Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seven-year cumulative incidence of COPD in an age-stratified general population sample.

AIM To estimate the cumulative incidence of COPD and risk factors related to the development of COPD, including evaluation of the relationship between Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 0 (ie, respiratory symptoms and normal lung function) and the development of COPD, in an age-stratified general population sample of middle-aged and elderly individuals. METHOD The third survey of the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden studies cohort I (three age strata born in 1919 to 1920, 1934 to 1935, and 1949 to 1950) was performed in 1996, and 5,189 subjects (88%) responded to the postal questionnaire. Of the responders, a random sample (1,500 subjects) was invited to an examination in 1996 and in 2003. A total of 963 subjects performed spirometry on both occasions. COPD was defined according to the spirometric criteria of the GOLD. Two levels of disease severity, grade I and higher (GOLD criteria, FEV(1)/FVC ratio of < 0.70) and also grade II and higher (GOLD II criteria, FEV(1)/FVC ratio of < 0.70 and FEV(1) <80% predicted). RESULTS The 7-year cumulative incidence of COPD was 11.0% and 4.9%, respectively, according to GOLD and GOLD II, and was significantly related to smoking (smokers, 18.8% and 10.6%, respectively; ex-smokers, 10.5% and 5.2%, respectively; non-smokers, 7.6% and 1.6%, respectively). Incident COPD according to GOLD, but not according to GOLD II, was significantly associated with increasing age. Most respiratory symptoms at study entry were markers of increased risk for incident COPD when analyzed in a multivariate model adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION The GOLD criteria yielded a higher cumulative incidence (11.0%) compared to the GOLD II (4.9%). Smoking, but not gender, was associated with incident COPD. Most respiratory symptoms at the beginning of the observation period marked an increased risk for developing COPD, thus the classification GOLD stage 0 seems relevant among middle-aged and elderly persons.
Lymphoid malignancy and development, differentiation, and function of the lymphoreticular system.

Summary There are 2 pathways of normal lymphoid differentiation. The thymus is responsible for initiation and control of cellular differentiation directed toward the small lymphocyte and cellular immunity. The avian bursa of Fabricius, and perhaps Peyer9s patches of man, initiates and controls another lymphoid differentiation pathway directed toward the plasma cell and immunoglobulin production. Thymus-dependent and bursa-dependent lymphocytic malignancies have been defined in the mouse and chicken, respectively, and are featured by abnormal lymphoid differentiation beginning in one or the other central lymphoid organ. It is proposed that clinical lymphoid malignancies may also be usefully classified as either thymus system or immunoglobulin-producing system malignancies. In this view Hodgkin9s disease appears to be a thymus system disease, and more focused study of its central organ seems indicated.
Extracolonic malignancies in inflammatory bowel disease

A population‐based cohort with inflammatory bowel disease consisting of 4776 patients (3121 with ulcerative colitis and 1655 with Crohn's disease) was followed for 1 to 50 years for the occurrence of malignant neoplasms. Two hundred eighty‐three cancers were observed versus 189.1 expected (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 1.5, 95% confidence limits [CL] 1.3 to 1.7). One hundred seventy‐eight extracolonic cancers were observed versus 168.8 expected (SIR = 1.1, 95% CL 0.9 to 1.2). In Crohn's disease and extensive ulcerative colitis, observed cases were close to those expected but in ulcerative proctitis, the relative risk of extracolonic cancers was close to significantly increased (SIR = 1.3, 95% CL 1.0 to 1.7). Squamous skin cancers after Crohn's disease (SIR = 5.5, 95% CL 2.0 to 11.9) and connective tissue cancers after ulcerative colitis (SIR = 4.0, 95% CL 1.0 to 10.2) were significantly increased. Those having extensive ulcerative colitis at diagnosis had an increased risk of brain cancers (SIR = 2.4, 95% CL 1.0 to 4.6). Patients with extensive ulcerative colitis had lower than expected risk of breast cancer (SIR = 0.4, 95% CL 0.1 to 1.0).
Digenea of Adriatic cage-reared northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus)

