Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scavenger receptor class B type I and immune dysfunctions

Purpose of reviewTo summarize the recent findings about the roles of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in immunity and discuss the underlying mechanisms by which SR-BI prevents immune dysfunctions. Recent findingsSR-BI is well known as a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor playing key roles in HDL metabolism and in protection against atherosclerosis. Recent studies have indicated that SR-BI is also an essential modulator in immunity. SR-BI deficiency in mice causes immune dysfunctions, including increased atherosclerosis, elevated susceptibility to sepsis, impaired lymphocyte homeostasis, and autoimmune disorders. SR-BI exerts its protective roles through a variety of HDL-dependent and HDL-independent mechanisms. SR-BI is also involved in hepatitis C virus cell entry. A deficiency of SR-BI in humanized mice has been shown to decrease hepatitis C virus infectivity. SummarySR-BI regulates immunity via multiple mechanisms and its deficiency causes numerous diseases. A comprehensive understanding of the roles of SR-BI in protection against immune dysfunctions may provide a therapeutic target for intervention against its associated diseases.
Radio-wave exposure of the human head: analytical study based on a versatile eccentric spheres model including a brain core and a pair of eyeballs

A versatile eccentric-spheres model of the human head is used to investigate radio-wave absorption. Numerical results, obtained by use of an exact analytical solution, are presented for the total, percentage, and gram-specific absorption. Interest is mainly in the brain and in the eyes of an adult or an infant head. Our model comprises a host sphere and several spherical inclusions, all concentrically stratified with respect to their own center. Any number of inclusions and any number of concentric layers for the host sphere and each one of the inclusions can be considered. Excitation is provided either by a plane-wave or by a nearby electric dipole. The analytical solution is obtained by use of the indirect-mode matching method. The theory of this paper and the accompanying computer code constitute a versatile tool for analytical studies of cellular-phone interactions with the human head. Specific absorption rate maps in a horizontal cross section of the head model manifest the existence of hot spots in the eyes and near the center of the brain.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers Do Not Promote Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

We previously reported that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) promote collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). There have been many reports on the beneficial effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) on the cardiac microvasculature. Therefore, the following studies were performed to evaluate the association between treatment with an ARB and the enhancement of coronary collateral circulation as assessed by the Rentrop Score (RS) (Study 1) and to compare these results to those obtained with an ACE-I (Study 2). The subjects were 456 patients with angina who underwent coronary angiography. Study 1: Those who had one (1-V), two (2-V) or three significantly stenosed vessels (3-V) and who received only an ARB without any other anti-hypertensive medication were defined as the ARB group (n=81), and age-, sex- and body mass index–matched subjects (n=146) were selected as a comparative group. There were no significant differences in the percentage of patients with RS≥1 between the two groups. Study 2: Those who received an ACE-I as the only anti-hypertensive treatment were defined as the ACE-I group (n=67), which was matched to the ARB group in Study 1. The percentage of patients with RS≥1 in the ACE-I group was significantly higher than that in the ARB group as assessed by a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel analysis. In addition, patients with 3-V disease who were treated with an ACE-I, but not an ARB, were most likely (odds ratio [confidence Interval]): 27.7 [4.8–161.0]) to show enhanced collateral circulation, as assessed by a multiple logistic regression analysis. These results suggest that treatment with an ACE-I, but not treatment with an ARB, was associated with the enhancement of collateral circulation in patients with CAD.
Novel rapid- and short-acting hypoglycemic agent, a calcium(2s)-2-benzyl-3-(cis-hexahydro-2-isoindolinylcarbonyl) propionate (KAD-1229) that acts on the sulfonylurea receptor: comparison of effects between KAD-1229 and gliclazide.

