Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amelioration of arthritis in two murine models using antibodies to oncostatin M.

OBJECTIVE Oncostatin M (OSM) is a member of the interleukin-6 cytokine family, with well-documented effects on cell growth and differentiation. OSM also has proinflammatory and cartilage degradative properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of OSM in arthritis pathology using a neutralizing antibody in arthritis models. METHODS Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established in male DBA/1 mice. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect OSM messenger RNA (mRNA) message levels in arthritic joints. Neutralizing anti-OSM antibody or control immunoglobulin was administered on days 1 and 3 after disease onset. Animals were assessed for clinical arthritis for 2 weeks, followed by a histologic analysis of paws. Pristane-induced arthritis (PIA) was produced in male CBA mice dosed with anti-OSM or control immunoglobulin immediately before disease onset. Mice with PIA were assessed for clinical arthritis over a period of 100 days. RESULTS Levels of mRNA for OSM, but not GAPDH, were elevated in arthritic joints of mice with CIA compared with those of normal controls. Mice with CIA treated with anti-OSM antibody showed significant amelioration of both the clinical severity (P < 0.01) and the number of affected paws (P < 0.01) compared with control animals. Histologic analysis confirmed these clinical findings, revealing a marked reduction in cellular infiltration of synovium and cartilage damage. In the PIA model, the incidence of arthritis was 65% in the control group compared with 0% in the anti-OSM-treated animals. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a key role for endogenously produced OSM as a potent mediator of joint pathology, and suggest that OSM might be a potentially important, novel therapeutic target for treatment of established rheumatoid arthritis.
Factors affecting the outcomes of coronally advanced flap root coverage procedure.

BACKGROUND The coronally advanced flap (CAF) has been used to treat gingival recession. However, the final outcomes (percentage of root coverage) vary from case to case. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that may affect the results of CAF root coverage procedures. METHODS Twenty-three systemically healthy patients (mean age, 43.8 +/- 11.9 years) each with one Miller's Class I buccal recession defect were included. Baseline clinical parameters included recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). CAF root coverage procedures were performed to correct the recession defects. Patients were followed at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-surgery, at which time wound healing index (WHI) and other measurements were recorded. RESULTS The mean baseline RD was 2.9 +/- 0.4 mm; RW, 3.4 +/- 0.6 mm; WKT, 2.7 +/- 1.3 mm; and GT, 1.1 +/- 0.3 mm. At mid-buccal, the mean CAL was 4.5 +/- 0.8 mm. Six months after surgery, the average RC was 82.3% +/- 24.7%; RD, 0.5 +/- 0.7 mm; RW, 0.4 +/- 0.9 mm; WKT, 3.2 +/- 0.9 mm; and GT, 1.5 +/- 0.5 mm. At mid-buccal, the mean CAL was 1.8 +/- 1.1 mm. From baseline to the 6-month follow-up, the changes of RC, RD, RW, WKT, GT, and CAL showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). Fourteen patients achieved 100% RC. The mean RC in partial coverage cases was 54.8% +/- 16.8%. Analysis revealed that an initial GT thicker than 1.2 +/- 0.3 mm was associated with complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CAF is a predictable procedure to treat Miller's Class I mucogingival defects. Initial GT was the most significant factor associated with complete root coverage.
Decisional procalcitonin thresholds are not adapted toelderly patients admitted to the emergency room

Context: Diagnosis of sepsis in elderly is challenging. Objectives: We investigated whether procalcitonin concentrations in elderly differed from values for the general population. Methods: Procalcitonin measurement was assessed prospectively in 307 apyretic patients ≥75 years visiting the emergency department. Results: Median age was 86 years [IQR81–90] and 222 (72%) were female. Procalcitonin concentration was 0.057 µg/L [0.040–0.092]; 99th percentile was 0.661 µg/L. Patients with procalcitonin concentrations above decisional thresholds had lower glomerular filtration rate and higher C-reactive protein concentrations. Conclusions: Baseline procalcitonin levels are increased in elderly. Elevated values are common and associated to low-grade inflammation and lower eGFR.
Stigmatization and Suicide Bereavement

With survey data collected primarily from peer support group participants, the authors compared stigmatization responses of 462 parents losing children to suicide with 54 other traumatic death survivors and 24 child natural death survivors. Parents who encountered harmful responses and strained relations with family members and non-kin reported heightened grief difficulties. After controlling for time since the death and whether a child's death was traumatic or not, stigmatization continued to be associated with grief difficulties, depression, and suicidal thinking. Suicide survivors reported little differences in stigmatization from other-traumatic-death survivors, a result consistent with other recent studies, suggesting more convergence between these two populations than divergence.
Use of drift substrates to characterize marine fungal communities from the west coast of Portugal

