Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Electrogastrography Before and After a High-Caloric, Liquid Test Meal in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Severe Functional Dyspepsia

Background: The cutaneous recording of gastric electric rhythm, so-called electrogastrography (EGG), has been purported as a non-invasive method for studying patients with functional dyspepsia and unexplained nausea and vomiting. The aims of this study were to determine normal values for EGG characteristics before and after a liquid, high-caloric test meal and to investigate whether EGG could discriminate between patients with functional dyspepsia and normal controls. Methods: In studying 20 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with functional dyspepsia, we recorded gastric electrical activity during the 30 min before and after a liquid 1.0-1.5 kcal/ml test meal. Satiety before and after the meal was estimated on a 10-point scale. EGG was analysed regarding dominant frequency, instability of the dominant frequency, power ratio and percentage activity in the normal frequency range. Results: The mean ( ± s ) caloric intake in patients with functional dyspepsia (286 ± 160 kcal) was significantly lower ( P < 0.001) than in healthy volunteers (610 ± 211 kcal). The patients reported a more pronounced feeling of satiety before the test meal (5.6 ± 3.2) compared to healthy volunteers (3.6 ± 1.2, P < 0.05), but at the end of the test meal there was no difference in satiety (7.9 ± 2.5 versus 7.7 ± 1.0). However, none of the EGG parameters showed any difference between patients and healthy volunteers. Conclusions: EGG before and after a high-caloric test meal showed large variation in healthy subjects and seemed to be of little value for differentiating between healthy individuals and patients with functional dyspepsia.
Structural characteristics of tenecin 3, an insect antifungal protein

Tenecin 3, an antifungal protein, previously isolated from the insect Tenebrio molitor, inhibits growth of the fungus Candida albicans. However, the antifungal mechanism and functions of tenecin 3 remain unknown. As an initial step to study the mechanism and functions, physical and structural properties of tenecin 3 were examined by circular dichroism (CD) analysis and 2D nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy. These analyses suggest that tenecin 3 has a propensity of random structure with very loose turn‐like elements. The CD results also indicate that this random structural propensity is not significantly affected by temperature, pH, and by the presence of organic solvents or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. However, the hydrodynamic studies suggest that tenecin 3 is not in extended form in spite of its random structural feature.
Lnc-SGK1 induced by Helicobacter pylori infection and highsalt diet promote Th2 and Th17 differentiation in human gastric cancer by SGK1/Jun B signaling

Serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (SGK) 1can be triggered in several malignancies. Most research on SGK1has focused on its role in cancer cells, and we sought to investigate its potential upstream non-coding RNA nominated as Lnc-SGK1, and their expression and diagnostic value in T cells in human gastric cancer (GC). Excessive expression of Lnc-SGK1 and SGK1 were observed in T cell either within the tumor or peripheral T cells, and furthermore associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and high-salt diet (HSD). Within T cells, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and high-salt dietcan up-regulated SGK1 expression and in turn enhance expression of Lnc-SGK1 through JunB activation. And expression of Lnc-SGK1 can further enhance transcription of SGK1 through cis regulatory mode. Lnc-SGK1 can induce Th2 and Th17 and reduce Th1 differentiation via SGK1/JunB signaling. Serum Lnc-SGK1 expression in combination with H. pylori infection and/or HSD in T cells was associated with poor prognosis of GC patients, and could be an ideal diagnostic index in human GC.
Coupling global and regional circulation models in the coastal Gulf of Alaska