Calcium(2s)-2-benzyl-3-(cis-hexahydro-2-isoindolinylcarbonyl) propionate dihydrate (KAD-1229) was found to have potent hypoglycemic effects. This study was designed to elucidate its mechanisms by comparing its action with those of the antidiabetic hypoglycemic agents known as sulfonylureas in vivo and in vitro. In fasted beagles, oral administration of 0.1 to 3.0 mg/kg of KAD-1229 induced dose-dependent and significant reductions of plasma glucose levels with 43.4% maximum reduction at 1 hr, and the significant hypoglycemic effects largely disappeared within 2 hr after oral administration; 1.0 to 10 mg/kg of gliclazide also induced dose-dependent and significant reductions of plasma glucose with 44.2% maximum reduction at 3 hr, and the hypoglycemic effects continued for over 7 hr. One and 3.0 mg/kg of KAD-1229 increased plasma insulin levels, with the peak levels at 30 min, whereas 3.0 and 10 mg/kg of gliclazide increased it with the peak levels at 1 to 2 hr after dosing. Similar rapid and short-acting hypoglycemic effects of KAD-1229 were observed in rats. This compound stimulated insulin release from isolated mouse islets at a concentration from 3 x 10(-7) M to 10(-5) M. KAD-1229 stimulated insulin release from hamster's insulin-oma cell line, HIT T15 cells, at a concentration from 10(-8) M to 10(-5) M and inhibited 86Rb+ efflux from these cells with IC50 of 8.4 x 10(-9) M. It also inhibited [3H]glibenclamide binding to microsomes from HIT T15 cells (Ki = 1.3 x 10(-8) M). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
States and the Reemergence of Global Finance: From Bretton Woods to

An incinerator having means for achieving particularly efficient disposal of trash products, and which comprises primarily a centrally located trash compartment and an encircling afterburner having one or more burners therein with communicating means therebetween to provide controlled air circulation whereby combustion products from the trash chamber will circulate through the after burner for incineration.
The effect of 'Pumping' and 'Non-pumping' techniques on velocity production and muscle activity during field-based BMX cycling.

The aim of the current study was to determine if a technique called 'pumping' had a significant effect on velocity production in BMX cycling. Ten National standard male BMX riders fitted with sEMG sensors completed a timed lap of an indoor BMX track using the technique of pumping, and a lap without pumping. The lap times were recorded for both trials and their surface sEMG recorded to ascertain any variation in muscle activation of the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius. The findings revealed no significant differences between any of muscle groups (p > 0.05). However, significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the pumping and non-pumping trials for both mean lap velocity (42 ± 1.8 km.h-1, 33 ± 2.9 km.h-1 respectively) and lap times (43.3 ± 3.1 s, 34.7 ± 1.49 s, respectively). The lap times recorded for the pumping trials were 19.50 ± 4.25 % lower than the non-pumping. Whereas velocity production was 21.81 ± 5.31 % greater in the pumping trial when compared to the non-pumping trial. The technique of pumping contributed significantly to velocity production, though not at the cost of additional muscle activity. From a physiological and technical perspective, coaches and riders should prioritise this technique when devising training regimes.
Survival after lung transplantation in recipients with alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency compared to other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a national cohort study

Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is grouped with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, this may not be appropriate. This study assessed whether AATD confers a different prognosis than COPD following lung transplantation. We employed the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database, grouping patients by diagnoses of AATD or COPD. Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox modeling were performed to determine the association of diagnosis and overall survival. Of 9569 patients, 1394 (14.6%) had a diagnosis of AATD. Patients with AATD who received a single‐lung transplant had reduced 1‐year survival [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.68, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.23]. Among patients who received a bilateral lung transplant, there was no significant difference in survival by diagnosis (AHR for AATD as compared to COPD: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.12). After the implementation of the lung allocation score (LAS), there was no significant difference in survival among patients who received a single (AHR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.95) or bilateral (AHR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.34) lung transplant by diagnosis. Lung transplantation is increasingly employed in the care of the patient with COPD. Although recipients undergoing LTX for AATD are at increased risk of both acute rejection and airway dehiscence post‐transplant, in the post‐LAS era, survival rates are similar for recipients with AATD in comparison with COPD.
Colonoscopy and sedation in Romania: early experience using a balanced propofol regimen.

UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to evaluate if the sedation during colonoscopy is correctly performed in our patients, especially because it is usually performed by residents in anesthesiology. METHODS we retrospectively evaluated sedation in all the colonoscopies performed in our Endoscopy Department in 2007, by analyzing the sedation scheme that was used. RESULTS 974 colonoscopies were evaluated. The following sedation schemes were used in the majority of cases: midazolam+propofol+fentanyl-507 patients (52.1%) and diazepam+propofol+fentanyl-258 patients (26.5%). Propofol (in combination with one or more other agents) was used for sedation in 96.9% of cases. The mean doses of drugs were: propofol 125.2+/-67.7 mg, midazolam 2.29+/-0.84 mg (or diazepam 3.4+/-1.4 mg) and fentanyl 59+/-10 microg. The following complications were observed during sedation for colonoscopy: 6 patients (0.6%) developed hypoxemia, which was managed successfully with supplemental oxygen administration or flumazenil injection; 1 patient (0.1%) suffered a cardiac arrest that was successfully managed. There were no deaths or other complications. CONCLUSIONS Propofol, combined with an opioid and a benzodiazepine, was used in approximately 97% of cases. The rate of significant oxygen desaturation was low (0.6%). No fatal complications occurred. The mean doses of propofol used were higher than those from published data, while the doses of midazolam and fentanyl were similar.
Resistances to Chemotherapeutic Agents in Enterobacteriaceae Isolates from Organic Fresh Vegetables Marketed in Valencia (Spain)

The presence of antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria in fresh vegetables can be considered as a silent food safety concern, contributing to dissemination of resistances in the community. Here, we have studied the presence of Enterobacteriaceae isolates in organic fresh produce and the resistance of these isolates to eleven chemotherapeutic agents. A total of 50 samples of organic fresh vegetables (carrot, tomato, arugula and lettuce) marketed in Valencia (Spain) were analyzed. More than half of the vegetable samples analyzed (27 out of 50, 54%) were positive for the presence of coliform bacteria, including samples of all types of vegetables tested (90% arugula, 70% carrot, 50% lettuce and 10% tomato samples). A total of 37 isolates belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family were identified: Pantoea agglomerans (nine isolates), Serratia marcescens (six) and Enterobacter cloacae (five), among others. Only five isolates were susceptible to all agents tested (13%), and no resistances to streptomycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole or chloramphenicol were found. Most isolates were resistant to ampicillin (31 out of 37), and 15 isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic. Resistances to other agents were less frequent: nitrofurantoine (six isolates), cefotaxime (four), tetracycline (two), and gentamicin (one). Multiresistances to two (ten isolates), three (one isolate) and four agents (five isolates) were also observed. These results point out that control of Int. J. Food Nutr. Saf. 2014, 5(2): 39-49 Copyright © 2014 by Modern Scientific Press Company, Florida, USA 40 organic fresh produce should be improved to avoid contamination with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, probably from human and/or animal origin, which can be considered as a serious issue concerning the quality of organic produce.
Implications of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) life‐history phenotype for mosquito control

Abstract Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are frequently introduced to both natural and artificial water bodies as a mosquito control. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that guppies can consume large numbers of larval mosquitoes. Our study investigates how intraspecific variability in guppy phenotype affects their importance as a mosquito biocontrol and how habitat conditions (natural ponds vs. water storage containers) may influence insect biomass and guppy feeding. Using a blocked experimental design, we established stream‐side mesocosm ponds with half receiving gravel substrate to simulate pond‐bottom habitat. To provide realistic diet choices and insect abundances, we allowed the mesocosms to colonize naturally with aquatic insect larvae for 1 month before introducing guppies. We tested two distinct guppy phenotypes (from high‐ and low‐predation streams) alongside fish‐free controls. After 1 month, we measured insect biomass in the mesocosms and examined guppy gut contents to document direct predation. While overall insect biomass was not significantly different across the three fish treatments, we observed a significant reduction in mosquito biomass in fish treatments compared to fish‐free controls, as well as intraspecific differences in feeding. Overall insect biomass was significantly higher in mesocosms without gravel, while habitat condition had no effect on mosquito biomass. As guppy phenotype responds to changes in their environments, it is an important consideration for biocontrol policy to anticipate potential ecosystem effects. We close by relating our findings to other studies and by discussing the implications and potential risks of using guppies to control mosquitoes.
Analysis of the environments of seven Mediterranean tropical-like storms using an axisymmetric, nonhydrostatic, cloud resolving model

