Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic cancer risk and levels of trace elements

Background and Aims Knowledge on the aetiology of exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC) is scant. The best established risk factor for EPC is tobacco smoking. Among other carcinogens, tobacco contains cadmium, a metal previously associated with an increased risk of EPC. This study evaluated the association between concentrations of trace elements in toenails and EPC risk. Methods The study included 118 EPC cases and 399 hospital controls from eastern Spain. Levels of 12 trace elements were determined in toenail samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. OR and 95% CI, adjusted for potential confounders, were calculated using logistic regression. Results Significantly increased risks of EPC were observed among subjects whose concentrations of cadmium (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.86 to 6.88; ptrend=5×10−6), arsenic (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.78; ptrend=0.009) and lead (OR 6.26, 95% CI 2.71 to 14.47; ptrend=3×10−5) were in the highest quartile. High concentrations of selenium (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.15; ptrend=8×10−11) and nickel (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.59; ptrend=2×10−4) were inversely associated with the risk of EPC. Conclusion Novel associations are reported of lead, nickel and selenium toenail concentrations with pancreas cancer risk. Furthermore, the results confirm previous associations with cadmium and arsenic. These novel findings, if replicated in independent studies, would point to an important role of trace elements in pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Design and evaluation of a 1.2 kVA single phase rotary transformer

The doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is the most popular choice for wind energy generation systems. The cost and difficulty incurred in the maintenance of the slip rings has led to the development of the brushless DFIG. Amongst other design options, the brushless DFIG can be realized through the use of rotary transformers (RTs). Due to the low operating frequency of the rotor currents, a RT used in place of slip rings in a conventional DFIG configuration, can be bulky. However, by utilizing a rotor tied to the grid DFIG system configuration, the RT's operating frequency can be increased to the grid's frequency. In this paper a single phase 1.2 kVA RT is designed, using a previously proposed optimal design method, and developed. Three of these RTs can be used in place of the slip rings in DFIGs. Remarkable measurement results as well as simulation results are also presented.
Newborn screening program for hemoglobinopathies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Newborn screening for hemoglobinopathy in Brazil has been decentralized until 2001 when the Health Ministry of Brazil established the National Newborn Hemoglobinopathy Screening Program. The State of Rio de Janeiro started a program in collaboration with the State Health Department and the Institute of Hematology in Rio (HEMORIO). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the first 10 years of the Newborn Hemoglobinopathy Screening Program in identifying and managing infants with Sickle cell disease (SCD) in the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Global epidemiology of urinary tract infections

Purpose of review Both in the community and hospital setting, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. Initial appropriate empirical treatment requires a good knowledge of epidemiological data. In this review, the most recent global epidemiological data of UTIs have been summarized. Recent findings Community-associated UTI (CAUTI) prevalence is 0.7% and the main risk factors are age, history of UTI, sexual activity and diabetes. The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli and resistance rates to common antibiotics depend very much on the geographical location. The lowest observed resistance was for fosfomycin (range: 0–2.9%), nitrofurantoin (range: 0–4.4%) and mecillinam (range: 0–4%). Healthcare-associated UTI (HAUTI) frequency among HCAIs is 12.9 (confidence interval: 10.2–16%), 19.6 and 24% in the United States, Europe and developing countries, respectively. In urology departments, the prevalence is 5.1%. Resistance to almost all antibiotics in HAUTIs is above 20% and there is a significant geographical variation. Community onset HAUTIs bacterial spectrum is similar to hospital onset HAUTIs and different from CAUTIs. Summary It is challenging to provide with an exact frequency of UTIs. Both CAUTI and HAUTI frequency, pathogen spectrum and resistance rates vary according to geographical setting.
TWO MALARIA PARASITES (APICOMPLEXA: PLASMODIIDAE) OF THE AUSTRALIAN SKINK EGERNIA STOKESII

