Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trefoil factor family peptides – friends or foes?

Abstract Trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides are a group of molecules bearing a characteristic three-loop trefoil domain. They are mainly secreted in mucous epithelia together with mucins but are also synthesized in the nervous system. For many years, TFF peptides were only known for their wound healing and protective function, e.g. in epithelial protection and restitution. However, experimental evidence has emerged supporting a pivotal role of TFF peptides in oncogenic transformation, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Deregulated expression of TFF peptides at the gene and protein level is obviously implicated in numerous cancers, and opposing functions as oncogenes and tumor suppressors have been described. With regard to the regulation of TFF expression, epigenetic mechanisms as well as the involvement of various miRNAs are new, promising aspects in the field of cancer research. This review will summarize current knowledge about the expression and regulation of TFF peptides and the involvement of TFF peptides in tumor biology and cancerogenesis.
Intervention to promote physical health in staff within mental health facilities and the impact on patients’ physical health

Background: Patients with severe mental illnesses have an increased physical morbidity and premature mortality on account of somatic diseases. Patients with mental illness are nursed and cared for by the staff, who may acts as role models for the patients. Aims: The study tested the efficacy of an intervention programme for improving physical health in staff working in long-term psychiatric treatment facilities. Furthermore, the paper measured the association between staff's changes in physical health and the patients’ changes in physical health. Methods: The study was a cluster randomized controlled 12-month intervention study, and the intervention was active awareness on physical health. Results: In the intervention group the staff reduced their waist circumference by 2.3 cm (95% CI: 0.3–4.4) when controlling for gender, age and cigarette consumption. In the control group, the staff changed their waist circumference by − 2.1 cm (95% CI: − 5.6–1.5). The staff in the intervention group experienced a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure of − 5.9 mmHg (95% CI: − 9.5 to − 2.3, p = 0.009). The study indicated an association between the staff average change in each facility and the individual patient's changes in health parameters (body mass index, total body fat and quality of life). Conclusion: The staff in the intervention group showed a significant reduction of waist circumference, while staff in the control group showed a non-significant increase. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the diastolic blood pressure was seen. Indications that staff acted as positive role models for the patients’ physical health were seen.
Galaxy formation spanning cosmic history

Over the past several decades, galaxy formation theory has met with significant successes. In order to test current theories thoroughly we require predictions for as yet unprobed regimes. To this end, we describe a new implementation of the Galform semi-analytic model of galaxy formation. Our motivation is the success of the model described by Bower et al. in explaining many aspects of galaxy formation. Despite this success, the Bower et al. model fails to match some observational constraints, and certain aspects of its physical implementation are not as realistic as we would like. The model described in this work includes substantially updated physics, taking into account developments in our understanding over the past decade, and removes certain limiting assumptions made by these (and most other) semi-analytic models. This allows it to be exploited reliably in high-redshift and low-mass regimes. Furthermore, we have performed an exhaustive search of model parameter space to find a particular set of model parameters which produce results in good agreement with a wide range of observational data (luminosity functions, galaxy sizes and dynamics, clustering, colours, metal content) over a wide range of redshifts. This model represents a solid basis on which to perform calculations of galaxy formation in as yet unprobed regimes.
Comparison of knee magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients referred by orthopaedic surgeons versus nonorthopaedic practitioners.

