Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of pancreatic insufficiency and chronic neutropenia in childhood.

In childhood, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is rarely encountered except as one of the features of cystic fibrosis, which is in contrast to the pattern of pancreatic disease in adults, where pancreatitis is common. However, paediatricians recognize that some children with symptoms of pancreatic insufficiency do not have the chronic chest infection and raised levels of electrolytes in the sweat characteristic of cystic fibrosis. Recently Bodian, Sheldon, and Lightwood (1964) have described congenital hypoplasia of the exocrine pancreas in 2 such children. Variable neutropenia and thrombocytopenic purpura occurred in both but did not receive special comment. In 1964 Shwachman, Diamond, Oski, and Khaw reported 5 similar patients, drawing particular attention to the association of haematological and pancreatic abnormalities. These reports stimulated us to review those of our patients whom we knew to have pancreatic exocrine insufficiency but not the other findings of cystic fibrosis, and those children with so-called idiopathic neutropenia. Two of us (C.M.A. and J.H.C.) had recognized as far back as 1946 one patient with both pancreatic insufficiency and chronic neutropenia, but had not pursued this association. A preliminary report of some of the findings in these patients has been published (Colebatch, Anderson, Simons, and Burke, 1965), but further patients have been encountered since that time. In all, 19 children have presented with, initially, at least one of these features, and 11 of them have now been shown to have both. Although the syndrome is rare, we consider it to be the major disorder of pancreatic exocrine function of children in whom cystic fibrosis has been excluded. Associated features are noteworthy in a number of the patients, particularly the radiological changes of metaphysial dysostosis. A familial incidence of the
Decreased monsoon precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere due to anthropogenic aerosols

The Northern Hemisphere monsoons are an integral component of Earth's hydrological cycle and affect the lives of billions of people. Observed precipitation in the monsoon regions underwent substantial changes during the second half of the twentieth century, with drying from the 1950s to mid‐1980s and increasing precipitation in recent decades. Modeling studies suggest that anthropogenic aerosols have been a key factor driving changes in tropical and monsoon precipitation. Here we apply detection and attribution methods to determine whether observed changes are driven by human influences using fingerprints of individual forcings (i.e., greenhouse gas, anthropogenic aerosol, and natural) derived from climate models. The results show that the observed changes can only be explained when including the influence of anthropogenic aerosols, even after accounting for internal climate variability. Anthropogenic aerosol, not greenhouse gas or natural forcing, has been the dominant influence on Northern Hemisphere monsoon precipitation over the second half of the twentieth century.
Effect of a behavioral intervention on dimensions of self-regulation and physical activity among overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study

Abstract The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the preliminary effect of a behavioral intervention on the use of self-regulation strategies and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes. 23 individuals recruited from ResearchMatc.org and campus advertisements were randomized into an intervention (n = 12) and control (n = 11) group. The intervention group received a behavioral intervention that used goal setting, time management, and self-monitoring to target dimensions of self-regulation and MVPA. The control received information regarding their PA habits. MVPA was measured via BodyMedia Armbands at pre- and post-test. The use of self-regulatory strategies for MVPA was assessed at pretest and posttest using the Self-Regulation for Exercise Scale. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated to determine the practical impact of the intervention. The intervention had a large effect on all dimensions of self-regulation across time: including total self-regulation (3.15), self-monitoring (4.63), goal setting (3.17), social support (1.29), self-reward (1.98), time management (4.41), and overcoming barriers (2.25). The intervention had no impact on dimensions of MVPA across time. This pilot study demonstrated the ability of a behavioral intervention to improve the use of self-regulation strategies for MVPA in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. These findings can further inform the development of health promotion programs to promote self-regulation. Future research should focus on determining ability of improvements in self-regulation to stimulate behavior change.
Monitoring treatment response of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia with certain molecular and biochemical markers

Apoptosis is the primary mechanism through which most chemotherapeutic agents induce tumor cell death. The purpose of this study was to monitor the expression of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic proteins CD95, Bcl‐2, as well as copper and zinc levels in the peripheral blood of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) prior to and 6 months after the beginning of chemotherapy. Blood parameters and bone marrow blast count were also assessed. Twenty of 26 patients who received treatment showed amelioration in apoptotic response, which is reflected in the elevation of CD95, whereas Bcl‐2 protein was significantly lowered. In these patients, the elevated serum copper level was not significantly affected whereas the low serum zinc level was significantly raised. Improvement in blood parameters and bone marrow blast count were also achieved. Taken together, the data suggested that assessment of apoptosis signaling molecules might have a predictive impact on treatment outcome. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 24:343–350, 2010; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20344
Preoperative Ketamine Improves Postoperative Analgesia After Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery

