Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using Infinium® assay.

AIMS Bisulfite sequence analysis of individual CpG sites within genomic DNA is a powerful approach for methylation analysis in the genome. The major limitation of bisulfite-based methods is parallelization. Both array and next-generation sequencing technology are capable of addressing this bottleneck. In this report, we describe the application of Infinium® genotyping technology to analyze bisulfite-converted DNA to simultaneously query the methylation state of over 27,000 CpG sites from promoters of consensus coding sequences (CCDS) genes. MATERIALS & METHODS We adapted the Infinium genotyping assay to readout an array of over 27,000 pairs of CpG methylation-specific query probes complementary to bisulfite-converted DNA. Two probes were designed to each CpG site: a 'methylated' and an 'unmethylated' query probe. The probe design assumed that all underlying CpG sites were 'in phase' with the queried CpG site due to their close proximity. Bisulfite conversion was performed with a modified version of the Zymo EZ DNA Methylation™ kit. RESULTS We applied this technology to measuring methylation levels across a panel of 14 different human tissues, four Coriell cell lines and six cancer cell lines. We observed that CpG sites within CpG islands (CGIs) were largely unmethylated across all tissues (~80% sites unmethylated, β < 0.2), whereas CpG sites in non-CGIs were moderately to highly methylated (only ~12% sites unmethylated, β < 0.2). Within CGIs, only approximately 3-6% of the loci were highly methylated; in contrast, outside of CGIs approximately 25-40% of loci were highly methylated. Moreover, tissue-specific methylation (variation in methylation across tissues) was much more prevalent in non-CGIs than within CGIs. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a genome-wide scalable array-based methylation readout platform that is both highly reproducible and quantitative. In the near future, this platform should enable the analysis of hundreds of thousands to millions of CpG sites per sample.
Biomechanical Etiology of the So-called Idiopathic Scoliosis (1995-2007).Three Groups and Four Types in the New Classification

The so-called idiopathic scoliosis [adolescent idiopathic scoliosis-AIS] is very common in Poland (till 8%) and in every county in Europe and in America. Many children are operated, mostly because of cosmetic reasons and curve more that 40 degree. Adults suffer because of spinal pain. All previous hypothetic causes about etiology were never confirmed, so causal prophylactics were never introduced. In Lublin, during the years 1995–2007 “the biomechanical causes of the development of scoliosis” was described. We introduced new exercises suitable for every type of scoliosis.
Non-viral transient transfection of hTERT gene into hBMSCs from elderly patients delays cellular aging in vitro

Abstract Background: Human bone marrow stem cell (hBMSC) is a promising candidate in regenerative medicine due to its plasticity and homing ability. However, in vitro survival and therapeutic efficacy of hBMSCs decline with donor age as a result of physiological cellular aging. Objectives: We transfected human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) into hBMSCs from patients more than 60 years old in the hope of extending cellular life span. Methods: In our study on 11 donors (aged 16-74 years), no telomerase activity was detected in hBMSCs from donors ≥60 years old. We then performed transient transfection on hBMSC from these elderly donors (n = 4) with hTERT gene using non-viral methods. Results: Transfection efficiency of 38.5% and 55.6% was achieved by lipofection and electroporation with viability at 83% and 44%, respectively. Telomerase was detected on day 5 for all post-transfected samples. Maximum passage number achieved after transfection was ≥13 (≈45 doublings) compared with 6 (≈15 doublings) before transfection. Conclusion: We conclude that transient expression of hTERT increased cellular life span of hBMSCs from elderly patients, while maintaining a normal cell morphology and growth rate.
Evaluation of the profile of drug therapy administered through enteral feeding tube in a general hospital in Rio de Janeiro

Enteral nutrition (EN) is the method of choice for patients that cannot adequately receive oral feeding despite good gastrointestinal tract condition. Enteral diets may be administered through tube or ostomy placed in the stomach, duodenum or jejunum. The administration of drugs via enteral feeding tube (EFT) is a common practice in hospitals due to patient clinical status, and requires special attention from professionals involved in this process. This study entailed an analysis of the profile of drug therapy through EFT based on evaluation of medical prescriptions of the Medical Clinic of the Hospital dos Servidores do Estado (HSE) of Rio de Janeiro sent to the Pharmacy Service between January and June 2007, according to standard protocols in place. Prescription of drugs via EFT outside recommended guidelines was observed, besides potential drug-nutrient incompatibilities associated with this practice. These results point to the need for improvement of enteral route access and the adoption of measures to promote safe and effective use of drugs and nutritional therapy.
Social Inequality and Strategies for Getting Medical Care in Post-Soviet Russia