The Australian skink Egernia stokesii is parasitized uncommonly by Plasmodium circularis n. sp. and by Plasmodium mackerrasae. Plasmodium circularis is distinguished from all other plasmodiids by immature schizonts that encircle host cell nuclei, forming an unbroken ring from apparent fusion of the attenuated ends. Mature schizonts contract into halteridial or dumbbell-shaped forms 15.6 × 4.3 µm, LW 66.2 µm2, with 19–52 nuclei. Rounded or oval gametocytes are 9.0 × 7.3 µm, LW 66.9 µm2, and L/W 1.24. Gametocyte LW is 2.63× host erythrocyte nucleus size and 1.79× uninfected erythrocyte nuclei. Plasmodium mackerrasae occurs in high prevalence and often massive parasitemia in E. stokesii. Schizonts, often oblong, elongate, or oval, are 5.1 × 3.7 µm, LW 19.8 µm2, with 7.2 merozoites. Immature gametocytes, elongate with terminal nucleus, may produce multiple infections of 6 or more parasites. Mature gametocytes, usually rounded, are 5.8 × 4.6 µm, LW 26.7 µm2, and L/W 1.29. Gametocyte size is 0.98× host erythrocyte nucleus size and 1.03× uninfected erythrocyte nuclei. Phanerozoites, in endothelium or connective tissue of most organs, may appear in large numbers in circulating blood as seemingly intact bodies of regular form, similar to or larger than phanerozoites seen in sections. Previously unreported phenomena for hemosporidian parasites include extremely large, highly irregular exoerythrocytic schizonts, in circulating blood, perhaps torn from endothelial lining of blood vessels and sinuses, and a visible flooding of free merozoites into the blood stream.
Differential subcellular distribution and colocalization of the microsomal and soluble epoxide hydrolases in cultured neonatal rat brain cortical astrocytes

The microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzymes exist in a variety of cells and tissues, including liver, kidney, and testis. However, very little is known about brain epoxide hydrolases. Here we report the expression, localization, and subcellular distribution of mEH and sEH in cultured neonatal rat cortical astrocytes by immunocytochemistry, subcellular fractionation, Western blotting, and radiometric enzyme assays. Our results showed a diffuse immunofluorescence pattern for mEH, which colocalized with the astroglial cytoskeletal marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The GFAP‐positive cells also expressed sEH, which was localized mainly in the cytoplasm, especially in and around the nucleus. Western blot analyses revealed a distinct protein band with a molecular mass of ∼50 kDa, the signal intensity of which increased about 1.5‐fold in the microsomal fraction over the whole‐cell lysate and other subcellular fractions. The polyclonal anti‐human sEH rabbit serum recognized a protein band with a molecular mass similar to that of the affinity‐purified sEH protein (∼62 kDa), the signal intensity of which increased over 1.7‐fold in the 105,000g supernatant fraction over the cell lysate. Furthermore, the corresponding enzyme activities measured by using mEH‐ and sEH‐selective substrates generally corroborated the immunocytochemical and Western blotting data. These results suggest that rat brain cortical astrocytes differentially coexpress mEH and sEH enzymes. The differential subcellular localization of mEH and sEH may play a role in the cerebrovascular functions that are known to be affected by brain‐derived vasoactive epoxides. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of patient-reported outcome measures on routine practice: a structured review.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Regular use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) by health care providers in their routine practice may help to improve the quality of care, but more evidence is needed before routine use of PROMs can be recommended. A structured review was undertaken to examine whether and how regular use of PROMs might improve routine practice. METHODS A systematic search of Medline accessed through Webspirs Silverplatter was undertaken for the years 1976-2004. Controlled trials in English evaluating the impact of clinical use of PROMs on routine practice were included. Data regarding study design, characteristics of PROMs feedback, patient populations and study results were extracted by three reviewers. RESULTS Feedback of PROMs results to health care providers appears to have a substantial impact on some processes of care, particularly on diagnosis of mental health conditions. However, the impact on patient health status is less consistent. Most of the published studies evaluated PROMs as a one-off screening technology and measured only provider behaviours and patient health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of results suggests a general lack of clarity in the field, especially regarding appropriate goals for PROMs and the mechanisms by which they might achieve them. To fully evaluate their role in routine practice, studies need to use PROMs that capture issues of importance to patients and to measure impacts relating to the patient-provider relationship and patient contributions to their well-being. Until studies evaluate PROMs as a means facilitate patient-centred care, their full potential in clinical practice will remain unknown.
Using musculoskeletal modeling to evaluate the effect of ankle foot orthosis tuning on musculotendon dynamics: a case study

