Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes Associated with Improved Outcomes for Cats Entering RSPCA Queensland Shelters from 2011 to 2016

Simple Summary The aim of this study was to identify changes that contributed to the markedly improved live release of cats in Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland shelters by comparing data from 2011 and 2016. Admission numbers were similar in these two years. The number and percentage euthanized decreased substantially from 58% in 2011 to 15% in 2016. The greatest contributor to this were marked increases in cats rehomed (i.e., adopted). The number of cats adopted doubled from 2011 to 2016, with over half the increase contributed by increased shelter adoptions, and the remainder achieved by increased off-site adoptions, largely through agreements with Petbarn stores. Improved outcomes were facilitated by nearly doubling the number of cats temporarily in foster care. Cats euthanized for behavioral reasons decreased by 85%, including a marked decrease in the number of euthanasias because the cat was deemed feral. Euthanasia of young kittens dramatically decreased. The number of cats reclaimed by their owner was similar in the two years and was only a small contributor to the numbers of cats released live. To achieve further improvements, programs that decrease intake for both stray and owned cats would be beneficial. Abstract This retrospective study of cat admissions to RSPCA Queensland shelters describes changes associated with improved outcomes ending in live release in 2016 compared to 2011. There were 13,911 cat admissions in 2011 and 13,220 in 2016, with approximately 50% in both years admitted as strays from the general public or council contracts. In contrast, owner surrenders halved from 30% to 15% of admissions. Percentages of admissions ending in euthanasia decreased from 58% to 15%. Only 5% of cat admissions were reclaimed in each of these years, but the percentage rehomed increased from 34% to 74%, of which 61% of the increase was contributed by in-shelter adoptions and 39% from non-shelter sites, predominately retail partnerships. The percentage temporarily fostered until rehoming doubled. In 2011, euthanasias were most common for medical (32% of all euthanasias), behavioral (36%) and age/shelter number (30%) reasons, whereas in 2016, 69% of euthanasias were for medical reasons. The number of young kittens euthanized decreased from 1116 in 2011 to 22 in 2016. The number of cats classified as feral and euthanized decreased from 1178 to 132, in association with increased time for assessment of behavior and increased use of behavior modification programs and foster care. We attribute the improved cat outcomes to strategies that increased adoptions and reduced euthanasia of young kittens and poorly socialized cats, including foster programs. To achieve further decreases in euthanasia, strategies to decrease intake would be highly beneficial, such as those targeted to reduce stray cat admissions.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) protects the tripartite synapse in the ischemic brain via ezrin-mediated formation of peripheral astrocytic processes

Cerebral ischemia has a harmful effect on the synapse associated with neurological impairment. The “tripartite synapse” is assembled by the pre- and postsynaptic terminals, embraced by astrocytic elongations known as peripheral astrocytic processes (PAPs). Ischemic stroke induces the detachment of PAPs from the synapse, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Ezrin is a membrane-associated protein, required for the formation of PAPs, that links the cell surface to the actin cytoskeleton. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine proteinase that upon binding to its receptor (uPAR) promotes neurite growth during development. In the adult brain, neurons release uPA and astrocytes recruit uPAR to the plasma membrane during the recovery phase from an ischemic stroke, and uPA/uPAR binding promotes functional improvement following an ischemic injury. We found that uPA induces the synthesis of ezrin in astrocytes, with the subsequent formation of PAPs that enter in direct contact with the synapse. Furthermore, either the release of neuronal uPA or intravenous treatment with recombinant uPA (ruPA) induces the formation of PAPs in the ischemic brain, and the interaction of these PAPs with the pre- and postsynaptic terminals protects the integrity of the “tripartite synapse” from the harmful effects of the ischemic injury.
Examining the Relationship Between Teachers’ ICT Self-Efficacy for Educational Purposes, Collegial Collaboration, Lack of Facilitation and the Use of ICT in Teaching Practice

Information and communication technology (ICT) is now an integrated and central element of modern life, and its rapid emergence is changing the execution and organization of work and learning. Digital technology is also important for schools, and hence for teachers’ working days. However, among today’s teachers, not everyone has the knowledge required to teach using digital technology. Recent research indicates that self-efficacy is important for how teachers master their practice. This paper addresses teachers’ ICT self-efficacy for educational purposes, and examines the assumed antecedents of teachers’ self-efficacy. Data from 1,158 teachers at 116 Norwegian schools was analyzed. The results indicate that teachers’ self-efficacy for using ICT in their teaching practice is associated with their use of ICT in teaching and their general ICT self-efficacy. In addition, the results show that collegial collaboration among teachers has a positive association with the use of ICT in their teaching practice. One interpretation of these findings is that general ICT self-efficacy is necessary for developing ICT self-efficacy for educational purposes and being able to use ICT in education. However, further research is required to scrutinize the relationships between these concepts.
Characterization of pyruvate kinase from the anoxia tolerant turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans: a potential role for enzyme methylation during metabolic rate depression