In this study, we evaluated the preemptive effect of a small dose of ketamine on postoperative wound pain. In a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, we compared the analgesic requirement in patients receiving preincision ketamine with ketamine after skin closure or placebo after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. One-hundred-thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive preincision or postoperative ketamine 0.15 mg/kg or saline IV. Anesthetic technique was standardized. Patients were interviewed regularly up to 4 wk after surgery. Pain score, morphine consumption, side effects, and quality of recovery score were recorded. Patients receiving preincision ketamine had a lower pain score in the first 6 h after operation compared with the postoperative (P = 0.001) or placebo groups (P < 0.001). The mean (95% confidence intervals) time to first request for analgesia in the preincision group, 1.8 h (1.4–2.1), was longer than the postoperative group, 1.2 h (0.9–1.5; P < 0.001), or the placebo group, 0.7 h (0.4–0.9; P < 0.001). The mean ± sd morphine consumption in the preincision group, 1.5 ± 2.0 mg, was less than that in the postoperative group, 2.9 ± 3.1 mg (P = 0.04) and the placebo group, 3.4 ± 2.7 mg (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference among groups with respect to hemodynamic variables or side effects. No patient complained of hallucinations or nightmares. We conclude that a small dose of ketamine is not only safe, but it also provides preemptive analgesia in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.
Chronic Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical, Laboratory, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Examination of 62 Patients

• Chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a common condition. Sixty-two patients with biopsy-proved, active DLE were observed and their conditions were analyzed for clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data. Fifty-six patients had disease limited to the skin—2 localized and 30 widespread (above and below the neck). At the time of follow-up examination, active disease was present in 32 patients, 28 of whom had widespread DLE. Six patients had DLE as a manifestation of systemic LE (SLE). In four patients, the DLE preceded the development of SLE. Laboratory abnormalities were substantially more common in patients with widespread DLE than in patients with localized DLE. An analysis of therapeutic results in this series confirmed the beneficial effects of intralesional corticosteroids and antimalarial agents and demonstrated relatively poor responsiveness to topical or oral corticosteroids. ( Arch Dermatol 1982;118:412-416)
Regulation of survival and death of mesangial cells by extracellular matrix.

BACKGROUND Cell-matrix interactions exert major effects on such phenotypic features as cell growth and differentiation. Apoptosis is an active form of cell death that is crucial for maintaining the appropriate number of cells as well as the organization of tissue. Recently, it has been suggested that apoptosis of the mesangial cells (MC) is important in glomerular remodeling after injury. The MC are surrounded by an extracellular matrix (ECM) in vivo. Since in disease conditions the mesangial matrix is altered quantitatively and qualitatively, it is of interest to determine whether cell-matrix interactions may influence apoptosis of the MC. METHODS We first investigated the differences in the susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli of the MC cultured on various ECM components (type I collagen, fibronectin, basement membrane matrix). We then determined whether the inhibition of MC-matrix interactions would affect apoptosis. Finally, interactions between MC and matrix were disrupted by the inhibition of beta1-integrin expression with antisense oligonucleotides (ODN). RESULTS When MC were cultured on type I collagen or fibronectin and deprived of serum for eight hours, the extracted DNA from the MC demonstrated an internucleosomal ladder pattern on gel electrophoresis that constituted the biochemical characteristic of apoptosis. However, no ladder pattern was apparent when MC were cultured on basement membrane matrix. The attachment of cells was completely inhibited when the MC were cultured on agarose-coated dishes for 24 hours. Gel electrophoresis of DNA extracted from these cells showed a ladder pattern. However, the MC attached to the substratum did not show any apoptosis. MC showed an increase in apoptotic cell death after treatment with antisense ODN against beta1-integrin molecule. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that normal ECM may prevent the MC from undergoing apoptosis and serve as a survival factor for MC. Signals from ECM that prevent apoptosis may be mediated by beta1-integrin molecules.
High Throughput Pseudorandom Number Generator Based on Variable Argument Unified Hyperchaos

This paper presents a new multioutput and high throughput pseudorandom number generator. The scheme is to make the homogenized Logistic chaotic sequence as unified hyperchaotic system parameter. So the unified hyperchaos can transfer in different chaotic systems and the output can be more complex with the changing of homogenized Logistic chaotic output. Through processing the unified hyperchaotic 4-way outputs, the output will be extended to 26 channels. In addition, the generated pseudorandom sequences have all passed NIST SP800-22 standard test and DIEHARD test. The system is designed in Verilog HDL and experimentally verified on a Xilinx Spartan 6 FPGA for a maximum throughput of 16.91 Gbits/s for the native chaotic output and 13.49 Gbits/s for the resulting pseudorandom number generators.
Non-Parametric Extrinsic and Intrinsic Calibration of Visual-Inertial Sensor Systems

