Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From the Cover: Evaluation of the Effects of Tanezumab, a Monoclonal Antibody Against Nerve Growth Factor, on the Sympathetic Nervous System in Adult Cynomolgus Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis): A Stereologic, Histomorphologic, and Cardiofunctional Assessment

Abstract Tanezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against nerve growth factor is in development for treatment of chronic pain. Three nonclinical studies assessed effects of clinically relevant and supratherapeutic doses of tanezumab on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) of adult nonhuman primates. Study 1 evaluated potential effects of subcutaneous (SC) tanezumab (1.2 mg/kg every 8 weeks [Q8W]) on SNS in cynomolgus monkeys for 3 or 6 months and reversibility or persistence of any effects through a nondosing/recovery period. Study 2 evaluated whether neuronal cell death occurs shortly after a single SC tanezumab injection (1.2 mg/kg). Assessments for these two studies included evaluations of superior cervical and cervicothoracic ganglia for neuronal cell death and morphology. Study 3 evaluated effects of SC tanezumab (1.2 mg/kg Q8W and 30 mg/kg/week) over 6 months on sympathetic control of cardiovascular function. Tanezumab exposure was associated with stereologic changes in sympathetic ganglia, including smaller ganglion volume, and smaller average neuron size/area beginning at 2 weeks and reaching maximal levels by 1 month with no further progression through 6 months. These changes were not associated with clinical signs, completely reversed upon tanezumab withdrawal, and were not considered adverse. Tanezumab had no adverse effects on sympathetic control of cardiovascular function. These data support the conclusion that tanezumab administration for up to 6 months has no adverse effects on SNS morphology or function and does not cause neuronal cell death in adult nonhuman primates.
Self-directed learning readiness, Internet self-efficacy and preferences towards constructivist Internet-based learning environments among higher-aged adults

This article examines several research questions to establish a theory model for explaining factors that influence adult learners' preferences for constructivist Internet-based learning environments (CILE). Data were gathered from 541 individual participants enrolled in adult education institutes in Taiwan for structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses. The research results established a 10-scale instrument for assessing adult learners' preferences for CILE. Among the scales of CILE, adult students placed the highest value on relevance to life and reflective thinking, and scored the lowest for critical judgement, ease of use and student negotiation. The SEM analyses revealed that compared to Internet self-efficacy (ISE), self-directed learning readiness plays a major role in predicting adults' preferences for their learning environment, especially for the higher level of intellectual challenge. ISE plays a mediating role in the relationships between Internet usage and the participants' preferences. This result suggests that more time spent on Internet practice may increase adult learners' ISE, which may strengthen their preferences for Internet-based learning environments.
Protein Kinase C δ Increases Kruppel-like Factor 4 Protein, which Drives Involucrin Gene Transcription in Differentiating Keratinocytes*

Background: KLF4 is an important regulator of terminal differentiation and barrier formation in epidermis, but its mechanism of action is not well understood. Results: PKCδ increases KLF4, which increases hINV expression by interaction at specific elements in the hINV promoter. Conclusion: KLF4 drives expression of involucrin in response to differentiation stimuli. Significance: This study provides detailed information regarding the mechanism of KLF4 regulation of keratinocyte differentiation. KLF4 is a member of the Kruppel-like factor family of transcriptional regulators. KLF4 has been shown to be required for normal terminal differentiation of keratinocytes, but the molecular mechanism whereby KLF4 regulates genes associated with the differentiation process has not been studied. In the present study, we explore the impact of KLF4 on expression of involucrin, a gene that is specifically expressed in differentiated keratinocytes. KLF4 overexpression and knockdown studies show that involucrin mRNA and protein level correlates directly with KLF4 level. Moreover, studies of mutant KLF4 proteins indicate that transcriptionally inactive forms do not increase involucrin expression. PKCδ is a regulator of keratinocyte differentiation that increases expression of differentiation-associated target genes, including involucrin. Overexpression of KLF4 augments the PKCδ-dependent increase in involucrin expression, whereas KLF4 knockdown attenuates this response. The KLF4 induction of human involucrin (hINV) promoter activity is mediated via KLF4 binding to a GC-rich element located in the hINV promoter distal regulatory region, a region of the promoter required for in vivo involucrin expression. Mutation of the GC-rich element, an adjacent AP1 factor binding site, or both sites severely attenuates the response. Moreover, loss of KLF4 in an epidermal equivalent model of differentiation results in loss of hINV expression. These studies suggest that KLF4 is part of a multiprotein complex that interacts that the hINV promoter distal regulatory region to drive differentiation-dependent hINV gene expression in epidermis.
College students' text messaging, use of textese and literacy skills