Abstract. Tropical-like storms on the Mediterranean Sea are occasionally observed on satellite images, often with a clear eye surrounded by an axysimmetric cloud structure. These storms sometimes attain hurricane intensity and can severely affect coastal lands. A deep, cut-off, cold-core low is usually observed at mid-upper tropospheric levels in association with the development of these tropical-like systems. In this study we attempt to apply some tools previously used in studies of tropical hurricanes to characterise the environments in which seven known Mediterranean events developed. In particular, an axisymmetric, nonhydrostatic, cloud resolving model is applied to simulate the tropical-like storm genesis and evolution. Results are compared to surface observations when landfall occurred and with satellite microwave derived wind speed measurements over the sea. Finally, sensitivities of the numerical simulations to different factors (e.g. sea surface temperature, vertical humidity profile and size of the initial precursor of the storm) are examined.
The Circulating CTRP13 in Type 2 Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients

Numerous studies have shown that C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) are involved in the pathophysiology of metabolic disorders, such as Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). There is a little information concerning CTRP13 in the context of NAFLD and T2DM. We evaluated the plasma levels of CTRP13 in healthy control and patients with NAFLD, T2DM and NAFLD+T2DM, and also correlations between CTRP13 plasma levels and clinical and subclinical features. Circulating CTRP13 was examined in 88 male (20 healthy control, 22 T2DM patients, 22 NAFLD patients and 22 NAFLD+T2DM patients). CTRP13 and adiponectin plasma levels were measured by ELISA method. CTRP13 serum levels were higher in the control group than the other groups (all p <0.001). CTRP13 had significant negative correlation with unfavorable anthropometric and metabolic factors including BMI, visceral fat, Insulin, HOMA-IR, TG, AST, ALT and ɣ-GT and have a positive correlation with plasma concentration of adiponectin. CTRP13 had a significant inverse correlation with cIMT (r = -0.345) and liver stiffness (LS) (r = -0.372) (both, p <0.001). Also, the multiple stepwise linear regression has shown that visceral fat is a significant predictor of CTRP13 serum levels (p <0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression with LS as the dependent variable showed that ALT (p < 0.001) and SBP (p = 0.010) were two predictor factors for LS. Strikingly, multiple stepwise linear regression showed that CTRP13 (p = 0.006) and SBP (p = 0.007) were two independent predictors for cIMT. Lower CTRP13 in patients with T2DM, NAFLD and NAFLD + T2DM was associated with increased risk of the diseases. CTRP13 have negative associations with unfavorable metabolic factors and also is a negative predictor of cIMT. Our results suggested that CTRP13 could be an associated factor with NAFLD in patients with and without T2DM.
Reducing the Operational Energy Consumption in Buildings by Passive Cooling Techniques using Building Information Modelling Tools

Enormously increased energy consumption makes it inevitable to upgrade the energy efficiency of the existing stock of buildings which share a substantial part of the overall energy consumption worldwide. Being an effective tool for analyzing energy performance, Building Information Modelling (BIM), is used to enhance the energy performance of the buildings. This study, therefore, investigates the effectiveness of applying passive cooling techniques using BIM and focuses on developing recommendations on feasible and optimized retrofitting techniques for existing buildings. Moreover, it gives an economic comparison between initial investment and returns based on the quantitative results of energy retrofitting. Thermal simulation software Autodesk Ecotect has been used to simulate annual energy consumption of one case building. Different passive cooling techniques have been applied according to Building Energy Codes of Pakistan. The input parameters are, thus, type of insulating material, the thickness of insulating materials, single and double glazing of windows and window to wall ratio. Results indicate that the annual energy consumption of selected building can be reduced up to 35 % when building incorporates passive cooling techniques with a calculated payback period of 3 years and 2 months.
Results and Outcome Reporting In ClinicalTrials.gov, What Makes it Happen?