This paper presents a solution for the extrinsic and intrinsic calibration of visual-inertial sensor systems. Calibration is formulated as a joint state and parameter estimation problem of a continuous-time system with discrete-time measurements. A maximum-likelihood estimator is derived to estimate the transform between cameras and inertial sensors, temporal alignment, and inertial sensor intrinsic parameters, such as scale factors, axes misalignment, and sensor noise characteristics. The estimator is simple to implement, consistent, and asymptotically attains the Cramér-Rao lower bound. In contrast to the existing methods, it requires no tuning parameters. Detailed results from repeated calibration experiments with a camera-inertial measurement unit system are reported and compared with the results obtained from a modern, parametric method. We reach a precision of <;1 mm in extrinsic translation, 1 mrad in orientation, and 10μs in time shift-within a calibration window of 20 s.
Sex‐related differences in developmental rates of bovine embryos produced and cultured in vitro

The classical concept of sex determination in mammals is that a Y chromosomal gene controls the development of the indifferent gonad into a testis. Subsequent divergence of sexual phenotypes is secondary to this gonadal determination. The most likely candidate gene is SRY (sex‐determining region Y) in humans, and Sry in mouse. However, several lines of evidence indicate that sexual dimorphism occurs even before the indifferent gonad appears. Here we present evidence that bovine male embryos generally develop to more advanced stages than do females during the first 8 days after insemination in vitro. Corresponding relationships between both cell numbers and mitotic indices and sex were also seen. Although it is not clear whether this phenomenon involves factors originating before or after fertilization, these findings suggest that sex‐related gene expression affects the development of embryos soon after activation of the embryonic genome and well before gonadal differentiation.
Development and evaluation of the Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015

Abstract Objective To update the Dutch Healthy Diet index, a measure of diet quality, to reflect adherence to the Dutch dietary guidelines 2015 and to evaluate against participants’ characteristics and nutrient intakes with the score based on 24 h recall (24 hR) data and FFQ data. Design The Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015 (DHD15-index) consists of fifteen components representing the fifteen food-based Dutch dietary guidelines of 2015. Per component the score ranges between 0 and 10, resulting in a total score between 0 (no adherence) and 150 (complete adherence). Setting Wageningen area, the Netherlands, 2011–2013. Subjects Data of 885 men and women, aged 20–70 years, participating in the longitudinal NQplus study, who filled out two 24 hR and one FFQ, were used. Results Mean (sd) score of the DHD15-index was 68·7 (16·1) for men and 79·4 (16·0) for women. Significant inverse trends were found between the DHD15-index and BMI, smoking, and intakes of energy, total fat and saturated fat. Positive trends were seen across sex-specific quintiles of the DHD15-index score with energy-adjusted micronutrient intakes. Mean DHD15-index score of the FFQ data was 15·5 points higher compared with 24 hR data, with a correlation coefficient of 0·56 between the scores. Observed trends of the DHD15-index based on FFQ with participant characteristics, macronutrient and energy-adjusted micronutrient intakes were similar to those with the DHD15-index based on 24 hR. Conclusions The DHD15-index score assesses adherence to the Dutch dietary guidelines 2015 and indicates diet quality. The DHD15-index score can be based on 24 hR data and on FFQ data.
Condom Use Among Female Sex Workers in China: Role of Gatekeepers

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the potential role of gatekeepers of establishments in promoting condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. Goals: The goals of this study were to explore FSWs' perceptions of gatekeeper attitudes and support for condom use, and to assess their association with FSWs' practice, communication, intention, proper use, knowledge of correct use, and perceptions related to condom use. Study: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study among 454 establishment-based FSWs in one Chinese county. Results: Perceived gatekeeper support for condom use was low among FSWs. Perceived support was positively associated with condom use communication with sexual partners, condom use frequency and intention, but not associated with proper condom use among FSWs. Perceived support was significantly associated with most condom use-related perceptions (e.g., self-efficacy of condom use, barriers to condom use, and perceived peer condom use) among FSWs. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should work with gatekeepers to create a supportive local environment for condom use in sex work establishments. Gatekeepers need to clearly articulate their support for condom use to the FSWs. Training and skill acquisition regarding correct use of condoms among FSWs will be necessary.
Genome-Wide Overexpression Screen Identifies Genes Able to Bypass p16-Mediated Senescence in Melanoma