Cage rearing of northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus) in the Adriatic Sea is a relatively novel branch of aquaculture, with scarce literature on fish pathologies. In this study, viscera and gills of 52 specimens of 13 kg tuna showed an interesting composition of digenean parasitofauna. Most abundant and prevalent were the members of the Didymozoidae family Coeliodidymocystis abdominalis, Didymocystis wedli, Platocystis alalongae, Koellikerioides internogastricus, Koellikerioides intestinalis and Koellikerioides apicalis, isolated from various tissues. Ventricular, kidney and gill tissues showed disseminated granulomas, presumed to be the eggs of the blood trematode Cardicola forsteri, however no adult forms were found. This is the first report on tuna digenean parasitofauna in the Adriatic Sea.
Chronic alterations in the cellular composition of spinal cord white matter following contusion injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves the loss of neurons and glia due to initial mechanical and secondary biochemical mechanisms. Treatment with the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) reduces acute white matter pathology and increases both axon density and hindlimb function chronically at 6 weeks after injury. We investigated the cellular composition of residual white matter chronically to determine whether TTX also has a significant effect on the numbers and types of cells present. Rats received an incomplete thoracic contusion injury, in the presence or absence of TTX (0.15 nmole) injected focally, beginning at 15 min prior to injury. Six weeks later, cell density was significantly increased in the residual white matter of the dorsal, lateral, and ventral funiculi, both rostral and caudal to the injury site in both TTX‐treated and injury control groups. Oligodendrocyte and astrocyte density was similar to normal but large numbers of cells expressing microglia/macrophage markers were present. Labeling with the progenitor markers nestin and NG2 showed that precursor cell density had also doubled or tripled as compared with uninjured controls. Some of these cells were also labeled for antigens that indicate their possible progression along an oligodendrocyte or astrocyte lineage. Our results support the hypothesis that the beneficial effect of TTX in SCI is related to its preservation of axons per se; no effect on chronic white matter cell composition was detected. They highlight the profound changes in cellular composition in preserved white matter chronically at 6 weeks after injury, including the accumulation of endogenous progenitor cells and the persistence of activated macrophages/microglia. The manipulation of these endogenous cells may be used in the future to enhance recovery after SCI. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GTP-binding proteins and their regulatory actions on ion channels.

The science of ‘signal transduction mechanisms’ is the most dramatically progressing field in cell biology during the past several years. Guanine nucleotide- binding proteins (G-proteins) have been identified in almost all cells in every tissue, and their major roles are known to transduce various intracellular signals by interacting between receptor molecules and effector enzymes or ion channels. They regulate synaptic transmission, contractions of cardiac and smooth muscles, secretions of endocrine and exocrine cells, translation system of the messenger RNA, and mitotic cell cycles [17, 21, 58, 61]. This paper describes basic structures and functions of G-proteins and focuses on their modulatory or regulatory actions for ionic channels in the plasma membrane while attempting to put forward some possible unifying concept from the diverse information that has accumulated.
End‐of‐life decisions in delivery room and neonatal intensive care unit

Background: The increase in neonatal survival in recent decades has been followed by an increase in later disabilities. This has given rise to many new ethical issues. In different countries, efforts are being made to define ethical guidelines regarding withholding or withdrawing intensive care and end‐of‐life decisions in critically ill newborn infants. These guidelines have to be differentiated from ethical decision‐making models which structure the process of decision making for an individual child. Such a framework has been in existence in our clinic for 10 years. Aim: The aims of this study were to evaluate how end‐of‐life decisions are taken in our perinatal centre and to analyse whether these decisions are consistent with our framework for structured ethical decision making.
Sporting Injuries of the Shoulder

INJURIES of the shoulder are a common event in many sports, whether involving bodily contact or not. They include results of direct blows to the shoulder, or indirect forces transmitted to the shoulder, or are the result of chronic repetitive stress on the shoulder. The range of injuries thus included are bruises, musculoligamentous strains, tendonitis, dislocations and fractures. The greatest asset that a sportsman has with respect to his injury is his strong desire to return to his sport as rapidly as possible. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis is essential for rational and effective treatment.
Seizure frequency and lateralization affect progression of atrophy in temporal lobe epilepsy

