Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals of metastability exchange optical pumping in helium

Advances in metastability exchange optical pumping (MEOP) at high laser powers, but also at high gas pressures and high magnetic field strengths, has provided strong motivation for revisiting the understanding of the limitations of this powerful technique. A comprehensive model has been developed for improved description of the combined effects of OP, ME, and relaxation, and of detailed MEOP features observed over the broad range of operating conditions. A brief description is provided, with illustrative comparisons of computed and experimental results. This improved tool is used to explain the excellent photon efficiency of OP obtained at all field strengths. It is combined with an angular momentum budget approach to quantitatively investigate the newly discovered strong OP-enhanced polarisation losses that currently limits MEOP performance.
The impact of metabolic state on Cd adsorption onto bacterial cells

This study examines the effect of bacterial metabolism on the adsorption of Cd onto Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial cells. Metabolically active Gram‐positive cells adsorbed significantly less Cd than non‐metabolizing cells. Gram‐negative cells, however, showed no systematic difference in Cd adsorption between metabolizing and non‐metabolizing cells. The effect of metabolism on Cd adsorption to Gram‐positive cells was likely due to an influx of protons in and around the cell wall from the metabolic proton motive force, promoting competition between Cd and protons for adsorption sites on the cell wall. The relative lack of a metabolic effect on Cd adsorption onto Gram‐negative compared to Gram‐positive cells suggests that Cd binding in Gram‐negative cells is focused in a region of the cell wall that is not reached, or is unaffected by this proton flux. Thermodynamic modeling was used to estimate that proton pumping causes the pH in the cell wall of metabolizing Gram‐positive bacteria to decrease from the bulk solution value of 7.0 to approximately 5.7.
Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and colon cancer: myth or reality? A case report and literature review

A relationship between infective endocarditis and colon cancer was established in 1950, and Streptococcus bovis was successfully isolated in 1970. However, this association and its pathogenesis still remain unclear. In this paper, we describe the clinical case of a patient with a history of colon cancer and infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis. The role of S bovis as an aetiological agent in the development of colon cancer is intriguing but uncertain. S bovis infection should be considered a silent sign of gastrointestinal malignancy or hepatic disease. We believe that in order to demonstrate the presence of colon cancer, all patients with S bovis infection require an endoscopic investigation of the colon.
Use of a GnRH antagonist in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted conception in women with polycystic ovary disease: a randomized, prospective, pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To compare the outcome of using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists versus agonists in women with polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) who underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for assisted reproductive techniques (ART). STUDY DESIGN A total of 129 patients with PCOD were randomly allocated to undergo COH with a GnRH antagonist (59 patients) and GnRH agonist (leuprolide acetate) (70 patients) to prevent a premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Assisted fertilization following oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer was performed. RESULTS None of the cycles were cancelled due to a premature LH surge. There was no significant difference between the antagonist and agonist arms in the number of gonadotropin ampules consumed per cycle. However, in the antagonist arm a shorter duration of ovarian stimulation was recorded as compared to the agonist arm. Although similar numbers of oocytes was retrieved from both groups of patients, the quality of the oocytes, as measured by metaphase 2/total oocyte ratio, was lower in the antagonist arm as compared to the agonist arm. Pregnancy rates were 57.6% and 58.5% in the antagonist and agonist arms, respectively (p > 0.05). Implantation rates were not different (34.0% and 34.6%, respectively). The frequency of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome also did not differ between the treatment groups (5% and 7.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION The size of our study, on a specific subgroup of patients, does not allow a reliable conclusion regarding ART outcomefollowing the use of a GnRH antagonist versus agonist. Nevertheless, the protocol with the antagonist gave results that were as good as those of the protocol with the agonist in this PCOD patient population.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: ESMO minimum clinical recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

The diagnosis of CLL is established by a sustained increase of peripheral CD5+ B-lymphocytes (‡5 · 10 cells/l) not explained by other clinical disorders and a predominance of small, morphologically mature lymphocytes in the blood smear. The composite immunophenotype CD5+, CD19+, CD20+ (low), CD23+, sIg low, CD79b low, FMC7– allows most cases of CLL to be distinguished from other CD5+ B-cell lymphoma. For prognostic and therapeutic reasons, every effort should be made for adequate differential diagnosis to exclude mantle cell lymphoma, splenic marginal zone lymphoma etc. by applying morphology, immunophenotyping and FISH and/or molecular biology for detection of t(11;14) translocation. In cases with isolated rapid tumor growth, biopsy should be performed to exclude Richter’s syndrome. The following examinations are recommended prior to treatment initiation [III, B]: history and physical examination, including a careful palpation of all lymph node areas; complete and differential blood count; serum chemistry, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bilirubin, serum immunoglobulin; Coombs’ test; chest X-ray; and infectious disease status, especially viral hepatitis, CMV. The following additional examinations prior to treatment are desirable [III, C]: bone marrow biopsy is not needed for diagnosis, but is recommended prior to initiating therapy in cases with cytopenia. Because the detection of cytogenetic abnormalities by FISH has apparent prognostic and predictive value, this examination should be performed prior to therapy. Newer prognostic parameters, such as the expression of CD38, ZAP70 and the immunoglobulin mutational status (IgVH mutation), may predict the time to progression from an early stage to advanced disease, but should not be used for a treatment indication in CLL. CT scans are recommended only in clinical trials to assume the treatment response [III, C].
Spatiotemporal development of oligodendrocytes in the embryonic brain

