Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adhesins and ligands involved in the interaction of Candida spp. with epithelial and endothelial surfaces

Adhesion of candidal species to the epithelium of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract stands as a critical first step in the pathogenesis of candidal infection. After colonization and replication at mucosal surfaces, Candida albicans and other pathogenic species may penetrate the mucosal barrier, enter the vascular tree, and disseminate hematogenously. The consequences of this pathogenic cascade evoke considerable morbidity and mortality, especially among immunocompromised patients. Thus, interactions of C. albicans and other candidal species with epithelium and endothelium may lead to serious consequences for the human host. This review evaluates candidate candidal adhesions for epithelial and endothelial surfaces, with emphasis on the specificity of the interaction, the inhibitors that have been employed, and the ligands that have been identified on mammalian cells or matrices. Three types of interactions are described: protein-protein interactions, lectin-like interactions, and incompletely defined interactions in which the adhesive ligand is as yet unidentified. Special attention is given to the roles of integrin-like proteins. Differences in the mechanisms of candidal attachment to epithelium and endothelium are delineated. Last, on the basis of the available literature, avenues of potentially fruitful investigation are proposed.
Job satisfaction and intention to quit the job.

BACKGROUND Negative psychosocial work conditions may influence the motivation of employees to adhere to their job. AIMS To elucidate the perception of psychosocial work conditions among Danish hospital employees who would quit their job if economically possible and those who would not. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire study of hospital employees. The questionnaire gave information on elements of the psychosocial work environment (job demands, job influence, job support, management quality, exposure to bullying), general health status, sick-leave during the preceding year, life style (leisure time physical activity, alcohol intake and smoking habits), age, sex and profession. RESULTS There were 1809 participants with a response rate of 65%. About a quarter (26%) reported that they would quit their job if economically possible; this rose to 40% among the 17% who considered their health mediocre or bad. In a final logistic regression model, six factors were identified as independently associated with the wish to quit or not: self-assessed health status, meaningfulness of the job, quality of collaboration among colleagues, age, trustworthiness of closest superior(s) and exposure to bullying. Based on these factors it was possible to identify groups with fewer than 15% wishing to quit, and similarly, groups where 50% or more would quit if this was economically possible. CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial work conditions, in particular meaningfulness of the job, were independently associated with intention to quit the job if economically possible and relevant within different job categories.
Potential of Mobile Learning in Teaching of ESL Academic Writing

The potentials of mobile learning in teaching academic writing skills for ESL students are explored in this paper. Although there have been studies on MALL to improve writing skills, academic writing was never really touched. Few aspects are covered like the changes in educational technology, defining MALL, identifying issues in academic writing by ESL students, approaches used in academic writing and pedagogical approaches used in MALL. Through the discussions, it is proved that mobile learning can be integrated into academic writing by using it with several writing approaches which complements the pedagogical advantages in mobile devices. Based on past studies and the discussion, it can be concluded that the potential of mobile learning in teaching ESL academic writing is high.
Venous Thrombosis Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Oncology Patients: A Single Institutional Experience

Purpose: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) had gradually increased in recent years,especially incancer patients, as it facilitates blood sampling and treatment administration. Unfortunately, they were associated with a high incidence of complications that limited their widespread use. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of oncology patients presenting for complications of their PICC lines and to establish possible associated factors such as age, sex, type of cancer, site of insertion of PICC in our institution. Materials and methods: This retrospective study includes all cancer patients who underwent placement of PICC, from January 2012 till December 2013, under radiology guidance at Hotel-Dieu de France university hospital. All patients were evaluated at enrollment for age, sex, site of PICC insertion, type of neoplasia (solid vs. hematologic malignancy), and followed up for complications for a minimum of two months. Results: During the recruitment period, forty-four patients were enrolled in our study with 54.4% women and 45.6% men. Mean and median age at PICC insertions were 57 and 59 years respectively (standard deviation 16). Nineteen patients (43.2%) had hematologic malignancies and twenty-five had solid tumors (56.8%). Complications including dislodgement, infection, and thrombosis were encountered in eight patients. Thrombosis was the most frequent complication and was reported in six out of eight patients. Time of thrombosis occurrence varied from 1 to 132 days with an average of 37 days. No statistically significant association was found between thrombosis of the PICC and any of the evaluated factors listed above but we found a trend toward a higher rate of thrombosis in hematological cancer patients compared to solid tumor patients (26% v/s 4%). Conclusions: Venous thrombosis complicating PICCs was reported in 13.7% of our oncology patients which represents a similar rate compared to the literature. However, the small number of recruited patients limits any conclusion and warrants more patients to be enrolled with a longer follow-up period.
Multiage Instruction: An Outdated Strategy, or a Timeless Best Practice? A Delphi Study

