Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient elastography compared to liver biopsy and morphometry for predicting fibrosis in pediatric chronic liver disease: Does etiology matter?

AIM To evaluate transient elastography (TE) as a noninvasive tool in staging liver fibrosis compared with liver biopsy and morphometry in children with different chronic liver diseases. METHODS A total of 90 children [50 with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), 20 with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and 20 with Wilson disease] were included in the study and underwent liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using TE. Liver biopsies were evaluated for fibrosis, qualitatively, by Ishak score and quantitatively by fibrosis area fraction (FAF) using digital image analysis (morphometry). LSM was correlated with fibrosis and other studied variables using spearman correlation. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was also performed to examine independent factors associated with LSM. Different cut-off values of LSM were calculated for predicting individual fibrosis stages using receiver-operating characteristic curve. Cut-off values with optimal clinical performance (optimal sensitivity and specificity simultaneously) were selected. RESULTS The majority of HCV group had minimal activity (80%) and no/mild fibrosis (72%). On the other hand, the majority of AIH group had mild to moderate activity (70%) and moderate to severe fibrosis (95%) and all Wilson disease group had mild to moderate activity (100%) and moderate to severe fibrosis (100%). LSM correlated significantly with both FAF and Ishak scores and the correlation appeared better with the latter (r = 0.839 vs 0.879, P < 0.0001 for both). LSM discriminated individual stages of fibrosis with high performance. Sensitivity ranged from 81.4% to 100% and specificity ranged from 75.0% to 97.2%. When we compared LSM values for the same stage of fibrosis, they varied according to the different etiologies. Higher values were in AIH (16.15 ± 7.23 kPa) compared to Wilson disease (8.30 ± 0.84 kPa) and HCV groups (7.43 ± 1.73 kPa). Multiple regression analysis revealed that Ishak fibrosis stage was the only independent variable associated with higher LSM (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION TE appears reliable in distinguishing different stages of liver fibrosis in children. However, its values vary according to the disease type. For that, a disease-specific estimation of cut-off values for fibrosis staging is worthy.
Metabolic and genetic aspects of familial combined hyperlipidaemia with emphasis on low‐density lipoprotein heterogeneity

The relationship between elevated plasma cholesterol and the risk of coronary artery disease is now definitively established [1–5]. Accumulating evidence indicates that the total amount of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles, i.e. chylomicron remnants, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDLs), also determines the risk of developing cardiovascular disease [6–9]. This would explain the benefit of cholesterol-lowering therapy observed in the majority of patients with coronary disease who have only marginally elevated plasma cholesterol levels but may exhibit other lipid abnormalities [4]. In patients suffering from familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH), elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins mainly determine the presenting lipid phenotype. Because FCH appears to be the most common form of hyperlipidaemia in young survivors of myocardial infarction [10–12], causing an estimated 10% of all premature coronary heart disease [13,14], recent research has been focused on the pathophysiological mechanism underlying premature atherogenesis in FCH. In this review, hypotheses concerning the metabolic and genetic basis of FCH and its related entities, as well as the origin of LDL heterogeneity associated with these lipid disorders, will be discussed.
SimSmokeFinn: How far can tobacco control policies move Finland toward tobacco-free 2040 goals?

Aims: Finland is the first country to stipulate in law that its aim is to end the use of tobacco products containing compounds that are toxic to humans and that create addiction. This paper describes the development of a simulation model examining the potential effect of tobacco control policies in Finland on smoking prevalence and associated future premature mortality. Methods: The model is developed using the SimSmoke simulation model of tobacco control policy, previously developed for other nations. The model uses population, smoking rates, and tobacco control policy data for Finland. It assesses, individually, and in combination, the effect of seven types of policies: taxes, smoke-free air laws, mass media campaigns, advertising bans, warning labels, cessation treatment, and youth access policies. Results: With a comprehensive set of policies, smoking prevalence can be decreased by as much as 15% in the first few years, increasing to 29% by 20 years and 34% by 30 years. By 2040, 1300 deaths can be averted in that year alone with the stronger set of policies. Without effective tobacco control policies, 23,000 additional lives will be lost due to smoking over all years through 2040. Conclusions: The model shows that significant inroads to reducing smoking prevalence and premature mortality can be achieved through tax increases, a high-intensity media campaign complete with programmes to encourage cessation, a comprehensive cessation treatment programme, stronger health warnings, and enforcement of youth access laws. Other policies will be needed to further reduce tobacco use.
Clinical evaluation of dengue RNA, NS1, and IgM for diagnosis of dengue in Southern China

