Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), an age-related malignancy whose incidence increases markedly after the age of 50 years, is the third most common cancer worldwide and shows significant variations in the distribution globally [1,2]. More than 1.2 million new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are reported each year, most of which (~85%) occur sporadically as a result of the accumulation of mutations and epigenetic modifications in several genes [3]. Incidence of CRC is found to vary markedly worldwide, with 4.1 cases per 100,000 males in India to 59.1 cases in Czech Republic. While among females, it ranges from 3.6 in India to 39.5 in New Zealand [1]. Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancers include obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity and smoking [4]. There has been a decrease in the CRC mortality worldwide whereas the incidences are on the rise [1]. The decline in CRC deaths is attributed to an advanced diagnostic and prognostic technology, while, the “Westernized” life style in developing countries as well as improved longevity in developed countries, contributes to a greater incidence of CRC [1]. A better understanding of the environmental and other factor(s) that may be responsible for the increased incidence of CRC is crucial for developing preventive strategies.
Mexican-Descent Latinas’ Compliance with Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines

High mortality from invasive cervical cancer among Mexican-descent Latinas living in the Great Plains could be substan­ tially reduced if they would utilize screening procedures regularly. To understand possible influential factors on their screening behaviors, we investigated which variables differentiate women age 50 and older who are most compliant with cervical cancer screening guidelines from those who are less compliant. Of 184 women surveyed, 100 were compliant with a yearly Pap smear while 84 were not compliant. Discriminant function analysis revealed that, apart from the significance of sociodemographic factors and acculturation, women who were most compliant significantly received more health-care provider interven­ tions, complied with breast cancer screening, and were more motivated to engage in general health behaviors. Findings suggest that health-care providers can help women comply successfully with cervical cancer screening guidelines by educating and referring them for Pap testing when they provide other health care services to these women.
Effects of retinoic acid on the synthesis of selenoprotein and the antioxidative indices of bovine mammary epithelial cells in vitro

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the synthesis of selenoprotein and the antioxidative indices of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) in vitro and to explore the antioxidative mechanisms of RA in the BMEC. The subconfluenced BMEC were divided into six treat - ments with six replicates per treatment and cultured in a Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium/F12 media (10% fetal bovine serum, 5 µg/ml ovine prolactin, 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor, 1 g/ml hydrocortisone, 0.5% insulin-transferrin-selenium) containing different levels of RA (0 (control), 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 1 or 2 m g/ml) for 24 h. Addition of RA promoted the proliferation of BMEC, increased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), thioredoxin reductase (TRXR), and the content of selenoprotein P (SELP) in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The optimal RA dose was 1 μg/ml. However, positive effect of RA tended to be suppressed when RA was increased to 2 μg/ml. The expressions of mRNA and protein of GPX in BMEC were up-regulated by RA in a quadratic dose-response relationship (P < 0.01), and the addition of 1 μg/ml RA showed the best effect. The mRNA expressions of TRXR1 and SELP as well as the protein expression of TRXR1 were higher at 1-2 μg/ml RA. These results suggested that RA promoted antioxi- dant function of BMEC by regulating the synthesis of selenoprotein including GPX, TRXR, and SELP in vitro.
The Feasibility and Utility of Continuous Sleep Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients Using a Portable Electroencephalography Monitor

BACKGROUND:Sleep disruption in critically ill adults can result in acute decrements in cognitive function, including delirium, but it is underdiagnosed in the setting of the intensive care unit (ICU). Although sleep stages can be assessed by polysomnography (PSG), acquisition and interpretation of PSG is costly, is labor intensive, is difficult to do over an extended period of time with critically ill patients (multiple days of continuous recording), and may interfere with patient care. In this pilot study, we investigated the feasibility and utility of monitoring sleep in the ICU setting using a portable electroencephalography (EEG) monitor, the SedLine® brain monitor. METHODS:We first performed a baseline comparison study of the SedLine brain monitor by comparing its recordings to PSG recorded in a sleep laboratory (n = 3). In a separate patient cohort, we enrolled patients in the ICU who were monitored continuously with the SedLine monitor for sleep disruption (n = 23). In all enrolled patients, we continuously monitored their EEG. The raw EEG was retrieved and sleep stages and arousals were analyzed by a board-certified technologist. Delirium was measured by a trained research nurse using the Confusion Assessment Method developed for the ICU. RESULTS:For all enrolled patients, we continuously monitored their EEGs and were able to retrieve the raw EEGs for analysis of sleep stages. Overall, the SedLine brain monitor was able to differentiate sleep stages, as well as capture arousals and transitions between sleep stages compared with the PSG performed in the sleep laboratory. The percentage agreement was 67% for the wake stage, 77% for the non-rapid eye movement (REM) stage (N1 = 29%, N2 = 88%, and N3 = 6%), and 89% for the REM stage. The overall agreement was measured with the use of weighted kappa, which was 0.61, 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.64. In the ICU study, the mean recording time for the 23 enrolled patients was 19.10 hours. There were several signs indicative of poor-quality sleep, where sleep was distributed throughout the day, with reduced time spent in REM (1.38% ± 2.74% of total sleep time), and stage N3 (2.17% ± 5.53% of total sleep time) coupled with a high arousal index (34.63 ± 19.04 arousals per hour). The occurrence of ICU delirium was not significantly different between patients with and without sleep disruption. CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest the utility of a portable EEG monitor to measure different sleep stages, transitions, and arousals; however, the accuracy in measuring different sleep stages by the SedLine monitor varies compared with PSG. Our results also support previous findings that sleep is fragmented in critically ill patients. Further research is necessary to develop portable EEG monitors that have higher agreement with PSG.
Efficiency Enhancement of Single Junction GAAS Solar Cells using Strain-Balanced Quantum Well Structures Under Concentration