As part of the US GLOBEC NE Pacific program, we are simulating currents in the Coastal Gulf of Alaska (CGOA) to explore sources of interannual and interdecadal variability. To do so, we have developed a coupled modeling system composed of linked regional and global circulation models. The regional model, configured with 13–22 km resolution in the CGOA, is forced at the surface by observed heat fluxes and wind stresses, at the continental boundaries by observed runoff, and at the open ocean boundaries by a combination of tracer climatologies and sub-tidal velocity and tidal elevation provided by a global finite element model. In this communication, we describe the coupled system, including its present method of intermodel coupling, describe a series of multi-year model hindcasts, compare hindcast results with Eulerian and Lagrangian field data obtained in the CGOA in fall 1996, and assess the impact of global information (barotropic sub-tidal velocities and tidal elevations) on the regional model under the present coupling strategy. We find that the regional model produces appropriate current systems (Alaskan Stream, Alaska Coastal Current) and scalar fields, but with mesoscale variability (of SSH and velocities) at somewhat reduced strength relative to data, and with temperature gradients somewhat larger than those observed. Barotropic sub-tidal information from the global model penetrates the regional model interior, supplying additional mesoscale variability, and modifying regional velocity and scalar fields in both shallow and deep areas. Tidal information exerts a significant influence on sub-tidal scalar and velocity structure only in specific shallow areas, where the tides (and tidal mixing) are strongest. Pending the exploration of alternate coupling schemes, we infer from these results that on a time scale of months, purely barotropic information from outside the CGOA will have a modest impact on its mean regional circulation, but a potentially stronger impact on the statistics and details of mesoscale eddies.  2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Routine 'Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for elderly people' (HoNOS65+) collection in an acute psychogeriatric inpatient unit in New Zealand.

INTRODUCTION HoNOS (Health of the Nation Outcomes Scale) is an outcome measure used by mental health professionals aiming to give a snapshot of a person's psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial functioning. AIM HoNOS65+ was introduced as a routine outcome measure in our service as part of the New Zealand Mental Health Standard Measures of Assessment and Recovery Outcomes Initiative. The aim of this paper is to report the findings from the use of this tool in our acute psychogeriatric inpatient unit. METHOD This is a retrospective analysis of the HoNOS database from 2002 to 2005. Service users were classified into two groups (organic disorders and functional disorders) according to their ICD-10 clinical coding diagnoses. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the HoNOS65+ scores at admission and discharge within each group. RESULTS There were 431 start episodes and 452 end episodes completed. However, only 130 of these episodes were matched and were usable in this analysis. 29(21%) service users with diagnoses of organic disorders and 101(72%) with diagnoses of functional disorders. The mean total HoNOS65+ score reduced significantly for both groups from admission (organic: 16.45; functional: 14.00) to discharge (organic: 12.34; functional: 8.76). For the organic group, significant improvement was observed in 2 (behaviour and symptoms) subscales; and for the functional group, significant improvement was observed in 3 (behaviour, impairment, and symptoms) subscales. CONCLUSION The findings provide objective evidence to support the clinical impression that psychogeriatric inpatient treatment is an effective intervention for both organic and functional disorders. We identified a lack of improvement in the social subscale for both groups. The social subscale scores on admission were relatively low and the lack of improvement might be because specific interventions were not necessary during the inpatient episode. Further exploration of this subscale would be useful in clarifying whether there is a need to plan service development to address these aspects of service users' care during the acute admission phase.
MicroRNA-21 Is a Versatile Regulator and Potential Treatment Target in Central Nervous System Disorders

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous, non-coding, single-stranded RNAs with a length of approximately 22 nucleotides that are found in eukaryotes. miRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and metabolism by regulating the expression of their target genes. Emerging studies have suggested that various miRNAs play key roles in the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) disorders and may be viable therapeutic targets. In particular, miR-21 has prominently emerged as a focus of increasing research on the mechanisms of its involvement in CNS disorders. Herein, we reviewed recent studies on the critical roles of miR-21, including its dysregulated expression and target genes, in the regulation of pathophysiological processes of CNS disorders, with a special focus on apoptosis and inflammation. Collectively, miR-21 is a versatile regulator in the progression of CNS disorders and could be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for these diseases. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms by which miR-21 affects the pathogenesis of CNS disorders could pave the way for miR-21 to serve as a therapeutic target for these conditions.
The unwanted free rider: Covid-19