In 2014, a large outbreak of dengue occurred in Guangzhou, China. This outbreak prompted us to evaluate NS1 and RNA for the early diagnosis of acute dengue infection, in addition to the combination with IgM antibody. We aimed to find the differences of three assays about dengue diagnosis. This study was an evaluation of diagnosis test. Based on WHO criteria 2009, dengue RNA, NS1, and IgM/IgG were detected from 294 patients (180 dengue patients, 114 non‐dengue patients) by three diagnostic kits made in China. The χ2 test, sensitivity, and specificity were used in statistical analysis. The ratios of dengue patients with low platelet counts (<100 × 109/L 32.2%) or white blood cell counts (<4.0 × 109/L 58.9%) were significantly higher compared to non‐dengue patients (P < 0.05). Dengue NS1 was shown sensitive (93.9%) for diagnostic use. RNA had a better performance with 98.1% of sensitivity from day 1 to day 4 after illness onset. IgM performed better at day 5 or more with 74.0% of sensitivity. The diagnostic rate using a combination of RNA and IgM was 97.8% and 96.7% using NS1 and IgM. A patient with low platelet and white blood cell counts needs additional tests for dengue during an epidemic. RNA and NS1 were most valuable for early diagnosis of dengue, whereas IgM was best suited as a supplementary method for patients at day 5 or more after illness onset. J. Med. Virol. 88:28–34, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Injectable hydrogels embedded with alginate microspheres for controlled delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2

Some delivery carriers with injectable characteristics were built using the thermosensitive chitosan/dextran-polylactide/glycerophosphate hydrogel and selected alginate microspheres for the controllable release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). BMP-2 was first loaded into the microspheres with an average size of around 20 μm and the resulting microspheres were then embedded into the gel in order to achieve well-controlled BMP-2 release. The microsphere-embedded gels show their incipient gelation temperature at around 32 °C and pH at about 7.1. Some gels had their elastic modulus close to 1400 Pa and the ratio of elastic modulus to viscous modulus at around 34, revealing that they behaved like mechanically strong gels. Optimized microsphere-embedded gels were found to be able to administer the BMP-2 release without significant initial burst release in an approximately linear manner over a period of time longer than four weeks. The release rate and the released amount of BMP-2 from these gels could be regulated individually or cooperatively by the initial BMP-2 load and the dextran-polylactide content in the gels. Measurements of the BMP-2 induced alkaline phosphatase activity in C2C12 cells confirmed that C2C12 cells responded to BMP-2 in a dose-dependent way and the released BMP-2 from the microsphere-embedded gels well retained their bioactivity. In vivo assessment of some gels revealed that the released BMP-2 maintained its osteogenesis functions.
Estimating the growth potential of the soil protozoan community.

We have developed a method for determining the potential abundance of free-living protozoa in soil. The method permits enumeration of four major functional groups (flagellates, naked amoebae, testate amoebae, and ciliates) and it overcomes some limitations and problems of the usual 'direct' and 'most probable number' methods. Potential abundance is determined using light microscopy, at specific time intervals, after quantitative re-wetting of air-dried soil with rain water. No exogenous carbon substrates or mineral nutrients are employed, so the protozoan community that develops is a function of the resources and inhibitors present in the original field sample. The method was applied to 100 soil samples (25 plots x 4 seasons) from an upland grassland (Sourhope, Southern Scotland) in the UK. Median abundances for all four functional groups lie close to those derived from the literature on protozoa living in diverse soil types. Flagellates are the most abundant group in soil, followed by the naked amoebae, then the testate amoebae and ciliates. This order is inversely related to typical organism size in each group. Moreover, preliminary evidence indicates that each functional group contains roughly the same number of species. All of these observations would be consistent with soil having fractal structure across the size-scale perceived by protozoa. The method described will be useful for comparing the effects on the soil protozoan community of different soil treatments (e.g. liming and biocides).
E2f6-mediated repression of the meiotic Stag3 and Smc1β genes during early embryonic development requires Ezh2 and not the de novo methyltransferase Dnmt3b

