Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Areca Nut and Betel Quid Control Interventions: Halting the Epidemic

Abstract Background: Areca nut (AN) and betel quid (BQ) are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. There are approximately 600 million AN/BQ users globally; the majority of users live in the Asia-Pacific region which, correspondingly, has the highest rates of oral cancer. Despite significant disease burden associated with AN/BQ use, there have been no systematic reviews of interventions to reduce product use. Objectives: To analyze interventions that prevent use of AN/BQ, present a basis for a future systematic review on the topic, and provide decision makers with examples of strategies that have demonstrated reduced AN/BQ use. Methods: To identify publications, we searched the literature using terms for AN/BQ and related synonyms in three databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Interventions that prevent AN/BQ use, that are published in English and that provide original data analysis, were included in this review. Interventions focused primarily on disease outcomes e.g. oral cancers (secondary prevention) were excluded. Results: Our search revealed 21 interventions targeting AN/BQ use between 1990 and 2018. Strategies include product bans, media campaigns, education, cessation, and taxation at individual and population levels, with varying evidence of impact. While these studies yielded some novel and promising findings, particularly regarding the impact of product bans, mass media campaigns, and cessation interventions, research on interventions specific to AN/BQ use remains limited. Conclusions: We have assessed published interventions that reduce AN/BQ use and identified future research priorities. These findings can be used to develop evidence-based interventions and help guide policymakers in implementing evidence-based policy to regulate these products.
Presence and morphological variability of Golgi tendon organs in the distal portion of sheep extraocular muscle

This study was undertaken to demonstrate the presence of Golgi tendon organs (GTOs) in the distal portion of sheep extraocular muscle (EOM) and to describe the morphological variability of these receptors. Extraocular muscles of a young and an old sheep were perfusion fixed and/or immersion fixed. Tissue was prepared for light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was done to demonstrate the myosin pattern of the intracapsular muscle fibers of the GTOs. All GTOs in the distal portions of the sheep EOMs were located in a distinct muscle layer which was designated in a former investigation as the so‐called peripheral patch layer. Each EOM of the young sheep contained GTOs; between four and 15 GTOs were counted in the rectus EOMs. Eight GTOs were found in the superior rectus of the old sheep. Golgi tendon organs in EOMs of the young and the old sheep did not differ in their morphology. In the young sheep the mean length of the GTOs was 447 ± 132 μm (n = 60) and their mean width 101 ± 26 μm (n = 60). In the old sheep values were 576 ± 188 μm (mean length, n = 8) and 103 ± 18 μm (mean width, n = 8). The GTOs were encapsulated by perineurial cells. In 12 GTOs, only collagen bundles were inside. In the remaining GTOs (56), intracapsular muscle fibers were present. Muscle fibers entered the proximal poles of the GTOs and either terminated inside the receptors or muscle fibers left the GTOs at their distal poles. These intracapsular muscle fibers were of the multiply‐innervated type. In the GTOs variably shaped nerve terminals were found which contained a high number of mitochondria. In two GTOs, additionally, nerve terminals with aggregates of densely packed vesicles were present. Anat Rec 258:359–368, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparing the effect of endurance and resistance training on resting metabolic rate in a group of men with a sedentary lifestyle