This survey reports the occurrence, diversity and similarity of marine fungi associated with five categories of drift substrates (Arundo donax, Phragmites australis, Spartina maritima, “other stems” and driftwood) collected on four sandy beaches of the western coast of Portugal. “Other stems” and driftwood are composite samples with a variety of identified and unidentified pieces of non-woody and woody substrates respectively. Fifty-six taxa were identified, including 38 Ascomycota and 18 anamorphic fungi. Twenty-six taxa were generalists; however several cases of “substrate recurrence” were identified. The very frequent fungi differed among the categories of studied substrates, with the exception of Corollospora maritima, very frequent on four categories. Except for S. maritima, P. australis and driftwood, cases of multiple fungal colonization were rare. S. maritima was the single substrate with five different marine fungi on one sample, as well as with the highest number of very frequent fungi, highest percentage of colonization and average number of fungi per sample. Driftwood presented the highest value of fungal richness (37 taxa) and A. donax the lowest (22 taxa). ANOSIM analysis of similarity showed that all substrates supported different fungal communities with the exception of the pair P. australis/”other stems”. The effect of sample size on estimated fungal richness was tested, and the results let us conclude that, although most of the sporadic fungi (<1% occurrence) will be detected only in a very large number of samples, 60 samples of A. donax and “other stems” and 70 samples of all the other substrates may suffice to assess their respective representative marine mycota.
The Southern California Twin Register at the University of Southern California: III

The Southern California Twin Register at the University of Southern California (USC) was initiated in 1984 and continues to provide an important resource for studies investigating genetic and environmental influences on human behavior. This article provides an update on the current register and its potential for future twin studies using recruitment through school district databases and voter records. An overview is also provided for an ongoing longitudinal twin study investigating the development of externalizing psychopathology from childhood to young adulthood, the USC Study of Risk Factors for Antisocial Behavior. Characteristics of the twins and their families are presented, including recruitment and participation rates, as well as attrition analyses and a summary of key findings to date.
Can Pregnant Diabetics be Treated with Glyburide?

Until the last decade, oral hypoglycemic agents have not been recommended in pregnancy owing to fear of their potential adverse fetal effects, including teratogenicity and neonatal hypoglycemia. However, the evidence in support of these recommendations is weak and is principally based on case series involving the use of first-generation sulfonylureas. Studies using a single-cotyledon placental model have found glyburide to only minimally cross the placenta, an observation that paved the way for a landmark randomized clinical trial that found glyburide to be as safe and effective as insulin in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus. Still, contradicting results regarding its trans-placental transfer, lack of adequate data regarding its safety during the first trimester and reports of increased neonatal morbidity raise concerns regarding the universal application of glyburide as an alternative to insulin therapy in diabetic pregnant women. Thus, there is a need for large, randomized, controlled trials with adequate power to evaluate the possibility of increased neonatal metabolic complications as well as the long-term outcome of infants born to mothers treated with glyburide and insulin. Unless future studies refute current data regarding the efficacy and safety of glyburide, we believe that, owing to its ease of administration, convenience and low cost, glyburide will become the first line of medical treatment in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus within the next few years.
Fusidic acid in dermatology

Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that belongs to a group of its own, the fusidanes. The molecule has a steroid‐like structure but does not possess any steroid activity. The structure is thought to be responsible for the steroid‐like high penetration, and for the fact that no cross‐resistance or cross‐allergy has been seen with other antibiotics in routine clinical use. The anti‐microbial activity of fusidic acid is specifically aimed at the most common skin pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, towards which it is one of the most potent antibiotics. The place of fusidic acid in dermatology is in the treatment of mild to moderately severe skin and soft‐tissue infections, e.g. impetigo, folicullitis, erythrasma, furunculosis, abscesses and infected traumatic wounds, whereas it is of less use in conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic leg ulcers, burns and pressure sores. The topical combinations of fusidic acid with either betamethasone or hydrocortisone are extremely useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis/eczema whenever staphylococcal/secondary infection is suspected, and in more persistent cases of eczema where staphylococcal superantigen may be playing an important exacerbating role.
Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children A Modified Technique for Closed Pinning

Complications in the treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humcrus (DSFH), particularly cubitus varus, are a persistent problem. A prospective study was conducted on 20 children with DSFH, using a modified technique to reduce and pin the fracture. All fractures were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. After the fracture was internally fixed, intraoperative an-teroposterior roentogenograms of each distal humerus were compared, using Baumann's angle. The reduction was accepted if Baumann's angle on the fractured extremity was within 4° of that on the normal side. If the angles were not within 4°, the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning was repeated. In this prospective series, all patients had a reduction to within 4° of the normal side before they left the operating room. Three weeks after percutaneous pinning, the pins were removed and range of motion was begun. All patients returned for clinical and roentgenographic examination. With an average follow-up period of 17.2 months, all patients had excellent or good results. No patient developed cubitus varus deformity. Strict adherence to the guidelines of the protocol prevented cubitus varus deformity in this series of children with DSFH.
A method for determining the rate of major limb amputations in battle casualties: experiences of a British Field Hospital in Iraq, 2003.

