Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Sensitization to Inhalant and Food Allergens

Background: Many studies worldwide have reported prevalence of atopic sensitization and its international variations. A positive skin prick reaction, however, does not always correlate with clinical symptoms. Positive skin tests (SPT) reveal rather atopy - specific IgE presence, than an atopic disease itself. When combined clinical manifestation and SPT are a powerful instrument for defining allergic diseases. Such data for Bulgaria are, however, scarce. The objective of the present study is to assess prevalence patterns and clinical relevance of sensitization to environmental and food allergens in a cross-sectional community sample in Bulgaria. Methodology and results: Patients, 225 men and women, age 4-81 years, were included. They completed a questionnaire to define asthma and rhinitis. Patients were skin prick tested to 18 commercial inhalant and food allergen extracts. The clinical relevance of each of the positively tested allergens was assessed. Among 225 patients 129 (57.3%) were sensitized to at least one allergen, using cut-off level ≥3 mm. In the inhalant allergens group the highest were rates of sensitization to 12 grasses - 26.6% and 4 cereals - 24.0%, followed by these to DFR - 18.2%, DPT - 17.8% and cockroach -16.4%. Among food allergens the highest rates of sensitizations were found to pork - 16.9%, walnut - 15.1%, apple - 13.3%, egg whole - 10.7%, celery - 9.8% and milk - 9.3%. The highest proportions of relevant tests in the inhalant allergens group were for DPT - 72.2%, DFR - 62.9%, 4 cereals - 69.2%, 12 grasses - 69%, Penicillium mix - 61.9, cockroach - 54.8%, Betulaceae - 52.4%. Among food allergens the highest proportions of relevant sensitization were found for walnut - 32.3%, peanut 29.4%, Milk - 22.2%, egg whole - 21.1%. Conclusions: We found rates and patterns of sensitization which were in line with data from other studies. The percentage of clinically relevant sensitizations differed significantly depending on the allergen.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease and Aortic Atherosclerosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Usefulness Based on Framingham Risk Score and Stroke Subtype

Background: Evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic atherosclerosis has been performed in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We investigated the usefulness of a dual-source CT (DSCT) protocol enabling the comprehensive evaluation of CAD and aortic atherosclerosis. The clinical characteristics of those patients who would benefit more from this protocol were investigated based on vascular risk factors, Framingham Risk Score (FRS), and stroke subtype. Methods: Of 469 patients with acute ischemic stroke, the 274 who had no history of CAD and had undergone DSCT were analyzed. Predictors of CAD (≧50% stenosis) or complicated aortic plaque (CAP) were evaluated based on vascular risk factors, FRS and stroke subtype. Results: Of the 274 patients analyzed, asymptomatic CAD (≧50% stenosis) was found in 61 (22.3%) and CAP in 58 (21.2%). Furthermore, the severity of CAD or aortic atherosclerosis was correlated with FRS (CAD, r = 0.291, p < 0.001 and aortic atherosclerosis, r = 0.297, p < 0.001). Additionally, severe CAD and aortic atherosclerosis were independent predictors of each other: CAP for the presence of CAD (≧50% stenosis) [odds ratio (OR), 5.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.94–16.87]; CAD (≧50% stenosis) for the presence of CAP (OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 1.82–9.72). Specific stroke subtypes as well as large-artery atherosclerosis (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 2.24–12.31) and cardioembolism (OR, 5.22; 95% CI, 1.75–15.60) were associated with the presence of CAP. Conclusions: A comprehensive evaluation protocol for CAD and aortic atherosclerosis may be useful in acute ischemic stroke patients, especially in those with higher FRS or specific stroke subtypes.
What are the occupational experiences of adult asylum seekers living in direct provision in Ireland

