Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Methodology to Analyze the Quality of Health Information on the Internet

Purpose The purpose of this work was to evaluate the criteria used to assess the quality of information on diabetic neuropathy on the Internet. Methods Different search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Ask) and 1 governmental health website (MedlinePlus) were studied. The websites returned (200 for each search engine) were then classified according to their affiliation (eg, commercial, professional, patient groups). A scoring system was devised from the literature to assess quality of information. Websites were also analyzed using the 2 most widely used instruments for assessing the quality of health information, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) scoring system and the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) certification. Results Professional websites or health portals scored better according to most criteria. Google and MedlinePlus returned results scoring significantly higher than other engines in some of the criteria. The use of different instruments gave different results and indicates that the JAMA score and the HON certification may not be sufficient ones. Conclusions This methodology could be used to evaluate the reliability and trustworthiness of information on the Internet on different topics to identify topic areas or websites where the available information is not appropriate.
Dopaminergic and Glutamatergic Interactions in the Expression of Self-Injurious Behavior

Self-injurious behavior occurring in persons with severe mental retardation is a clinically significant and poorly understood problem. Multiple neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this behavior, particularly dopaminergic, opioidergic, and serotonergic systems. Pemoline, a central stimulant, administered systemically at high doses reliably produces self-biting behavior in the rat. The systemic bolus of pemoline produces sustained neostriatal levels of pemoline for over 24 h in a continuous infusion paradigm. Studies of the effect of cortical lesions on pemoline-mediated behaviors reveal that cortical damage, as is common in profound mental retardation, lowers the threshold for pemoline-induced self-biting behavior. Data from the corticostriatal slice suggests that sustained exposure to pemoline produces a shift in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated responses rendering them more susceptible to dopaminergic enhancement. Thus, dopaminergic and glutamatergic interactions appear to play an important role in the development and expression of self-biting in the pemoline model.
Molecular Detection of Haemosporidian Parasites of Birds in Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) in Kuwait

Abstract A molecular surveillance of haemosporidian parasites from 19,521 Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) from Kuwait detected 2 pools with a unique Haemoproteus (Haemoproteus) sp. (Haemospororida: Haemoproteidae) most likely parasitizing columbiform birds and probably representing contaminated blood meals or aborted infections in mosquitoes. Haemoproteus spp. have been previously reported in Kuwait based on microscopic examination of avian blood smears. This paper reports on molecular detection and subgenus-level identification of a novel Haemoproteus (Haemoproteus) sp. Mosquitoes are not known as vectors of Haemoproteus (Haemoproteus) spp. , and this agent is most likely transmitted by ornithophilic Hippoboscidae, such as Pseudolynchia canariensis Bequaert. No other haemosporidian parasites were detected.
Mature T‐ and NK‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in children and young adolescents

Mature T/Natural killer (NK)‐cell neoplasms of children and the young adolescent population exhibit higher prevalence in Central and South American and Asian populations and many are associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV). They are represented in large part by extranodal T/NK cell lymphomas‐ nasal‐type or extra nasal‐type, chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of T/NK cells or chronic active EBV disease, systemic EBV‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood, hydroa vacciniforme‐like lymphoma, hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma and primary cutaneous gamma/delta T‐cell lymphoma among others. Many T/NK cell neoplasms in this age group are derived from cells of the innate immune system, in contrast to adults where they are predominantly from the adaptive immune system. The genetic basis of T/NK cell lymphomas in children and young adolescents remains largely unknown. Anthracycline‐based regimens and haematopoietic stem cell transplants (allogeneic and autologous) are current treatment modalities, however it is anticipated that novel targeted therapeutic agents will be available in the near future.
Safety of direct oral anticoagulants vs warfarin in patients with chronic liver disease and atrial fibrillation

A complication of chronic liver disease (CLD) is the abnormality of coagulation. In clinical practice, this increased risk of bleeding has not been identified as a protective factor against stroke or systemic embolism associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective of this study was to assess the safety of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) agents vs warfarin in CLD patients with AF.
Demographic Diversity in Top Level Management and Its Implications on Firm Financial Performance: An Empirical Discussion

This paper explores how demographic diversity in top level management affects firm financial performance. Top level management refers to both top management team and board of directors. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the effect of demographic diversity on top management team and boards of directors with regard to firm financial performance. This paper uses both financial and non-financial data from top 100 non-financial listed companies over the period 2000 to 2006, using the non-probability sampling approach. Demographic diversity comprises of ethnic and gender diversity and performance is measured by Return on Equity (ROE). A Pooled Least Square (PLS) regression method is used and hierarchical regression analyses are presented accordingly. The results indicate that demographic diversity has some significant impact on boards of directors with regard to firm financial performance. However, demographic diversity in TMTs does not create any significant impact on firm financial performance.
Proteus columbae sp. nov., isolated from a pigeon in Ma'anshan, China.

A Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacillus, strain 08MAS2615T, was isolated from the flesh of a pigeon specimen collected in Ma'anshan, Anhui province, China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that strain 08MAS2615T belonged to the genus Proteus, and formed an independent branch which was clearly separated from the other six known species of Proteus. Strain 08MAS2615T was more closely related to Proteus vulgaris ATCC 29905T and Proteus penneri NCTC 12737T than other Proteus species. Similar independent phylogenetic results were obtained using rpoB gene sequence analysis, whereas strain 08MAS2615T clustered near the species of Proteus cibarius JS9T and Proteus terrae N5/687T. Furthermore, the genome-wide core-single nucleotide polymorphism-based phylogenetic tree confirmed that strain 08MAS2615T formed a monophyletic and robust clade. Based on whole-genome sequences, the range of in silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity between strain 08MAS2615T and the six Proteus species were 25.5-48.8 % and 82.8-92.9 %, respectively, less than the proposed cutoff level for species delineation, i.e. 70 and 95 %. In addition, the major cellular fatty acid profile of strain 08MAS2615T was C14 : 0 (12.4 %), C16 : 0 (23.8 %), C17 : 0cyclo (14.4 %), summed feature 2 (C16 : 1iso I/C14 : 0 3-OH) (11.0 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/16 : 1ω6c) (18.5 %) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c) (18.6 %). On the basis of these results, strain 08MAS2615T represents a novel species of the genus Proteus, for which the name Proteuscolumbae sp. nov. is proposed with strain 08MAS2615T (=DSM 104686T=CGMCC 1.15982T) designated as the species type strain.
Compact assembly-free vector bend sensor based on all-in-fiber-core Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

A novel low-cost, compact, assembly-free and sensitive optical fiber curvature sensor is presented. This device consists of an off-axis positive refractive index modified zone (PRIMZ), induced by a direct femtosecond laser, written in a single-mode fiber (SMF) core. The PRIMZ transforms the original SMF section into a few-mode fiber (FMF). As a result, the whole fiber forms an assembly-free "SMF-FMF-SMF" sandwich Mach-Zehnder interferometer. When the device is bent, a direction-dependent spectral shift of the interference pattern is produced. The sensitivity of the sensor is up to 2.53 and 2.24 nm/m-1 for the 0° and 180° orientations in a wide bend range (from 0 to 4 m-1). In addition, the device is immune to the surrounding refractive index and has a low-temperature crosstalk, which makes it very attractive for practical structural monitoring applications.
Measurement of Cerebral Oxyhaemoglobin Saturation and Jugular Blood Flow in Term Healthy Newborn Infants by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Jugular Venous Occlusion

Data of cerebral haemodynamics and oxygenation are important for optimal treatment and prognosis in neonatal intensive care. Mostly premature and asphyxiated infants have been examined, but near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows estimations in healthy term newborns. In this study, cerebral venous saturation (CVsO2) and jugular blood flow (JBF) was estimated in 11 healthy term newborns. Mean CVsO2 was 64.12 ± 4.6%, which conform with expectations. Mean JBF was only 6.1 ml/100 g/min, which is unacceptably low compared to earlier published data. We discuss physiological and methodological aspects and conclude that the combination of NIRS and venous occlusion appears to be a reliable method for estimation of CVsO2 in normally healthy newborns, whereas the reason for the failure of the method for estimation of JBF is unclear.
Kinetid structure in Choanocytes of Sponges (Heteroscleromorpha): Toward the ancestral Kinetid of Demospongiae

Every large clade of Eukarya has its own pattern of kinetid (flagellar apparatus) structure, which is stable and specific within the group, thereby being a good phylogenetic marker. The kinetid structure of sponge choanocytes might be a candidate for such marker for the phylogeny of Porifera. Kinetids of two heteroscleromorphs, Halichondria sp. (Suberitida) and Crellomima imparidens (Poecilosclerida), have been investigated here for the first time, and a reconstruction of the kinetid for each species is provided. The kinetids of both species comprise a flagellar kinetosome with a nuclear fibrillar root, a basal foot and satellite producing microtubules; a centriole is absent. Good resolution images reveal a new thin structure, the axial granule, in the flagellar transition zone which might be present in other sponges. The comparison of kinetids in investigated sponges revealed three types of kinetid in Demospongiae, and their distribution in the taxon has been shown on a molecular phylogenetic tree. Kinetid characters of the common ancestor of Demospongiae are discussed. J. Morphol. 277:925–934, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance comparison of two androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR‐V7) detection methods