ABSTRACT Winter holidays in the European Alps early 2020 led to unexpected challenges for the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway and Sweden), since many travellers brought home a free rider virus, Covid-19. In this study a modified gravity model is used to investigate how important destination country, size and geographical distance are for the extent to which the virus was carried to Scandinavia. The number of reported Covid-19 positive cases is highest from Austria (1150 individuals), Italy (68) and Spain (90). Count data model estimations confirm that the number of Covid-19 cases in Scandinavia mainly originates from Austria and Italy, followed by Iran. The number of positive cases brought from abroad decreases significantly with the geographical distance between the home country and the destination. There is also a clear surge of infections at the beginning of the observation period (11 March to 15 March 2020), before the introduction of travel restrictions.
Continuous plexus and peripheral nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia.

T here is increasing interest in peripheral nerve blocks because of potential benefits and concerns over interactions of anticoagulants and central neuraxial techniques. In a recent survey of members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, nearly half of the respondents anticipated an increased use of peripheral nerve blocks in their practice (1). Continuous plexus and peripheral nerve blocks offer the potential benefits of prolonged analgesia with fewer side effects, greater patient satisfaction, and faster functional recovery after surgery. In this review article, we summarize pertinent anatomy, technical aspects, and current evidence when available in prospective randomized trials for the indications and efficacy of continuous perineural techniques for postoperative analgesia.
Sequential learning in the form of shaping as a source of cognitive flexibility

Humans and animals have the ability to quickly learn new tasks, a rapidity that is unlikely to be manageable by pure trial and error learning on each task separately. Instead, key to this rapid adaptability appears to be the ability to integrate skills and knowledge obtained from previous tasks. This is assumed for example in the sequential build-up of curricula in education, and has been employed in training animals for behavioural experiments at least since the initial work on shaping by Skinner in 1938. Despite its importance to natural learning, from a computational neuroscience point of view the question of sequential learning of tasks has largely been ignored. Instead, learning algorithms have often been devised that are capable of learning from an initial naive state. However, it is known that simply training sequentially with the same algorithms can often harm learning through interference, rather than enhance it. In this thesis, we explore the e�ffects of sequential training in the form of shaping in the cognitive domain. We consider abstract, yet neurally inspired, learning models and propose extensions and requirements to ensure that shaping is bene�ficial. We take the 12-AX task, a hierarchical working memory task with rich structure, de�fine a shaping sequence to break the hierarchical structure of the task into separate smaller and simpler tasks, and compare performance between learning the task in one fell swoop to that of learning it with the help of shaping. Using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network model, we show that learning times can be reduced substantially through shaping. Furthermore, other metrics such as forms of abstraction and generalisation may also show differential e�ffects. Crucial to this, though, is the ability to prevent interference, which we achieve through an architectural extension in the form of "resource allocation". Finally, we present initial, human behavioural data on the 12-AX task, showing that humans can learn it in a single session. Nevertheless, the task is sufficiently challenging to reveal interesting behavioural structure. This supports its use as a candidate to probe computational aspects of cognitive learning, including shaping. Furthermore, our data show that the shaping protocol used in the modelling studies can also improve averaged asymptotic performance in humans. Overall, we show the importance of taking sequential task learning into account, provided there is additional architectural support. We propose and demonstrate candidates for this support.
Definitive Differentiation between Single and Mixed Mycobacterial Infections in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) by a Combination of Duplex Amplification of p34 and f57 Sequences and Hpy188I Enzymatic Restriction of Duplex Amplicons

