Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Translation and Validation of the Dutch Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS)

Simple Summary There are several questionnaires that can evaluate how humans view the relationship they have with their dog. One of those questionnaires is the Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale. This questionnaire was originally written for people who speak English. Therefore, it is less useful and also less reliable for people who do not speak English. Since we want the questionnaire to be useful and reliable in more than one language, we wanted to create a reliable translation. The language that we chose for the translation was Dutch. During our translation and reliability study, we found that several of the English questions did not translate well to Dutch. Some words could not be directly translated, and some questions were not interpreted by Dutch-speaking dog owners in the same way that the English questions were interpreted. However, most of the questions were well understood. Therefore, we conclude that a Dutch translation of the Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale questionnaire can be used reliably to question Dutch-speaking dog owners after a few adjustments have been made and some questions removed. Abstract The Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) is a questionnaire that is used to evaluate the perceived relationship between humans and their dog. This questionnaire was originally only formulated and validated in English, which limits its use among non-English speaking individuals. Although a translation could be made, the translation of questionnaires without additional validation often impairs the reliability of that questionnaire. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate a translation of the MDORS that is suitable for use among native Dutch speakers. To achieve this, a Dutch translation of the MDORS was made and checked for spelling/grammar mistakes, readability, feasibility, and clarity. A test–retest comparison was subsequently performed on the translation together with a calculation of Cronbach’s alpha score and principal component analysis (PCA). Through the PCA, we found that the three-factor model of the original MDORS was also largely present in the Dutch translation. However, deviations were also found, as several questions did not achieve high PCA scores in their original factor. Therefore, we propose that these questions are excluded from the Dutch MDORS.
Hematopoietic PBX-interacting protein is a substrate and an inhibitor of the APC/C–Cdc20 complex and regulates mitosis by stabilizing cyclin B1

Proper cell division relies on the coordinated regulation between a structural component, the mitotic spindle, and a regulatory component, anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C). Hematopoietic PBX-interacting protein (HPIP) is a microtubule-associated protein that plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation, cell migration, and tumor metastasis. Here, using HEK293T and HeLa cells, along with immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting, live-cell imaging, and protein-stability assays, we report that HPIP expression oscillates throughout the cell cycle and that its depletion delays cell division. We noted that by utilizing its D box and IR domain, HPIP plays a dual role both as a substrate and inhibitor, respectively, of the APC/C complex. We observed that HPIP enhances the G2/M transition of the cell cycle by transiently stabilizing cyclin B1 by preventing APC/C–Cdc20–mediated degradation, thereby ensuring timely mitotic entry. We also uncovered that HPIP associates with the mitotic spindle and that its depletion leads to the formation of multiple mitotic spindles and chromosomal abnormalities, results in defects in cytokinesis, and delays mitotic exit. Our findings uncover HPIP as both a substrate and an inhibitor of APC/C–Cdc20 that maintains the temporal stability of cyclin B1 during the G2/M transition and thereby controls mitosis and cell division.
Clinical development of leukocyte cyclooxygenase 2 activity as a systemic biomarker for cancer chemopreventive agents.

Advancement of cancer prevention and therapy requires clinical development of systemic biomarkers of pharmacological efficacy of the agent under scrutiny. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma spp. , has shown wide-ranging chemopreventive activity in preclinical carcinogenic models, in which it inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 at the transcriptional level. COX-2 has been implicated in the development of many human cancers. To explore the inhibition of COX-2 activity as a systemic biomarker of drug efficacy, a biomarker of potential use in clinical trials of many chemopreventive drugs known to inhibit this enzyme, we measured COX-2 protein induction and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in human blood after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When 1 microM curcumin was added in vitro to blood from healthy volunteers, LPS-induced COX-2 protein levels and concomitant PGE(2) production were reduced by 24% and 41%, respectively (P < 0.05 by ANOVA). To test whether effects on COX-2 activity could also be measured after oral dosing in humans, we conducted a dose-escalation pilot study of a standardized formulation of Curcuma extract in 15 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Basal and LPS-mediated PGE(2) production was measured in blood, twice pretreatment and on days 1, 2, 8, and 29 of treatment. Analysis of basal and LPS-induced PGE(2) production during treatment demonstrated a trend toward dose-dependent inhibition (P < 0.005 by regression analysis), but there was no significant difference compared with values from pretreatment time points. Measurement of leukocyte COX-2 activity should be considered in clinical trials of other agents likely to inhibit this isozyme.
[Quality of diabetes care in Norwegian general practice].

BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes is increasing. Good diabetes care reduces macro and microvascular complications. Quality of care was assessed against predefined review criteria based on key recommendations in national guidelines MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study from four geographical areas in Norway, with electronic identification of all patients with diabetes mellitus and extraction of data from electronic patient records. All data were manually validated. RESULTS 6892 patients with diabetes were identified, 5817 were cared for by the GPs and included in the study. 354 (6.0%) were classified as having type 1 diabetes and 5463 (94.0%) as type 2. For patients with type 1 mean Hb A1c was 7.8% and mean blood pressure 129/76 mm Hg; for type 2 the results were 7.1% and 139/79 mmHg. Among patients with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease, 69.7% were treated with statins and 60.6% with acetylsalicylic acid. About 90% of the study population had measured Hb A1c , blood pressure and lipids annually. 71% of patients with type 2 diabetes were referred to eye examination, smoking habits and weight were recorded in 57 and 54 % and urine albumin in 40% of the patients. INTERPRETATION The quality of care had improved substantially in 2005 from five and 10 years ago (when similar studies were performed), although 80 % of patients did not reach the combined treatment targets for Hb A1c , systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol.
Identification and transcriptome analysis of erythroblastic island macrophages.

The erythroblastic island (EBI), composed of a central macrophage and surrounding erythroid cells, was the first hematopoietic niche discovered. The identity of EBI macrophages has thus far remained elusive. Given that Epo is essential for erythropoiesis and that Epor is expressed in numerous non-erythoid cells, we hypothesized that EBI macrophages express Epor so that Epo can act on both erythroid cells and EBI macrophages simultaneously to ensure efficient erythropoiesis. To test this notion, we employed Epor-eGFPcre knockin mouse model. We show that in bone marrow (BM) and fetal liver (FL), a subset of macrophages express Epor-eGFP. Imaging flow cytometry analyses revealed that more than 90% of native EBIs were comprised of F4/80+Epor-eGFP+ macrophages. Human FL EBIs were also comprised of EPOR+ macrophages. Gene expression profiles of BM F4/80+Epor-eGFP+ macrophages suggest a specialized function in supporting erythropoiesis. Molecules known to be important for EBI macrophage function such as VCAM1, CD169, Mertk, and Dnase2α were highly expressed in F4/80+Epor-eGFP+ macrophages compared to F4/80+Epor-eGFP- macrophages. Key molecules involved in iron recycling were also highly expressed in BM F4/80+Epor-eGFP+ macrophages, suggesting that EBI macrophages may provide an iron source for erythropoiesis within this niche. Thus, we have characterized EBI macrophages in mouse and man. Our findings provide important resources for future studies of EBI macrophage function during normal as well as disordered erythropoiesis in hematologic diseases such as thalassemia, polycythemia vera and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Post-Epidemic Distribution of Schmallenberg Virus in Culicoides Arbovirus Vectors in Poland

Pooled samples of female and male Culicoides midges (5146 and 332 pools, respectively) that corresponded to a total number of 124,957 specimens were collected between 2013–2017 in the vicinity of cattle barns that were distributed throughout Poland were analyzed for the presence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) RNA. Sixty-six pools tested positive (1.2%) with mean Ct value of 34.95. The maximum likelihood estimated infection rate (MLE) was calculated at 0.53 per 1000 individuals; however, it peaked in 2016 with MLE of 3.7. Viral RNA was detected in C. obsoletus/scoticus complex, C. punctatus, and C. pulicaris pools. Moreover, viral material was present in nulliparous (virgin) Culicoides females (MLE 0.27) and for the first time reported in males (MLE 0.34), which suggests the possibility of transovarial route of SBV or virus RNA transmission, as both do not fed on host blood. The accuracy of targeted versus random SBV surveillance in Culicoides vectors was compared. The relationship between infection rate (expressed as minimum infection rate; MIR), in addition to MLE, was compared with the density of virus infected midges (DIM). In conclusion, the SBV infection rate in the vector was significantly higher in 2016 as compared to other surveillance years; this is consistent with the simultaneous increase in SBV seroprevalence (seroconversion) in ruminants during the same year.
Improved Patient Survival After Acute Variceal Bleeding: A Multicenter, Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE:Existing literature indicates that the mortality rate with each variceal bleeding episode is 30–50%. Over the past 2 decades, there have been significant developments in the management of variceal bleeding. The effect of these developments on the natural history of variceal bleeding is unclear. Therefore, a retrospective, multicenter study was conducted to define the outcomes of variceal bleeding and to describe the patterns of current practice in the management of variceal bleeding.METHODS:All patients with documented variceal bleeding hospitalized at four large county hospitals from January 1, 1997, to June 30, 2000, were included. Study outcomes were in-hospital, 6-wk, and overall mortality, rate of rebleeding, transfusion requirement, and length of stay. After discharge, patients were followed until death or study closure date, on June 30, 2000.RESULTS:A total of 231 subjects were included, and their in-hospital, 6-wk, and overall mortality rates were 14.2%, 17.5%, and 33.5%, respectively. The frequency of rebleeding during follow-up was 29%. Median length of total hospital stay was 8 days (0–34 days). Median number of packed red cell units transfused was 4 U (0–60 U). Upper endoscopy was performed in 95% of patients within 24 h, and endoscopic therapy was done in all but eight patients (ligation 64%, sclerotherapy 33%). Octreotide was administered in 74% of the patients. Portasystemic shunts were performed in 7.5% of the patients for controlling acute variceal bleeding.CONCLUSIONS:The mortality rate after variceal bleeding in this study was substantially lower than previously reported. This suggests that advances made in the management of variceal bleeding have improved outcomes after variceal bleeding.
Vaginal herb use and Chlamydia trachomatis infection: cross-sectional study among women of various ethnic groups in Suriname