The E2f6 transcriptional repressor is an E2F-family member essential for the silencing of a group of meiosis-specific genes in somatic tissues. Although E2f6 has been shown to associate with both polycomb repressive complexes (PRC) and the methyltransferase Dnmt3b, the cross-talk between these repressive machineries during E2f6-mediated gene silencing has not been clearly demonstrated yet. In particular, it remains largely undetermined when and how E2f6 establishes repression of meiotic genes during embryonic development. We demonstrate here that the inactivation of a group of E2f6 targeted genes, including Stag3 and Smc1β, first occurs at the transition from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), which represent pre- and post-implantation stages, respectively. This process was accompanied by de novo methylation of their promoters. Of interest, despite a clear difference in DNA methylation status, E2f6 was similarly bound to the proximal promoter regions both in ESCs and EpiSCs. Neither E2f6 nor Dnmt3b overexpression in ESCs decreased meiotic gene expression or increased DNA methylation, indicating that additional factors are required for E2f6-mediated repression during the transition. When the SET domain of Ezh2, a core subunit of the PRC2 complex, was deleted, however, repression of Stag3 and Smc1β during embryoid body differentiation was largely impaired, indicating that the event required the enzymatic activity of Ezh2. In addition, repression of Stag3 and Smc1β occurred in the absence of Dnmt3b. The data presented here suggest a primary role of PRC2 in E2f6-mediated gene silencing of the meiotic genes.
Preparation, Consumption, and Nutritional Composition of West African Cowpea Dishes

In Africa, nutrient intake deficiencies are widespread. We, therefore, investigated the potential contribution of cowpea dishes to the ingestion of several macro- and micronutrients. Processors and consumers were interviewed and cowpea dishes analyzed. Energy, protein, iron, zinc, and calcium contents ranged from 1647 to 2570 kJ, 10 to 25 g, 1 to 35 mg, 1.5 to 3.0 mg, 38 to 380 mg per 100 g d.w. , respectively. The iron and calcium contents were highest in dishes containing leaves. The consumption of these dishes should be promoted along with research on how to further decrease the associated antinutritional factors of traditional cowpea dishes.
Do 3D Moviegoers Enjoy Screenings More than 2D Moviegoers?—On the Impact of 3D Fantasy Movie Perception on Enjoyment

As 3D movie screenings have recently seen an increase in popularity, it would appear that 3D is finally ready to stand the test of time. To examine the effect of 3D on the experience of enjoyment, we refer to the model of entertainment by Vorderer, Klimmt, and Ritterfeld (2004), according to which both technological and personal prerequisites can induce enjoyment. The model was further adapted for the cinema context by including the appeal of special effects, fanship, age, and gender. To ascertain the impact of the suggested prerequisites, we conducted a field study comparing the enjoyment experiences of 2D and 3D audiences watching the same fantasy movies in a between-subjects design (N = 289). Results showed that the technological features of stereoscopic 3D cannot predict enjoyment. However, the feeling of presence, the appeal of the special effects, and fanship are predictors of enjoyment.
Organization of the Human tarbp2 Gene Reveals Two Promoters That Are Repressed in an Astrocytic Cell Line*