Background At the end of the past century there were multiple concerns regarding lack of transparency in the conduct of clinical trials as well as some ethical and scientific issues affecting the trials’ design and reporting. In 2000 ClinicalTrials.gov data repository was developed and deployed to serve public and scientific communities with valid data on clinical trials. Later in order to increase deposited data completeness and transparency of medical research a set of restrains had been imposed making the results deposition compulsory for multiple cases. Methods We investigated efficiency of the results deposition and outcome reporting as well as what factors make positive impact on providing information of interest and what makes it more difficult, whether efficiency depends on what kind of institution was a trial sponsor. Data from the ClinicalTrials.gov repository has been classified based on what kind of institution a trial sponsor was. The odds ratio was calculated for results and outcome reporting by different sponsors’ class. Results As of 01/01/2012 118,602 clinical trials data deposits were made to the depository. They came from 9068 different sources. 35344 (29.8%) of them are assigned as FDA regulated and 25151 (21.2%) as Section 801 controlled substances. Despite multiple regulatory requirements, only about 35% of trials had clinical study results deposited, the maximum 55.56% of trials with the results, was observed for trials completed in 2008. Conclusions The most positive impact on depositing results, the imposed restrains made for hospitals and clinics. Health care companies showed much higher efficiency than other investigated classes both in higher fraction of trials with results and in providing at least one outcome for their trials. They also more often than others deposit results when it is not strictly required, particularly, in the case of non-interventional studies.
Towards a Better Understanding of the Impact of Experimental Components on Defect Prediction Modelling

Defect prediction models are used to pinpoint risky software modules and understand past pitfalls that lead to defective modules. The predictions and insights that are derived from defect prediction models may not be accurate and reliable if researchers do not consider the impact of experimental components (e.g., datasets, metrics, and classifiers) of defect prediction modelling. Therefore, a lack of awareness and practical guidelines from previous research can lead to invalid predictions and unreliable insights. In this thesis, we investigate the impact that experimental components have on the predictions and insights of defect prediction models. Through case studies of systems that span both proprietary and open-source domains, we find that (1) noise in defect datasets; (2) parameter settings of classification techniques; and (3) model validation techniques have a large impact on the predictions and insights of defect prediction models, suggesting that researchers should carefully select experimental components in order to produce more accurate and reliable defect prediction models.
EARLY ORAL RE-FEEDING ON ONCOLOGY PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO GASTRECTOMY FOR GASTRIC CANCER

Background: There is no advantage in maintaining patients on oral fasting after gastrointestinal elective resection. The early feeding up to 48 h can be beneficial, because it reduces infectious complications and hospital stay. Aim: Evaluate the evolution and tolerance of early oral diet in postoperative period after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Methods: Anthropometric assessment was performed on the day of surgery, weight, height, body mass index and weight loss were measured. Acceptance of diet was evaluated as food intake (amount accepted) and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal distension, postoperative complications and hospital stay. Results: The sample consisted of 23 patients, 17 with partial gastrectomy and six with total gastrectomy. In the assessment of nutritional status 9% were malnourished, 54.5% normal weight, 9% overweight and 27.2% obese, but 54% had weight loss. There was good acceptance of the diet in 96,9% of the sample. Nausea and abdominal distension were present in 4,3% and 65.2% constipation. Surgical complications according to the Clavien scalle, 13% had grade V, 4.3% grade IIIA, 8.7% grade I and 73% did not have complications. The length of hospital stay was 5±2.2 days. Conclusion: Early postoperative re-feeding in total and partial gastrectomy was well tolerated by patients.