Bastyan, V. , Novotný, J., Mach, J. & Pospichal, V. (2014). Comparing the effect of endurance and resistance training on resting metabolic rate in a group of men with a sedentary lifestyle. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. , 9(Proc1), pp.S376-S387. Study examined the effects of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition and compared changes in these parameters in group of men (n=17), aged 17-36, with sedentary lifestyle. During the initial measurements, the values of RMR, body composition and exercise test were obtained. In addition, five-day nutritional intake and record of physical activity were completed. After the initial measurements, subjects were randomly assigned in two training groups. Subjects in group EX1 (n=9) performed aerobic physical activity ‐ endurance training (jogging and/or running), whereas subjects in group EX2 (n=8) performed anaerobic physical activity ‐ resistance training. Physical activity was performed for 12 weeks, 3 times a week. The output measurements were obtained after 12 weeks of regular physical activity. Data of RMR were collected using the air analyzer Metalyzer Cortex 3B in the Laboratory of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Sports Studies in Brno. For body composition, method of bioelectrical impedance analysis has been used. RMR increased significantly from pre- to postraining for EX1 (2045,8 ± 207,5 to 2168,8 ± 217,7 kcal.d-1) as well as for EX2 (1992 ± 164,4 to 2340 ± 321,3 kcal.d-1). Body fat for EX1 was significantly reduced (21,2 ± 6,4 to 18,7 ± 6,8 %) compared with EX2 (22,4 ± 6,2 to 20,6 ± 7,6 %). Measured data indicate more significant changes by subjects from EX1 group (endurance training). This study is a part of research for the dissertation of one of the authors and was financially supported from projects of specific research MUNI/A/0987/2011 and MUNI/A/0803/2012. Key words: RESTING METABOLIC RATE, BODY COMPOSITION, ENDURANCE TRAINING, RESISTANCE TRAINING, SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE.
[Epidemiology and susceptibility profile of blood culture isolates in an intensive care unit (2002-2005)].

INTRODUCTION The aim of our study was to determine the epidemiological profile and the antibiotics susceptibility of bacteria identified in blood culture in the intensive care unit, to improve empirical antibiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHOD A retrospective study was made over a four-year period (2002-2005) in the intensive care unit of the Mohammed-V Military Hospital. It included all the bacteria identified in blood culture. RESULTS During this period, we collected 286 isolates, Gram-negative bacilli 49.3% and Gram-positive cocci 46.85%. The most frequently identified species were Acinetobacter baumannii (13.63%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (11.9%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7%). Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 25.54%: Klebsiella pneumoniae 7%, and Enterobacter cloacae 7%. The rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 52.94 % and coagulase negative staphylococci 60.24%. No resistance to glycopeptides was observed. Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to third generation cephalosporins in 42.6 % and had a broad-spectrum betalactamase phenotype in 18%. The resistance rate of A. baumannii was 68.7% for ceftazidime and 31.4% for imipenem. The resistance rate of P. aeruginosa to the third generation cephalosporines and the imipenem were respectively 16.6% and 10.5%. CONCLUSION A regular epidemiologic study of blood culture isolates and determination of susceptibility to antibiotics are necessary to improve empiric therapy.
themes G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Gastrointestinal

Wank, StephenA. G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Gastrointestinal Physiology. I. CCK receptors: an exemplary family. Am. J. Physiol. 274 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 37): G607– G613, 1998. —The CCK and gastrin families of peptides act as hormones and neuropeptides on central and peripheral receptors to mediate secretion and motility in the gastrointestinal tract in the physiological response to a normal meal. Thus far, two CCK receptors have been molecularly identified to mediate the actions of CCK and gastrin, CCK-A and CCK-B receptors (CCK-AR and CCK-BR, respectively). The regulation of CCK-AR and CCK-BR affinity by guanine nucleotides and the receptor activation of G protein-dependent stimulation of phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase suggested that they were guanine nucleotide-binding protein-coupled receptors [G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)]; however, the eventual cloning of their cDNAs revealed their heptahelical structure and confirmed their membership in the GPCR superfamily. The gastrointestinal system is a rich source of neuroendocrine hormones that interact with a large number of GPCRs to regulate the complex tasks of digestion, absorption, and excretion of a meal. This article focuses on the CCK family of GPCRs, and its activities in the gastrointestinal system.
Distinct subcellular location of the Ca2+-binding protein S100A1 differentially modulates Ca2+-cycling in ventricular rat cardiomyocytes