ABSTRACT Severe emaciation and mortalities suggestive of mycobacterial infections were recently reported for both adult and young wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the southeastern part of Belgium. In deer, tuberculous lesions are not pathognomonic of Mycobacterium bovis infection due to gross and microscopic similarities with lesions caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis or M. avium subsp. avium. The aim of this study was to improve molecular methods for the species-specific identification of M. bovis, M. avium subsp. avium, and M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis in mycobacterial infections of deer. DNA banding patterns were assessed prior to and after Hpy188I restriction of f57-upstream (us)-p34 duplex amplicons. The duplex f57-us-p34 PCR differentiated M. bovis from M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis and M. avium subsp. avium infections, whereas the restriction step differentiated single M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis or M. avium subsp. avium infections from mixed M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis/M. avium subsp. avium infections. The endonuclease Hpy188I cleaves DNA between nucleotides N and G in the unique TCNGA sequence. This restriction site was found at position 168 upstream of the us-p34 initiation codon in all M. avium subsp. avium strains tested, regardless of their origin and the results of IS901 PCR. In contrast, the restriction site was abrogated in all M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis strains tested, independent of their origin, Mycobactin J dependency, and IS900 PCR results. Consequently, a two-step strategy, i.e., duplex us-p34-f57 PCR and Hpy188I restriction, allowed us to exclude M. bovis infection and to identify single (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis or M. avium subsp. avium) or mixed (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis/M. avium subsp. avium) infections in wild red deer in Belgium. Accordingly, we propose to integrate, in a functional molecular definition of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, the absence of the Hpy188I restriction site from the us-p34 amplicon.
Thinking ISsues: the three p's of capstone project performance

Assessment of student performance on capstone projects raises a number of issues, which are well addressed in the excellent book by Fincher and colleagues [1]. Yet some issues still remain to be discussed. The artifacts frequently selected for project assessment tend to place a primary emphasis on result of the project work, the outcome or the " product ". Of course in a professional context that is the key factor, namely that the project delivers it's intended outcome in terms of a working system for instance. Yet how good is that delivered 'working system', and for how long will it remain so, are further hidden 'product' criteria? It is all too easy for software professionals under pressure of deadlines to cut corners on design or code quality. So the system supposedly delivered on time and on budget will actually balloon out in cost over its full lifetime of use, as maintenance proves costly and risky simply to introduce the most readily foreseeable of changes – but then that becomes someone else's problem of course as the development team has long moved on… Given the difficulty of specifying not only functional requirements but maintainability criteria and standards for software designs that support system longevity, it is natural that the software engineering discipline should turn to " process " to help manage development and ensure some degree of quality and consistency. Yet this reliance on process has not proven to be the Holy Grail either. The doctoral thesis by Alistair Cockburn [2] cogently explains some of the reasons for this failure. The methodologists' prescriptions are too generic, too complicated to understand, too cumbersome to apply and not situated in the context of the project team. In response the agile movement have placed primary emphasis on " practices " through which the marrying of skill and discipline enable creativity and innovation to flourish in the development process, while maintaining dialogue with the " customer " and regularly delivering high quality working software. Yet these " practices " in themselves require a degree of professional skill in their application. A colleague who was the Director of Risk Management for a major consultancy firm confided to me not long ago that he loved " agile " projects as they gave him the majority of his business in mopping up " train wrecks'. Regardless of the efficacy of agile, the question in a study context is: …
NaFe3+EDTA as a food fortificant: influence on zinc, calcium and copper metabolism in the rat

The general acceptance of NaFe3+EDTA for food Fe fortification has been partly restricted by concern over the influence of EDTA on the metabolism of other nutritionally important trace elements and minerals. We have investigated the influence of NaFe3+EDTA, and of increasing dietary levels of Na2EDTA, on Zn, Cu and Ca metabolism in rats fed on Zn-sufficient and Zn-deficient soya-bean-isolate- based diets. With the Zn-deficient diets, changing the dietary Fe compound from FeSO4 to NaFe3+- EBTA significantly (P < 0·05) increased mean apparent Zn absorption from 50·2 to 67·4%. urinary Zn excretion from 2·0 to 4·0% of intake, and Zn retention from 48·2 to 63·4%. Increasing the dietary EDTA level to 1000 mg/kg further increased Zn absorption to 78·1%, urinary Zn excretion to 15·6% of intake and Zn retention to 62·5%. Increased Zn retention was accompanied by a significant increase in weight gain indicating that the extra Zn was available for normal metabolic processes. With rats fed on the Zn-sufficient diet, NaFe3+EDTA and Na2EDTA similarly increased the absorption, urinary excretion and retention of Zn but to a lesser extent. NaFe3+EDTA, however, had no influence on the absorption, urinary excretion and retention of Cu and Ca, and additional Na2EDTA caused only minor increases in Cu absorption and retention and in the urinary excretion of Ca. We conclude that using NaFe3+EDTA as a food fortificant would have no detrimental effect on the metabolism of Zn, Cu and Ca and, in some situations, could improve Zn absorption and retention from low-bioavailability diets.
Antiinflammatory effects of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate in chronic obstructive lung disease.