INTRODUCTION The majority of battle casualties undergoing surgery at 34 Field Hospital, the sole Coalition field hospital in Iraq during the conflict, sustained injuries to the extremities. To compare our experiences with those from previous conflicts, we report data on major limb amputations and propose a method for determining the rate of major limb amputation in a conflict setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective review of battle casualties admitted to the hospital was carried out based on casualty records and operating theatre logbooks. Data were collected for the period 26 March and 8 May 2003, focusing on casualties undergoing surgery for battle-injured extremities during the conflict. RESULTS 68 (55%) casualties underwent surgery for battle injuries to extremities. Six upper and eight lower limb amputations (proximal to carpals and tarsals) were carried out from a total of 87 battle-injured limbs that had surgery, giving an overall amputation rate of 16% (14/87). CONCLUSIONS In presenting our amputation rate of 16%, we highlight the lack of uniformity in describing 'amputation rates' between conflicts. A consistent method for quantifying amputations performed in a conflict setting could prove to be a useful tool.
Sajid Ali – Leadership and Management 1 Leadership and Management – are they alike ?

This paper tries to distinguish between the leadership and management constructs to clarify the confusion caused by the loose usage of the terms in popular language. The two concepts should be understood as distinct for theoretical clarifications but not to argue for any hierarchical relationship. The paper tries to define both management and leadership, and then describes several ways the leadership construct is presented in the literature followed by a resolution of leadership definitions. Finally, the paper shares four criteria to distinguish between the leadership and the management functions. The paper concludes by arguing that leadership should be seen as a process and both leadership and management be differentiated from leader and manager, the former being the functions and later being actors. In addition, it is also fundamentally important that distinguishing between the two does not imply that one is superior to the other.
Risk Management in the Intellectual Capital Stock Market

Electronic commerce or e-commerce is a new phenomenon in the financial markets. The rapid advances made in the information and communications technology sector have facilitated the advent of e-commerce and has resulted in global market euphoria over technology stocks in financial markets. This paper is based on the premise that an initial characterisation of the e-commerce sector is necessary as a precursor to a more profound understanding of the financial market mechanism and asset pricing process in the Intellectual Capital sector.
LYMPHANGIOGENESIS IN TISSUE-ENGINEERED SMALL INTESTINE

Background. Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels, has not been reported in engineered tissue. The purpose of this study was to characterize lymphangiogenesis in tissue-engineered small intestine. Methods. Biodegradable polymer scaffolds seeded with intestinal organoid units were implanted into syngenic recipient rats. Twenty-three neointestinal grafts were harvested from adult rat recipients 1 to 8 weeks postimplantation. Cells expressing the lymphatic endothelial marker vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-3 were detected immunohistochemically. The lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C was quantified by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. Results. Between the first and eighth weeks, neointestinal cysts increased in volume and mass. Muscular and mucosal layers increased in thickness and developed to resemble normal intestine histologically. The proportion of neointestinal VEGFR–3-positive cells increased and ultimately, tubular structures developed that resembled lymphatics architecturally, were distinct from CD34-positive blood vessels, and lacked luminal erythrocytes. Conclusion. Lymphangiogenesis occurs in tissue-engineered small intestine. This is the first demonstration of lymphatic vessels in an engineered tissue.
Forecasting of Chinese Primary Energy Consumption in 2021 with GRU Artificial Neural Network

The forecasting of energy consumption in China is a key requirement for achieving national energy security and energy planning. In this study, multi-variable linear regression (MLR) and support vector regression (SVR) were utilized with a gated recurrent unit (GRU) artificial neural network of Chinese energy to establish a forecasting model. The derived model was validated through four economic variables; the gross domestic product (GDP), population, imports, and exports. The performance of various forecasting models was assessed via MAPE and RMSE, and three scenarios were configured based on different sources of variable data. In predicting Chinese energy consumption from 2015 to 2021, results from the established GRU model of the highest predictive accuracy showed that Chinese energy consumption would be likely to fluctuate from 2954.04 Mtoe to 5618.67 Mtoe in 2021.
Performance comparison of sand and fine sawdust vermifilters in treating concentrated grey water for urban poor