In the central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes have long been considered to be the last cell type to be generated during development. In rodents, the progenitor cells that give rise to oligodendrocytes have been reported to originate in the subventricular zone. Here, we review recent data demonstrating the existence of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the ventricular layer of the neural tube that emerge prior to the progenitor stage. Oligodendrocyte precursors arise in restricted foci that are distributed along the rostrocaudal axis of the neural tube, for the most part ventrally. The generation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells occurs either simultaneously with, or follows closely upon the emergence of the first neurons. Experiments with quail‐chick chimeras provide evidence that oligodendrocyte progenitors derived from ventricular precursors migrate either tangentially or radially to colonize extensive or segmentally retricted territories of the brain. The choice depends on their site of origin. Finally, we discuss the possibility that oligodendrocytes could be a mosaic population that originates from at least two types of precursor cells. J. Neurosci. Res. 59:471–476, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Value of patch tests in pristinamycin‐induced drug eruptions

1. Garcı́a Pérez A, Condé Salazar L, Giménez Camarasa J M. Tratado de dermatosis profesionales, 1st edition. Madrid: Eudema, S. A. 1987: 403–405. 2. Peachey J E, Brien J F, Roach C A, Christopher W L. A comparative review of the pharmacological and toxicological properties of disulfiram and calcium carbimide. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1981: 1: 21–26. 3. Calnan C D. Cyanamide. Contact Dermatitis Newsletter 1970: 7: 150. 4. Black H. Contact dermatitis from lead cyanamide. Contact Dermatitis 1975: 6: 389. 5. Condé-Salazar L, Guimaraens D, Romero L, Harto A. Al-
Who uses apps in health promotion? A target group analysis of leaders

User characteristics should be considered when designing features for e-health or m-health applications, as the developed solution should aim to support this specific target group. This study explores the effect of user characteristics (personality, health state, stress/recovery state, leadership behavior) on the interest and likelihood of using an app for health promotion activities at the workplace. Leaders are a key factor for the success of workplace health promotion; therefore, the target group of this study are leaders. The data of 412 leaders were collected in an online study. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were conducted for four outcome criteria (“personal health,” “contacting,” “leadership feedback” and “corporate key figures”). The findings showed that neuroticism, physical health and health-promoting leadership were important predictors for using an app for monitoring personal health and getting in social contact about health issues. The stress/recovery state was significantly related to the feature of getting in social contact.
Experiences of neighbourhood exclusion and inclusion among older people living in deprived inner-city areas in Belgium and England

ABSTRACT This article explores conceptual and empirical aspects of the social exclusion/inclusion debate in later life, with a particular focus on issues of place and space in urban settings. Exploratory findings are reported from two empirical studies in Belgium and England, which sought to examine experiences of social exclusion and inclusion among people aged 60 and over living in deprived inner-city neighbourhoods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with an ethnically diverse sample of 102 older people in Belgium and 124 in England. Thematic analysis of interview data identifies four issues in relation to the neighbourhood dimension of social exclusion/inclusion in later life: experiences of community change; feelings of security and safety; the management of urban space; and strategies of control. The results suggest that neighbourhoods have a significant influence on shaping the experience of exclusion and inclusion in later life, with a number of similarities identified across the different study areas. The article concludes by discussing conceptual and policy issues raised by the research.
External quality assessment of national public health laboratories in Africa, 2002-2009.

