Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surfactant and its Role in the Upper Respiratory System and Eustachian Tube

Surfactant and its Role in the Upper Respiratory System and Eustachian Tube Surfactant research was originally directed toward lung mechanics, however, with growing information on the biology of the surfactant system it has expanded beyond the borders of basic physiology. The research has become interdisciplinary, not only considering aspects of lungs biology relevant for breathing, but also those aspects relevant for airway defence. Surfactant consists mainly of phospholipids that lower the alveolar surface tension to prevent lung collapse at expiration. They also support mechanical elimination of inhaled pathogens by reducing the viscosity of airway mucus. Approximately 8-10% of surfactant is made up of proteins. Among them, specific proteins SP-A and SP-D play a crucial role in the innate defence system. They belong to collectins family and serve as the first step in immune response to inhaled pathogens. In limited extent, SP-B and SP-C are also involved in immunomodulation. Although numerous studies have focused on the physiological function of surfactant in the lower airways, relatively little is known about its role in the upper respiratory system. Identification of lamellar bodies in ciliated epithelium of the upper airways indicates that surfactant may have a role in normal sinonasal function and pathology. Decreased levels of the main component of surfactant, phospholipids, have been implicated in atrophic rhinitis and altered levels of surfactant proteins have been observed in a number of respiratory tract diseases. The pattern of inflammation in the upper respiratory tract generally appears to parallel that in the lower airways and nowadays upper respiratory disease and lower airway disease are considered as two manifestations of one pathological process. Therefore, surfactant proteins may play a significant role in the upper respiratory tract diseases. In addition, surfactant has been identified in the Eustachian tube where it helps to lower the opening pressure between nasopharynx and middle ear. The alterations in surfactant levels may adversely affect Eustachian tube function and contribute to chronic ear infection. The review summarizes the current knowledge on the presence and the role of surfactant in the upper respiratory system and Eustachian tube.
The Relative Operating Characteristic in Psychology

The clinician looking, listening, or feeling for signs of a disease may far prefer a false alarm to a miss, particularly if the disease is serious and contagious. On the other hand, he may believe that the available therapy is marginally effective, expensive, and debilitating. The pilot seeing the landing lights only when they are a few yards away may decide that his plane is adequately aligned with the runway if he is alone and familiar with that plight. He may be more inclined to circle the field before another try at landing if he has many passengers and recent memory of another plane crashing under those circumstances. The Food and Drug administrator suspecting botulism in a canned food may not want to accept even a remote threat to the public health. But he may be less clearly biased if a recent false alarm has cost a canning company millions of dollars and left some damaged reputations. The making of almost any fine discrimination is beset with such considerations of probability and utility, which are extraneous and potentially confounding when one is attempting to measure the acuity of discrimination per se. The ROC is an analytical technique, with origins in statistical decision theory and electronic detection theory, that quite effectively isolates the effects of the observer's response bias, or decision criterion, in the study of discrimination behavior. This capability, pursued through a century of psychological testing, provides a relatively pure measure of the discriminability of different stimuli and of the capacity of organisms to discriminate. The ROC also treats quantitatively the response, or decision, aspects of choice behavior. The decision parameter can then be functionally related to the probabilities of the stimulus alternatives and to the utilities of the various stimulus-response pairs, or to the observer's expectations and motivations. In separating and quantifying discrimination and decision processes, the ROC promises a more reliable and valid solution to some practical problems and enhances our understanding of the perceptual and cognitive phenomena that depend directly on these fundamental processes. In several problem areas in psychology, effects that were supposed to reflect properties of the discrimination process have been shown by the ROC analysis to reflect instead properties of the decision process.
Old English þa “now that” and the Integrity of Beowulf

In the Old English Genesis A, when the dove released by Noah finds land and green woods, it fails to return to the ark: nolde gladu aefre under salwed bord syððan aetywan on þellfaestenne, þa hire þ.
Estrogen therapy and risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women: a case-control study and results of a multivariate analysis