Calcium is a key regulator of cardiac function and is modulated through the Ca2+-sensor protein S100A1. S100 proteins are considered to exert both intracellular and extracellular functions on their target cells. Here we report the impact of an increased intracellular S100A1 protein level on Ca2+-homeostasis in neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes in vitro. Specifically, we compare the effects of exogenously added recombinant S100A1 to those resulting from the overexpression of a transduced S100A1 gene. Extracellularly added S100A1 enhanced the Ca2+-transient amplitude in neonatal ventricular cardiomyocytes (NVCMs) through a marked decrease in intracellular diastolic Ca2+-concentrations ([Ca2+]i). The decrease in [Ca2+]i was independent of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a) activity and was probably the result of an increased sarcolemmal Ca2+-extrusion through the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX). At the same time the Ca2+-content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) decreased. These effects were dependent on the uptake of extracellularly added S100A1 protein and its subsequent routing to the endosomal compartment. Phospholipase C and protein kinase C, which are tightly associated with this subcellular compartment, were found to be activated by endocytosed S100A1. By contrast, adenoviral-mediated intracellular S100A1 overexpression enhanced the Ca2+-transient amplitude in NVCMs mainly through an increase in systolic [Ca2+]i. The increased Ca2+-load in the SR was based on an enhanced SERCA2a activity while NCX function was unaltered. Overexpressed S100A1 colocalized with SERCA2a and other Ca2+-regulatory proteins at the SR, whereas recombinant S100A1 protein that had been endocytosed did not colocalize with SR proteins. This study provides the first evidence that intracellular S100A1, depending on its subcellular location, modulates cardiac Ca2+-turnover via different Ca2+-regulatory proteins.
Chosen Factors and High Total Concentration of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in Children

Genetic predisposition and environmental conditions are mentioned among the factors modifying the synthesis of IgE immunoglobulin. The aim of the study was to analyze chosen factors in children with high total concentration of IgE (>100 IU/ml). The study included 261 children who were divided according to the serum level of IgE into 3 groups: I - IgE 101-1000 IU/ml; II - IgE >1001 IU/ml and III (control group) with IgE 1-100 IU/ml. The mean age was similar in the study group and equaled 8 years (±4.4). The male sex predominated in all groups of patients with IgE >100 IU/ml, whereas the female sex only in the controls. Predominance of the families with a positive family history of an allergic disease, which usually affected mothers (statistically insignificant), was demonstrated in each group. Regardless of IgE concentration, families with more than one child predominated, even in the group of patients with allergic diseases. Similarly, no significant difference was demonstrated in IgE concentrations when comparing the time of breastfeeding or the season of child's birth in the studied children. A significant relationship between the high serum concentration of IgE, atopic status and living in the city was observed (p<0.05). Another correlation on the border of statistical significance was found between exposure to tobacco smoke and high IgE concentration (p=0.087). Though numerous studies have reported the influence of environmental factors on the excessive production of IgE, our study showed only one significant correlation between high total IgE concentration, atopic status and living in the city.
Biosorption of Heavy Metals by Red Algae (Palmaria palmata)

The biosorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions was investigated, using a cheap and abundant dry biomass of red algae P. palmata. The Freundlich, Langmuir and Brunauer Emmer and Teller (BET) models were used to describe the uptake of lead (Pb2+), copper (Cu2+), nickel (Ni2+), cadmium (Cd2+) and zinc (Zn2+) on P. palmata. The good fits of the Langmuir and BET models to the experimental data reflected that the sorption on P. palmata was a multi-layer sorption, in which a Langmuir equation could be applied to each layer. The highest maximum sorption capacity qmax, derived from the Langmuir model was 15.17 mg g-1 for lead and 6.65 mg g-1 for copper (dry weight metal/dry weight biosorbent) at a pH of 5.5-6. The affinity of metals for P. palmata was found to decrease in the order: Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+. The factors influencing copper and lead uptake were found to be contact time, pH, initial concentration and temperature. Biosorption of copper and lead was a rapid process, with 70% and 100% of the respective uptakes occurring within the first 10 minutes.
Thermal modulation of Rayleigh-Benard convection