Background Asylum seekers in Ireland are required to live in State provided hostel type accommodation called Direct Provision. The system of Direct Provision places a number of restrictions on the lives of asylum seekers; they are not permitted to cook, to work or to access third level education and are expected to live on limited finances. This denies asylum seekers opportunities to engage in meaningful occupations of their choice. Objectives The research aimed to understand the occupational experiences of asylum seekers living in Direct Provision and to explore the potential risk of occupational deprivation. Methods A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was chosen to explore and gain an understanding of asylum seekers experiences of living in Direct Provision. Interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six stages of thematic analysis informed by phenomenology to gain an insider’s perspective. Results Four main themes emerged that captured the occupational experiences of asylum seekers; restricted environment, restricted occupational performance, impact of occupational deprivation on health and wellbeing and coping through doing and cognitive strategies.
ACUTE ANTERIOR UVEITIS AND HLA ANTIGENS

Different clinical entities of acute anterior uveitis (AAU) may occur due to different pathogenetic, race and geographig conditions. A highly significant association of HLA‐B27 with AAU has been confirmed in different countries. HLA‐B27 associated AAU was associated neither with MLC (HLA‐D) determinants nor with α1‐antitrypsin phenotype MZ. Family studies suggested that a pleiotropic HLA‐B27 linked gene with autosomal dominant inheritance, incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity may determine the susceptibility to AAU. Different infections may trigger AAU in HLA‐B27 positive patients. In the immune response cytotoxic T cells may react simultaneously with the antigen and HLA‐B27 with increased chemotaxis and release of prostaglandins. In Caucasians the pathogenesis of “HLA‐B27 negative” AAU in many cases, e.g. in varicella iritis, may be explained by deposition of circulating immune complexes in the iris.
Predictive factors of clinical response to cholinesterase inhibitors in mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease and mixed dementia: a one-year naturalistic study.

BACKGROUND Naturalistic studies evaluate individuals in their usual way of living, presenting more "real-life" data regarding patients and their diseases. OBJECTIVE To investigate demographic, clinical, and genetic factors that could be predictive of good response to cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) treatment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD + cerebrovascular disease (CVD). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 129 patients were diagnosed with AD or AD + CVD and with mild-to-moderate dementia. After a 12-month treatment, 97 patients completed the study. They were evaluated at baseline and after three, six, and 12 months of ChEI (donepezil or rivastigmine or galantamine) use. APOE genotype and CYP2D6 polymorphisms were determined for all of the participants. In each visit, we used cognitive, functional, mood, and behavior scales. We classified patients according to their scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Good responders were defined as those scoring ≥2 in the MMSE at 12 months. RESULTS The rate of good clinical response was 27.8%. In a longitudinal analysis, the patients with mild AD and also good responders at three months were considered to be good responders at 12 months. There was no correlation between ChEI dose, APOE and CYP2D6 polymorphisms, and the pattern of clinical response. CONCLUSION A higher rate of good response was observed in this study compared to that in previous investigations. The pharmacogenetic aspects do not seem to have an influence in the response.
Improved classification, diagnosis and prognosis of canine round cell tumours

As the name suggests, canine round cell tumour (RCTs) are composed of cells with a round morphology. There is some discrepancy amongst authors as to which tumours belong to this category, but most designate lymphomas, melanomas, plasmacytomas, transmissible venereal tumours (TVTs), histiocytomas, and mast and neuroendocrine cell tumours.
Electrophysiology in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome

Abnormalities in basal ganglia–thalamocortical circuits presumably play an important role in the pathophysiology underlying the chronic motor and vocal tics that define Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). Electrophysiological techniques, above all, the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation – a noninvasive and painless tool to examine the excitability of several different circuits in the human motor cortex – has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology. Motor thresholds are similar in GTS and healthy subjects; in the resting state, recruitment of motor-evoked potentials above threshold is more gradual in patients with GTS compared with controls. By contrast, recruitment of motor-evoked potentials during preactivation is similar in both groups, as is the duration of the cortical silent period. This suggests that the distribution of excitability in the corticospinal system in patients at rest is different to that in healthy individuals. Importantly, correlation analysis has demonstrated that re.
Children’s Physical Activity Choices: A Developmental Analysis of Gender, Intensity Levels, and Time