Ritland, Valerie Ann Vanyo, Ph.D., School of Education, College of Human Development and Education, North Dakota State University, November 2011. Multiage Instruction: An Outdated Strategy or a Timeless Best Practice? A Delphi Study. Major Professor: Dr. Myron Eighmy. The purpose of this study was to explore the practices of multiage instruction with experts who have best practice knowledge or practitioner expertise in the multiage classroom. This investigation provided a foundation of knowledge on multiage instruction regarding strategies and challenges, the pros and cons of multiage instruction, and training and resources needed for the successful implementation of multiage instruction. A Delphi methodology was utilized which consisted of three rounds of surveys. The population comprised two panels of experts, multiage theory experts and multiage practitioner experts, based on required criteria for each panel set. A total of 21 experts completed Round One, which consisted of 55 Likert scale statements. A total of 20 experts completed Round Two, which consisted of 31 statements/questions. A total of 20 experts completed Round Three, which consisted of 29 statements. The panel experts in this study agreed that multiage instruction remains a credible practice today that should be recognized and supported by state boards of education. They also agreed that once oriented to the philosophy and after their child has spent time in the classroom, parents tend to be generally excited about the practice of multiage instruction. The experts further agreed that children of all abilities and needs can be successful in the multiage classroom. In terms of training
How accurately can bruises be aged in abused children? Literature review and synthesis.

Unlike the severe abuse that was reported in early child abuse literature, more moderate injuries comprise 60% of physical child abuse. These less-severe abuse cases, many with limited, ill-defined bruising, may be more difficult to diagnose than a severe case with multiple-system injury or a child with specific, clearly imprinted bruising. Additionally, as the US Supreme Court observed, "Child abuse is one of the most difficult crimes to detect and prosecute in large part because there often are no witnesses except the victim. Estimates of ages of bruises along with the aging of other injuries such as fractures and brain trauma may offer the only way to associate an injury with a particular perpetrator. Yet, as an aid to child abuse diagnosis and perpetrator identification, visual aging of bruises remains an inexact science, despite recent composite charts that suggest otherwise. Even though it has been stated that it is not possible to age bruises accurately based on color, these opinions have not been represented in the child abuse literature. The study of Langlois and Gresham, to date the only research-based study of bruise aging by appearance, has not yet been cited in the medical literature (Science Citation Index search, August 1994). The available literature does not permit the estimation of a bruise's age with any precision based solely on color. Even for the practitioner to state, as Wilson suggests, that a particular bruise is "consistent with" a specific age implies a level of certainty not supported by the literature. Bruises may be described as "older" if yellow, brown, or green are present, but practitioners should note the limitations of bruise age analysis. Of course, the practitioner must continue to describe the size, shape, location, and color of each bruise accurately. This is best done by written description and drawings along with careful photographic representation. Photographs of a bruise, however, depending on available light and technique, may not represent color accurately. A standard color wheel in the photograph may help. Future research should focus on a number of questions. A study of the aging of bruises, using contusions of known age and history-blinded examiners, could determine how accurate clinical estimates are. Interobserver reliability may also be assessed in such a study. The study of Langlois and Gresham should be repeated to confirm or to refute their findings. A photographic sequence of various bruises from appearance to resolution would give researchers and clinicians a reference of possible colors in different-aged bruises for standardized description. The estimated age of a bruise should never be the sole criteria for a diagnosis of child abuse, but, rather, one component of a comprehensive assessment that incorporates a careful history of the injury, past medical history, family history, associated risk factors, a detailed physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing.
The Ideological Roots of Institutional Change

Why do some societies fail to adopt more efficient institutions in response to changing economic conditions? And why do such conditions sometimes generate ideological backlashes and at other times lead to transformative sociopolitical movements? We propose an explanation that highlights the interplay – or lack thereof – between new technologies, ideologies, and institutions. When new technologies emerge, uncertainty results from a lack of understanding how the technology will fit with prevailing ideologies and institutions. This uncertainty discourages investment in institutions and the cultural capital necessary to take advantage of new technologies. Accordingly, increased uncertainty during times of rapid technological change may generate an ideological backlash that puts a higher premium on traditional values. We apply the theory to numerous historical episodes, including Ottoman reform initiatives, the Japanese Tokugawa reforms and Meiji Restoration, and the Tongzhi Restoration in Qing China.
Evidence that multinucleate giant cells are examples of mononuclear phagocytic differentiation

Murine multinucleate giant cells and mononuclear phagocytes were examined with various quantitative cytochemical and autoradiographic techniques. No evidence was found that multinucleate giant cells were metabolically effete, in fact they compared favourably with mononuclear phagocytes. In addition, rat multinucleate giant cells consistently expressed surface Ia antigens and to a lesser degree fibronectin. It is suggested that multinucleate giant cells are a differentiated derivative of the mononuclear phagocytic system.
Comparison of growth performance and meat yield of hilly chicken under two feeding regimens.