RATIONALE No currently available treatment is reported to reduce the exaggerated airway wall inflammation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. OBJECTIVES We tested the hypothesis that inhaled combined long-acting beta2-agonist (salmeterol) and corticosteroid (fluticasone propionate) will reduce inflammation. METHODS Bronchial biopsies and induced sputum were taken from 140 current and former smokers (mean age, 64 yr) with moderate to severe disease, randomized in a 13-wk double-blind study to placebo (n = 73) or salmeterol/fluticasone propionate 50/500 microg (n = 67) twice daily. Biopsies were repeated at 12 wk and sputa at 8 and 13 wk. After adjustment for multiplicity, comparisons between active and placebo were made for median change from baseline in the numbers of biopsy CD8+ and CD68+ cells/mm2 and sputum neutrophils. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Combination therapy was associated with a reduction in biopsy CD8+ cells of -118 cells/mm2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -209 to -42; p = 0.02), a reduction of 36% over placebo (p = 0.001). CD68+ cells were unaffected by combination treatment. Sputum differential (but not total) neutrophils reduced progressively and, at Week 13, significantly with combination treatment (median treatment difference, 8.5%; 95% CI, 1.75%-15.25%; p = 0.04). The combination also significantly reduced biopsy CD45+ and CD4+ cells and cells expressing genes for tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IFN-gamma and sputum total eosinophils (all p < or = 0.03). These antiinflammatory effects were accompanied by a 173-ml (95% CI, 104-242; p < 0.001) improvement in prebronchodilator FEV1. CONCLUSIONS The combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate has a broad spectrum of antiinflammatory effects in both current and former smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which may contribute to clinical efficacy.
Beyond the Electrostatic Gate in a Single-Molecule Transistor

Transistor amplification properties of a three-leg spirofluorene-based molecule are investigated, and the transistor is shown to possess usable current, voltage, and power gain. Current gain is facilitated since the source-drain legs are conjugated, whereas the gate (control) leg is unconjugated and spatially orthogonal, and voltage gain is enhanced by the efficient quantum-mechanical coupling to the gate. Full quantum-mechanical calculations were done for all three electrodes, using the density functional formalism and a plane-wave decomposition of the wave functions.
Cultivares copa e porta-enxertos para a citricultura brasileira.

Embora exista grande diversidade de generos, especies, cultivares e clones de citros, os pomares comerciais brasileiros tem, como base genetica, um numero reduzido de cultivares, seja como copa, seja como porta-enxerto. Esse fato tem contribuido nao so para a vulnerabilidade da cultura a pragas e a doencas, mas tambem para restringir o periodo de colheita e limitar sua expansao e produtividade. A diversificacao da citricultura, mediante a utilizacao de cultivares avaliadas e recomendadas pelas instituicoes de pesquisa, podera reduzir os riscos de ataques fitossanitarios e fortalecer a citricultura brasileira pela agregacao de caracteristicas desejaveis, como escalonamento da colheita, aumento da produtividade e melhor qualidade dos frutos para atender as exigencias do mercado, seja de mesa seja de industria. Alem disso, pode ser a garantia de maior competitividade ao setor e sua permanencia na lideranca mundial de maior produtor e processador de suco de laranja.