TRBP1 and TRBP2 are isoforms of a double-stranded RNA-binding protein that differ in their N-terminal end and were each identified by binding to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) trans-activation-responsive RNA. TRBP1 and TRBP2 also bind and modulate the function of the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase, protein kinase R. Both proteins increase long terminal repeat expression in human and murine cells, and their gene has been mapped to human chromosome 12. We have isolated and characterized the complete tarbp2 gene (5493 bp) coding for the two TRBP proteins. Two adjacent promoters initiate transcription of alternative first exons for TRBP1 and TRBP2 mRNAs that are spliced onto common downstream exons. TRBP2 transcription and translation start sites are localized within the first intron of TRBP1. TRBP promoters are TATA-less but have CCAAT boxes, a CpG island, and several potential binding sites for transcriptional factors. Promoter deletion analysis identified two regions from position −1397 to −330 for TRBP1 and from position −330 to +38 for TRBP2 that are important for promoter function. TRBP2 promoter activity was expressed at a higher level compared with TRBP1 promoter. In addition, a specific down-regulation of TRBP1 and TRBP2 promoter activity was identified in human astrocytic cell line U251MG compared with HeLa cells. This minimal TRBP promoter activity may account for minimal HIV-1 replication in astrocytes.
Karyological geographic variation of Oligoryzomys nigripes Olfers, 1818 (Rodentia, Cricetidae) from Brazil

The karyotypes of 85 specimens of Oligoryzomys nigripes (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae) collected in the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest of seven states of Brazil were analyzed. Eighty four specimens presented a karyotype with 2n = 62 and one individual had 2n = 61 due to a monosomy of the X chromosome. High levels of intra- and inter-population karyotypic variability, due to sex chromosomes heteromorphisms and pericentric inversions in four autosomes (pairs 2, 3, 4 and 8), led to a variation of the autosomal arm numbers (fundamental number, FN) from 78 to 82. Synaptonemal complex analyses revealed normal meiosis in males heterozygous for pericentric inversions. We found 39 different cytotypes, 27 of which are herein described for the first time. A literature survey revealed 46 described karyotypes for O. nigripes. We tested the hypothesis that chromosomal variants frequencies are dependent on geographical distribution and we propose a model for the karyotypical evolution of Oligoryzomys nigripes with 2n = 62/FN = 78-82.
The pH response of rat cutaneous nociceptors correlates with extracellular [Na+] and is increased under amiloride

Excess hydrogen ions induce sustained nociceptor excitation as well as pain, and this has been suggested, with evidence from sensory ganglion cells, to result from gating a slowly inactivating sodium/calcium inward current. In the rat skin‐nerve preparation, isolated receptive fields of pH‐sensitive C‐fibre terminals were exposed to low‐pH solutions of various sodium concentrations. The pH responses showed a good correlation with log [Na+]e, which supports the above model. Amiloride has previously been shown to block a pH‐induced Na+ current involved in sensory transduction in hamster taste cells; however, it has been shown to act differently in cutaneous nociceptors. Amiloride induced a dose‐dependent increase in and prolongation of the nociceptive pH responses, with a prominent acceleration of the onset. The latter could be mimicked by replacing external sodium with sucrose, thus impeding sodium‐proton antiport. Together, the findings indicate functional expression of amiloride‐sensitive Na+/H+‐antiporters, which enable the nociceptive nerve endings to extrude invading H+. Intracellular acidification may thus compete with Na+/H+ exchange, and pHi may be decisive in the transduction of nociception and pain from tissue acidosis.
Events as stressors: a methodological inquiry.

Summerskill, John. 1962 "Dropouts from college. " Pp. 627657 in Nevitt Sanford (ed.), The American College. New York: John Wiley. Tate, Barbara. 1961 "Attrition rates in schools of nursing. " Nursing Research 10 (Spring) :91-96. Vaillot, Madeline. 1962 Commitment to Nursing. New York: Lippincott. Warnecke, Richard B. 1966 "Dropouts from collegiate nursing: A typological study of role conflict. " Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertion. Durham: Duke University. Wilensky, Harold L. , and Charles M. Lebeaux. 1958 Industrial Society and Social Welfare. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.
Influence of Culture Conditions on the Growth and Fatty Acid Composition of Green Microalgae Oocystis rhomboideus, Scenedesmus obliquus, Dictyochlorella globosa