Objective Vaginal steam baths with herb leaves (herb use) is practised by some Surinamese women. We assessed herb use among women from the five most prevalent ethnic groups, and if herb use is associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Setting Participants were recruited at a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic and a family planning clinic (FP) in Paramaribo, Suriname. Participants 1040 women were included subsequently, comprising the following ethnic groups: Creole (26.7%), Hindustani (24.6%), Javanese (15.7%), Maroon (13.3%) and mixed descent (19.7%). Methods Nurses collected a questionnaire and vaginal swabs for nucleic acid amplification C. trachomatis testing. Primary outcomes Determinants of vaginal herb use and C. trachomatis infection via univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results Herb use was most common among Maroon (68.8%) and Creole women (25.2%). In multivariable analysis including only Maroon and Creole women, determinants significantly associated with vaginal herb use were (OR; 95% CI): Maroon ethnic descent (5.33; 3.26 to 8.71 vs Creole), recruitment at the STI clinic (2.04; 1.24 to 3.36 vs FP), lower education levels (3.80; 1.68 to 8.57 lower vs higher, and 2.02; 0.90 to 4.51 middle vs higher). Lower age and recruitment at the STI clinic were associated with C. trachomatis infection, but not vaginal herb use. Conclusion In Suriname, vaginal herb use is common among Maroon and Creole women. Education, ethnic group and recruitment site were determinants for herb use. Vaginal herb use was not a determinant of C. trachomatis infection. Future research should focus on the effect of herb use on the vaginal microbiome and mucosal barrier.
Dry mouth and its effects on the oral health of elderly people.

BACKGROUND The objective of this literature review is to summarize information about the etiology, diagnosis, oral sequelae and treatment of dry mouth in elderly patients. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED The authors conducted a comprehensive review of the English-based scientific literature from the past 10 years. They selected the studies on the basis of clinical investigations to provide an objective assessment of dry mouth problems among older people. RESULTS Dry mouth (salivary hypofunction, xerostomia) is a common problem among older people. It causes significant oropharyngeal disorders, pain and an impaired quality of life. Dry mouth has many causes, from local salivary disorders to a plethora of medications and medical conditions. Treatments are designed to correct the underlying cause and/or to enhance salivation with topical and systemic stimulants. Early intervention for dry mouth problems helps prevent the deleterious consequences of this disorder in elderly people. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians must be aware of dry mouth problems in older patients, and they should be prepared to provide a diagnosis and administer treatment to protect a patient's oropharyngeal health and quality of life.
Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Secretome

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-sourced secretome, defined as the set of MSC-derived bioactive factors (soluble proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and extracellular vesicles), showed therapeutic effects similar to those observed after transplantation of MSCs. MSC-derived secretome may bypass many side effects of MSC-based therapy, including unwanted differentiation of engrafted MSCs. In contrast to MSCs which had to be expanded in culture to reach optimal cell number for transplantation, MSC-sourced secretome is immediately available for treatment of acute conditions, including fulminant hepatitis, cerebral ischemia and myocardial infarction. Additionally, MSC-derived secretome could be massively produced from commercially available cell lines avoiding invasive cell collection procedure. In this review article we emphasized molecular and cellular mechanisms that were responsible for beneficial effects of MSC-derived secretomes in the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases of hepatobiliary, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and nervous system. Results obtained in a large number of studies suggested that administration of MSC-derived secretomes represents a new, cell-free therapeutic approach for attenuation of inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Therapeutic effects of MSC-sourced secretomes relied on their capacity to deliver genetic material, growth and immunomodulatory factors to the target cells enabling activation of anti-apoptotic and pro-survival pathways that resulted in tissue repair and regeneration.
The Kinase CIPK11 Functions as a Negative Regulator in Drought Stress Response in Arabidopsis