Abstract Purpose: This case study examines the influence of an ankle foot orthosis footwear combination (AFO-FC) on musculotendon lengths and gait kinematics and kinetics after right thrombotic stroke resulting in left hemiplegia. Methods: Gait analysis was performed over three visits where the subject walked with an AFO-FC with two shank-to-vertical angle (SVA) alignments, a posterior leaf spring AFO (PLS AFO), and shoes alone. Biomechanical and musculoskeletal modeling was used to evaluate musculotendon lengths, kinematics, and kinetics for each condition. Results: The AFO-FC improved walking speed and non-paretic kinematics compared to the PLS AFO and shoes alone. The operating length of the paretic gastrocnemius decreased with the AFO-FC improving knee kinematics in swing, but not stance. As the SVA of the AFO-FC was reduced from 15° to 12°, internal ankle plantar flexor moment increased. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal modeling demonstrated that the AFO-FC altered gastrocnemius operating length during post-stroke hemiplegic gait. Using these tools to evaluate muscle operating lengths can provide insight into underlying mechanisms that may improve gait and guide future AFO-FC design. Implications for Rehabilitation Modeling musculotendon operating lengths during movement has the potential to inform how ankle foot orthoses (AFO) affect tight muscles and improve mobility after stroke. Adjusting shank-to-vertical angle (SVA) of the AFO-footwear combination (AFO-FC) has the potential to improve gait kinematics by controlling length of the pathologic gastrocnemius and maximizing internal ankle plantar flexor moment of individuals with neuromuscular disorders.
Detection of recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma by [18F]‐2‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography

Patients with recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have a dismal prognosis and represent a therapeutic challenge. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan with [18F]‐2‐fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) can improve early cancer detection. The current study evaluates the prognostic value of [18F]FDG‐PET scan in patients with recurrent OSCC.
Audit committee chair accounting expertise and audit report timeliness

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the characteristics of the audit committee (AC) chair affect audit report timeliness. In particular, the direct association between AC chair accounting expertise and audit report delay, and the moderating effect of other characteristics of AC chair on this association are examined. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the purpose of this study, the characteristics examined by this study are AC chair expertise, shareholding, tenure and multiple directorships. Furthermore, a sample of Malaysian companies during the period 2005–2011 and the fixed effects panel data method are utilized. Findings The results suggest that an AC chair with accounting expertise is associated with a reduction in audit delay. The reduction is more obvious when the chair holds shares in the company, but is weakened by longer tenure and multiple directorships. These results are robust after conducting several robust tests. Using mediating analysis, the authors also document that an AC chair with accounting expertise can enhance the timeliness of audit reports even when the quality of financial reporting is lower. The reported result is supported by additional analysis that finds that AC chairs with accounting expertise and AC chairs with accounting expertise and shareholding are significantly associated with shorter abnormal audit delay. Originality/value This study provides comprehensive analysis concerning the association between AC chair and audit report timeliness using a unique setting. It is among the limited evidence that reports the moderating effect of AC chair characteristics on the role of such chair on audit report timeliness.
Short-Term Effects of the Empathic Talk: The Role of Perceived Empathy, Interpersonal Dispositions, and Vagal Tone on Experiencing Depth