Students’ (n = 1,041) physical activity choices were assessed during the fourth and sixth grades for weekdays, weekends, and summer vacations. Activities were summarized for boys and girls by intensity, individual versus team, and for selected classes. Boys performed more team activities and reported more overall physical activity. Boys and girls decreased their participation in individual physical activities. Students decreased in total energy expended for all time periods. Decreasing activity level and selection of fewer individual activities make lifetime exercise unlikely. Results suggest that children become less active than recommended for health promotion before completing elementary school.
Celiac artery in New Zealand rabbit: anatomical study of its origin and arrangement for experimental research and surgical practice

Rabbits have been used as an experimental model in many diseases and for the study of toxicology, pharmacology and surgery in many universities. However, some aspects of their macro anatomy need a more detailed description, especially the abdominal and pelvic arterial vascular system, which has a huge variability in distribution and trajectory. Thirty cadaveric adult New Zealand rabbits, 13 male and 17 female, with an average weight and rostrum-sacral length of 2.5 kg and 40cm, respectively, were used. The thoracic aorta was cannulated and the vascular system was filled with stained latex S-65. The celiac artery and its proximal branches were dissected and lengthened in order to evidence origin and proximal ramifications. The celiac artery emerged between the 12th and 13th thoracic vertebra in 11 (36.7%) rabbits; at the level of the 13th thoracic vertebra in 6 (20%) rabbits; between the 13th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra in 12 (40%) rabbits; and at the level of the 1st lumbar vertebra in only one (3.3%) rabbit. The mean length of the celiac artery was 0.5cm. The celiac artery first branch was the lienal artery, the second branch was the left gastric artery and the hepatic artery arose from the left gastric artery in all the dissected rabbits. No relation was observed between the celiac artery length and the rostrum-sacral length in rabbits. The number of left gastric and lienal artery branches and the distribution of celiac artery origin are not gender dependent.
High Levels of Antibody that Neutralize B-cell Infection of Epstein–Barr Virus and that Bind EBV gp350 Are Associated with a Lower Risk of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Purpose: Elevated IgA antibodies indicative of ongoing exposure to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are high-risk biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an EBV-related epithelial tumor. However, protective biomarkers that limit exposure to the virus have not been defined. We evaluated whether antibodies that can neutralize EBV infection by targeting glycoproteins involved in viral cell entry, including EBV vaccine candidate glycoprotein 350 (gp350), were associated with lower NPC risk. Experimental Design: In a prospective cohort of 2,557 individuals from 358 high-risk NPC multiplex families in Taiwan, we identified 21 incident NPC cases and 50 disease-free controls. To complement data from high-risk families, we further identified 30 prevalent NPC cases and 50 healthy controls from the general Taiwanese population. We quantified EBV-neutralizing antibody, antibodies against EBV glycoproteins involved in B-cell and epithelial cell entry, and anti-EBNA1 IgA, a high-risk NPC biomarker. Results: EBV-neutralizing antibodies blocking B-cell infection and anti-gp350 antibodies were present at significantly higher levels in disease-free controls compared with incident NPC cases (P < 0.03). Family members with both low EBV-neutralizing potential and elevated EBNA1 IgA had a 7-fold increased risk of NPC (95% CI, 1.9–28.7). Neutralizing antibodies against epithelial cell infection did not differ between incident cases and disease-free controls. Anti-glycoprotein antibody levels measured at diagnosis (prevalent NPC) were significantly higher than levels measured prior to diagnosis (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Elevated titers of EBV-neutralizing antibody and anti-gp350 antibody were low-risk biomarkers for NPC. These data suggest that a vaccine that induces potent EBV gp350 and B-cell–neutralizing antibodies could reduce the risk of EBV-related cancers such as NPC. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3451–7. ©2016 AACR.
Evaluation of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) in child and adolescent mental health services in England