Drought is a major limiting factor for plant growth and crop productivity. Many Calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) play crucial roles in plant adaptation to environmental stresses. It is particularly essential to find the phosphorylation targets of CIPKs and to study the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate that CIPK11 acts as a novel component to modulate drought stress in plants. The overexpression of CIPK11 (CIPK11OE) in Arabidopsis resulted in the decreased tolerance of plant to drought stress. When compared to wild type plants, CIPK11OE plants exhibited higher leaf water loss and higher content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after drought treatment. Additionally, a yeast two hybrid screening assay by using CIPK11 as a bait captures Di19-3, a Cys2/His2-type zinc-finger transcription factor that is involved in drought stress, as a new interactor of CIPK11. Biochemical analysis revealed that CIPK11 interacted with Di19-3 in vivo and it was capable of phosphorylating Di19-3 in vitro. Genetic studies revealed that the function of CIPK11 in regulating drought stress was dependent on Di19-3. The transcripts of stress responsive genes, such as RAB18, RD29A, RD29B, and DREB2A were down-regulated in the CIPK11OE plants. Whereas overexpression of CIPK11 in di19-3 mutant background, expression levels of those marker genes were not significantly altered. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CIPK11 partly mediates the drought stress response by regulating the transcription factor Di19-3.
Long-term clinical and visual outcomes after surgical resection of pediatric pilocytic/pilomyxoid optic pathway gliomas.

OBJECTIVEThe choice of treatment modality for optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) is controversial. Chemotherapy is widely regarded as first-line therapy; however, subtotal resections have been reported for decompression or salvage therapy as first- and second-line treatment. The goal of this study was to further investigate the role and efficacy of resection for OPGs.METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed on 83 children who underwent surgical treatment for OPGs between 1986 and 2014. Pathology was reviewed by a neuropathologist. Clinical outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and complications, were analyzed.RESULTSThe 5- and 10-year PFS rates were 55% and 46%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 87% and 78%, respectively. The median extent of resection was 80% (range 30%-98%). Age less than 2 years at surgery and pilomyxoid features of the tumor were found to be associated with significantly lower 5-year OS. No difference was seen in PFS or OS of children treated with surgery as a first-line treatment compared with children with surgery as a second- or third-line treatment. Severe complications included new disabling visual deficit in 5%, focal neurological deficit in 8%, and infection in 2%. New hormone deficiency occurred in 22% of the children.CONCLUSIONSApproximately half of all children experience a long-term benefit from resection both as primary treatment and as a second-line therapy after failure of primary treatment. Primary surgery does not appear to have a significant benefit for children younger than 2 years or tumors with pilomyxoid features. Given the risks associated with surgery, an interdisciplinary approach is needed to tailor the treatment plan to the individual characteristics of each child.
Prevalence of obesity and diabetes in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis: A case‐control study

It has recently been suggested that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an under‐recognized cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC) on the basis of higher prevalence of obesity and type II diabetes among these patients. To test this hypothesis, we studied 65 consecutive patients with advanced cirrhosis (Child‐Pugh Score ≥ 7) of undetermined etiology (CC) from our active waiting list for liver transplantation in January 1993, 1996, and 1999. For each patient, we selected 2 age‐ and sex‐matched controls from the corresponding lists. The prevalence of obesity (defined as body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30) and diabetes were compared between the groups. Sixteen patients (and their 32 controls) with CC were excluded as further review of records suggested other possible etiologies. Thus, the final analysis included 49 patients and 98 controls. The etiology of cirrhosis in the control group was alcohol in 16.3%, chronic viral hepatitis in 30.6%, autoimmune hepatitis in 8.2%, and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis in 35.7%. The prevalence of obesity (55% vs. 24%) and type II diabetes (47% vs. 22%) was significantly higher in patients with CC compared with controls. Twenty‐three percent of patients with CC had both obesity and diabetes compared with 5% among controls (P = .002). There was no difference in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol > 200 mg/dL) between the groups. In conclusion, patients with advanced CC are more likely to be obese and diabetic compared with age‐ and sex‐matched patients with advanced cirrhosis. This supports the hypothesis that NASH may be an etiological factor in some of the patients with CC.