Background Pyruvate kinase (PK) is responsible for the final reaction in glycolysis. As PK is a glycolytic control point, the analysis of PK posttranslational modifications (PTM) and kinetic changes reveals a key piece of the reorganization of energy metabolism in an anoxia tolerant vertebrate. Methods To explore PK regulation, the enzyme was isolated from red skeletal muscle and liver of aerobic and 20-hr anoxia-exposed red eared-slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). Kinetic analysis and immunoblotting were used to assess enzyme function and the corresponding covalent modifications to the enzymes structure during anoxia. Results Both muscle and liver isoforms showed decreased affinity for phosphoenolpyruvate substrate during anoxia, and muscle PK also had a lower affinity for ADP. I50 values for the inhibitors ATP and lactate were lower for PK from both tissues after anoxic exposure while I50 L-alanine was only reduced in the liver. Both isozymes showed significant increases in threonine phosphorylation (by 42% in muscle and 60% in liver) and lysine methylation (by 43% in muscle and 70% in liver) during anoxia which have been linked to suppression of PK activity in other organisms. Liver PK also showed a 26% decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation under anoxia. Discussion Anoxia responsive changes in turtle muscle and liver PK coordinate with an overall reduced activity state. This reduced affinity for the forward glycolytic reaction is likely a key component of the overall metabolic rate depression that supports long term survival in anoxia tolerant turtles. The coinciding methyl- and phospho- PTM alterations present the mechanism for tissue specific enzyme modification during anoxia.
Classical Risk Factors and Inflammatory Biomarkers: One of the Missing Biological Links between Cardiovascular Disease and Major Depressive Disorder

Background: Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are the most frequent diseases worldwide responsible for premature death and disability. Behavioral and immunological variables influence the pathophysiology of both disorders. We therefore determined frequency and severity of MDD in CVD and studied whether MDD without CVD or other somatic diseases influences classical and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. In addition, we investigated the influence of proinflammatory cytokines on antidepressant treatment outcome. Methods: In a case-control design, 310 adults (MDD patients without CVD, CVD patients, and cardiologically and psychiatrically healthy matched controls) were investigated. MDD patients were recruited after admission in a psychiatric university hospital. Primary outcome criteria were clinical depression ratings (HAM-D scale), vital signs, classical cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers which were compared between MDD patients and healthy controls. Results: We detected an enhanced cardiovascular risk in MDD. Untreated prehypertension and signs directing to a metabolic syndrome were detected in MDD. Significantly higher inflammatory biomarkers such as the high sensitivity C-reaktive protein (hsCRP) and proinflammatory acute phase cytokines interleukine-1β (IL-1β) and interleukine-6 (IL-6) underlined the higher cardiovascular risk in physically healthy MDD patients. Surprisingly, high inflammation markers before treatment were associated with better clinical outcome and faster remission. The rate of MDD in CVD patients was high. Conclusions: Patients suffering from MDD are at specific risk for CVD. Precise detection of cardiovascular risks in MDD beyond classical risk factors is warranted to allow effective prophylaxis and treatment of both conditions. Future studies of prophylactic interventions may help to provide a basis for prophylactic treatment of both MDD and CVD. In addition, the high risk for MDD in CVD patients was confirmed and underlines the requirement for clinical attention.
Comparison of Goldmann Applanation, Noncontact Air Puff, and Tono-Pen XL Tonometry in Normal Controls versus Glaucoma Patients at a University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measured by the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), the Tono-Pen XL (TPXL), and a noncontact airpuff tonometer (NCT) in glaucoma patients and normal controls. METHODOLOGY: In the current study, two groups of individuals were recruited; the first group included glaucoma patients (glaucoma group) while the second one was a glaucoma-free group. The IOP was measured through GAT, NCT, and TPXL for the same participants by three different physicians in both groups. Measurements through the three devices were compared statistically. Correlations between different methods of assessment were also assessed. RESULTS: In the glaucoma group, the mean IOP measured was 16.0 ± 5.5 mmHg (range, 6–40 mmHg) with GAT 20.5 ± 6.9 mmHg (range, 10–52 mmHg) with the TPXL, and 20.2 ± 6.5 mmHg (range, 8–50 mmHg) with the NCT. In the control group, the mean IOP was 14.0 ± 2.7 mmHg (range, 9–19 mmHg) with GAT, 17.3 ± 3.8 mmHg (range 6–30 mmHg) with the TPXL, and 17.9 ± 3.9 mHg (range 10–27 mmHg) with the NCT. CONCLUSION: IOP measurements were approved among the three devices with relatively higher readings using both NTC and TPXL. All three methods are required to address different situations that present in the daily clinical and surgical practice.
Increasing the credibility of the Twin birth instrument