A total of 108 day-old chicks of hilly chicken were randomly allocated to either pellet form of high protein-energy diet (PHPE) or mash form of low protein-energy diet (MLPE) dietary group having 3 replications in each group. Birds were reared in cages and studied upto 10 weeks of age to compare their growth, feed efficiency and meat production under two feeding regimens. Six birds from each feeding regimen at the age of 8 week were slaughtered to analyze the meat yield characteristics. The live weight of the birds fed PHPE diet was significantly higher (699±18) than that of MLPE diet (492 ±10) at 8 weeks of age. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in PHPE diet (2.89±0.03) than in MLPE diet (3.22±0.09). The mortality was similar in birds under two different feeding regimens. Live weight (g) and edible parts weight (g) of birds fed on PHPE diet were significantly higher than that of birds fed on MLPE diet. Dressing percentage did not differ significantly between two feeding regimens. It was concluded that native chicken of hilly areas have the potentiality for meat production and they can utilize high protein energy diet more efficiently. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/agric.v11i2. 17485 The Agriculturists 2013; 11(2) 38-43
MENTAL CONTRASTING AND THE SELF-REGULATION OF HELPING RELATIONS

While mental contrasting of positive future and negative reality promotes commitment to feasible goals, it has not been tested whether it also promotes the choice of suitable means. In two studies we examined the effects of mental contrasting (Oettingen, 2000) on seeking and giving help as means to an end. For college-age students, mental contrasting about attaining academic help led to expectancy-dependent commitment to seek help (Study 1), while for critical care nurses, mental contrasting about helping patients' relatives led to expectancy-dependent commitment to give help (Study 2). Results speak to two neglected topics: The self-regulation of selecting means to goals and the self-regulation of helping relations.
Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Mn 3 O 4 / Fe 3 O 4 Superlattices

Antiparallel interlayer magnetic coupling between layers of Fe3O4 and Mn3O4 , both ferromagnetic, was reported in a recent study. The interlayer magnetic coupling may be affected by the magnetic property at the interface. In order to understand the interplay between the electronic configuration, the atomic structure and the magnetic property at the interface, we have performed transition metal L2,3-edges x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements on a series of samples. Ferrimagnetic/ferrimagnetic Mn3O4/Fe3O4 superlattices of different thickness were studied. A piece of bulk MnFe2O4 was studied for comparison. Our results indicate the interface can be viewed as a layer of MnFe2O4 compound, which affects magnetic property of the Fe3O4/Mn3O4 superlattices.
Importance of heart rate analysis in exercise tolerance test

After many years away from the limelights, at the beginning of this century, exercise tolerance testing has earned back an important position in international medical journals. The different sorts of information derived from a variety of studies based on it have shown us that this propedeutic method has a highly valuable prognostic impact. Because of its low cost and easy applicability, the exercise testing reinforces its position in the clinical practice of the cardiologist. In the early 70's, research relating the influence of the autonomic nervous system in heart rate behavior in all phases of an exercise tolerance testing began. Ever since, a number of hypotheses tried to clarify which would be the mechanisms related to the chronotropic response during effort and its performance in the recovery period. In this updating article the authors deal with an important data referring to the chronotropic deficit and the abnormal heart rate recovery, commenting on the prognostic implication of keeping the focus on the potential of its clinical impact. In other words, approaches that can be used whenever there is someone performing a monitored exercise tolerance testing.
Polymorphisms in angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and severity of renal disease in Henoch-Schoenlein patients. Italian Group of Renal Immunopathology.