This article examines the relationship between social status and medical help-seeking strategies in St. Petersburg, Russia. Analysis of in-depth interviews with a cross-section of the population revealed that access to and use of medical care varied greatly across the urban social structure. Those in the highest social strata used their knowledge and connections to gain access to the best care. Their social position and understanding of the system also privileged them in interactions with physicians, enabling them to take greater advantage of ‘free’ services. Even with similar levels of material well-being, people with less education received poorer health care. Lacking confidence in their ability to assess quality and reluctant to consider options outside the impoverished, inefficient state medical system, they bore the brunt of its inadequacies. This reinforced a long-standing, culturally based predisposition to delay treatment until health problems had become more difficult and costly to manage.
Assessment of reasonable use of Ceftriaxone in internal and surgical wards

Aims: Inappropriate use of antibiotics causes serious problems such as microorganism resistance and may lead to several side effects and even death. Drug Utilization Review studies are suitable means of drug use evaluation and revealing immethodical drug utilization trends and proposing proper solutions. This study was designed to evaluate the utilization trend of Ceftriaxone in Iran. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 300 inpatients of internal and surgical wards in an educational hospital in Tehran for two six month periods in years 2008 and 2009. A protocol containing prescribing and consumption rules for ceftriaxone was prepared based on ministry of health protocol and reference books. Essential data were collected through a questionnaire designed by authors. Data was analyzed by SPSS 16. Results: Of 300 patients who entered the study, 266 cases had received the drug as surgical antibiotic prophylaxis that 32% were according to protocol and 68% were not completely according to the protocol. In 34% cases who received ceftriaxone for infection treatment, 17.4% were according to the protocol and 85.3% were not. Conclusion: There is a remarkable incoherence between current ceftriaxone use trend and the designed protocol in this study; therefore more attention should be paid to available guidelines. Establishing better surveillance methods and medical staff training programs is suggested.
The Influence of Surgery and Orthopedic Treatment on Maxillofacial Growth and Maxillary Arch Development in Patients Treated for Orofacial Clefts

This paper describes maxillofacial growth and dental arch development in relation to different orthodontic and surgical interventions utilized in the management of orofacial clefts. It addresses presurgical orthopedic treatment in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, primary periosteoplasty, primary bone grafting, lip surgery, palatal surgery, pharyngeal flap surgery, maxillary protraction, and early secondary bone grafting. Difficulties associated with synthesizing previously published data and suggestions for approaching still unanswered questions in the next millennium are presented.
Expression of PTEN in basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and its clinicopathological significance

Abstract There are a few ideal predictors that are used to evaluate the prognosis of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC). This study was designed to investigate the expression of PTEN (phosphates and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten) and its association with clinicopathological and available follow-up data. PTEN protein was examined by using immunohistochemical SABC staining method in eight cases of BSCC. Loss of PTEN expression was noted in five (62.5%) of the eight studied BSCC cases. Statistically, there was a significant relationship between PTEN expression and studied BSCC groups depending upon the basaloid component level, lymph node involvement, and the clinical stage of the disease. Of the five patients whose tumors were PTEN negative, three (80%) had recurrence or death at follow-up, whereas none of the three patients whose tumors were PTEN positive had recurrence or death. It was concluded that the PTEN positive expression may be useful for predicting the prognosis of BSCC.
Therapeutic use of self and the relief of suffering

Suffering is a universal human experience, which may be engendered by the onset of illness, especially if illness is perceived to be life threatening. This paper examines the essence of suffering and the common sources of suffering in the setting of illness and the health system. It is proposed that many health care professionals, despite mastering the diagnosis and treatment of physiologic dysfunction, may be at a loss when it comes to helping to relieve patient suffering. At an existential level, suffering arises from the meaning ascribed by patients to events of illness, and is commonly expressed as a personal narrative. In order to help alleviate suffering and to promote healing, clinicians are encouraged to recognise themselves as therapeutic tools in understanding the nature of suffering, listening proactively to the narratives that patients need to tell so that narratives with new meanings can be created.
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AGAINST NURSING PERSONNEL : A Literature Review