Objective: Several randomized trials and observational studies show that the use of hormone therapy (HT) increases the risk of breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of exposure to both HT and oral contraceptives (OCs) on BC risk in postmenopausal women, all residing in the same metropolitan area. Methods: Data regarding a series of 238 consecutive postmenopausal women with infiltrating ductal carcinoma (cases) and 255 randomly selected age-matched healthy women (controls) were reviewed. Odds ratios for no breast-feeding and HT and OC use were 1.82 (95% CI, 1.20-2.77), 2.49 (95% CI, 1.73-3.58), and 2.06 (95% CI 1.14-3.70), respectively. Results: Four independent variables (years between menarche and menopause, breast-feeding, OC use, and HT use) were included in the final multivariate analysis using logistic regression. The cumulative odds ratio calculated from the observed versus predicted values, obtained using the logistic regression function, was 4.55 (95% CI, 2.13-9.71), whereas the cumulative risk of common exposure to both OCs and HT was 2.77 (95% CI, 1.44-5.32). The logistic model correctly classified 67.5% (95% CI, 63.2-71.5) of cases. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the complete logistic function showed a fair area of accuracy (0.77; 95% CI, 0.72-0.81). Conclusions: Our results show that the risk of common exposure to both OCs and HT increases in women with other risk factors. However, several parameters traditionally considered in epidemiological studies do not have the same weight in each local community, suggesting the need to create different models to correctly select the high-risk population.
High rollers from Mainland China: a profile based on 99 cases.

Zhonglu Zeng David F arrest Macao's casinos win a high proportion of their revenue from high rollers from Mainland China but some of these generate social problems back home. We analyze 99 cases of high rollers whose activities came to media attention, building a profile of them based on information in the reports. They were mainly from areas near Macao or from particularly rich regions of China. Most were male, aged 3049. They tended to be government officials, managers of state-owned businesses or owners of private enterprises. They lost as much as US$12.08 million on a single trip. Their average accumulated loss amounted to US$3.36 million by the time their activities were stopped, typically no more than four years from when they started high stakes gambling. Their motives for gambling had been to win money or experience excitement. Early experiences of large wins and cognitive biases regarding gaming appeared to be important factors driving their behavior. Evidence from the 99 cases is argued to suggest inadequacies in the regulation of casinos in Macao which, if not addressed, could threaten the sustainability of the industry there.
THE CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF GROUP A COXSACKIE VIRUSES

The purpose of this paper is to review the available data that link Group A Coxsackie viruses with clinical manifestations and to assess these data within the framework of certain fundamental clinical and epidemiological facts about these viruses. Group A Coxsackie viruses are those that induce flaccid paralysis and marked muscle degeneration, but no significant central nervous system lesions, in suckling mice and which cause no apparent disease in adult mice. These viruses may be differentiated in suckling mice from Group B Coxsackie viruses that tend to cause encephalomyelitis, focal myositis, and fat necrosis. The several types within each group are also immunologically distinct. I n fact, since Group A viruses frequently are associated with herpangina and Group B viruses with pleurodynia and aseptic meningitis, it would appear that there is also a clinical distinction between the groups in humans. This paper refers only to Group A Coxsackie viruses Types A1 through A10 since, thus far, there are very few data on the newer serotypes A l l through A19 in relation to disease. Let me then try to review the epidemiological background of Group A Coxsackie viruses: Prevalence. A certain percentage of any given number of individuals tested, particularly during the summer, will be found to harbor Group A Coxsackie viruses regardless of their state of health or illness. TABLE 1 indicates that, in the experience of the National Institutes of Health, from 1.5 to 7.5 per cent of several groups of healthy or nonspecifically ill persons tested during the summer were carrying Group A Coxsackie viruses, particularly those types associated with herpangina. *-6 These findings are corroborated by studies from Egypt, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Australia, The Netherlands, Cuba, Brazil, and the United States. ’-” TABLE 2 represents an extraction of data from these sources and indicates an aggregate isolation rate of 4.3 per cent Group A viruses from persons with miscellaneous illnesses or from healthy persons. A concurrent epidemic of poliomyelitis and Coxsackie A1 virus infection has been excluded from these data.ls That some Group A Coxsackie virus infections occur without inducing observable clinical disease is suggested by their prevvalence in survey groups, but it is confirmed by several studies in which close clinical observations were made. For example, complete illness histories were available on 28 virus-positive persons in the original studies carried out by the National Institutes of Health a t Parkwood, Md. Twenty-one of these were not ill a t any time within 10 days of virus isolation. In a hospital study of patients with poliomyelitis, regular supplementary clinical observations were recorded, especially for signs of herpangina. In 4 (1) Subclinical infection.
Pregnancy, Smoking and Birth Outcomes