PURPOSE To compare the percentages of normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination results and clinically significant knee abnormalities in patients referred for MRI of the knee by orthopaedic surgery residents and staff with those of patients referred by nonorthopaedic practitioners. TYPE OF STUDY Retrospective review of MRI findings. METHODS MRI reports of 754 patients (454 men and 300 women) were retrospectively reviewed; 373 patients were referred from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and 381 patients were referred from nonorthopaedic practitioners. The number of normal examination results, meniscal and ligament tears, chondral abnormalities, and Baker's cysts was tabulated and analyzed using a X-square injury analysis. RESULTS The rate of normal results for nonorthopaedic practitioners was 33.9% (129 of 381) compared with 15.3% (57 of 373) for orthopaedic surgeons (P <.001). Nonorthopaedic surgeons referred 69.4% (129 of 186) of the patients who had normal examination results. The positive finding for a lateral meniscus tear was 29.2% (109 of 373) for orthopaedic surgeons compared with 19.1% (73 of 381) for nonorthopaedic practitioners, which was statistically significant (P =.002) in regard to the distribution of injuries. No difference was found in other abnormalities assessed. CONCLUSIONS Patients referred by nonorthopaedic practitioners had significantly more normal knee MRI examination results than did those referred by orthopaedic surgeons.
High Seroprevalence of Respiratory Pathogens in Hobby Poultry

SUMMARY Seroprevalence studies on respiratory pathogens have been done extensively in commercial laying hens, broilers, and, to a lesser extent, backyard poultry. In Europe, seroprevalence studies in backyard and fancy breed poultry flocks are scarce and limited to a few pathogens, such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG); others, such as Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), are missing. A commercial ELISA for detection of antibodies against six selected pathogens was performed on 460 serum samples from chickens across Flanders. Anti-ORT antibodies were, by far, the most prevalent, with a prevalence of 95.4%. Infectious bronchitis virus, Mycoplasma synoviae, and avian metapneumovirus antibodies were found in 75.6%, 76.3%, and 63.5% of the animals, respectively. Antibodies against MG and infectious laryngotracheitis virus were found in 36.7% and 30% of the animals, respectively. These data demonstrate the high seroprevalence of respiratory pathogens among hobby poultry; therefore, it is possible that this group could act as a reservoir for commercially kept poultry. RESUMEN Nota de investigación- Alta seroprevalencia de patógenos respiratorios en avicultura recreativa. Se han realizado amplios estudios de seroprevalencia de patógenos respiratorios en gallinas de postura, en pollo de engorde comerciales y en menor medida, en aves de traspatio. En Europa, los estudios de seroprevalencia en parvadas de aves de traspatio y en aves de razas finas son escasos y limitados a unos pocos patógenos, como Mycoplasma gallisepticum y no existen disponibles reportes dirigidos a otros patógenos como Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale. Se llevó a cabo un estudio serológico con un estuche comercial de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos contra seis patógenos seleccionados en 460 muestras de suero de pollos en toda el área de Flandes. Los anticuerpos contra Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale fueron los más frecuentes, con una prevalencia del 95.4%. Los anticuerpos contra el virus de la bronquitis infecciosa, Mycoplasma synoviae, y metapneumovirus aviar se encontraron en 75.6%, 76.3% y 63.5% de los animales, respectivamente. Se encontraron anticuerpos contra el virus de la laringotraqueitis infecciosa y contra Mycoplasma gallisepticum en 36.7% y 30% de los animales, respectivamente. Estos datos demuestran la alta seroprevalencia de patógenos respiratorios en la avicultura recreativa; por lo tanto, es posible que este grupo podría actuar como un reservorio para las aves mantenidas bajo condiciones comerciales.
Antioxidant-surfactant liposomes mitigate hyperoxic lung injury in premature rabbits.