Abstract The present study examines the immediate impact of empathic attitudes on the receiver, by comparing an empathic conversation (EC) with a neutral one (NC) on experiencing depth (EXP), perceived empathy and vagal tone. We also evaluate if empathy effects depend on personality dispositions relevant to interpersonal functioning. An experimental, counterbalanced, within-subject design was implemented wherein participants (n = 27, age M = 22.6, SD = 4.0, 52% females) talked about a personal, meaningful topic for 20 minutes under both the EC and NC conditions. At the group level, main results indicated that the EC was more effective than the NC in promoting increases in EXP over time (F(1, 25) = 21.04, p < . 001, η p 2 = . 457) and perceived empathy in women (F(1, 25) = 9.42, p = . 005, η p 2 = . 264). At the individual level, the NC particularly precluded EXP gains in people expressing a better interpersonal functioning (βs < –.46, ps < .05 for attachment security and empathy and β = .38, p < .05 for aggression), and who also inhibited their vagal tone throughout this very condition (β = .40, p = .024). We conclude that the empathic context has an immediate positive impact on healthy psychological variables, whereas a more impersonal setting would drive people away from this positive effect. Those results are discussed in the light of the role of interpersonal proximity (being empathic to another’s experience and the lack of this attitude) in psychotherapy and healthy functioning.
Effect of Increasing the Surface Sampled by Imprint Cytology on the Intraoperative Assessment of Axillary Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients

As axillary sentinel nodes predict the nodal status and may allow dissection of the axilla on a selective basis we assessed the effects of increasing the surface sampled during intraoperative imprint cytology. Sentinel nodes from 110 patients identified with Patent blue and/or the high radioactivity due to the uptake of 99m-Tc-labeled colloidal albumin were analyzed via hematoxylin and eosin-stained touch preparations. Imprint cytology was performed either on bisected nodes (Protocol One; n = 55) or on sentinel nodes sliced into multiple pieces at 2- to 3-mm intervals (Protocol Two; n = 55). The sentinel nodes were submitted in toto to permanent step sectioning and immunostaining for cytokeratins. There were equal numbers of patients with involved nodes in the two groups assessed. With Protocols One and Two the imprints had sensitivities of 52 and 61 per cent, negative predictive values of 74 and 78 per cent, and false negative rates of 47 and 39 per cent, respectively. No macrometastasis missed by Protocol Two was absent from the surface sampled. These data suggest that increasing the surface sampled improves the proportion of involved sentinel nodes detected intraoperatively by imprint cytology, but a number of metastatic nodes still remain undetected by this method. The sampling of multiple surfaces is encouraged for a more accurate intraoperative assessment.
Using a grounding system equivalent circuit to evaluate transferred lightning surges trough distribution transformers

Grounding in a distribution system is important to reduce the lightning voltage surges that are transferred from medium voltage to the low voltage network through distribution transformers. These overvoltages produce several damages in equipments connected to distribution system and can cause outages of the electrical power supply bringing economic costs to both electric utility and customer. In this paper, is evaluated the impedance of different grounding geometries in the frequency domain; then, this impedance is used to develop an equivalent circuit of the buried grounding configuration and finally, this equivalent circuit and other models for the distribution system components like transformers, surge arresters, etc, are linked in a circuit model to evaluate the transferred voltages through distribution transformers in the alternative transients program (ATP).
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Protects against Selenite-Induced Oxidative Stress in Experimental Cataractogenesis