Background: It is unclear which factors lead to progressive neuronal damage in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether progressive hippocampal and extrahippocampal atrophy occur in patients with MTLE and whether this atrophy is related to seizures. Method: We performed 2 MRI scans in 33 patients with clinical and electroencephalographic diagnosis of MTLE and in 24 healthy controls. MRI was performed in a 2-T scanner, and a T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence with 1 mm thickness was used for voxel-based morphometry analysis. Follow-up images were obtained at least 7 months after the first baseline MRI. Comparisons between the patient’s follow-up and baseline MRIs, and between patients and controls, were performed. A corrected p value of 0.05 was set as the threshold for the statistical analysis. Results: Follow-up MRI was performed after a median interval of 39 months (range 7–85 months). Three patients were seizure-free between the first and second MRIs. We observed progressive white and gray matter atrophy (p < 0.05) in patients with MTLE. This progression was more intense in patients with left MTLE compared with right MTLE. A higher frequency of seizures and a longer duration of epilepsy were associated with progression of gray and white matter atrophy in patients with MTLE. Conclusion: The progression of white and gray matter atrophy in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) was more intense in patients with left MTLE and was associated with poorer seizure control and a longer duration of epilepsy.
A 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine/valproate combination induces cytotoxic T-cell response against mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumour with a limited response to conventional therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effect of a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-azaCdR), and two histone deacetylase inhibitors, valproic acid (VPA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). Human mesothelioma cells were treated with each epigenetic drug, either alone or in combinations. The cytotoxic effects on treated cells and the expression of specific tumour antigens were evaluated. The recognition of treated cells by a specific CD8+ T-cell clone was also measured. Additionally, the effect of combined treatments was tested in a murine model of mesothelioma. We showed that VPA and SAHA synergised with 5-azaCdR to kill MPM cells and induce tumour antigen expression in the remaining living tumour cells. As a consequence, tumour cells expressing these antigens were recognised and lysed by specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells. In vivo, treatment with 5-azaCdR/VPA inhibited tumour growth, and promoted lymphocyte infiltration and an immune response against tumour cells. Appropriate epigenetic drug combinations, in addition to inducing mesothelioma cell death, also affect the immunogenic status of these cells. This property could be exploited in clinical investigations to develop MPM treatments combining chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic approaches.
Effect of HIV infection on the prevalence of colorectal adenomas during screening colonoscopy.

tion. Surgical resection of grossly involved portions of the small bowel or locations of perforation have been performed when infection was not controlled with medical treatment alone. Our observations present several unique aspects to this infection. Our patient was not exposed to recent antibiotics, though she had many recurrent hospitalizations. She was maintained on several immunosuppressants, which may have contributed to her increased susceptibility. Lastly, she had a small amount of remaining small bowel after multiple prior resections. Fortunately, with prompt detection of this infection and aggressive treatment, our patient’s symptoms regressed quickly and she was discharged from the hospital without serious sequelae.
Respiratory chain deficiency in a female with Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome

Aicardi‐Goutières syndrome (AGS) is an early‐onset progressive encephalopathy characterized by calcifications of the basal ganglia, white matter abnormalities, chronic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis, and/or a raised level of CSF interferon (INF)‐α. We report a female with mitochondrial respiratory chain deficiency fulfilling the criteria of AGS. Disease onset was in the first year of age with seizures and psychomotor regression. To date, at 4 years of age, she presents a severe encephalopathy, increased INF‐? in the CSF, and calcifications of basal ganglia on computerized tomography. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral and symmetric hypersignal of the posterior white matter. A complex I deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain was found in skeletal muscle, which was associated with a complex IV deficiency in cultured skin fibroblasts. The question of whether this oxidative phosphorylation deficiency is primary or secondary in AGS is open to debate. We suggest giving consideration to systematic evaluation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in skeletal muscle and skin fibroblasts of other AGS patients.
An Empirical Examination of Customer Perceptions of Mobile Advertising

A two-stage approach is employed in order to examine the influencing factors of consumer behaviors in the context of mobile advertising. The first stage of the study evaluates the correlation relationship of consumer motives for receiving mobile advertising and their attitudes toward mobile advertising. It also investigates the relationship between consumer intentions for receiving advertisements on their cellular phones and their subsequent actions once the mobile advertising was received. A negative sentiment was revealed by cellular phone users toward mobile advertising, a signal that current practices of mobile advertising are ineffective and require a careful reevaluation on the part of mobile commerce firms. The second stage of the research validates a Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action model. It is found that positive actions on the received advertisements are significantly influenced by strong intentions; strong intentions are influenced significantly by favorable attitudes, and favorable attitudes are influenced significantly by strong motives. Implications for e-commerce application developers and marketers are discussed.
Endocrine factors in the control of nutrient utilization: ruminants