The purpose of this study was to explore how many nurses, or what percentage of nurses, have experienced workplace violence perpetrated by patients or visitors, and what type of violence is directed at nursing staff working in medical hospitals in different countries. Another purpose was to explore the nature of debriefing and support received by nurses who had been victims of workplace violence. The aim was for the results to provide useful information on workplace violence experienced by nurses and contribute to evidence-based practice. The results of the review could be utilized by nursing students, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and management working in the healthcare field. Electronic search produced eighteen scientific articles, with information from five different countries that were selected for the review. The statistical data from the different studies had variations, but most supported the facts that relatively large portion of nurses encounter workplace violence and that verbal violence, in its’ many forms, is the most common type of violence encountered. Physical violence experienced can range from physical threats to rape and assaults with deadly weapons. Weapons most commonly used are hospital equipment, medical equipment and furniture. The findings concerning support received by nurses after a violent incident showed that peer support was, in many cases, the only support received. The nurses feel unsupported by the management and in some cases, are even afraid of the management reaction to a violent incident. This fear keeps nurses from reporting the incidents and from getting the needed help to deal with the consequences. The issue of under-reporting affects all aspects of studies done on workplace violence in healthcare. Clear reporting instructions and standard definitions of violence will help to produce more accurate reports on the phenomena. To reduce the harmful consequences of workplace violence, nursing staff needs to become aware of their rights to defend themselves and the right to receive proper support after a violent incident.
miRNA processing gene polymorphisms, blood DNA methylation age and long-term ambient PM2.5 exposure in elderly men.

AIM We tested whether genetic variation in miRNA processing genes modified the association of PM2.5 with DNA methylation (DNAm) age. PATIENTS & METHODS We conducted a repeated measures study based on 552 participants from the Normative Aging Study with multiple visits between 2000 and 2011 (n = 940 visits). Address-level 1-year PM2.5 exposures were estimated using the GEOS-chem model. DNAm-age and a panel of 14 SNPs in miRNA processing genes were measured from participant blood samples. RESULTS & CONCLUSION In fully adjusted linear mixed-effects models, having at least one copy of the minor rs4961280 [AGO2] allele was associated with a lower DNAm-age (β = -1.13; 95% CI: -2.26 to -0.002). However, the association of PM2.5 with DNAm-age was significantly (Pinteraction = 0.01) weaker in homozygous carriers of the major rs4961280 [AGO2] allele (β = 0.38; 95% CI: -0.20 to 0.96) when compared with all other participants (β = 1.58; 95% CI: 0.76 to 2.39). Our results suggest that miRNA processing impacts DNAm-age relationships. Graphical abstract: miRNA processing AGO2 polymorphism (rs4961280) modifies the association of long-term ambient fine particle exposure with blood DNA methylation age [Formula: see text] The graph depicts lines from a fully adjusted linear regression model with fine particle exposure levels ranging from the tenth to the ninetieth percentile, all other continuous variables held constant at their means, and all other categorical variables held at their most frequent level.
Intensive Case Management in Suicide Attempters Following Discharge from Inpatient Psychiatric Care

Suicide risk is high in the first week, month and year following discharge from psychiatric inpatient settings. The decrease in care following discharge has been considered as contributing to the excessive suicide rate in this population. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of an intensive case management follow-up of these high-risk people for one year. Sixty males with a history of suicide attempts and psychiatric illness were recruited at discharge from a psychiatric inpatient setting at the Gold Coast Hospital, Queensland. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Intensive Case Management (ICM) or Treatment As Usual (TAU). ICM featured weekly face-to-face contact with a community case manager and outreach telephone calls from experienced telephone counsellors. TAU participants were discharged under existing hospital practices. All participants completed assessment interviews at baseline, six and twelve months post-discharge. At the end of the twelve-month treatment phase, there was a dropout rate of 53.3% in the ICM condition, and 73.3% in the TAU condition, leaving a final sample of 22 (ICM=14, TAU=8). People in the ICM condition had significant improvements in depression scores, suicide ideation, and quality of life. ICM participants reported more contacts with mental and allied health services, had better relationships with therapists, and were more satisfied with the services that they did receive. No suicides were recorded in the twelve-month follow-up period. A few participants engaged in self-harming behaviours, though there were no differences between treatment conditions with regard to this aspect. Despite the high attrition rate and subsequent low sample size, initial indications are that intensive case management may be beneficial in assisting the post-discharge phase of high-risk psychiatric patients.
Analysis of stationarity and statistical changes in myographic signals from respiratory muscles

Spectral analysis of myographic signals from respiratory muscles is a promising non-invasive technique to study respiratory diseases. However, it requires that the signal be at least weakly stationary. Electromyographic (EMG) and vibromyographic (VMG) signals are related to electrical and mechanical activity, respectively. Local stationarity of the signals from an accessory respiratory muscle is evaluated by means of the reverse arrangement test. A methodology for change detection and to analyze the evolution of the stationarity during the respiratory cycle in myographic signals is also presented. These studies are performed in healthy subjects and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Local stationarity decreases with the increase of the level of ventilation and when a maintained exercise goes forward. High levels of ventilation and respiratory muscle fatigue produce statistical changes in myographic signals.
Micro-indentation Hardness