GaAs based strain-balanced quantum well solar cells (SB-QWSCs) have been shown to enhance efficiency compared to a bulk control cell, if the overall photocurrent increase is not offset by the reduction in open-circuit voltage. Here we demonstrate the performance of QWSC in light fluxes of up to 400 suns equivalent. The QWSC maintains additivity (the total current is the sum of dark current and the photocurrent) at these concentration levels and we demonstrate an efficiency of 27.0% at 328 suns for a SB-QWSC under the low aerosol optical density spectrum (AOD). The SB-QWSC is a p-i-n structure with 50 In0.1Ga0. 9As wells in the i-region and a 20 period staircase distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) optimized to reflect light in the stop-band range of (880-930) nm. The entire device is grown monolithically in a robot-loading 7times2 Thomas Swan Shower-Head Reactor recently commissioned at the University of Sheffield
Transcatheter closure of small-to-large patent ductus arteriosus with different devices: queries and challenges.

UNLABELLED Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been in place for more than three decades. We share our experience with the newer devices. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ninety-eight patients, with a mean age of 64 +/- 11 months (range 7 months to 54 years), underwent attempted transcatheter closure of PDA. Thirty-seven patients were infants and 10 were adults. Two patients had residual PDA after surgical ligation. There were 66 females and 32 males. RESULTS Sixty-six patients were symptomatic and 32 were asymptomatic. Cardiac catheterization showed significant pulmonary hypertension in 18. The mean size of the PDA on aortogram was 3.1 +/- 1.4 mm (range 1.1 to 11 mm). Seven patients were referred for surgical ligation. The PDAs of 37 patients were closed using coil devices, 52 with Amplatzer duct occluders (ADO) and two with Amplatzer muscular VSD devices. One patient had a very large PDA which was embolized and retrieved surgically. One patient required occlusion with two coils. The occlusion rate in the catheterization laboratory with coils was 84 +/- 7%, and 83% with ADO. After 1 week, the occlusion rate for coils was 96%, and 99% with ADO. One patient with a large PDA requiring a 14/12 ADO was left with a mild gradient of 9 mmHg in the aorta at the end of the procedure. None of our patients had stenosis of the left pulmonary artery. CONCLUSION Transcatheter closure of PDA is the preferred alternative to surgical ligation, which should be reserved for small infants and premature babies or large unfavorably-shaped ducts.
Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract:Venous thromboembolism is a relatively common and potentially serious complication in inpatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are a number of pathophysiologic mechanisms for venous thromboembolism that are specific to patients with IBD that may be active. The use of anticoagulants for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with IBD needs to be balanced against the potential for worsening of rectal bleeding. Evidence from randomized trials suggests that heparin and low–molecular weight heparin are generally safe to use in patients with active IBD, and a number of guidelines support their use for thromboprophylaxis in this patient population.
Interacting with the field environment

This paper describes the ideas behind and the use of the FIELD programming environment. FIELD is an integrated environment that is based on Unix programming tools and that runs on top of the X11 windowing system. It provides a consistent and complete interface to its tools. In addition, FIELD provides a variety of tools for program and data visualization. The key concepts behind FIELD are an integration mechanism based on a simple, central message server, an annotation editor for integrating access to the source file with the other tools, and the use of a high‐level user interface toolset.
Do life goals mediate the link between personality traits and mental well-being?

