Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Kieswerk of Pointe Saint-Mathieu and the Atlantic Wall

In this article a construction of the Atlantic Wall discovered on 02/01/2006 near the Pointe Saint Mathieu (Finistere, France) is identified and its purpose is clarified. It witnessed the presence, during the World War II, at Pointe Saint-Mathieu, of a Kieswerk or pebble factory in which the pebbles and/or crushed pebbles of the Ero Vili were stored and distributed. The Kieswerk was very likely to have participated in the construction of the Atlantic Wall fortifications of the Pointe Saint-Mathieu.
Protective effects of curcumin against genotoxicity induced by 131-iodine in human cultured lymphocyte cells

Background: 131-radioiodine has been widely used as an effective radionuclide for treatment of patients with thyroid diseases. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the radioprotective effects of curcumin as a natural product that protects against the genotoxic effects of 131I in human cultured lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples from human volunteers were incubated with curcumin at doses of 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL. After 1-hour incubation, the lymphocytes were incubated with 131I (100 μCi/1.5 ml) for 2 hours. The lymphocyte cultures were then mitogenically stimulated to allow for evaluation of the number of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Results: Incubation of lymphocytes with 131I at dose 100 μCi/1.5 mL induced genotoxicity shown by increase in micronuclei frequency in human lymphocytes. Curcumin at 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL doses significantly reduced the micronuclei frequency. Maximal protective effects and greatest decrease in micronuclei frequency were observed when whole blood was incubated with 50 μg/mL dose of curcumin with 52%. Conclusion: This study has important implications for patients undergoing 131I therapy. Our results indicate a protective role for curcumin against the genetic damage and side effects induced by 131I administration.
Arthroscopic Supraspinatus Tendon Repair with Suture-Bridging Technique

Background The suture-bridging technique is a new arthroscopic technique to repair rotator cuff tears. Biomechanical advantages compared with double-row fixations have been described. Hypothesis The authors hypothesized that arthroscopic suture-bridging repair of the supraspinatus tendon would result in a superior clinical outcome and lower retear rates compared with previously published results after double-row fixation. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Fifty-one consecutive patients, with a median age of 62 years (range, 37-76 years), who had undergone an arthroscopic suture-bridging repair of an isolated supraspinatus tendon tear were evaluated in this prospective study 4, 12, and a median of 24 months postoperatively. Subjective and functional outcome was assessed using the simple shoulder test and Constant score. With magnetic resonance imaging 12 months postoperatively, the tendon integrity and potential predictors of failures were evaluated. Results The simple shoulder test scores improved significantly from 9 points (range, 1-12 points) at 4 months, to 12 points (range, 1-12 points) at 12 months, and 12 points (range, 5-12 points) at 24 months postoperatively. The Constant score increased significantly from preoperative 64% (range, 37%-92%) to 82% (range, 36%-100%) at 4 months, 96% (range, 49%-100%) at 12 months, and 96% (range, 64%-100%) at 24 months postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging 12 months after surgery showed retears in 28.9%. Two different types of retears could be observed: insufficiently healed and medially retorn supraspinatus tendons. The Constant score did not differ significantly between the groups with retears and intact repairs. A patient age of more than 60 years was found to influence tendon healing significantly. Conclusion The hypothesis, that arthroscopic suture-bridging repair of the supraspinatus tendon would result in a superior clinical outcome and lower retear rates compared with previously published results after double-row fixation, could not be confirmed. The functional outcome after the new suture-bridging technique was good and comparable with the reported results after double-row repair from the literature. A structural failure of tendon repair was not identical to clinical failure.
Epstein Barr Virus the Cause of Multiple Sclerosis

Although many studies have found a kind of a relationship between an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a fundamental aspect of this relationship remains uncertain. What is the cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? In this study, we re-analysed the data as published by Wandinger et al. and were able to establish a new insight: without an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection no development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, we determined a highly significant causal relationship between Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis. Altogether, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is the cause of multiple sclerosis (p-value 0.0004251570).
Review: Causes of, and therapeutic approaches for, proton pump inhibitor-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease in Asia

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most widely used drugs for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, approximately 20% of patients with reflux esophagitis and 40% of those with nonerosive reflux diseases complain of troublesome symptoms, even during treatment with PPIs. In patients with reflux esophagitis, dose escalation and co-administration with a histamine H2-receptor antagonist are potential approaches, since the major cause of PPI resistance is incomplete suppression of gastric acid secretion. On the other hand, for patients with nonerosive reflux disease, switching from PPIs to pain modulators is often necessary for improvement of symptoms, since 25% of patients with nonerosive reflux disease have symptoms not caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux. Therapeutic approaches for PPI-resistant patients with reflux esophagitis and nonerosive reflux diseases are considered according to pathogenesis.
Coping responses following breast cancer diagnosis predict psychological adjustment three years later