Hardness testing has found wide application as a method for the classification of materials and for the comparative study of changes in their properties. Hardness is usually determined by abrasion tests, by scratch tests, or by indentation testing. ' The latter method, however, has found most extensive application. The Brinell test, first described in 1900,2 is conducted by pressing a steel ball into the surface to be tested until a specified load is reached. The Brinell hardness, HB, is computed as the ratio of the load (3,000 kg.) to the contact area in square millimeters. The Rockwell hardness testing method is essentially based on a similar principle. The range of application of Brinell and Rockwell testing is limited by the fact that steel-ball indenters may be deformed when used on very hard materials. Smith and Sandland3 used polished diamond pyramids with angles of 120°-150° and, as a result of practical and theoretical considerations, recommended the use of square-based diamond indenters with the 1360 included angle, commonly known as the Vicker's diamond indenter. The Vicker's hardness is normally determined by using loads varying from 1 to 120 kg. The geometry of the Vicker type indentation is independent of the penetration, and thus it would be expected that the hardness would be independent of the load. This relationship does not prevail with the Brinell method. The angle which the indentation makes with the surface of the test piece changes with the depth of penetration. For a given ball diameter, Meyer4 has established the relationship: L a dn, where L load, a and n are constants for a given material, and d is the diameter of the indentation. When the exponent, n, equals 2, there is proportionality between the load and the area of the indentation-in other words, the hardness is load-independent. This is also expressed by the equation H b d -2,when b and n are the material constants. Determination of the exponent, n, from the relation L = a d" has thus been used as a test for hardness-load dependence under the name of "Meyer Analysis. " If n is larger than 2, the hardness increases with increasing loads, whereas n-values less than 2 indicate a decrease in hardness with increasing loads. Meyer analysis has been carried out by several investigators,58 both with Brinell and Vicker's hardness determinations at different loads. Determination of the so-called micro-hardness or, to use a more concise term, the
Play and Exercise in Early Years: Physically active play in early childhood provision

In 2007 the National Children’s Bureau’s Research, Evidence and Evaluation Department was asked to undertake a research project on behalf of Play England, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The research focuses on the extent to which young children, from birth to five years old, are involved in physically active play whilst in early childhood provision. It explores factors in the child’s environment, relationships with others and adult attitudes that affect the extent to which children attending provision play in physically active ways.
How do maternity services provide individualized care

Just before leaving her post, speaking at a conference, the former chief nursing officer, Sarah Mullaly challenged the audience to consider what they meant by ‘individualized care’. This has since bothered me. How do we make care individualized with protocols, policies and NICE guidelines that frame the way a midwife works and provides care for women? Does the system of care provide the opportunity for care to be tailored to the individual?
Third generation cephalosporin-resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates: an emerging threat -

Background: Newer generation cephalosporin-resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae organisms has increased recently. Present study is undertaken to find incidence, antimicrobial susceptibility and prevalence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in K. pneumoniae isolates in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Prospective study was carried out between June to December 2011. Samples of pus, blood, urine, cerebro-spinal fluid, stool, peritoneal, pleural and synovial fluid were collected from indoor and outdoor patients for isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of K. pneumoniae in the department of microbiology, G.R. Medical College Gwalior, M.P. Ceftazidime resistant K. pneumoniae were subjected to Phenotypic Confirmatory Disc Diffusion Test (PCDDT) and Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) for detection of ESBL. Results: Out of 2480 samples collected a total of 530 K. pneumoniae were isolated and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility. Antibiotic sensitivity to imipenem, cefoperazone, amikacin and ofloxacin were 82, 74, 73 and 72% respectively whereas sensitivity to ceftizoxime, ceftriaxone cefotaxime, ceftazidime ranged between 47-50%. K. pneumoniae were found to be resistant to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, doxycycline and gentamicin, by 91, 82, 54 and 50% respectively. Among third generation cephalosporins K. pneumoniae were least sensitive (47%) to ceftazidime. About 33 and 32% of the ceftazidime resistant strains were found to be ESBL positive by PCDDT and DDST respectively. Conclusions: This study has shown that prevalence of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae is the most important reason for increased resistance to third generation cephalosporins. There is need to carry out tests for detection of ESBL producing bacteria routinely.
Differentiation of Virulent from Avirulent Measles Strains

The development by Enders et al. 1 of a live attenuated measles-virus vaccine, the evolution of a regimen for modifying the clinical reactions to the vaccine, 2-4 and the proof of efficacy of the vaccine so administered have provided the scientific background and rationale for widespread application of the vaccine in the human population. This important development created the need, also, for precise measures of control of the safety of the vaccine which have not been defined to the present time. Most important, in this regard, is the need for reliable procedures for differentiating between and for identification of virulent and attenuated measles-virus strains. Such requirement is common to all live virus vaccines and was emphasized most clearly in the development of the in vivo and in vitro genetic marker tests for control of the live poliovirus vaccine. 5 Studies in our laboratories have revealed reproducibly demonstrable differences between representative