This review summarizes the epidemiology and consequences of maternal smoking in pregnancy, with emphasis on the adverse effects on birth outcomes. In developed countries, approximately 15%, and in developing countries, approximately 8% of women smoke cigarettes, and adolescents and women from lower socioeconomic groups are more likely than other women to smoke while pregnant. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is the largest modifiable risk factor for intrauterine growth restriction. A meta-analysis of recent studies showed that the pooled estimate for reduction of mean birthweight was 174 g (95% confidence limits 132–220 g). Other studies confirm a weaker association between maternal smoking and preterm birth. The population attributable risk of low birthweight due to maternal smoking in the UK is estimated to be 29–39%. Tobacco smoke toxins damage the placenta and may lead to placental abruption, abortion or placenta praevia. Infants of mothers who smoke in pregnancy are at an increased risk of respiratory complications including asthma, obesity and, possibly, behavioral disorders. These effects may be dose-related, as there is good evidence that mean birthweight decrements are greater with increased numbers of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy. Cotinine is a useful indicator of tobacco smoke exposure in pregnant women and higher levels in body fluids have been related to lower birthweights. Maternal genetic polymorphisms of the cytochrome P (CYP)450 and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) subfamilies of metabolic genes influence the magnitude of the effect of nicotine exposure on birth outcomes through their influence on nicotine metabolism. Greatly increased risk of cigarette smoke-induced diseases, including low birthweight, has been found in individuals with susceptible genotypes. Interventions to control maternal smoking are also considered.
Genetic contribution of major histocompatibility complex class II region to type 1 autoimmune hepatitis susceptibility in Venezuela

Aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive liver disease characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinaemia and a favourable response to immunosuppressive treatment. Although the pathogenesis of type 1 AIH is unknown, disease susceptibility is partially determined by genes linked to the class II region of the major histocompatibility complex. Type 1 AIH has been associated with DRB1*03, DRB1*04 and DRB3 alleles in European and North American Caucasians, with DRB1*0405 in Japanese, with DRB1*0404 in Mexican, and with DRB1*1301 in Argentinean populations.
Do we operate too many cataracts? The referred cataract patients' own appraisal of their need for surgery.

A questionnaire was sent to 379 patients referred for cataract extraction, asking them to assess their visual disability and their need for surgery. Two hundred and seventy-nine patients (73.6%) answered the questionnaire, this group being representative for the 379 patients regarding all relevant variables. The patient's answers were analyzed in relation to data extracted from their referral notes (visual acuity, monocular pseudophakia, age, sex, place of residence, referring ophthalmologist). The overall level of self-reported visual problems and need for cataract surgery were significantly correlated to a reduced best-eye visual acuity, although the correlation factor was low. A similar correlation between the subjective need for surgery and a worst-eye visual acuity < or = 6/24 was also found. Forty-seven patients (16.9%) answered that cataract surgery was not needed for the time being, and this attitude was not significantly correlated to the visual acuity, provided the acuity was > or = 6/24 in the best eye and > or = 6/36 in the worst eye. One hundred and twenty patients (43.0%) felt that their visual disability was so severe that they had to be operated within 1 month and 67 patients (24.0%) within 3 months, while 45 patients (16.1%) felt that surgery could be postponed for at least 6 months. Age, sex, place of residence and the presence of monocular pseudophakia were not found to significantly influence the level of self-reported visual problems. Only 18.3% preferred to be treated as out-patients.
The Iron Age in Western Spain (800 BC–AD 50): An Overview

Vettonia was one of the most important Celtic regions in Iberia which emerged in the Iron Age. It corresponds largely to western Spain, between the Duero and Tagus valleys. The archaeological evidence indicates that the formation of this ethnic group lay in an historical process whose roots went back to the Late Bronze Age-Early Iron Age, when we begin to find a regular association between the first fortified sites and stable populations. These groups did not consolidate before the second half of the first millennium BC, in parallel with the development of other peoples of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula. This period can be recognized in particular through the spread of the ritual of cremation, ironworking, the adoption of the potter's wheel and the expansion of some settlements - oppida - which were ultimately to disappear with the Roman conquest. This paper sets out to examine the evolution of the area from an indigenous perspective, examining the process of change before and after the evidence referred to by Greek and Roman writers.
Assessment of the quality and content of national and international guidelines on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy using the AGREE II instrument

Objectives High-quality evidence-based clinical practice guidelines can guide diagnosis and treatment to optimise outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality and content of national and international guidelines on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Data Sources: The MEDLINE database, the National Guideline Clearinghouse and several international databases were searched for appropriate guidelines from the past 10 years. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Six guidelines met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Results A total of 695 records were identified and screened by two authors. Disorder definitions, classifications, preventive measures and treatment recommendations were evaluated and compared among guidelines. AGREE II results varied widely across domains and categories. Only two guidelines received consistently high ratings across domains and few demonstrated a high level of methodological rigour. Recommendations regarding classification and treatment were similar across guidelines, while assessment of preventive measures varied widely. Conclusions Clinical practice guidelines for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy vary significantly in quality and with respect to assessment of preventive measures.
Influence of the food to microorganisms (F/M) ratio and temperature on batch anaerobic digestion processes with and without zeolite addition