Twin births are an important instrumental variable for the endogenous fertility decision. However, in many economic settings, twins are not exogenous as dizygotic twinning is known to be correlated with maternal characteristics and fertility treatments. Following the medical literature, we assume that monozygotic twins are exogenous, and construct a new instrument, which corrects for the selection bias although monozygotic twinning is usually unobserved. We use longitudinal administrative data from Sweden and US census data and show that the usual twin instrument is not only related to observed but also to unobserved determinants of economic outcomes, while our new instrument is not. We demonstrate the relevance of our new instrument in two labor market applications and find that the classical twin instrument underestimates the true negative effect of fertility on labor force participation and earnings.
The Relationship between Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and Gastroesophageal Reflux

ABSTRACT Purpose/Aim of the study: To evaluate if there is any relationship or coincidence between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). Material and Methods: We enrolled 180 patients with PANDO, confirmed by positive regurgitation on sac squeezing or by irrigation test. In the control group, any patient with lacrimal drainage obstruction was excluded. For diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux we used a (Gerd Q) questionnaire by R. Jones. Results: According to Gerd Q, prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with PANDO was 20% (36 out of 180 patients) and in the control group, it was 10.6% (19 out of 180 patients), which was significantly higher in the presence of PANDO (p valve = 0.013). In women, 28 patients (23.5%) in the case group versus 13 patients (10.9%) in the control group has gastroesophageal reflux (p value = 0.01), which was not significant among men (p value = 0.870). When we considered age as an independent variable, results reveled significant value only for patients over 60 years old (p value = 0.008). Conclusion: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease was significantly higher in patients with PANDO. This statistical relationship was greater among women and patients over 60 years old. In this study, we found an association between GERD and PANDO.
Expression profiling of lipocalin-2 and 24p3 receptor in murine gonads at different developmental stages

Numerous clinical studies have reported the association between high circulating levels of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and metabolic diseases. However, only few studies have addressed sexually dimorphic, either in its circulating concentration or in its expression in other organs. To the best of our knowledge, LCN2 and the 24p3 receptor (24p3R), have not been identified in gonads; therefore, the present study analyzed their mRNA expression profile and cellular localization in gonads collected from fetal rats at 21 days post coitum, as well as from neonatal rats at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 20 and 30 postnatal days. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical assays revealed that the LCN2 mRNA during perinatal and pre-pubertal stages presented a sex-specific expression pattern, being higher in ovaries than in testes collected at these stages. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of the long and short isoforms of the 24p3R (507 and 350 bp, respectively), were lower in female gonads from postnatal day 0 onwards in comparison with the levels observed in males, but before birth, the short isoform of the 24p3R was higher in ovaries than in testes. In addition, in females, the abundance of mRNA of this isoform was drastically diminished at 24 h after birth. Furthermore, this specific expression profile of LCN2 and 24p3R at perinatal and prepubertal stages coincides with events of cellular proliferation and apoptosis within both gonads. Immunohistochemical assays revealed that in ovaries, LCN2 and 24p3R are present in germinal and somatic cells of follicles, while in testes, this adipokine and its receptor are only located in germinal cells. These findings suggest that in murine gonads, LCN2/24p3R signaling may be involved either in cell proliferation or cell death driven by gonadotropin-independent or -dependent mechanisms.
Evaluation of the lamina cribrosa in patients with diabetes mellitus using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Purpose: To compare the lamina cribrosa thickness and anterior lamina cribrosa depth between patients with and without diabetes mellitus and to investigate the effect of metabolic control and duration of diabetes mellitus on lamina cribrosa thickness and anterior lamina cribrosa depth using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Methods: A total of 70 patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study and were divided into the diabetes and control groups. Intraocular pressure, circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, anterior lamina cribrosa depth and lamina cribrosa thickness were compared between the groups. Results: In the control group, the mean intraocular pressure was 14.6 ± 3.1 (mean ± standard deviation) mmHg, mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was 105.41 ± 5.86 μm, mean anterior lamina cribrosa depth was 420.3 ± 90.2 μm and mean lamina cribrosa thickness was 248.5 ± 5.4 μm. In the diabetes group, the mean intraocular pressure was 13.9 ± 2.2 mmHg, mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was 101.37 ± 10.97 μm, mean anterior lamina cribrosa depth was 351.4 ± 58.6 μm and mean lamina cribrosa thickness was 271.6 ± 33.9 μm. Lamina cribrosa thickness was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and anterior lamina cribrosa depth was significantly lower (p = 0.003) in the diabetes group. There was no statistical difference between the groups with regard to age, spherical equivalent, axial length, circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and intraocular pressure (p = 0.69, 0.26, 0.47, 0.06 and 0.46, respectively). Lamina cribrosa thickness and anterior lamina cribrosa depth were not significantly correlated with duration of diabetes mellitus (lamina cribrosa thickness: r = −0.078, p = 0.643; anterior lamina cribrosa depth: r = −0.062, p = 0.710) or HbA1c levels (lamina cribrosa thickness: r = −0.078, p = 0.596; anterior lamina cribrosa depth: r = −0.228, p = 0.169). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the optical coherence tomography measurement of lamina cribrosa revealed thicker and more anteriorly positioned lamina cribrosa for patients with diabetes mellitus compared with those for healthy controls.
Assessment of Patient Safety Culture in an Adult Oncology Department in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives We sought to evaluate patient safety culture across different healthcare professionals from different countries of origin working in an adult oncology department in a medical facility in Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional survey of 130 healthcare staff (doctors, pharmacists, nurses) was conducted in February 2017. We used the Hospital Survey of Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) to examine healthcare staff perceptions of safety culture. Results A total of 127 questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.7%. Eight out of 12 HSOPSC composites were considered areas for improvement (percent positivity < 50.0%). Significantly different mean scores were observed across the three professional groups in all 12 HSOPSC composites. Doctors tended to rate patient safety culture significantly more positively than nurses or pharmacists. Nurses scored significantly lower than pharmacists in the majority of HSOPSC composites. No significant differences in patient safety culture composite scores were observed between Saudi/Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-Saudi/GCC groups. Regression analysis showed that the frequency of reported events is predicted by feedback and communication about errors, and teamwork across units. Perception of patient safety is associated with respondents' profession and teamwork across units. Conclusions This study brings to the fore the assumption that all healthcare professionals have a shared understanding of patient safety. We urge healthcare leaders and policy makers to look at patient safety culture at this granular level in their contexts and use this information to develop strategies and training to improve patient safety culture.
1 H-NMR-based water-soluble low molecular weight compound characterization and fatty acid composition of boiled Wuding chicken during processing.