This report is based on an evaluation of CAPA, which is a clinical system used in the UK and internationally. CAPA aims to provide services to young people that are user-friendly, designed around their needs, accessible,safe and effective. The system uses quality parameters combined with processes to facilitate pathways through the service, attempting to avoid unnecessary waits. In doing so, it attempts to place the needs of families at the centre of CAMHS. There is a shift in clinician stance from ‘expert with power’ to ‘facilitator with expertise’.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Interacts With Apolipoprotein B and Prevents Its Intracellular Degradation, Irrespective of the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor

Objective—proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) negatively regulates the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) in hepatocytes and therefore plays an important role in controlling circulating levels of LDL-cholesterol. To date, the relationship between PCSK9 and metabolism of apolipoprotein B (apoB), the structural protein of LDL, has been controversial and remains to be clarified. Methods and Results—We assessed the impact of PCSK9 overexpression (≈400-fold above baseline) on apoB synthesis and secretion in 3 mouse models: wild-type C57BL/6 mice and LDLR-null mice (Ldlr−/− and Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/−). Irrespective of LDLR expression, mice transduced with the PCSK9 gene invariably exhibited increased levels of plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and apoB. Consistent with these findings, the levels of very-low-density lipoprotein and LDL were also increased whereas high-density lipoprotein levels were unchanged. Importantly, we demonstrated that endogenous PCSK9 interacted with apoB in hepatocytes. The PCSK9/apoB interaction resulted in increased production of apoB, possibly through the inhibition of intracellular apoB degradation via the autophagosome/lysosome pathway. Conclusion—We propose a new role for PCSK9 that involves shuttling between apoB and LDLR. The present study thus provides new insights into the action of PCSK9 in regulating apoB metabolism. Furthermore, our results indicate that targeting PCSK9 expression represents a new paradigm in therapeutic intervention against hyperlipidemia.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Renal Impairment in a Large Outpatient Electronic Medical Records Database: Rates of Diagnosis and Antihyperglycemic Medication Dose Adjustment

Abstract Objective: To assess rates of diagnosis and antihyperglycemic dose adjustment in patients with moderate to end-stage renal impairment (RI) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Retrospective database analysis using GE Centricity Outpatient Electronic Medical Records. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with evidence of T2DM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification codes 250.x0 and 250.x2) between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2009, and ≥ 12 months of data after identification were selected. Moderate to end-stage RI was evaluated using a formula-derived estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on serum creatinine (SCr). Patients were classified as moderate (eGFR, 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2), severe (eGFR, 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m2), or end-stage (eGFR, < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2), per the National Kidney Foundation guidelines, based on the first-observed SCr test. Among patients with a physician diagnosis, the time to diagnosis was reported. Dose adjustment was reported for patients receiving metformin and sitagliptin. Predictors of progression to end-stage RI based on logistic regressions were examined. Results: 35.2% of patients with T2DM had evidence of moderate to end-stage RI. Of these patients, 20% had a chart-documented physician diagnosis (range, 16% [moderate RI] to 66% [end-stage RI]). Patients with moderate or severe RI had a physician diagnosis mean of 253.4 (standard deviation [SD], 584.5) and 86.9 (SD, 417.4) days, respectively, after the eGFR calculation indicating RI. Patients with end-stage RI had a physician diagnosis mean of 83.6 (SD, 399.2) days before the eGFR calculation. After the eGFR calculation, 15.1% and 0.1% of patients with orders for sitagliptin and metformin, respectively, received doses of the drug appropriate for their degree of RI. Among patients with moderate or severe RI, appropriate diagnosis of RI was associated with significantly lower odds of progressing to end-stage RI (odds ratio, 0.200; 95% confidence interval, 0.188–0.213). Conclusions: Renal impairment is common but often undetected in patients with T2DM. Patients with a documented RI diagnosis have lower odds of progression to end-stage RI. Metformin and sitagliptin are frequently used at inappropriate doses in patients with RI. Further analyses to understand the clinical and economic consequences of these findings are needed.
Spatial Demographic Models to Inform Conservation Planning of Golden Eagles in Renewable Energy Landscapes