In this study, I examined reported frequency of text messaging, use of textese and literacy skills (reading accuracy, spelling and reading fluency) in a sample of American college students. Participants reported using text messaging, social networking sites and textese more often than was reported in previous (2009) research, and their frequency of textese use varied across contexts. Correlational analyses revealed significant, positive relationships between text messaging frequency and literacy skills (spelling and reading fluency), but significant, negative relationships between textese usage in certain contexts (on social networking sites such as MySpace™ and Facebook™ and in emails to professors) and literacy (reading accuracy). These findings differ from findings reported in recent studies with Australian college students, British schoolchildren and American college students. Explanations for these differences are discussed, and future directions for research are presented.
Src Family Protein Tyrosine Kinase Regulates the Basolateral K Channel in the Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) by Phosphorylation of KCNJ10 Protein*

Background: KCNJ10 is a key component of the basolateral K channels in DCT. Results: SFK phosphorylates KCNJ10 at Tyr9, and inhibition of SFK decreases basolateral K channel activity in DCT. Conclusion: SFK stimulates the basolateral K channels in DCT by phosphorylating KCNJ10. Significance: Tyrosine phosphorylation of KCNJ10 plays a role in regulating membrane transport in DCT. The loss of function of the basolateral K channels in the distal nephron causes electrolyte imbalance. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Src family protein tyrosine kinase (SFK) in regulating K channels in the basolateral membrane of the mouse initial distal convoluted tubule (DCT1). Single-channel recordings confirmed that the 40-picosiemen (pS) K channel was the only type of K channel in the basolateral membrane of DCT1. The suppression of SFK reversibly inhibited the basolateral 40-pS K channel activity in cell-attached patches and decreased the Ba2+-sensitive whole-cell K currents in DCT1. Inhibition of SFK also shifted the K reversal potential from −65 to −43 mV, suggesting a role of SFK in determining the membrane potential in DCT1. Western blot analysis showed that KCNJ10 (Kir4.1), a key component of the basolateral 40-pS K channel in DCT1, was a tyrosine-phosphorylated protein. LC/MS analysis further confirmed that SFK phosphorylated KCNJ10 at Tyr8 and Tyr9. The single-channel recording detected the activity of a 19-pS K channel in KCNJ10-transfected HEK293T cells and a 40-pS K channel in the cells transfected with KCNJ10+KCNJ16 (Kir.5.1) that form a heterotetramer in the basolateral membrane of the DCT. Mutation of Tyr9 did not alter the channel conductance of the homotetramer and heterotetramer. However, it decreased the whole-cell K currents, the probability of finding K channels, and surface expression of KCNJ10 in comparison to WT KCNJ10. We conclude that SFK stimulates the basolateral K channel activity in DCT1, at least partially, by phosphorylating Tyr9 on KCNJ10. We speculate that the modulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of KCNJ10 should play a role in regulating membrane transport function in DCT1.
1: 1 Online Tuition: a Review of the Literature from a Pedagogical Perspective

This paper outlines the findings of a review that examined the literature around current practice in one-to-one online tuition in schools and higher education. It summarizes the purposes, contexts, scope, and methods of 17 core studies identified through a systematic literature search. It then uses a conceptual framework focusing on pedagogical innovation to explore the findings of the core studies, a discussion that is also informed by the consideration of a number of contextual studies exploring group online tuition and online learning more generally. The paper concludes by suggesting that the development of one-to-one online tuition has been constrained by comparisons with face-to-face approaches and that more research is needed to map its characteristics and potential in more detail as technology continues to evolve. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
User-oriented quality for OER: understanding teachers' views on re-use, quality, and trust

We analysed how teachers as users of open educational resources (OER) repositories act in the re-use process and how they perceive quality. Based on a quantitative empirical study, we also surveyed which quality requirements users have and how they would contribute to the quality process. Trust in resources, organizations, and technologies seem to be of particular importance when looking at quality. In our findings, we derive recommendations for learning object repositories and OER user-oriented quality assurance.
Editor’s Highlight: PCB126 Exposure Increases Risk for Peripheral Vascular Diseases in a Liver Injury Mouse Model