To compare the performance of two established androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR‐V7) mRNA detection systems, as paradoxical responses to next‐generation androgen‐deprivation therapy in AR‐V7 mRNA‐positive circulating tumour cells (CTC) of patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) could be related to false‐positive classification using detection systems with different sensitivities.
Polyphenol supplementation alters intramuscular apoptotic signaling following acute resistance exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 28‐days of supplementation with an aqueous proprietary polyphenol blend (PPB) sourced from Camellia sinensis on intramuscular apoptotic signaling following an acute lower‐body resistance exercise protocol and subsequent recovery. Untrained males (n = 38, 21.8 ± 2.7 years, 173.4 ± 7.9 cm, 77.6 ± 14.6 kg) were randomized to PPB (n = 14), placebo (PL; n = 14) or control (CON; n = 10). Participants completed a lower‐body resistance exercise protocol comprised of the squat, leg press, and leg extension exercises. Skeletal muscle microbiopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis preexercise (PRE), 1‐h (1HR), 5‐h (5HR), and 48‐h (48HR) post‐resistance exercise. Apoptotic signaling pathways were quantified using multiplex signaling assay kits to quantify total proteins (Caspase 3, 8, 9) and markers of phosphorylation status (JNK, FADD, p53, BAD, Bcl‐2). Changes in markers of muscle damage and intramuscular signaling were analyzed via separate repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Change in Bcl‐2 phosphorylation at 1H was significantly greater in PL compared to CON (P = 0.001). BAD phosphorylation was significantly elevated at 5H in PL compared to PPB (P = 0.015) and CON (P = 0.006). The change in JNK phosphorylation was significantly greater in PPB (P = 0.009), and PL (P = 0.017) compared to CON at 1H, while the change for PL was elevated compared to CON at 5H (P = 0.002). A main effect was observed (P < 0.05) at 1H, 5H, and 48H for p53 and Caspase 8, with Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 elevated at 48H. These data indicate that chronic supplementation with PPB alters apoptotic signaling in skeletal muscle following acute muscle‐damaging resistance exercise.
A translational approach for NMDA receptor profiling as a vulnerability biomarker for depression and schizophrenia

What is the central question of this study? Can the change in plasma arginine vasopressin concentration (P[AVP]) in response to osmotic stimulation (POsm) serve as a biomarker for NMDA receptor signalling in schizophrenia and depression and thereby distinguish between these mental illnesses? What is the main finding and its importance? In response to hyperosmotic challenge, depressed subjects showed increased P[AVP] response compared with healthy control and schizophrenic subjects. However, schizophrenic subjects were not different from healthy control subjects in this small sample. The ‘P[AVP] response to POsm’ is a suitable biomarker to distinguish depressed versus schizophrenic patients when used with psychiatric screening. This is the first objective physiological measure for schizophrenia or depression.
Psychosomatic and Psychosocial Symptoms Are Associated with Low Blood Pressure in Swedish Schoolchildren

Background: The relation between psychosomatic and psychosocial symptoms and blood pressure was studied in Swedish schoolchildren. Methods: Blood pressure was measured in 122 healthy Swedish schoolchildren, aged 6–16 years. Psychosomatic and psychosocial symptoms, delinquent behaviour, parental health and employment status were assessed. Results: Children with systolic blood pressure above +1 SD of mean reported significantly less symptoms (x̅ = 1.4) than children with blood pressure below –1 SD of the mean (x̅ = 2.7; p < 0.05). Children with three or more self-reported symptoms had significantly lower blood pressure than children without symptoms both in the supine (110 ± 12 vs. 120 ± 18 mm Hg; p < 0.05) and in the standing position (117 ± 17 vs. 127 ± 18 mm Hg; p < 0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that psychosomatic and psychosocial symptoms in children might be associated with low blood pressure.
Does a histologically inflamed resection margin increase postoperative complications in patients with Crohn’s disease?

Abstract Objectives: Our study assessed whether the presence of histologically inflamed resection margins increased postoperative anastomotic complications in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. We also examined the influence of other risk factors for postoperative complications. Materials and methods: Presence of chronic inflammation and activity of inflammation was scored from the resection margin specimens of 70 patients undergoing surgery due to CD. Anastomotic complications were recorded with a one-month follow-up. We also analysed other risk factors for postoperative complications, such as patient age, previous surgeries, preoperative C-reactive protein, faecal calprotectin, albumin and haemoglobin levels, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, preoperative immunosuppressive medication, surgical approach and the presence of intraoperative fistula or abscess. Results: In total, 46 patients (65.7%) had active inflammation in the bowel resection margin – 12 patients (17.1%) with mild, five patients (7.1%) with moderate and 29 patients (41.4%) with strong activity. We found 14 (20.0%) postoperative complications, of which three (4.6%) were anastomotic. The presence of active inflammation at the resection margin did not significantly influence the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic complications. None of the other risk factors examined significantly increased postoperative complications among our sample. Conclusions: After bowel-sparing surgery for CD, the frequency of histologically inflamed resection margins is high. However, postoperative complication rate remains low. The current practice with resection of only the most affected bowel segments for CD seems to be a safe choice. We still need further research concerning risk factors for postoperative complications in Crohn’s patients.
Disposition of the Emerging Brominated Flame Retardant, 2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-Tetrabromobenzoate, in Female SD Rats and Male B6C3F1 Mice: Effects of Dose, Route, and Repeated Administration.