Surfactant liposomes, encapsulating CuZn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, increase alveolar type II cell antioxidant activity and protect cells against oxidant stress. We examined whether intratracheal instillation of antioxidant-surfactant liposomes increases lung antioxidant activity in premature rabbits. Pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were delivered by cesarean section on day 28 or 29 of gestation or allowed to deliver spontaneously. After premature birth or at 2 days of age in the term rabbits, the pups from each litter were divided into four groups. One group received 0.1 ml/15 g birth wt of antioxidant-surfactant liposomes by intratracheal injection and was then exposed to hyperoxia (> 95% oxygen) for 24 h and killed. The second group received an equal amount of surfactant liposomes without antioxidant enzymes and was exposed to hyperoxia for 24 h. The third group received air placebo and was exposed to hyperoxia for 24 h, and the fourth group was killed after birth if premature or at 2 days of age if term. After the pups were killed, lung homogenates were investigated for total SOD and catalase activity and DNA content. Each treatment group consisted of 12-15 rabbit pups. Lung antioxidant enzyme activity increased with advancing maturity. Among the premature rabbits, total lung SOD and catalase activity were lowest in the pups killed before hyperoxia and the air placebo controls exposed to hyperoxia, intermediate in the pups treated with liposomes without antioxidant enzymes and hyperoxia, and highest in the pups that received antioxidant-surfactant liposomes and hyperoxia. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Experimental Microwave Imaging With a Novel Corrugated Vivaldi Antenna

In this communication, a novel corrugated Vivaldi antenna (CVA) is developed for microwave imaging (MWI) applications. In particular, different from the previous works, the lengths of the corrugations are independently optimized to reach the final design. It is shown that by letting more parameters to be optimized in the design process, we can obtain a more effective CVA, which has more suitable characteristics for MWI applications (i.e., higher gain, broader bandwidth) compared with the previous designs. Apart from that, the imaging performance of the proposed design is compared with a generic VA having the same size of the proposed antenna. As imaging algorithm, a recently introduced qualitative MWI technique, the scattering parameter-based linear sampling method (S-LSM), is employed. The similarity between exact shapes of the targets and the obtained qualitative results are compared with the help of the well-known Jaccard index. Experimental results show that the proposed CVA performs better than a generic VA in such real-world MWI problems.
Evaluation of the Left Ventricle in Patients with Mitral Stenosis

In an attempt to objectively evaluate the status of the left ventricle in 32 patients with mitral stenosis, a modified form of supine leg exercise was done during simultaneous left and right heart catheterization. Besides measuring the usual hemodynamic parameters, a ratio of mitral valve flow (MVF) or diastolic left ventricular volume change (&Dgr;v/&Dgr;t) and the slope of the rise of left ventricular diastolic pressure (&Dgr;p/&Dgr;t) was calculated at rest and during exercise (&Dgr;v/&Dgr;p). The results of these measurements were compared with those obtained on nine patients with either innocent functional heart murmurs or hemodynamically insignificant stenotic valvular lesions.None of the nine control patients had left ventricular end-diastolic pressures (LVEDP) greater than 12 mm Hg either at rest or with exercise. Exercise also did not appreciably alter the &Dgr;v/&Dgr;p ratio. Among the patients with mitral stenosis eight patients had distinctly elevated (greater than 14 mm Hg) LVEDP with exercise and 19 patients, including the eight with abnormal LVEDP, decreased the &Dgr;v/&Dgr;p ratio with exercise.The difficulties and limitations associated with this type of study are discussed. However, there is a distinct possibility that these results are indicative of an abnormal left ventricle in some patients with mitral stenosis. It is further suggested that this abnormality may be related in some way to decreased left ventricular compliance. In addition, a close statistical correlation between &Dgr;v/&Dgr;p and cardiac output implicates this left ventricular abnormality as a possible etiological factor in the reduced cardiac output seen in many patients with mitral stenosis.
Future-oriented emotions : Conceptualization and behavioral effects

We distinguish between two kinds of future-oriented emotions (anticipatory and anticipated) and investigate their behavioral effects. Anticipatory emotions are currently experienced due to the prospect of a future event (e.g., hope or fear). Anticipated emotions, on the other hand, are expected to be experienced in the future if certain events do or do not occur (e.g., anticipated joy or regret). We discuss the theoretical differences between the two types of future-oriented emotions and examine their role in motivating goal-directed behavior. The results of a longitudinal study (n = 472) and a separate control group analysis (n = 340) provide consistent support for the convergent and discriminant validity of positive/negative anticipatory and anticipated emotions and their independent influence on goal-directed behavior. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative expression analysis of a Glyptapanteles indiensis polydnavirus protein tyrosine phosphatase gene in its natural lepidopteran host, Lymantria dispar