The relationship between coping responses and psychological adjustment to a breast cancer diagnosis is well documented for time periods close to diagnosis. The purpose of the present study was to assess the long term association between these two variables. Fifty‐five women completed measures of coping response, decisional control, frustration expression, and psychological adjustment within six months of receiving their breast cancer diagnosis. These women were contacted three years later and their psychological adjustment—as measured by the profile of mood states (POMS)—was reassessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The results showed that women who were depressed at time of treatment planning, and who responded to their cancer diagnosis with cognitive avoidance, i.e. acceptance/resignation, had significantly worse psychological adjustment three years later. Poor adjustment was significantly associated with cognitive avoidance and minimal use of approach‐based coping responses. The findings suggest that women who respond to their breast cancer diagnosis with passive acceptance and resignation are at significant risk for poor long term psychological adjustment. Psychological interventions for these women should address cognitive avoidance, with the aim of fostering approach‐based coping and positive well‐being. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-frequency prospects of 2D nanomaterials for flexible nanoelectronics from baseband to sub-THz devices

We report on the state of the art sub-μm length (L) flexible two dimensional radio frequency thin film transistors operating in the velocity saturation regime for achieving maximum carrier transport or under high-field. We realize large-area monolayer MoS<sub>2</sub> on flexible polyimide with 5 GHz cut-off frequency (f<sub>T</sub>), a record value for flexible synthesized transitional metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). For higher frequency devices, flexible black phosphorus (BP) RF TFT is demonstrated for the first time with f<sub>T</sub> ~ 17.5 GHz for L = 0.5 μm, yielding v<sub>sat</sub> ~ 5.5 × 10<sup>6</sup> cm/s. In addition, for flexible sub-THz nanosystem front-ends, we have achieved record 100 GHz graphene TFTs (v<sub>sat</sub> ~ 8.8 × 106 cm/s) on flexible glass, 56% higher than that of graphene TFTs on polymeric substrates.
Mutation Analysis of the FHIT Gene in Bronchoscopic Specimens from Patients with Suspected Lung Cancer

Aims and Background Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. However, despite recent advances in molecular biology that have revealed various genetic changes in lung cancer, the prognostic outcome of lung cancer patients has improved only minimally. This situation has changed fundamentally with the identification of molecular abnormalities that are characteristic of premalignant changes, such as changes in tumor suppressor genes, loss of heterozygosity at crucial sites, and activation of oncogenes. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene Fragile Histidine Triad (FHIT) is a frequent genetic change in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to identify FHIT gene alterations in bronchoscopy specimens of patients with suspected lung cancer and to determine the molecular relevance, if any, of FHIT alterations in the development of cancer. Patients and Methods Sixty-two patients with suspected lung tumors were screened for variations within exons 5-9 of the FHIT gene using intronic primer pairs and single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing analysis. Results FHIT gene alterations were detected in 27 out of 62 bronchoscopic specimens (43.54%). All of these alterations were identified as T to A alteration at position IVS8-17. This intronic variant also was identified in approximately half of control cases (45%). Conclusions Our findings showed that the FHIT IVS8-17 T to A alteration identified in bronchoscopy specimens from patients with clinically suspected lung cancer is a polymorphism found in the Turkish population. We think that this polymorphism does not affect gene function because it is located in the intron portion of the gene and is present in many cancer patients as well as healthy subjects. We suggest that the FHIT gene may be turned off in lung carcinogenesis via other genetic or epigenetic mechanisms rather than mutations.
Trauma does not precipitate multiple sclerosis.

T HE ROLE of trauma in causing or aggravating multiple sclerosis (MS) has been intensely debated in the medical literature as well as in the courtroom for many years. In an attempt to develop a consensus opinion on this issue, the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology critically reviewed relevant published data on the possible effects of trauma on MS. In an article published in 1999, the subcommittee stated,
Inflammatory proteins in plasma and the risk of dementia: the rotterdam study.

BACKGROUND Increased levels of inflammatory proteins have been found in the brains and plasma samples of patients with dementia. Whether the levels of inflammatory proteins in plasma samples are elevated before clinical onset of dementia is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether high levels of inflammatory proteins in plasma samples are associated with an increased risk of dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING A case-cohort study within the Rotterdam Study, a population-based prospective cohort study in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS The source population comprises 6713 subjects who, at baseline (1990-1993), were free of dementia and underwent venipuncture. From these, we selected both a random subcohort of 727 subjects and 188 cases who had developed dementia at follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The associations between plasma levels of alpha1-antichymotrypsin, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, the soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and the risk of dementia were examined using the Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS High levels of alpha1-antichymotrypsin, interleukin 6, and, to a lesser extent, C-reactive protein were associated with an increased risk of dementia; rate ratios per standard deviation increase were 1.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.81), 1.28 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.55), and 1.12 (95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.25), respectively. Similar associations were observed for Alzheimer disease, whereas rate ratios of vascular dementia were higher for alpha1-antichymotrypsin and C-reactive protein. Soluble forms of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were not associated with dementia. CONCLUSION Plasma levels of inflammatory proteins are increased before clinical onset of dementia, Alzheimer disease, and vascular dementia.
PHYLOGENY OF THE MULTIVALVULIDAE (MYXOZOA: MYXOSPOREA) BASED ON COMPARATIVE RIBOSOMAL DNA SEQUENCE ANALYSIS