OBJECTIVE To describe findings from an external quality assessment programme involving laboratories in Africa that routinely investigate epidemic-prone diseases. METHODS Beginning in 2002, the Regional Office for Africa of the World Health Organization (WHO) invited national public health laboratories and related facilities in Africa to participate in the programme. Three surveys comprising specimens and questionnaires associated with bacterial enteric diseases, bacterial meningitis, plague, tuberculosis and malaria were sent annually to test participants' diagnostic proficiency. Identical surveys were sent to referee laboratories for quality control. Materials were prepared, packaged and shipped in accordance with standard protocols. Findings and reports were due within 30 days. Key methodological decisions and test results were categorized as acceptable or unacceptable on the basis of consensus feedback from referees, using established grading schemes. FINDINGS Between 2002 and 2009, participation increased from 30 to 48 Member States of the WHO and from 39 to 78 laboratories. Each survey was returned by 64-93% of participants. Mean turnaround time was 25.9 days. For bacterial enteric diseases and meningitis components, bacterial identification was acceptable in 65% and 69% of challenges, respectively, but serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing and reporting were frequently unacceptable. Microscopy was acceptable for 73% of plague challenges. Tuberculosis microscopy was satisfactorily performed, with 87% of responses receiving acceptable scores. In the malaria component, 82% of responses received acceptable scores for species identification but only 51% of parasite quantitation scores were acceptable. CONCLUSION The external quality assessment programme consistently identified certain functional deficiencies requiring strengthening that were present in African public health microbiology laboratories.
Menstrual dysfunction in rural young women and the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome

The present study was done to show the incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in rural young women with menstrual irregularities and the correlation with different variables. During the study period, 19,339 women had attended as a gynaecological outpatient unit. A total of 9,096 (47%) of them were of 15–34 years age, of whom 1,182 (13%) had menstrual disturbances. Out of the 1,182 young women, 216 were the study subjects as per inclusion–exclusion criteria, but only 200 could be studied. After complete clinical, ultrasonographic and biochemical evaluation, it was revealed that PCOS is common in rural young women of low socioeconomic class. Such women presenting with menstrual irregularities need to be investigated for the presence of other endocrine disorders which may be present with or without PCOS. PCOS was diagnosed in 100 (50%) women. Of the 100 without PCOS, five had thyroid disorders and of the other 95, 49 (51%) had polycystic ovaries on sonography. Significantly more study objects had a family history of hypertension, diabetes and menstrual irregularities in their mothers. A state of hyperinsulinaemia indicated by a low fasting glucose to insulin ratio was present, even in non-obese women with PCOS.
Bayesian Analysis of a Multivariate Null Intercept Errors-in-Variables Regression Model

Abstract Longitudinal data are of great interest in analysis of clinical trials. In many practical situations the covariate can not be measured precisely and a natural alternative model is the errors-in-variables regression models. In this paper we study a null intercept errors-in-variables regression model with a structure of dependency between the response variables within the same group. We apply the model to real data presented in Hadgu and Koch (Hadgu, A., Koch, G. (1999). Application of generalized estimating equations to a dental randomized clinical trial. J. Biopharmaceutical Statistics 9(1):161–178). In that study volunteers with preexisting dental plaque were randomized to two experimental mouth rinses (A and B) or a control mouth rinse with double blinding. The dental plaque index was measured for each subject in the beginning of the study and at two follow-up times, which leads to the presence of an interclass correlation. We propose the use of a Bayesian approach to model a multivariate null intercept errors-in-variables regression model to the longitudinal data. The proposed Bayesian approach accommodates the correlated measurements and incorporates the restriction that the slopes must lie in the (0, 1) interval. A Gibbs sampler is used to perform the computations.
Further study on the origin of the so-called cone action potential (s-potential); its histological determination.

In two preceding papers, Tomita (5) and Tomita et al. (7) provided evidence that the origin of the cone action potential, so called by Svaetichin (4), is not in the cones but proximal to them. The term "fish EIRG" was thus used temporarily for the same response. Meanwhile, a study to localize histologically the origin of this response was initiated by MacNichol, Macpherson and Svaetichin (2), making use of microelectrodes filled with crystal violet solution. Similar approaches were also taken by Motokawa et al., Mitarai (3) and at our laboratory, and their results were communicated at the same time at the 35th General Assembly of Japanese Physiological Society in May, 1958. In these studies, the solution used to fill microelectrodes was silver nitrate solution (Motokawa et al.), saturated lithium-carmine in 3 M KC1 (Mitarai), or potassium ferricyanide solution (our laboratory). Inspite of the difference in technique, all the results were consistent in excluding cones as the origin. ** This paper will deal with our method and result.
A Process Model for Building Social Captical