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the food to microorganisms (F/M) ratio and temperature on batch anaerobic digestion processes carried out with and without zeolite addition as a microbial carrier. Three laboratory-scale experimental runs were conducted using a synthetic substrate with a COD:N:P ratio of 500:5:1. The first run (I) was conducted at a constant temperature of 27°C, increasing the F/M ratio from 0.21 to 0.40 (g COD/g VSS). During the second run (II) the temperature and the F/M ratio increased from 27°C to 37°C and from 0.21 to 0.40, respectively. Finally, in the third experimental run (III) the F/M ratio achieved high values (1.92 and 1.30) either by varying the substrate concentration at a constant biomass concentration or by increasing the biomass concentration at a constant substrate concentration. Higher biomass growth rate, COD removal and methane production were found in the reactors with zeolite, especially at the highest F/M assayed during the first run. The highest ammonium removals were also achieved at the highest F/M ratio (0.40) in the reactors with zeolite. Within the range studied (25°C–37°C) in the reactors with zeolite operating at 37°C, the second run demonstrated the low influence of temperature on substrate consumption and ammonia removal, with 93% and 70% of COD and ammonia removal efficiencies, respectively. The third run corroborated the results previously obtained and fit the experimental results to simple kinetic models, the Monod model being the most adequate for predicting the behavior of the systems studied. The maximum specific microorganism growth rate (μmax ) values for the reactors with zeolite were almost twice as high as those obtained for the reactors without zeolite for similar F/M ratios.
OCA-B Is a Functional Analog of VP16 but Targets a Separate Surface of the Oct-1 POU Domain

OCA-B is a B-cell-specific coregulator of the broadly expressed POU domain transcription factor Oct-1. OCA-B associates with the Oct-1 POU domain, a bipartite DNA-binding structure containing a POU-specific (POU[S]) domain joined by a flexible linker to a POU homeodomain (POU[H]). Here, we show that OCA-B alters the activity of Oct-1 in two ways. It provides a transcriptional activation domain which, unlike Oct-1, activates an mRNA-type promoter effectively, and it stabilizes Oct-1 on the Oct-1-responsive octamer sequence ATGCAAAT. These properties of OCA-B parallel those displayed by the herpes simplex virus Oct-1 coregulator VP16. OCA-B, however, interacts with a different surface of the DNA-bound Oct-1 POU domain, interacting with both the POU(S) and POU(H) domains and the center of the ATGCAAAT octamer sequence. The OCA-B and VP16 interactions with the Oct-1 POU domain are sufficiently different to permit OCA-B and VP16 to bind the Oct-1 POU domain simultaneously. These results emphasize the structural versatility of the Oct-1 POU domain in its interaction with coregulators.
Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism analysis reveals recent genetic introgression from domestic pigs into Northwest European wild boar populations

Present‐day genetic introgression from domestic pigs into European wild boar has been suggested in various studies. However, no hybrids have been identified beyond doubt mainly because available methods were unable to quantify the extent of introgression and rule out natural processes. Genetic introgression from domestic pigs may have far‐reaching ecological consequences by altering traits like the reproduction rate or immunology of wild boar. In this study, we demonstrate a novel approach to investigate genetic introgression in a Northwest (NW) European wild boar data set using a genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay developed for domestic pigs. We quantified the extent of introgression using allele frequency spectrum analysis, in silico hybridization simulations and genome distribution patterns of introgressed SNPs. Levels of recent introgression in the study area were expected to be low, as pig farming practices are prevailingly intensive and indoors. However, evidence was found for geographically widespread presence of domestic pig SNPs in 10% of analysed wild boar. This was supported by the identification of two different pig mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in three of the identified hybrid wild boar, suggesting that introgression had occurred from multiple sources (pig breeds). In silico hybridization simulations showed that the level of introgression in the identified hybrid wild boar is equivalent to first‐generation hybrids until fifth‐generation backcrosses with wild boar. The distribution pattern of introgressed SNPs supported these assignments in four of nine hybrids. The other five hybrids are considered advanced‐generation hybrids, resulting from interbreeding among hybrid individuals. Three of nine hybrids were genetically associated with a different wild boar population than the one in which they were sampled. This discrepancy suggests that genetic introgression has occurred through the escape or release of an already hybridized farmed wild boar stock. We conclude that genetic introgression from domestic pigs into NW European wild boar populations is more recent and more common than expected and that genome‐wide SNP analysis is a promising tool to quantify recent hybridization in free‐living populations.