Fish parasites of the Multivalvulida (Myxozoa, Myxosporea) are widespread and can be associated with mortality or poor flesh quality in their commercially important marine hosts. Traditional classifications divide members of this order into families based on spore valve and polar capsule numbers. Analyses of the small-subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences from all representative families in the order (Trilosporidae, Kudoidae, Pentacapsulidae, Hexacapsulidae, and Septemcapsulidae) indicate that a revision of the taxonomy and nomenclature is warranted. In our phylogenetic analysis of (SSU and large subunit) rDNA sequences, members of Pentacapsula, Hexacapsula, and Septemcapsula root within a clade of Kudoa species with Unicapsula (Trilosporidae) as an outlier to these genera. Therefore, we propose to synonymize Pentacapsulidae, Hexacapsulidae, and Septemcapsulidae with Kudoidae alter the diagnosis of Kudoidae and Kudoa to accommodate all marine myxozoan parasites having 4 or more shell valves and polar capsules.
A method for evaluating cocaine-induced social preference in rats

Drug addicts are extremely sensitive to cues that predict drug availability and exposure to these cues can facilitate drug relapse. Cues vary in their nature but can include drug-associated paraphernalia, environmental contexts, and discrete conditioned stimuli (e.g., advertisements). One cue that has recently been heavily investigated is that of social interaction. To date, it has been demonstrated that when cocaine is conditioned with social interaction, place preference for cocaine significantly increases, suggesting that the presence of social interaction during a drug-associated “high” enhances the magnitude of drug reward. When social interaction is provided in a mutually exclusive, non-drug environment though, it can serve as a preventative stimulus towards cocaine seeking. What remains unknown is whether contact with rats associated with drug experience facilitates preferential social interactions for those rats. The first step in answering this question is to determine if rats can behaviorally discriminate between drug-associated and non-drug-associated conspecifics, much like humans can differentiate their “drug-friends” from their non-drug-using friends. Using a custom social interaction chamber, in which rats were able to interact with two distinct conspecifics via holes in a boundary wall, we demonstrate that rats exhibit more interactive and investigative behavior towards a partner that was consistently present during the drug-state, than a partner that was present when the rat was “sober”. It is our hope that this protocol will contribute to the development of models designed to study social cue-induced reinstatement, and related neural substrates, and will ultimately contribute to the treatment of substance use disorders.
The rise of atopy and links to infection

Atopy is the state of allergy to common environmental antigens. Genetic and environmental factors promote the disorder. The impressive rise in prevalence, mainly centred on socio‐economically developed communites around the world, emphasizes the potent action of environmental factors in moulding this immune disorder which is characterized by inadequately restrained Th‐2 immune mechanisms and IgE production. Reversing the epidemiological trend depends on our identifying the major environmental inputs and acting against these. As yet, the nature of these environmental factors remains to be clarified. Candidate factors include changes in diet, chemical air pollution and microbial exposures in developed countries. This article limits its scope to changing microbial exposures as a potential mechanism. (a) It records epidemiological data that have associated atopic status with less natural exposure to pathogens, parasites and commensal micro‐organisms, but with more exposure to certain antibiotics and public health immunizations in early life. (b) It records studies in mice that support the concept that certain microbial exposures can inhibit experimental allergy. (c) It considers potential immune mechanisms for such an action, including the possibility that certain natural infections promote immune regulatory processes that can restrain atopy. It is concluded that the hypothesis that changing patterns of microbial exposure may have promoted the rise in atopy is viable, and that exciting possibilities for reversing the rise of atopy may be derived from further studies.
Giant cells in pyoderma gangrenosum

It has been claimed that pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) lesions may contain granulomatous foci when associated with Crohn’s disease. To test this assertion, we obtained clinical histories and archived cutaneous biopsies from 34 PG patients. Thirteen of these patients had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Immunostaining with PGM1, a macrophage marker, revealed well‐formed giant cells with three or more nuclei in biopsies from 6 of 13 patients with IBD. Five of the 6 biopsies came from patients with Crohn’s disease and one from a patient with ulcerative colitis. Two were peristomal. In the 21 patients who had PG without IBD, no giant cells were seen. Thus, PGM1+ histiocytic giant cells within a PG lesion may be indicative of associated IBD (p=0.006), particularly Crohn’s disease.
Familial aggregation of tonsillectomy in early childhood and adolescence