Social capital is a significant value-added to learning in virtual learning environments. It is created when learners interact with each other in the community, by exchanging rich and thoughtful experiences among themselves through storytelling. Little research has focused on how this stock of capital is valued in virtual environments. The goal of this paper is to describe how social capital is created, singling out trust as basis for building social capital in virtual learning environments. The paper argues that storytelling can be a protocol for the exchange of experiences, which in turn can be avenue for the cultivation of trust. Trust is then an enabler of social capital. The paper is organized as follows. First the concept of virtual learning community is examined. This leads into the description of the essential elements of virtual learning community. Second, the paper describes how social capital is grounded on trust and this is presented through a process model. The rest of the paper will then discuss this model and the significance of social capital in virtual communities.
ALVEOLAR DEPOSITION OF MONODISPERSE AEROSOL PARTICLES IN THE LUNG OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Knowledge about the regional deposition of aerosol particles is essential in order to perform efficient inhalation therapy or to minimize health risks due to environmental or occupational aerosol particles. In this study, 2 techniques were used to measure thoracic deposition and to differentiate between bronchial and alveolar deposition. The first technique was the clearance-derived regional deposition (CRD) technique and the second the single-breath regional deposition (SBRD) technique. Deposition was measured in 12 patients with α 1 -antitrypsin deficiencyand symptoms of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)using monodisperse test particles with aerodynamic diameters of 2, 3, and 4 μ m. In CRD, the kinetic of particle clearance within the first 24 hours after inhalation was used to determine bronchial and alveolar deposition. In SBRD, the longitudinal distribution of deposited inert test particles was used to calculate the particle fraction deposited within and distal to the dead space. Both techniques delivered very similar mean values for total and alveolar deposition. Due to controlled slow and deep inhalations, alveolar deposition was as much as 50%. Therefore, SBRD can be considered as an easy tool in patients.
Relationship between markers of metabolic control and inflammation on severity of periodontal disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between markers of metabolic control and inflammation and periodontal disease parameters in patients with diabetes. MATERIAL & METHODS One hundred and eighty one adult patients with diabetes attending treatment at two diabetes centres were invited to participate in the study. Periodontal examination included full-mouth assessment for probing depths and bleeding on probing (BOP). Blood analyses were carried out for glycated haemoglobin, (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C reactive protein, (hsCRP) and lipid profile comprising total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL chol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL chol) and triglycerides. RESULTS Upon multivariate analysis, periodontal disease severity in terms of increased percentage of BOP and mean percentage of sites with probing depths > or = 5 mm were found to be associated with inadequate glycaemic control as measured by HbA1c (p<0.01). HsCRP was also found to be a significant predictor for mean percentage of sites with probing depths > or = 5 mm (p<0.05). After controlling for age, gender, smoking habits and number of teeth, positive correlations were found between HbA1c and percentage sites with probing depths > or = 5 mm, percentage sites BOP, total cholesterol, LDL chol and triglycerides (p<0.05). Using the adjusted differences, subjects with acceptable glycaemic control (HbA1c < 8%) showed a lower percentage of sites with BOP and probing depths > or = 5 mm (p<0.05) when compared with those having inadequate glycaemic control. There was also a trend towards lower blood cholesterol in the well-controlled group. CONCLUSION The level of glycaemic control as measured by HbA1c emerged as the most consistent risk factor associated with the extent and severity of periodontal disease in this study cohort.
Biomechanics of Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome in Runners

We propose a biomechanical model to explain the pathogenesis of iliotibial band friction syndrome in dis tance runners. The model is based on a kinematic study of nine runners with iliotibial band friction syn drome, a cadaveric study of 11 normal knees, and a literature review. Friction (or impingement) occurs near footstrike, predominantly in the foot contact phase, between the posterior edge of the iliotibial band and the underlying lateral femoral epicondyle. The study subjects had an average knee flexion angle of 21.4° ± 4.3° at footstrike, with friction occurring at, or slightly below, the 30° of flexion traditionally described in the literature. In the cadavers we examined, there was substantial variation in the width of the iliotibial bands. This variation may affect individual predisposition to iliotibial band friction syndrome. Downhill running pre disposes the runner to iliotibial band friction syndrome because the knee flexion angle at footstrike is reduced. Sprinting and faster running on level ground are less likely to cause or aggravate iliotibial band friction syn drome because, at footstrike, the knee is flexed be yond the angles at which friction occurs.
Biologic properties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue

The biologic characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from two distinct tissues, bone marrow and adipose tissue were evaluated in these studies. MSCs derived from human and non‐human primate (rhesus monkey) tissue sources were compared. The data indicate that MSCs isolated from rhesus bone marrow (rBMSCs) and human adipose tissue (hASCs) had more similar biologic properties than MSCs of rhesus adipose tissue (rASCs) and human bone marrow MSCs (hBMSCs). Analyses of in vitro growth kinetics revealed shorter doubling time for rBMSCs and hASCs. rBMSCs and hASCs underwent significantly more population doublings than the other MSCs. MSCs from all sources showed a marked decrease in telomerase activity over extended culture; however, they maintained their mean telomere length. All of the MSCs expressed embryonic stem cell markers, Oct‐4, Rex‐1, and Sox‐2 for at least 10 passages. Early populations of MSCs types showed similar multilineage differentiation capability. However, only the rBMSCs and hASCs retain greater differentiation efficiency at higher passages. Overall in vitro characterization of MSCs from these two species and tissue sources revealed a high level of common biologic properties. However, the results demonstrate clear biologic distinctions, as well. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 1285–1297, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.