BACKGROUND The influence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism on the progression of primary IgA nephropathy (pIgAN) is still debated. Even though the allele frequency was reported to be similar to controls, in some studies D/D patients had a faster decline of renal function and need of dialysis. Since Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HSP) nephritis is considered a systemic vasculitis with renal lesions indistinguishable from pIgAN, we investigated the effect of the ACE polymorphism on presentation and progression of HSP IgAN. METHODS We examined the insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphism in intron 16 of ACE gene by PCR amplification of genomic DNA of 82 patients (37 children), with biopsy-proven IgAN associated with HSP enrolled in a collaborative study. RESULTS No significant association with clinical presentation at onset or with final outcome was found (functional impairment at outcome in 31.8%, D/D, 27.4%, I/D and 44% I/I, heavy proteinuria in 36.3% D/D, 21.6% I/D, and 11.1% I/I). Patients homozygous for the D allele had a greater number of extrarenal relapses (P=0.0028). No association was found between the ACE genotype and the presence of hypertension at onset and at the end of the follow-up. No difference was found between adults and children. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of HSP IgAN, no ACE I/D polymorphisms were found to be associated with progressive deterioration of renal function. Different genes possibly involved in vasculitis might more strictly modulate expression and evolution of HSP IgAN.
The pupil light reflex in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy: evidence for preservation of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells.

PURPOSE To investigate the pupillary light reflex (PLR) of patients with severe loss of vision due to Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) in the context of a proposed preservation of melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs). METHODS Ten LHON patients (7 males; 51.6 ± 14.1 years), with visual acuities ranging from 20/400 to hand motion perception and severe visual field losses, were tested and compared with 16 healthy subjects (7 males; 42.15 ± 15.4 years) tested as controls. PLR was measured with an eye tracker and the stimuli were controlled with a Ganzfeld system. Pupil responses were measured monocularly, to 1 second of blue (470 nm) and red (640 nm) flashes with 1, 10, 100, and 250 cd/m² luminances. The normalized amplitude of peak of the transient PLR and the amplitude of the sustained PLR at 6 seconds after the flash offset were measured. In addition, optical coherence topography (OCT) scans of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer were obtained. RESULTS The patient's peak PLR responses were on average 15% smaller than controls (P < 0.05), but 5 out of 10 patients had amplitudes within the range of controls. The patients' sustained PLRs were comparable with controls at lower flash intensities, but on average, 27% smaller to the 250 cd/m² blue light, although there was considerable overlap with the PLR amplitudes of control. All patients had severe visual field losses and the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was reduced to a minimum around the optic disc in 8 of the 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS The PLR is maintained overall in LHON patients despite the severity of optic atrophy. These results are consistent with previous evidence of selective preservation of mRGCs.
OPTICAL MICROVARIABILITY OF SOUTHERN AGNS

We present results of a search for optical mi- crovariability in a selected sample of 23 southern AGNs, which includes both radio-quiet and radio-loud objects. Microvariations were clearly detected in 60% of the radio- loud sources, with amplitudes from 2.2% up to 8% within a single night. Night-to-night variability with amplitudes of 20% was also observed in the BL Lac object 0537 441. On the contrary, no rapid variability was detected at all in 8 radio-quiet quasars. We have used microvariability data previously reported for northern objects along with our new results for southern AGNs in order to estimate duty cycles of each class of objects from the largest possible sample. Most of the microvariability in radio-loud objects could be originating in interactions between relativistic shocks and features in the inner jets, although contributions from superluminal microlensing and accretion disk instabilities can be present in some sources. It is possible that the lat- ter phenomenon is responsible for the microvariability ob- served in northern radio-quiet quasars. We suggest that the dierence in the microvariability behaviour of radio and X-ray selected BL Lacs could be due to the eect of stronger magnetic elds in the latter group of objects, elds that can prevent the formation of features like den- sity inhomogeneities and bends in the base of the jets by Kelvin-Helmholtz macroscopic instabilities.
Growth Slowing After Acute Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Age-Dependent

Objective Most Helicobacter pylori infections occur during childhood, but the health effects of childhood infection are poorly understood. We investigated whether growth decreases in the 2 months after acute H. pylori seroconversion. Methods We performed a nested case-control study among children 6 months to 12 years of age in a community on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. Health interviews were completed daily. Anthropometric measurements were taken monthly. Sera were collected every 4 months and tested for H. pylori immunoglobulin G. Two-month height and weight gains of seroconverters were compared with gains of sex, age, and size-matched seronegative controls. Results In the 2 months after H. pylori infection, 26 seroconverters gained a median of 24% less weight than 26 matched controls (interquartile range, 63% less to 21% more). In multivariate analysis, H. pylori infection attenuated weight gain only among children aged 2 years or older. This decrease was not explained by increased diarrhea. Conclusions H. pylori seroconversion is associated with a slowing of weight gain in children aged 2 years or older. Reasons for this finding merit additional study.