Abstract Spatial demographic models can help guide monitoring and management activities targeting at-risk species, even in cases where baseline data are lacking. Here, we provide an example of how site-specific changes in land use and anthropogenic stressors can be incorporated into a spatial demographic model to investigate effects on population dynamics of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Our study focused on a population of Golden Eagles exposed to risks associated with rapid increases in renewable energy development in southern California, U.S.A. We developed a spatially explicit, individual-based simulation model that integrated empirical data on demography of Golden Eagles with spatial data on the arrangement of nesting habitats, prey resources, and planned renewable energy development sites. Our model permitted simulated eagles of different stage-classes to disperse, establish home ranges, acquire prey resources, prospect for breeding sites, and reproduce. The distribution of nesting habitats, prey resources, and threats within each individual's home range influenced movement, reproduction, and survival. We used our model to explore potential effects of alternative disturbance scenarios, and proposed conservation strategies, on the future distribution and abundance of Golden Eagles in the study region. Results from our simulations suggest that probable increases in mortality associated with renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., collisions with wind turbines and vehicles, electrocution on power poles) could have negative consequences for population trajectories, but that site-specific conservation actions could reduce the magnitude of negative effects. Our study demonstrates the use of a flexible and expandable modeling framework to incorporate spatially dependent processes when determining relative effects of proposed management options to Golden Eagles and their habitats.
United Arab Emirates Freshmen Chemistry Attitude toward Chemistry, Self-Efficacy, and Learning Experiences

In this study the attitudes, self-efficacy, and learning experiences of the UAE freshmen chemistry toward chemistry were investigated. The study focused exclusively on investigating the relationship between attitude, self-efficacy, and learning experiences and their relationship to other variables such as gender, nationally, GPA, secondary school achievement, and matriculation. In this study a total of 429 students from different colleges participated by responding to Chemistry Attitudes and Experiences Questionnaire (CAEQ). According to students' matriculation and nationality, there were significant differences between the participants regarding their attitudes toward chemists, chemistry research, and chemistry jobs. The results showed no significant differences between students in terms of gender, GPA, and secondary school percentile in the major attitudinal subscales. In the self-efficacy scale, the significant differences were found among students in terms of their GAP, and secondary school percentile. The results showed no significant differences between students in the self-efficacy scale in terms of gender, nationality, and matriculation. The results also showed significant differences between the participants in secondary school percentile regarding their chemistry learning experiences. However, the results showed significant differences between the participants in different subscales and items related to the three instruments scales. Recommendations covered the attitudes, self-efficacy, and learning experiences are included.
Multidevice Authentication with Strong Privacy Protection

Card-based physical access control systems are used by most people on a daily basis, for example, at work, in public transportation, or at hotels. Yet these systems have often very poor cryptographic protection. User identifiers and keys can be easily eavesdropped on and counterfeited. The privacy-preserving features are almost missing in these systems. To improve this state, we propose a novel cryptographic scheme based on efficient zero-knowledge proofs and Boneh-Boyen signatures. The proposed scheme is provably secure and provides the full set of privacy-enhancing features, that is, the anonymity, untraceability, and unlinkability of users. Furthermore, our scheme supports distributed multidevice authentication with multiple RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) user devices. This feature is particularly important in applications for controlling access to dangerous sites where the presence of protective equipment is checked during each access control session. Besides the full cryptographic specification, we also show the results of our implementation on devices commonly used in access control applications, particularly the smart cards and embedded verification terminals. By avoiding costly operations on user devices, such as bilinear pairings, we were able to achieve times comparable to existing systems (around 500 ms), while providing significantly higher security, privacy protection, and features for RFID multidevice authentication.