volume of extracellular fluid, through its effect on Na secretion and on potassium (K) homeostasis. These effects (Na retention and K elimination) are mainly exerted on the
Acetazolamide Protects Steatotic Liver Grafts against Cold Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a primary concern in liver transplantation, especially when steatosis is present. Acetazolamide (AZ), a specific carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor, has been suggested to protect against hypoxia. Here, we hypothesized that AZ administration could be efficient to protect fatty livers against cold IRI. Obese Zucker rat livers were preserved in Institut Georges Lopez-1 storage solution for 24 hours at 4°C and ex vivo perfused for 2 hours at 37°C. Alternatively, rats were also treated with intravenous injection of AZ (30 mg/kg) before liver recovery. Liver injury, hepatic function, and vascular resistance were determined. CA II protein levels and CA hydratase activity were assessed as well as other parameters involved in IRI (endothelial nitric oxide synthase, mitogen activated protein kinase family, hypoxic inducible factor 1 alpha, and erythropoietin). We demonstrated that AZ administration efficiently protects the steatotic liver against cold IRI. AZ protection was associated with better function, decreased vascular resistance, and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. This was consistent with an effective mitogen activated protein kinase inactivation. Finally, no effect on the hypoxic inductible factor 1 alpha/erythropoietin pathway was observed. The present study demonstrated that AZ administration is a suitable pharmacological strategy for preserving fatty liver grafts against cold IRI.
The genetic evolution of canine parvovirus – A new perspective

To trace the evolution process of CPV-2, all of the VP2 gene sequences of CPV-2 and FPV (from 1978 to 2015) from GenBank were analyzed in this study. Then, several new ideas regarding CPV-2 evolution were presented. First, the VP2 amino acid 555 and 375 positions of CPV-2 were first ruled out as a universal mutation site in CPV-2a and amino acid 101 position of FPV feature I or T instead of only I in existing rule. Second, the recently confusing nomenclature of CPV-2 variants was substituted with a optional nomenclature that would serve future CPV-2 research. Third, After check the global distribution of variants, CPV-2a is the predominant variant in Asia and CPV-2c is the predominant variant in Europe and Latin America. Fourth, a series of CPV-2-like strains were identified and deduced to evolve from modified live vaccine strains. Finally, three single VP2 mutation (F267Y, Y324I, and T440A) strains were caught concern. Furthermore, these three new VP2 mutation strains may be responsible for vaccine failure, and the strains with VP2 440A may become the novel CPV sub-variant. In conclusion, a summary of all VP2 sequences provides a new perspective regarding CPV-2 evolution and the correlative biological studies needs to be further performed.
Treatment outcomes of Class II malocclusion cases treated with miniscrew-anchored Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects of the Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD) used with miniscrew anchorage and compare them with those of the conventional Forsus FRD. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was carried out on 38 patients. These patients were randomly allocated into three groups. The 14 patients in group 1 (aged 12.76 ± 1.0 years) were treated with the FRD appliance. In group 2, the 15 patients (aged 12.52 ± 1.12 years) received treatment with FRD using miniscrew anchorage, and the 9 patients in group 3 (aged 12.82 ± 0.9 years) received no treatment as a control group. Linear and angular measurements were made on lateral cephalograms before and immediately after Forsus treatment. Data were analyzed statistically using paired t-, ANOVA, and Tukey tests. RESULTS Class I molar relationship and overjet correction were achieved in both treatment groups. Although mandibular growth was statistically nonsignificant, there was a significant headgear effect on the maxilla. Mandibular incisor proclination, maxillary incisor retroclination, and distalization of maxillary molars were significant in both treatment groups. However, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Class II correction was mainly dentoalveolar in both treatment groups. Use of miniscrews with Forsus did not enhance mandibular forward growth nor prevent labial tipping of the mandibular incisors.
The Role of Costimulatory Receptors of the Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor Family in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is mediated by both the innate and adaptive immune responses. T lymphocytes, that together with B cells are the cellular effectors of the adaptive immune system, are currently endowed with crucial roles in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Costimulatory receptors are a class of molecules expressed by T lymphocytes that regulate the activation of T cells and the generation of effector T-cell responses. In this review we present the roles of costimulatory receptors of the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily in atherosclerosis and discuss the implications for future therapies that could be used to specifically modulate the immune response of pathogenic T cells in this disease.
NET Framework – A solution for the next generation tools for system-level design ?