The present study examined, first, the connections between life goals and different dimensions of mental well-being, and, second, life goals as mediators in the previously established relation between personality traits and mental well-being. The data were drawn from 42- and 50-year-old participants (n = 242) in the Jyvaskyla Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development. Regression analysis revealed that, in women, leisure-related goals (including items on hobbies, relationships and sexuality) were positively linked to emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In men, performance-related goals (mental performance, family’s welfare, work and economic welfare) positively predicted psychological and social well-being, and leisure-related goals social well-being. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that, in women, leisure-related goals were a partial mediator in the links from neuroticism and extraversion to emotional well-being: low neuroticism and high extraversion were positively associated with leisure-related goals, which in turn were positively related to emotional well-being. In men, performance-related goals were a partial mediator between extraversion and psychological well-being: extraversion was positively linked to performance-related goals, which was further positively related to psychological well-being. In conclusion, the present results indicate, first, that life goals are linked to different dimensions of mental well-being; second, that life goals partially mediate the associations between personality traits and mental well-being; and, third, that some gender differences exist in the relations between personality traits, life goals, and mental well-being.
Psychiatric disorders among older prisoners: a systematic review and comparison study against older people in the community

ABSTRACT Objectives: Despite emerging evidence that older prisoners experience poor mental health, literature in this area is still limited. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we report on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among older prisoners and compare our findings against community studies on older people. Methods: We searched on Assia, PsycInfo, MedLine, Embase, Web of Science, Google and Gov.uk. We carried out bias assessments, rated studies for quality and ran a heterogeneity test. We meta-analysed prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders through an aggregate weighted mean and calculated relative risk (RR) and statistical significance against community studies. Sensitivity analyses were further performed. Results: We reviewed nine studies and obtained the following prevalence: ‘Any psychiatric disorder’ 38.4%, depression 28.3%, schizophrenia/psychoses 5.5%, bipolar disorder 4.5%, dementia 3.3%, cognitive impairment 11.8%, personality disorder 22.9%, alcohol abuse 15.9%, anxiety disorders 14.2%, PTSD 6.2%. Older prisoners were found to have higher RR for every single psychiatric disorder against older people in the community, with the sole exception of alcohol abuse (RR = 1) and dementia (RR = .75). The prevalence rates were statistically significantly higher (p < .05) among the prisoners for ‘Any psychiatric disorder’, depression and personality disorder. Overall, the sensitivity analyses confirmed our original results. Conclusion: Our findings point at a high prevalence of every single psychiatric disorder among older prisoners, who also experience rates of dementia and alcohol abuse comparable to those reported in the community. Our results have relevant implications for policy and practice in this area. Further research is crucial to confirm findings from this study.
Isolation and Identification of Multi-Drug Resistant Strains of Non-Lactose Fermenting Bacteria from Clinical Isolates

Purpose: We studied the drug resistance of different microbes from clinical isolates. The morphological characteristics of bacteria were observed through culture characteristics and by carrying out gram staining techniques while the biochemical characteristics of bacteria were carried out by biochemical test. Methods: A total of 324 samples were collected from suspected patients visiting different hospitals at district Peshawar. For morphological identification, samples of clinical isolates were analyzed by blood agar, MacConkey agar and Eosine Methylene Blue, identified by gram staining and characterized by different biochemical tests. Antibiotic Sensitivity test by Modified Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion method was used to test the in-vitro susceptibility of the identified isolates to different antibiotics such as Ceftazidime, Ceftazidime, Ceftriaxone, Cefepime and Imipenem. Results: These resistant non-lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria were isolated from samples of pus/wound (33.30%, n = 108/324), blood (33.30%, n = 108/324), urine (23.30%, n = 75/324) and from ascetic/pleural fluids (10.20%, n = 33/324). The study revealed that the percentage of non-fermenting bacterial infection was higher in females (53%) as compared to males (47%) along with higher infection observed in the age group of 11 - 30 years. Pseudomonas aeroginosa showed high resistance against Cefepime (88.80%), followed by Cefoperazone (55.50%), Ceftazidime (48.10%), Ceftriaxone (33.30%). Imipenem was active with low resistance (7.40%). More resistance was seen in Morganella morganii against Imipenem (66.70%) followed by Cefoperazone (55.50%), Ceftriaxone (55.50%). Cefepime showed low resistance (11%). Multi-drug resistant Proteus mirabillis was highly resistance to Ceftriaxone (74.07%), followed by Cefepime (59.20%), Cefoperazone (44.40%) and low resistance for Imipenem (25.90%). Salmonella typhi demonstrated high resistance against Imipenem (74.07%), followed by Ceftriaxone (40.70%), Ceftazidime (37.03%). Cefepime showed low resistance (3.70%), hence it is more active against S. typhi. Conclusions: The different species of non-lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria have shown a different resistivity pattern in the present study. Therefore identification of non-lactose fermenting gram negative bacteria and looking after their resistivity/susceptibility pattern are important for suitable management of the infections caused by them.
S 100 A 6 Amyloid Fibril Formation Is Calcium-modulated and Enhances Superoxide Dismutase-1 ( SOD 1 ) Aggregation