Thermal convection in a fluid layer confined between two horizontal rigid boundaries has been studied with the help of the Floquet theory. The temperature distribution consists of a steady part and an oscillatory time-dependent part. Disturbances are assumed to be infinitesimal. Numerical results for the critical Rayleigh numbers and wave numbers are obtained. It is found that the disturbances are either synchronous with the primary temperature field or have half its frequency. Some comparisons have also been made.
Skeletal muscle capillary function: contemporary observations and novel hypotheses

• What is the topic of this review? This review presents the paradigm shift in our understanding of capillary structure and function that has occurred since 1920 (August Krogh's Nobel Prize‐winning work). • What advances does it highlight? The compelling weight of evidence supports the concept that most capillaries support red blood cell (RBC) flux in resting muscle. Increased blood–myocyte flux during contractions thus occurs via elevated RBC flux, velocity and haematocrit in already flowing capillaries, with capillary surface area being recruited along the length of already flowing capillaries. Heart failure, diabetes and sepsis impair blood–myocyte O2 (and glucose) flux by increasing the proportion of non‐RBC/plasma flowing capillaries and compromising the matching of O2 delivery to O2 requirements.
Acute Normovolaemic Haemodilution and Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: Effects on Homologous Blood Requirements

After the introduction of acute normovolaemic haemodilution (NVHD) in our hospital, we prospectively studied 19 patients managed with moderate NVHD (mean haematocrit 0.28, SD 0.02) during idiopathic scoliosis surgery (mean angle 53.2, SD 16.7 degrees) with the Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation (CDI). Our standard scoliosis anaesthetic technique was used. Intraoperatively, one patient received one unit of homologous blood. Postoperatively, seven patients received ten units of homologous blood. Homologous blood used was reduced by about 83% for this procedure in our institution. In the assessment of fluid and blood requirements we found physical signs reflecting tissue perfusion and oxygen supply more reliable than the estimated blood loss using the suction bottle and swabs. The similar postoperative complications (nine fever, five atelectasis/pneumonia, one urinary infection, one phlebitis), anaesthetic duration (mean 5.21, SD 1.13) hours, hospitalisation (mean 6.67, SD 1.19) days and return to normal activity (mean 8, SD 7.68) weeks indicate that the NVHD patients did just as well as with our previous regimen when only homologous blood was used.
A Comparison of Splenectomy versus Intensive Posttransplant Antidonor Blood Group Antibody Monitoring without Splenectomy in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplantation

Background. Although most protocols for ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation have employed splenectomy, its utility is unproven. The aim of the current study was to compare the outcomes of ABO-incompatible living donor kidney transplantation with splenectomy versus a protocol involving intensive posttransplant antibody monitoring to maintain low levels of antiblood group antibody. Methods. We retrospectively studied all ABO-incompatible living donor kidney transplants at our institution between September 1999 and November 2004 (n=34). Prior to May 2003, all patients were included in a protocol involving pretransplant plasmapheresis and splenectomy at the time of transplant (n=23). After May 2003, splenectomy was not performed and a protocol that involved pretransplant anti-CD20 antibody and a more intensive posttransplant plasmapheresis regiment aimed at maintaining low levels of antiblood group antibody during the first 2 weeks following transplantation was utilized (n=11). Results. Patient and graft survival was similar in the two groups. Humoral rejection occurred in 18% nonsplenectomized and 30% of splenectomized patients (P=0.68). Humoral rejection correlated with the baseline antibody titer in both groups. Individuals with elevated baseline antibody titer (≥1:256) appear to be at high risk for humoral rejection regardless of protocol used. Antiblood group antibody levels 3 and 12 months after transplantation were similar in both groups. Conclusions. Splenectomy is not essential for successful ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation, although individuals with high baseline antidonor blood group antibody titers are at high risk for humoral rejection. The use of intensive posttransplant monitoring may help prevent antibody-mediated graft damage.
A Cooperation Strategy Based on Nash Bargaining Solution in Cooperative Relay Networks