A comparative investigation was conducted for 10 months with sand and fine sawdust vermifilters and a control unit to treat concentrated grey water generated from a poor urban household in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Each of the filters was made up of cylindrical DN200-PVC pipes and filled with 10 cm of gravel at the bottom. On top of the gravel layer, filter 1 (fully sand, F1) was completed with 40 cm of sand and 10 cm of fine sawdust, filter 2 (partially sand, F2) with 20 cm of sand and 30 cm of fine sawdust, respectively, and filter 3 (fully sawdust, F3) and 4 (control, F4) with 50 cm of fine sawdust only. Two hundred Eudrilus eugeniae earthworms were inoculated in each of the vermifilters. The vermifiltration system was supplied with grey water four times per day at a hydraulic loading rate of 64 L/m2/day on a batch basis. The removal efficiencies of biological oxygen demand, total chemical oxygen demand, and dissolved chemical oxygen demand (dCOD) by the vermifilters were 25–30% higher than the control, but little differences were observed in terms of total suspended solids and coliform removal efficiencies. Though there was no significant difference in the performance of the three vermifilters (p > 0.05), except for dCOD removal efficiency, the lifespan of F2 and F3 was longer than that of F1. Therefore, fine sawdust can substitute sand as a filter medium in vermifilters.
Return to work after lower limb amputation

Purpose. To review the literature on return to work after lower limb amputation. Method. A comprehensive review of literature on return to work after lower limb amputation was carried out, searching MEDLINE and PubMED. Results. Most authors found return-to-work rate to be about 66%. Between 22 and 67% of the subjects retained the same occupation, while the remainder had to change occupation. Post-amputation jobs were generally more complex with a requirement for a higher level of general educational development and were physically less demanding. The return to work depends on: general factors, such as age, gender and educational level; factors related to impairments and disabilities due to amputation (amputation level, multiple amputations, comorbidity, reason for amputation, persistent stump problems, the time from the injury to obtaining a permanent prosthesis, wearing comfort of the prosthesis, walking distance and restrictions in mobility); and factors related to work and policies (salary, higher job involvement, good support from the implementing body and the employer and social support network). Conclusions. Subjects have problems returning to work after lower limb amputation. Many have to change their work and/or work only part-time. Vocational rehabilitation and counselling should become a part of rehabilitation programme for all subjects who are of working age after lower limb amputation. Better cooperation between professionals, such as rehabilitation team members, implementing bodies, company doctors and the employers, is necessary.
Syndromic management of urethral discharge in Ghanaian pharmacies

Objectives: To evaluate the training of pharmacists in Accra, Ghana, in the syndromic management of STIs. Methods: We randomly selected 50 pharmacy outlets that had received the training (intervention) and 50 outlets that had not received the training (no intervention). Simulated clients described the symptoms of urethral discharge to the first pharmacy staff encountered and completed a standardised questionnaire after each encounter. Results: Correct drug provision for urethral discharge improved with the educational intervention but remained relatively low (no intervention 18%; intervention 39%; p <0.05). More encouraging, treatment for gonorrhoea was usually correct without the intervention (64%) and improved further in the intervention outlets (76%). The treatment for chlamydia was less often appropriate but also improved (31% and 41%). Condom promotion was poor, with almost no outlets offering condoms. Conclusions: The current training led to improvements in the treatment of urethral discharge. Future training needs to be improved, especially with regard to condom promotion. Moreover, since less than one third of simulated clients were seen by pharmacists, the training should be expanded to other pharmacy staff. With enhanced training of all pharmacy staff, the role of pharmacy outlets in STI management and prevention in Ghana and elsewhere can be optimised.
Insulin-stimulated Hydrogen Peroxide Reversibly Inhibits Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Vivo and Enhances the Early Insulin Action Cascade*

The insulin signaling pathway is activated by tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and key post-receptor substrate proteins and balanced by the action of specific protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases). PTPase activity, in turn, is highly regulated in vivo by oxidation/reduction reactions involving the cysteine thiol moiety required for catalysis. Here we show that insulin stimulation generates a burst of intracellular H2O2 in insulin-sensitive hepatoma and adipose cells that is associated with reversible oxidative inhibition of up to 62% of overall cellular PTPase activity, as measured by a novel method using strictly anaerobic conditions. The specific activity of immunoprecipitated PTP1B, a PTPase homolog implicated in the regulation of insulin signaling, was also strongly inhibited by up to 88% following insulin stimulation. Catalase pretreatment abolished the insulin-stimulated production of H2O2 as well as the inhibition of cellular PTPases, including PTP1B, and was associated with reduced insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of its receptor and highM r insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins. These data provide compelling new evidence for a redox signal that enhances the early insulin-stimulated cascade of tyrosine phosphorylation by oxidative inactivation of PTP1B and possibly other tyrosine phosphatases.