BACKGROUND Boiled Wuding chicken was produced using whole chicken by washing, boiling 1 h with salt, deep frying, and boiling 2 h. The effect of the process on the water-soluble low molecular weight (WLOM) compound profiles of products was characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the fatty acid composition of products was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The metabolome was dominated by 49 WLOM compounds, and 22 fatty acid compounds were detected. Principal component (PC)1 and PC2 explained a total of 93.4% and 3% of variance respectively. Compared with the control group, the total WLOM compound and fatty acid contents of the chicken breast were significantly decreased in the other three processing stages (P < 0.05). Comprehensive multivariate data analysis showed significant differences about precursor substance between the different processing including creatine, lactate, creatinine, glucose, taurine, anserine, and acetate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION These results contribute to a more accurate understanding of precursor substance changes of flavor in chicken meat during processing. Boiled, treated chicken had significant effects on fatty acid and WLOM compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
What Consumers Say About Nursing Homes in Online Reviews

Background Although patient-centered care is an expressed value of our healthcare system, no studies have examined what consumers say in online reviews about nursing homes (NHs). Insight into themes addressed in these reviews could inform improvement efforts that promote patient-centered NH care. Research Design and Methods We analyzed nursing home (NH) Yelp reviews. From a list of all NHs in California, we drew a purposeful sample of 51 NHs, selecting facilities representing a range of geographical areas and occupancy rates. Two research teams analyzed the reviews using grounded theory to identify codes and tracked how frequently each code was mentioned. Results We evaluated 264 reviews, identifying 24 codes, grouped under five categories: quality of staff care and staffing; physical facility and setting; resident safety and security; clinical care quality; and financial issues. More than half (53.41%) of Yelp reviewers posted comments related to staff attitude and caring and nearly a third (29.2%) posted comments related to staff responsiveness. Yelp reviewers also often posted about NHs' physical environment. Infrequently mentioned were the quality of health care provided and concerns about resident safety and security. Discussion and Implications Our results are consistent with those from related studies. Yelp reviewers focus on NH aspects that are not evaluated in most other NH rating systems. The federal Nursing Home Compare website, for instance, does not report measures of staff attitudes or the NH's physical setting. Rather, it reports measures of staffing levels and clinical processes and outcomes. We recommend that NH consumers consult both types of rating systems because they provide complementary information.