The principal function of hormonal regulation of metabolic homoeostasis is to preserve constancy in the supply of glucose, the major fuel used by the neural control tissues of the body. With recognition of the extensive endocrine regulatory mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract and their integration with neural reflex mechanisms it is becoming increasingly apparent that anticipatory mechanisms regulating the rate of digestion and entry of metabolites into the general circulation represent an area for endocrine regulation of nutrient homoeostasis which may ultimately turn out to be as significant for homoeostatic regulation as the better known endocrine mechanisms regulating the distribution of nutrients and their utilization by the various tissues of the body (Unger & Dobbs, 1978). The evolutionary modification of the ruminant forestomach to permit digestion of herbage cellulose results in major alterations in the metabolites presented for absorption or further digestion lower in the intestines and the consequence that little or no glucose is derived directly from dietary carbohydrate, microbial fermentation in the m e n resulting in its conversion to volatile fatty acids (VFA). There is no evidence for similar major alterations in mechanisms regulating metabolic homoeostasis. However, the role of gut endocrine mechanisms in ruminants remains almost totally unexplored at present. The possibility that there are modifications to the endocrinology of the foregut should not be ignored. Although acetate is a major substrate for metabolism in many peripheral tissues of ruminants after weaning (Ballard et al. 1969) glucose remains the principal fuel for oxidative metabolism in the central nervous system (Lindsay & Setchell, 1976). It is also a major substrate for the pregnant uterus (Setchell et al. 1972; Prior & Christenson, 1978) and lactating mammary gland (Bergman & Hogue, 1967). Hormonal regulation of glucose homoeostasis therefore remains central to metabolic regulation and it appears that most of the hormonal alterations observed in ruminants in different physiological situations can be related to the need for maintenance of glucose homoeostasis. While problems associated with failure of the mechanisms regulating disposal of excessive dietary carbohydrate are so common in man they are virtually unheard of in ruminants. However, the high productivity demanded of domesticated ruminant species leads to a number of problems apparently resulting initially from overtaxing of their glucose supply mechanisms. The hormonal processes governing the supply of glucose precursors and gluconeogenesis are therefore of particular significance in relation to ruminant metabolic regulation and any consideration of how nutrient utilization is regulated. Quantitative aspects of glucose metabolism in ruminants (Leng, 1970; Bergman,
Knowledge and Opinions of Nursing Students Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer Patients

Background: Cancer patients and their families resort to complementary and alternative medicine practices in order to cope with the effects of the difficult conventional treatments. Student nurses are aware of these practices. Aim: The current study aimed to determine nursing students’ knowledge and opinions regarding complementary and alternative medicine practices in cancer patients, and the factors influencing the students' opinions on this issue. Methodology: This descriptive study was carried out with 148 students. Data collection was implemented by means of a literature-based questionnaire developed by the researchers. Results: Students were more knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine practices such as acupuncture (39.2%), and religious practices (34.5%). Only 20.9% of them expressed that they often received information via media and internet, but 58.8% of them thought that this information was insufficient. A majority were in favor of the integration of complementary and alternative practices in the nursing curriculum. Many of them considered they could be implemented together with other medical practices within a multidisciplinary approach, and stated that they did not know if any nursing practice included complementary and alternative treatments. Conclusions: Student nurses had insufficient knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine practices, but they wanted to learn about them. In general, students had positive opinions towards the use of complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients. Therefore, complementary and alternative practices could be included in the nursing curriculum and nursing practices.
Control of microvascular oxygen pressures during recovery in rat fast‐twitch muscle of differing oxidative capacity

Whether the speed of recovery of microvascular O2 pressures ( ) differs within muscles composed primarily of type II fibres with contrasting oxidative capacity has not been determined. We tested the hypothesis that, following contractions, the recovery of would be slower in the white (WG; low oxidative capacity) versus the mixed gastrocnemius (MG; comparatively high oxidative capacity). Radiolabelled microsphere and phosphorescence quenching techniques were used to measure muscle blood flow ( , hence O2 delivery, ) and during contractions (1 Hz twitch) at low (LO, 2.5 V) and high intensities (HI, 4.5 V) in rat (n= 15) MG and WG muscle and during subsequent recovery. Following the LO protocol, end‐contraction was lower in WG (11.6 ± 0.5 mmHg) than in MG (16.2 ± 0.6 mmHg; P < 0.05) while, contrary to our hypothesis, the initial rate of change in during recovery ( /dt; MG 0.11 ± 0.01 mmHg s−1 and WG 0.06 ± 0.03 mmHg s−1) and mean response time (MRT; MG 110.3 ± 5.1 s and WG 113.5 ± 8.4 s, P > 0.05) were not different. In contrast, end‐contraction baseline was not different following the HI protocol (MG 10.3 ± 0.6 mmHg and WG 9.2 ± 0.6 mmHg; P > 0.05) but, in agreement with our hypothesis, /dt was slower (MG 0.07 ± 0.01 mmHg s−1 and WG 0.03 ± 0.003 mmHg s−1; P < 0.05) and MRT longer (WG 180.8 ± 4.5 s and MG 115.4 ± 6.7 s; P < 0.05) in WG versus MG following the HI protocol. These data suggest that following high‐intensity, though submaximal, muscle contractions, recovers much faster in the more oxidative mixed gastrocnemius than in the less oxidative white gastrocnemius.
Mechanical Esophageal Deflection During Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

To prevent esophageal damage during ablation of atrial fibrillation, we developed a technique to move the esophagus away from a desired ablation site too close to the esophagus. Under fluoroscopy, a transesophageal echocardiography probe was used to deflect the barium‐opacified esophagus from the ablation site. This technique was successfully employed in three patients where critical sites of the posterior left atrial wall were very close to the esophagus.