In the present study, expression of a newly identified Glyptapanteles indiensis polydnavirus (GiPDV) gene encoding a putative protein tyrosine phosphatase (PDVPTP) was monitored in vivo in the parasitized host, L. dispar, using one step RT‐PCR. Expression levels of the PDVPTP transcript were also evaluated in various host tissues at different times post parasitization (pp) using RT quantitative competitive PCR (RT‐qcPCR). Expression levels varied, with the most abundant transcript detected in host haemolymph 2 h pp. The high expression level in host haemolymph at an early stage of parasitization suggested a potential role for viral PDVPTP in disruption of the host immune system and protection of the endoparasitoid egg from encapsulation. Additionally, the PDVPTP gene or its homolog(s) mapped to more than one GiPDV genomic DNA segment, which may account for its increased level of expression in the absence of virus replication.
A cross‐sectional observation of the factors associated with deliberate self‐poisoning with acetaminophen: impact of gender differences and psychiatric intervention

The objectives of this study were to determine the risk factors and life stressors that are prevalent among the acetaminophen deliberate self‐poisoning (DSP) cases, to identify gender differences in the associated factors, and to determine the prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis and the patterns and types of psychotherapeutic interventions provided by psychiatrists.
Offshore Topside Rotating Packed Bed as Process Intensified Alternative for Natural Gas Sweetening and Dehydration

This work is aimed at investigating the benefits of replacing conventional process unit operations with process intensified ones in offshore applications. This ensures that better use is made of raw materials, lower energy consumption and a reduced plant volume was achieved. Specifically, a rotating packed bed technology has been used for gas dehydration and sweetening. To achieve the aim of this study, a process intensification approach is used to redesign mature absorption processes to more compact and efficient one. Process simulation using Aspen Hysys was carried out for Triethylene glycol dehydration and monoethanolamine sweetening. More than 36-fold absorption unit size reduction was achieved thereby effecting large decrease in capital and operating costs compared to the conventional packed columns currently utilized in the offshore oil and gas industry. The process intensified technologies therefore can be deployed for offshore applications where space and size considerations are of utmost importance.
Surgical lessons from the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study.

The Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study, initiated in 1972, has admitted more than 700 patients with childhood rhabdomyosarcoma in a 6-year period. Although it was designed primarily to answer specific questions about various aspects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, some lessons have been learned concerning the surgical approach to this disease. Operative resection, which is not always feasible, is determined chiefly by the clinical stage and anatomic site. Thus far, data for some anatomic sites indicated that total gross resection at some point in the treatment schedule achieved better results than did incomplete resection. A possible exception to this occurred when the orbit is the primary site. The incidence of lymphatic metastases from lesions in some anatomic sites (e.g., paratesticular, pelvic genito-urinary, and extremity) was higher than was previously appreciated. This finding will influence decisions concerning surgical biopsy or dissection of regional lymph nodes for many of these lesions. Differences in histology, particularly those relating to the alveolar type, indicated the need for a more aggressive approach to selected lesions, but we need more data to confirm this determination. Lastly, patients who initially received radiotherapy or chemotherapy to pelvic sites have had striking benefits, and this finding should encourage the development of schedules that specify operative resection of these lesions later in the program rather than as the initial treatment.
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Oral Eletriptan in the Acute Treatment of Migraine: Results of A Phase Iii, Multicentre, Placebo-Controlled Study Across Three Attacks

The efficacy, safety and tolerability of the 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist eletriptan (40 mg and 80 mg) in acute treatment of migraine was evaluated in a multinational, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, three-attack study treating 1153 patients. In the initial attack, significantly more eletriptan patients reported headache relief and complete pain relief at 2 h vs. placebo (40 mg 62% and 32%, 80 mg 65% and 34%, placebo 19% and 3%; P < 0.0001). Headache relief occurred faster after eletriptan, with more patients at both doses reporting relief 30 min (P < 0.01) and 1 h (P < 0.0001) after treatment than after placebo. There was a significantly lower recurrence rate with eletriptan 80 mg compared with placebo (P < 0.01). Adverse events for all treatments were generally mild or moderate and self-limiting. Eletriptan 40 mg and eletriptan 80 mg both appear to be effective and well-tolerated acute migraine treatments.
Thoracic spine manipulation for the management of patients with neck pain: a randomized clinical trial.

DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. OBJECTIVES To investigate if patients with mechanical neck pain receiving thoracic spine thrust manipulation would experience superior outcomes compared to a group not receiving thrust manipulation. BACKGROUND Evidence has begun to emerge in support of thoracic thrust manipulation as an intervention n the management of mechanical neck pain. However, to make a strong recommendation for a clinical technique it is necessary to have multiple studies with convergent findings. METHODS AND MEASURES Forty-five patients (21 females) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: a control group, which received electro-thermal therapy for 5 treatment sessions, and the experimental group, which received the same electro/thermal therapy program in addition to a thoracic spine thrust manipulation once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Mixed-model analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to examine the effects of treatment on pain (100-mm visual analogue scale), disability (100-point disability scale), and cervical range of motion, with group as the between-subjects variable and time as the within-subjects variable. The primary analysis was the group-by-time interaction for pain. RESULTS The group-by-time interaction effects for the ANOVA models were statistically significant for pain, mobility, and disability (P< .05), indicating greater improvements in the manipulation group for all the outcome measures. Patients receiving thoracic manipulation experienced greater improvements in pain at the fifth (final) treatment session and at the 2-week and 4-week follow-up periods (P< .001), with pain improvement scores in the manipulation group of 16.8 mm and 26.6 mm greater than those in the comparison group at the 2- and 4-week follow-up periods, respectively. The experimental group also experienced significantly greater improvements in disability with a between-group difference of 8.8 points (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.5, 10.1; P< .001) at the fifth visit and 8.0 points (95% CI: 5.8, 10.2; P< .001) at the 2-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that thoracic spine thrust manipulation results in superior clinical benefits that persist beyond the 1-mont follow-up period for patients with acute neck pain. Future studies should continue to investigate the effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulation, as compared to other physical therapy interventions, in a population with mechanical neck pain.
Delay in presentation to hospital for surgery for congenital and developmental cataract in Tanzania

Background: Childhood cataract is a leading cause of blindness in children in eastern Africa. High quality surgical services have been established at a few tertiary facilities in the region; however, there appears to be delay in presentation to hospital. Methods: Parents or guardians of all children presenting to KCMC Hospital or CCBRT Hospital with congenital (recognised since birth or within the first year) or developmental (cataract leading to reduction in vision after 1 year of age) cataract were interviewed regarding the actions taken (and timing of these) before coming to hospital. Demographic information was also collected. For analysis children were grouped as either late presenters (more than 12 months after recognition) or not late presenters (within 12 months of recognition) and predictors of late presentation were assessed. Results: Among 178 children (74 congenital cataract and 104 developmental cataract) analysed, the mean delay between recognition by the caregiver and presentation to hospital was 34 months, almost 3 years. The median delay was 18 months—9 months for congenital cataract and 24 months for developmental cataract. Long delay in presentation was associated with having developmental cataract, living far from the hospital, and low socioeducational status of the mother. Among children with congenital cataract, having another sibling increased the likelihood of early presentation. Conclusion: Delay in presentation remains a significant problem for children needing surgery for congenital or developmental cataract. Parents who have multiple children may be more likely to seek early treatment, possibly because their expectations of achievable sight at a young age are based on previous experience of their older children. Educational efforts should aim to reach the most “unreachable” (those living the furthest from the hospital and having the lowest socioeducational status of the mother).