This paper proposes a cooperation strategy among rational nodes in a wireless cooperative relaying network as an effort to solve two basic problems, i.e., when to cooperate and how to cooperate. First, a symmetric system model comprising two users and an access point (AP) is presented. In this model, each user plays an equal role and acts as a source as well as a potential relay and has the right to decide the amount of bandwidth it should contribute for cooperation. Second, referring to the cooperative game theory, the above problems are formulated as a two-person bargaining problem. Then, a cooperation bandwidth allocation strategy based on the Nash bargaining solution is proposed, in which if a derived condition is satisfied, users will cooperatively work, and each will share a certain fraction of its bandwidth for relaying; otherwise, they will independently work. Simulation results demonstrate that when cooperation takes place, users benefit from the proposed strategy in terms of utility, and those with longer distance to the AP should spend more bandwidth to cooperate with others.
Splenic volume model constructed from standardized one-dimensional MDCT measurements.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this study were to construct a model for estimation of splenic volume from standardized one-dimensional diameters of the spleen and to compare that model with the ellipsoid model for estimation of splenic volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, segmentation software was used for semiautomated quantification of splenic volume by counting CT voxels in 193 consecutively registered patients. For standardization of one-dimensional measurements, the software was used to measure transaxial diameter in the slice with the largest splenic cross-sectional area. By incorporation of splenic volume and the product of width, thickness, and length into the linear regression equation, a model for estimation of splenic volume was constructed, and its performance was externally assessed. Splenic volume also was calculated with the formula for a prolate ellipsoid. The ellipsoid volume and best-fit volumes were compared with segmented splenic volume by use of Bland-Altman plot and Lin concordance correlation. A value of p < 0.05 denoted statistical significance. RESULTS Splenic width was the best one-dimensional predictor of splenic volume (r = 0.84, p < 0.05). The linear regression fitted model for estimation of splenic volume (V(R)) in the initial 100 patients was V(R) = (0.36 × W × T × L) + 28, where W is width, T is thickness, and L is length (R(2) = 0.91, p < 0.05) and was externally validated by estimation of splenic volume in the other 93 patients. Compared with that observed with use of the ellipsoid formula, mean bias decreased from 22.57% to 0.93%, and the Lin coefficient increased from 0.81 to 0.96 with application of the best-fit model for calculation of splenic volume. CONCLUSION The best-fit model V(R) = (0.36 × W × T × L) + 28 is more optimized than the ellipsoid formula and is associated with less bias for estimation of splenic volume.
Dispersion relations in cold magnetized plasmas

Starting from kinetic models of cold magnetized collisionless plasmas, we provide a complete description of the characteristic variety sustaining electromagnetic wave propagation. As in [ 4 , 13 , 17 ], the analysis is based on some asymptotic calculus exploiting the presence at the level of dimensionless relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell equations of a large parameter: the electron gyrofrequency. The method is inspired from geometric optics [ 29 , 33 ]. It allows to unify all the preceding results [ 8 , 12 , 38 , 31 , 37 , 40 ], while incorporating new aspects. Specifically, the non trivial effects [ 5 , 9 , 10 , 24 ] of the spatial variations of the background density, temperature and magnetic field are exhibited. In this way, a comprehensive overview of the dispersion relations becomes available, with important possible applications in plasma physics [ 7 , 28 , 30 ].
Antibiotic Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Clinical Isolates from Poland

ABSTRACT We tested 102 Campylobacter jejuni and 6 Campylobacter coli clinical isolates from Poland. All were susceptible to erythromycin. Among the tested C. jejuni isolates 55.9% and 13.7% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and tetracycline, respectively. Replacement of Thr86 with Ile in GyrA and a plasmid-borne tet(O) gene were the main resistance mechanisms for fluoroquinolones and tetracycline, respectively.
Lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio: a novel marker for critical limb ischemia in PAOD patients

The lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR) is easily determined from the white blood cell count. Lymphocytes were previously investigated as a part of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with atherosclerotic disease and an elevated NLR was negatively associated with cardiovascular endpoints. As monocytes play a leading role in the progression of atherosclerosis, especially in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), we investigated LMR and its association with critical limb ischemia and other vascular endpoints in PAOD patients.