S100A6 is a small EF-hand calciumand zinc-binding protein involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and cytoskeletal dynamics. It is overexpressed in neurodegenerative disorders and a proposed marker for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Following recent reports of amyloid formation by S100 proteins, we investigated the aggregation properties of S100A6. Computational analysis using aggregation predictors Waltz and Zyggregator revealed increased propensity within S100A6 helices HI and HIV. Subsequent analysis of Thioflavin-T binding kinetics under acidic conditions elicited a very fast process with no lag phase and extensive formation of aggregates and stacked fibrils as observed by electron microscopy. Ca exerted an inhibitory effect on the aggregation kinetics, which could be reverted upon chelation. An FTIR investigation of the early conformational changes occurring under these conditions showed that Ca promotes anti-parallel β-sheet conformations that repress fibrillation. At pH 7, Ca rendered the fibril formation kinetics slower: time-resolved imaging showed that fibril formation is highly suppressed, with aggregates forming instead. In the absence of metals an extensive network of fibrils is formed. S100A6 oligomers, but not fibrils, were found to be cytotoxic, decreasing cell viability by up to 40%. This effect was not observed when the aggregates were formed in the presence of Ca. Interestingly, native S1006 seeds SOD1 aggregation, shortening its nucleation process. This suggests a cross-talk between these two proteins involved in ALS. Overall, these results put forward novel roles for S100 proteins, whose metalmodulated aggregation propensity may be a key aspect in their physiology and function.
Generation of dendritic cells from bone marrow progenitors using GM‐CSF, TNF‐α, and additional cytokines: antagonistic effects of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ and selective involvement of TNF‐α receptor‐1

We report the generation of dendritic cells (DC) starting from CD34+ bone marrow (BM) progenitor cells, using a two‐stage culture system in which, besides granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), stem‐cell factor (SCF) was added during the first 5 days, while interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and/or interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were added during the secondary culture period of 9 days. Addition of IL‐4 favoured the outgrowth of CD1a+, HLA‐DR+, CD4+, CD40+, CD80+ but CD14− cells with dendritic morphology and strong antigen‐presenting capacity. Addition of IFN‐γ selectively induced HLA‐DR and CD86 but did not up‐regulate CD1a expression or antigen‐presenting capacity of the differentiated cells. An antagonism between IL‐4 and IFN‐γ could further be confirmed in that, as compared with IL‐4 alone, the simultaneous addition of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ to GM‐CSF plus TNF‐α during maturation reduced both the phenotypical (CD1a, CD4, CD40) and functional characteristics of DC. Using receptor‐specific TNF‐α mutants, we investigated the relative involvement of TNF‐α receptors R1 and R2 in the generation of DC. The induction of CD1a and HLA‐DR, as well as the increase in allostimulatory capacity were dependent on TNF‐R1 triggering, whereas triggering through TNF‐R2 had no measurable effect. We conclude first, that the expansion of DC from BM progenitors could most effectively be enhanced in a two‐stage culture assay using SCF, GM‐CSF, TNF‐α and IL‐4; second, that the effect of TNF‐α in DC generation involves signalling via the TNF‐R1 receptor; and third, that IFN‐γ counteracts some of the effects of IL‐4 in DC generation.
Value of a negative aeroallergen skin-prick test result in the diagnosis of asthma in young adults: correlative study with methacholine challenge testing.

BACKGROUND None of the existing tests for the diagnosis of asthma are considered to be definitive. Certain circumstances require prompt diagnosis, and a test able to predict the absence of asthma would be very useful. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the contribution of a skin-prick test (SPT) to the diagnostic workup of subjects with suspected asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included three groups of subjects aged 18 to 24 years: group A, asthmatic patients (n = 175); group B, control subjects (n = 100); and group C, subjects with suspected asthma (n = 150) with normal spirometry findings and a negative exercise challenge test result. All underwent an SPT to a battery of common aeroallergens, and group C underwent a methacholine challenge test (MCT) in addition. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values (NPV) of the SPT were calculated using provocative concentrations of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1) (PC(20)) of < 4 mg/mL and < 8 mg/mL as diagnostic cutoff values for asthma in the MCT. Bayes' formula was used to determine posttest probabilities of having asthma, both for positive and negative SPT results. RESULTS A positive SPT result to at least one allergen was found in 95.5%, 54%, and 69% of patients in the three groups, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and NPV of the SPT were 90.7%, 52.0%, and 84.8%, respectively, with a cutoff value of PC(20) < 8 mg/mL. The lower cutoff, PC(20) < 4 mg/mL, increased the sensitivity and NPV to 98.2% and 97.8%, respectively. A negative SPT result decreased the probability of having asthma by 10-fold to 20-fold in subjects whose pretest probability was low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS Incorporating an SPT into the workup of subjects with suspected asthma can reduce the cost of this process significantly. The SPT may be used as a simple, fast, safe, inexpensive, and reliable method to predict the absence of asthma in young adults.