Background The tonsils are immunological gatekeepers against pathogens. Immunological response to tonsillitis may vary clinically from no enlargement of the tonsils to nearly obstructive conditions. In this investigation, we studied the familial aggregation of tonsillectomy, as an indicator of the extent to which tonsillar immune responses to infections might be genetically controlled. Methods Data on kinship relations and vital status from the Danish Civil Registration System were used to establish a cohort of Danes with relatives born since 1977. Tonsillectomies in all hospitals and clinics from 1977 to 2013 were identified in national registers together with the indication for tonsillectomy. Rate ratios (RRs) for tonsillectomy >1 year after tonsillectomy in specific types of relatives (first to fourth degree) were estimated in Poisson regression models with adjustment for calendar period, sex, age, and total number of specified relatives. Results A cohort of 2.4 million persons was followed for 44,100,697 million person-years (mean 18.4 years/person), and included 148,190 tonsillectomies. RRs of tonsillectomy were consistently higher when the relatedness and the number of tonsillectomized relatives were higher. RRs were similar in boys and girls, but were larger in early childhood. Additional analyses suggested that this relatively higher RR at younger ages was due to a larger influence of shared environment at younger ages, whereas the genetic influence was similar at all ages. Results were similar for tonsillectomies performed strictly due to tonsillitis. Conclusions Genetic factors appear to predispose to severe tonsillitis underlying tonsillectomies, regardless of age and sex. Further studies are needed to understand how genes regulate the tonsils’ immune response against infections.
Effects of Fluid Resuscitation Methods on the Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines and Expression of Adhesion Molecules After Burn Injury

Fluid resuscitation management can influence inflammatory response after burn injury. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of two fluid resuscitation methods on the cytokine production and on the expression of the leukocyte surface markers. Thirty patients were included in this prospective randomized study with burn injury affecting more than 20% of the body surface area. Fluid resuscitation was guided by hourly urine output (HUO, n = 15) or by intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI, n = 15). Blood samples were taken on admission and on the next five consecutive mornings. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated and -nonstimulated samples. Leukocyte surface marker expressions (CD11a, CD11b, CD14, CD18, CD49d, and CD97) were also determined. In the ITBVI group, IL-6 levels on days 2 to 3 and IL-6/IL-10 ratios on days 2 to 3, and the IL-8/IL-10 ratios on days 3 to 5 were significantly higher than those in HUO group (P < .05). In the HUO group, IL-10 levels were significantly higher (P < .05) on days 4 and 5. Granulocyte CD11a levels on day 2, CD11b levels on days 4 to 6, lymphocyte CD11a on days 5 to 6, CD11b on days 3 to 6, CD49d on days 2 to 6, CD97 on day 6, monocyte CD11a, CD11b, CD18 levels on days 4 to 6, and CD14 levels on days 3 to 5 were significantly higher in the HUO group (P < .05). Our study suggests that ITBVI-guided fluid resuscitation of burned patients suppresses the shift toward anti-inflammatory imbalance and the expression of leukocyte surface markers more than HUO-guided resuscitation.
Exploration of health perceptions and assistive technology use by driving status as related to transportation independence in New Delhi, India

Purpose: This study investigates travel tendencies among people with disabilities and senior citizens in New Delhi, India to reveal relationships between the desire for transportation independence, use of assistive technology for mobility, travel frequency, and satisfaction with available modes of transportation. Method: Study volunteers received invitations to complete a one-time, three-part questionnaire. The survey included an assessment battery developed by the Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center, questions featured in the 2002 National Transportation Availability and Use Survey, and a variation on the PARTS/M and FABS/M questionnaires. Results: 80 study participants completed the questionnaire, and were grouped according to driving status as No Driving Experience (NDE), Ceased Driving (CD), and Continue To Drive (CTD). Participants in the NDE group were less likely to use transportation more than twice daily. However, the CD group had the lowest perceived value for available transportation options, with transportation use comparable to the CTD group and an enduring desire to continue driving. Conclusions: Study findings suggest an inner drive for transportation independence. The rise of driving culture internationally presents driver rehabilitation services with challenges due to the need for vehicle modifications and driving assessment using manual transmission automobiles, scooters, and motorcycles. Implications for Rehabilitation The percentage of responses to using scooters was near the same level as adapted vehicles showing that people are maintaining their transportation independence as drivers of vehicles beyond the category of automobiles. The prevalence of manual transmission automobiles and scooters/motorcycles imply stark differences to the demand for vehicle modifications and guidelines for assessment of fitness to drive. Inconsistencies in policy enforcement coupled with an automotive market that favors manual transmission vehicles could present PWD in New Delhi with greater barriers to driving as compared to the US context.