The next generation tools for embedded systems design will represent the common arena for several cooperating groups; these tools will start from a very high abstraction level and will perform automatically refinement to obtain the final prototype. To facilitate this evolution, we propose a new . NET Framework based system level modeling and simulation environment. This environment allows (1) cooperation – by enabling web-based design and multi-language features, (2) easy systems specification task – by enabling integration of software components running application and operating systems and by alleviating memory management and (3) link to automatic refinement tools – by enabling translation of specification models into a standard intermediate format and annotation of specification models.
Simulating the Effects of Sea Level Rise on the Resilience and Migration of Tidal Wetlands along the Hudson River

Sea Level Rise (SLR) caused by climate change is impacting coastal wetlands around the globe. Due to their distinctive biophysical characteristics and unique plant communities, freshwater tidal wetlands are expected to exhibit a different response to SLR as compared with the better studied salt marshes. In this study we employed the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM), which simulates regional- or local-scale changes in tidal wetland habitats in response to SLR, and adapted it for application in a freshwater-dominated tidal river system, the Hudson River Estuary. Using regionally-specific estimated ranges of SLR and accretion rates, we produced simulations for a spectrum of possible future wetland distributions and quantified the projected wetland resilience, migration or loss in the HRE through the end of the 21st century. Projections of total wetland extent and migration were more strongly determined by the rate of SLR than the rate of accretion. Surprisingly, an increase in net tidal wetland area was projected under all scenarios, with newly-formed tidal wetlands expected to comprise at least 33% of the HRE’s wetland area by year 2100. Model simulations with high rates of SLR and/or low rates of accretion resulted in broad shifts in wetland composition with widespread conversion of high marsh habitat to low marsh, tidal flat or permanent inundation. Wetland expansion and resilience were not equally distributed through the estuary, with just three of 48 primary wetland areas encompassing >50% of projected new wetland by the year 2100. Our results open an avenue for improving predictive models of the response of freshwater tidal wetlands to sea level rise, and broadly inform the planning of conservation measures of this critical resource in the Hudson River Estuary.
Cross‐Sectional Associations of Computed Tomography (CT)‐Derived Adipose Tissue Density and Adipokines: The Framingham Heart Study

Background Excess accumulation of abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is associated with adverse levels of adipokines and cardiovascular disease risk. Whether fat quality is associated with adipokines has not been firmly established. This study examined the association between abdominal SAT and VAT density, an indirect measure of fat quality, with a panel of metabolic regulatory biomarkers secreted by adipose tissue or the liver independently of absolute fat volumes. Methods and Results We evaluated 1829 Framingham Heart Study participants (44.9% women). Abdominal SAT and VAT density was estimated indirectly by adipose tissue attenuation using computed tomography. Adipokines included adiponectin, leptin receptor, leptin, fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP‐4), retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP‐4), and fetuin‐A. Fat density was associated with all the biomarkers evaluated, except fetuin‐A. Lower fat density (ie, more‐negative fat attenuation) was associated with lower adiponectin and leptin receptor, but higher leptin and FABP‐4 levels (all P<0.0001). SAT density was inversely associated with RPB‐4 in both sexes, whereas the association between VAT density and RPB‐4 was only observed in men (P<0.0001). In women, after additional adjustment for respective fat volume, SAT density retained the significant associations with adiponectin, leptin, FABP‐4, and RBP‐4; and VAT density with adiponectin only (all P<0.0001). In men, significant associations were maintained upon additional adjustment for respective fat volume (P<0.005). Conclusions Lower abdominal fat density was associated with a profile of biomarkers suggestive of greater cardiometabolic risk. These observations support that fat density may be a valid biomarker of cardiometabolic risk.
Interaction of Human Dopa Decarboxylase with L-Dopa: Spectroscopic and Kinetic Studies as a Function of pH

Human Dopa decarboxylase (hDDC), a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) enzyme, displays maxima at 420 and 335 nm and emits fluorescence at 384 and 504 nm upon excitation at 335 nm and at 504 nm when excited at 420 nm. Absorbance and fluorescence titrations of hDDC-bound coenzyme identify a single pKspec of ~7.2. This pKspec could not represent the ionization of a functional group on the Schiff base but that of an enzymic residue governing the equilibrium between the low- and the high-pH forms of the internal aldimine. During the reaction of hDDC with L-Dopa, monitored by stopped-flow spectrophotometry, a 420 nm band attributed to the 4′-N-protonated external aldimine first appears, and its decrease parallels the emergence of a 390 nm peak, assigned to the 4′-N-unprotonated external aldimine. The pH profile of the spectral change at 390 nm displays a pK of 6.4, a value similar to that (~6.3) observed in both k cat and k cat/Km profiles. This suggests that this pK represents the ESH+ → ES catalytic step. The assignment of the pKs of 7.9 and 8.3 observed on the basic side of k cat and the PLP binding affinity profiles, respectively, is also analyzed and discussed.