Malignant melanomas often arise from nevi, which result from initial oncogene-induced hyperproliferation of melanocytes that are maintained in a CDKN2A/p16-mediated senescent state. Thus, genes that can bypass this senescence barrier are likely to contribute to melanoma development. We have performed a gain-of-function screen of 17,030 lentivirally expressed human open reading frames (ORFs) in a melanoma cell line containing an inducible p16 construct to identify such genes. Genes known to bypass p16-induced senescence arrest, including the human papilloma virus 18 E7 gene (HPV18E7), and genes such as the p16-binding CDK6 with expected functions, as well as panel of novel genes, were identified, including high-mobility group box (HMGB) proteins. A number of these were further validated in two other models of p16-induced senescence. Tissue immunohistochemistry demonstrated higher levels of CDK6 in primary melanomas compared with normal skin and nevi. Reduction of CDK6 levels drove melanoma cells expressing functional p16 into senescence, demonstrating its contribution to bypass senescence.
Synthesis of macroporous poly(dimethylsiloxane) scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

Macroporous, biostable scaffolds with controlled porous architecture were prepared from poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) using sodium chloride particles and a solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. The effect of particulate size range and overall porosity on the resulting structure was evaluated. Results found 90% v/v scaffolds and particulate ranges above 100 μm to have the most optimal open framework and porosity. Resulting hydrophobic PDMS scaffolds were coated with fibronectin and evaluated as a platform for adherent cell culture using human mesenchymal stem cells. Biocompatibility of PDMS scaffolds was also evaluated in a rodent model, where implants were found to be highly biocompatible and biostable, with positive extracellular matrix deposition throughout the scaffold. These results demonstrate the suitability of macroporous PDMS scaffolds for tissue engineering applications where strong integration with the host is desired.
Effect of 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid and Peptostreptococcus productus ATCC 35244 addition on stimulation of reductive acetogenesis in the ruminal ecosystem by selective inhibition of methanogenesis

Evidence is provided that reductive acetogenesis can be stimulated in ruminal samples during short-term (24-h) incubations when methanogenesis is inhibited selectively. While addition of the reductive acetogen Peptostreptococcus productus ATCC 35244 alone had no significant influence on CH4 and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production in ruminal samples, the addition of this strain together with 2-bromoethanesulfonic acid (BES) (final concentration, 0.01 or 0.03 mM) resulted in stimulation of acetic acid production and H2 consumption. Since acetate production exceeded amounts that could be attributed to reductive acetogenesis, as measured by H2 consumption, it was found that P. productus also fermented C6 units (glucose and fructose) heterotrophically to mainly acetate (> 99% of the total VFA). Using 14CH3COOH, we concluded that addition of BES and BES plus P. productus did not alter the consumption of acetate in ruminal samples. The addition of P. productus to BES-treated ruminal samples caused supplemental inhibition of CH4 production and stimulation of VFA production, representing a possible energy gain of about 13 to 15%.
Mutual Involvement in Families With Type 2 Diabetes Through Web-Based Health Care Solutions: Quantitative Survey Study of Family Preferences, Challenges, and Potentials

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent chronic disease that affects not just patients but entire families. Both the patient and the rest of the family may benefit from gaining knowledge about the disease and from supportive interfamilial interaction. The Internet is becoming a widely-used resource for health information, so a Web-based solution could potentially promote awareness and knowledge on how to manage T2D as a family, while also providing support for the family. Objective We aim to assess the usage of online diabetes information by patients with T2D and their relatives, and explore the families’ needs and preferences regarding online information on diabetes. Methods A quantitative self-reported questionnaire survey was performed with Danish families that had at least one family member diagnosed with T2D. The survey consisted of 36 closed questions on demographics, usage of the Internet, preferences in the source of information, interest in online information on six problem domains within family life related to T2D, preferences towards the delivery format of online information, and peer-to-peer communication. Two open-ended questions were also included to elicit any additional comments or suggestions about improving online information on T2D regarding family life. Results Fifty participants from 22 families with T2D answered the questionnaire individually. Relatives (25/28, 89%) and patients (22/22, 100%) indicated that information on T2D is relevant for them, while indicating that the Internet is the first or second preferred source when in need of information on T2D (25/28, 89% vs 21/22, 95%). Only a minority of the participants indicated that they had searched the Internet to gain knowledge on T2D regarding family life (9/28, 32% vs 10/22, 46%). Also, patients were more likely to have used the Internet to gain information on T2D (P=.027). Both groups indicated a preference for watching videos or reading about T2D in relation to family life while a minority of the participants indicated an interest in peer-to-peer communication. Regarding the six problem domains, the domains Support, Knowledge, and Everyday Life were slightly more popular. These three domains were considered interesting by at least 79% (22/28) and 73% (16/22) of the relatives and patients respectively, while the domains Communication, Worries, and Roles were considered interesting by at least 46% (20/28) and 50% (11/22). Conclusions Despite an interest in online information on T2D, there appears to be an unsatisfied need for more supportive online information on T2D aimed at Danish families with T2D. Based on family preferences, online information should focus on the six problem domains and be presented through text and videos by health care practitioners and peers. Peer-to-peer communication elements may be beneficial, but are only expected to be used by a very limited number of families.