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease primarily associated with oxidative stress produced by free radicals. The protection offered by various antioxidants in cataract development is well established. Polyphenolic compounds present in green tea (Camellia sinensis) are reported to possess antioxidant property in various pathological conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anticataract potential of green tea leaf (GTL) extract in the development of lens opacification. Enucleated rat lenses were randomly divided into normal, control and treated groups and incubated for 24 h at 37°C. Oxidative stress was induced by sodium selenite in the culture medium of the two groups (except the normal group). The medium of the treated group was additionally supplemented with GTL extract. After incubation, lenses were subjected to glutathione and malondialdehyde estimation. Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was also measured in different sets of the experiment. In vivo cataract was induced in 9-day-old rat pups of both control and treated groups by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite. The treated pups were injected GTL extract intraperitoneally prior to selenite challenge and continued for 2 consecutive days thereafter. Cataract incidence was evaluated on 16th postnatal day by slit lamp examination. There was positive modulation of biochemical parameters in the organ culture study. Green tea was also found to reduce the incidence of selenite cataract in vivo. The results suggest that green tea possesses significant anticataract potential and acts primarily by preserving the antioxidant defense system.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Attenuates Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Objective: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs in both native and transplanted kidneys. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) has been shown to prevent I/R injury in different tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HBO on renal I/R injury in rats. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups. The Control group (n = 6) received right nephrectomy. The I/R (n = 6) and I/R+HBO groups (n = 6) received 30 min left renal ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion after right nephrectomy. The I/R+HBO group (n = 6) received additional HBO therapy for 60 min at 2.5 absolute atmospheres starting at the initial 15th minute of reperfusion. Results: In the I/R group, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels increased significantly compared with the Control and I/R+HBO groups (p < 0.05). BUN and creatinine levels were similar in the Control and I/R+HBO groups. Kidney samples from I/R group rats revealed severe tubular damage and neutrophil infiltration at histopathological examination. The animals treated with HBO showed markedly improved lesions and less neutrophil infiltration compared with the I/R group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HBO exhibited marked protection against I/R injury in this study as measured using BUN and creatinine levels and renal histopathology. However, further studies are needed to clarify the renoprotective effect of HBO on I/R injury.
Accuracy of bovine pregnancy detection using transrectal ultrasonography at 28 to 35 days after insemination.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the accuracy of real-time ultrasonography to detect pregnancy in dairy cows at 28 to 35 days after insemination. METHODS Cows that did not return to oestrus between 18 and 24 days after a first insemination (n = 526) were examined by transrectal ultrasonography from 28 to 35 days after insemination. Pregnancy was confirmed by the observation of a foetus, but fluid in the uterine horn and the presence of embryonic membranes were also noted. When pregnancy was not confirmed by the observation of a foetus, a second examination 7 days later, confirmed these remaining cows as pregnant or not pregnant to the first insemination. Detection of pregnancy at this early examination was compared with manual transrectal pregnancy examination performed 10 to 13 weeks after insemination (13-week examination). RESULTS There were 44% of cows that were pregnant to the first service, 34% that had returned for a second service 18 to 24 days after the first insemination, and 20% of cows that were not pregnant, and had not returned normally for a second service (non-pregnant, non-return) within 24 days of their initial insemination. The presence of a foetus at 28 to 35 days after insemination was accurately predicted by a simplified method where uterine fluid accumulation and embryonic membranes were observed. Foetal loss between the early detection and the 13-week examination (9% of pregnancies) indicated that 28 to 35 days post insemination was too early to reliably detect pregnancy. CONCLUSION Early examination of pregnancy with transrectal ultrasonography is an accurate method to identify non-pregnant, non-return cows. The examination can be simplified by the observation of uterine fluid accumulation and embryonic membranes, as opposed to the more involved process of observing the foetus.
Bridging Structure and Agency: Exploring the Role of Teacher Leadership in Teacher Collaboration

Building on York-Barr and Duke's (2004) conceptual framework for teacher leadership, this article explores teacher leadership as an informal influence that arises out of interactions and is exerted through group processes and norms. Through a 4-month qualitative study of two teacher teams’ work during structured teacher collaboration, we sought to understand how teachers’ informal action and interaction influence their colleagues’ sense of self-efficacy and motivation to engage in collaborative work. Given our findings, we theorize an emergent framework for teacher leadership to promote understanding and future investigation of teacher leadership as an informal, socially distributed phenomenon.