2-Ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB; MW 549.92 g/mol; CAS 183658-27-7) is a brominated component of flame retardant mixtures used as substitutes for some PBDEs. EH-TBB is added to various consumer products, including polyurethane foams, and has been detected in humans. The present study characterized the fate of EH-TBB in rodents. [14C]-labeled EH-TBB was absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated via the urine and feces following single administrations of 0.1-100 µmol/kg (∼0.05-55 mg/kg) or repeated administration (0.1 µmol/kg/day × 5-10 days) by gavage to female Hsd:Sprague DawleySD (SD) rats. Cumulative excretion via feces increased (39-60%) with dose (0.1-10 µmol/kg) with corresponding decreases in urinary excretion (54 to 37%) after 72 h. Delayed excretion of [14C]-radioactivity in urine and feces of a 100 µmol/kg oral dose was noted. Recovery was complete for all doses by 72 h. IV-injected rats excreted more of the 0.1 µmol/kg dose in urine and less in feces than did gavaged rats, indicating partial biliary elimination of systemically available compound. No tissue bioaccumulation was found for rats given 5 oral daily doses of EH-TBB. Parent molecule was not detected in urine whereas 2 metabolites, tetrabromobenzoic acid (TBBA), a TBBA-sulfate conjugate, and a TBBA-glycine conjugate were identified. EH-TBB and TBBA were identified in extracts from feces. Data from gavaged male B6C3F1/Tac mice indicated minimal sex- or species differences are likely for the disposition of EH-TBB. Approximately 85% of a 0.1 µmol/kg dose was absorbed from the gut. Overall absorption of EH-TBB is expected to be even greater at lower levels.
Lymphocyte Activation with Localized pGL1-TNF-Alpha Gene Therapy in a Glioma Model

The major goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), delivered as pGL1-TNF-α, on hematological variables, as well as C6 tumor growth in athymic mice treated with and without radiation. pGL1-TNF-α was administered intratumorally at low to high doses (15, 150 and 450 µg) in all three phases of this study. In phase A, pGL1-TNF-α expression within tumors was dose dependent and transient, with highest levels seen at 18 h after injection, whereas no TNF-α protein was detected in plasma. Low erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were associated with tumor presence, but the reduction in these variables was most striking in the group receiving 450 µg of pGL1-TNF-α, the group that also exhibited thrombocytopenia at 72 h. In phase B, treatment with pGL1-TNF-α at 15 or 150 µg resulted in the greatest degree of splenomegaly, increased spontaneous blastogenesis by splenocytes, and high leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers in the spleen. In these same two groups, flow cytometry analyses of spleen cells showed that high levels of natural killer (panNK+) cells, B (CD19+) lymphocytes, and cells expressing the CD71 and CD25 activation markers were present (p < 0.05). An enhancing effect was also noted in some of the measurements with parental plasmid p WS4 and tumor presence. In phase C, the slowest tumor progression was observed in the groups receiving 15 and 150 µg pGL1-TNF-α together with radiation; tumor volumes were 51 and 43% smaller, respectively, than for PBS-injected controls by the end of the study. Collectively, these results show that localized treatment with pGL1-TNF-α is hematologically nontoxic at low doses and support the premise that activation of lymphocytes may contribute to the antitumor effects of radiation against a highly aggressive brain tumor.
Single fiber EMG as a prognostic tool in myasthenia gravis

Introduction: Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is the most sensitive diagnostic tool for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). Its prognostic value is not known. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of 232 MG patients who presented with only mild symptoms and had SFEMG of the orbicularis oculi muscle. We correlated their SFEMG results with the severity of their later clinical course. Results: During the observation period 39 patients (17%) developed severe disease exacerbations, and 193 (83%) remained stable. Patients with severe disease exacerbation had a significantly higher mean jitter value (P < 0.0001), a greater percentage of fibers with increased jitter (P < 0.0001), and/or impulse blocking (P < 0.0001) on SFEMG. Conclusions: The extent of the SFEMG abnormalities in this study correlated with the later clinical course of MG. Muscle Nerve 54: 1034–1040, 2016