: Microalgae due to the ability to accumulate high levels of practically valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids attract attention as a promising raw material for commercial products. It were defined the features of the growth processes of cells green protococcal microalgae Oocystis rhomboideus, Scenedesmus obliquus, Dictyochlorella globosa at cultivation in different nutritional mediums. For the rapid accumulation of biomass, combined with high productivity of total lipids fraction yield recommended to use the Fitzgerald medium (Scenodesmus obliquus, Oocystis rhomboideus) and/or Bold medium (Dictyochlorella globosa). Productivity of lipids decreased in sequence Dictyochlorella globosa > Scenodesmus obliquus > Oocystis rhomboideus. The bulk of fatty acids fraction of the total lipids is unsaturated fatty acids, which accounts for 70 to 83% of the total number of fatty acids. The share of monoenic acids varies from 16 to 36 %, the share of unsaturated fatty acids - from 44 to 65% of total fatty acids fraction. Among the unsaturated acids dominate α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), hexadecatetraenic acid (C16:4) and linoleic acid (C18:2).
Enhanced involvement of brain vasopressin V1 receptors in cardiovascular responses to stress in rats with myocardial infarction

Stress is one of the factors provoking cardiovascular complications. The purpose of the study was to explore the role of vasopressin (VP) in central control of arterial blood pressure and heart rate under resting conditions and during stimulation by an alarming stress (air jet stress) in myocardial infarct-induced cardiac failure. Six groups of male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were subjected either to sham surgery (sham rats) or to ligation of a left coronary artery (infarcted rats). After 5 weeks both infarcted and sham rats were subjected either to intracerebroventricular infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) (sham aCSF and infarcted aCSF), [Arg8]-VP (sham VP and infarcted VP) or VP V1a receptor antagonist (d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2Ala-]VP, sham V1ANT and infarcted V1ANT). Air jet stress elicited significantly greater increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate in the infarcted aCSF than in the sham aCSF rats. Intracerebroventricular infusion of V1ANT significantly reduced resting MABP and MABP and heart rate increases in response to stress in the infarcted but not in the sham rats. Intracerebroventricular infusion of VP elicited a significant increase in resting MABP in the infarcted VP but not in the sham VP rats. The results provide evidence for enhanced engagement of the brain V1 VP receptors in regulation of resting MABP and in generation of exaggerated cardiovascular responses to air jet stress during the post-infarct state.
Hock injuries in cattle kept in straw yards or cubicles with rubber mats or mattresses

Hock damage is one of the most common traumatic injuries suffered by dairy cows, but most hock injuries should be avoidable. This study investigated the effect of housing system on the development of hock damage in first lactation Holstein heifers. After calving, 60 heifers were randomly allocated to either straw yards, cubicles with butyl rubber mats or cubicles with mattresses filled with chopped tyres. The hocks of these heifers were examined in the first week after calving (week 1) and in weeks 6, 12 and 26 of lactation. Hock damage was scored as either 1 (hair loss only) or 2 (all other damage). Heifers housed in cubicles with mats had significantly worse lesions at week 26 than at week 1, while there was no change in heifers housed in cubicles with matresses, and heifers housed on straw had significantly lower lesion scores. Additionally, heifers with no lesions at calving were significantly more likely to develop lesions when kept on mats than heifers kept on straw or mattresses. These data suggest that replacing mats with mattresses in cubicles can result in a significant reduction in traumatic hock injury.
Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of textiles using non-polymerising gases

Surface modification of textiles by plasma treatment for imparting certain desired properties in terms of wettability, adhesion promotion, surface energy improvement and host of other characteristics has been the subjects of interest to researchers in the last few years. The plasma technology for textiles has emerged from conceptual embryonic stage to growth stage, where considerable research is yet to be carried out to translate the potential into industrial reality. This review aims at reporting the current status of the atmospheric pressure plasma technology in surface treatment of textiles, its effect on certain properties and the techniques used for characterisation of plasma-treated textile materials. The review paper also covers the studies carried out so far on the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma generated from non-polymerising gases like helium, argon, air, oxygen and nitrogen on the surface properties of both natural as well as synthetic textiles along with the changes in chemical and morphological characteristics of plasma-treated textile material using different qualitative and quantitative characterisation techniques, such as measurement of wicking height, contact angle, surface energy, SEM, AFM, FTIR and XPS.