The liver is vital for xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism. Previously, we demonstrated that a compromised liver worsened toxicity associated with exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), through disruption of energy homeostasis. However, the role of a compromised liver in defining dioxin-like PCB126 toxicity on the peripheral vasculature and associated inflammatory diseases is yet to be studied. This study investigated the effects of PCB126 on vascular inflammation linked to hepatic dysfunction utilizing a liver injury mouse model. Male C57Bl/6 mice were fed either an amino acid control diet (CD) or a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet in this 14-week study. Mice were exposed to PCB126 (0.5 mg/kg) and analyzed for inflammatory, calorimetric and metabolic parameters. MCD diet-fed mice demonstrated steatosis, indicative of a compromised liver. Mice fed the MCD-diet and subsequently exposed to PCB126 manifested lower body fat mass, increased liver to body weight ratio and alterations in hepatic gene expression related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, implicating metabolic disturbances. PCB126-induced steatosis irrespective of the diet type, but only the MCD + PCB126 group exhibited steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Furthermore, PCB126 exposure in MCD-fed mice led to increased plasma inflammatory markers such as Icam-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and proatherogenic trimethylamine-N-oxide, suggesting inflammation of the peripheral vasculature that is characteristic of atherosclerosis. Taken together, our data provide new evidence of a link between a compromised liver, PCB-mediated hepatic inflammation and vascular inflammatory markers, suggesting that environmental pollutants can promote crosstalk between different organ systems, leading to inflammatory disease pathologies.
Management of mass casualty burn disasters

Abstract : Mass casualty burn disasters are potentially challenging, in part because the majority of health care providers are inexperienced in the care of thermally injured patients and in part because of the multisystem response elicited by the thermal injury. Management expertise is generally concentrated in burn centres, whereas in a true mass casualty event, personnel at other hospitals may need to provide burn care for extended periods of time. In addition, burn care is time-, manpower- and resource-intensive. Finally, the risk of terrorist attacks which can result in large numbers of burn casualties persists; inhalation injury and burns were the leading causes of injury among survivors of the 11 September 2001 attacks in New York City (1) and the 12 October 2002 bombing in Bali (2). This reflects the observation that terrorists prefer simple, easily accessible weapons, such as fertilizer, cellular telephones, box cutters, and jet fuel, to complex and hard-to-deploy weapons such as biologic and chemical agents (3). The purpose of this article is to review recent experience with burn disasters worldwide, to recommend a set of general principles for burn disaster management, and to describe the current status of burn disaster planning at the national level in the USA.
The 20-minute team--a critical case study from the emergency room.

RATIONALE In this article, the difference between team and group is tested empirically. The research question posed is How are teams formed? Three theoretical concepts that distinguish groups from teams are presented: sequentiality, parallelism and synchronicity. The presumption is that groups cooperate sequentially and teams synchronously, while parallel cooperation is a transition between group and team. METHODS To answer the question, a longitudinal case study has been made of a trauma team at a university hospital. Data have been collected through interviews and direct observations. Altogether the work of the trauma team has been studied for a period of 5 years (2002-2006). RESULTS The results indicate that two factors are of central importance for the creation of a team. The first is related to its management and the other to the forms of cooperation. To allow for a team to act rapidly and to reduce friction between different members, clear leadership is required. CONCLUSIONS The studied team developed cooperation with synchronous elements but never attained a level that corresponds to idealized conceptions of teams. This is used as a basis for challenging ideas that teams are harmonious and free from conflicts and that cooperation takes place without friction.
Adherence to professional guidelines for patients with urinary incontinence by general practitioners: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence is a common problem, affecting quality of life and leading to high costs. There is doubt about the use of clinical practice guidelines on urinary incontinence in primary care. OBJECTIVE To assess adherence levels and reasons for (non)adherence to the Guideline on Urinary Incontinence of the Dutch College of General Practitioners. Design, setting and participants A postal survey among Dutch general practitioners (GPs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Adherence of GPs to the guideline. RESULTS We analysed 264 questionnaires. Almost all GPs adhered to the guideline when diagnosing the type of urinary incontinence. A bladder diary is not often used (35%). Adherence to therapeutic procedures was only high for mild/moderate stress urinary incontinence: most GPs (82.6%) used adequate advice on bladder retraining and pelvic floor muscle training. One out of four GPs agreed that adhering to the guideline is difficult, mainly owing to lack of time, staff, diagnostic tools, competences to provide this care and low motivation of patients. CONCLUSIONS Dutch GPs follow the guideline only partially: compliance with diagnostic advices is fairly good; compliance with treatment advices is low. Further research should focus on solutions how to support GPs to tackle major barriers to facilitate the adherence to guidelines (substitution of tasks to specialized nurses, reducing the threshold for referral and concentrating expertise in integrated continence care services).
The Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among University Students in Iraq

Background and Objectives : The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) varies according to the human population and countries. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among students in Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq. Methods and Material : 311 students (57.8% female and 42.2% male) in four colleges (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing) at Howler Medical University were recruited in the study. The diagnosis was based on seroepidimeologic method. H. pylori antigen cassette which is a qualitative immunochromatographic assay contains monoclonal antibodies was used. Results : Among 311 students 173 (55.8%) students were infected with H. pylori . H. pylori infection was more common in final year students of each college (61.7%) comparing with other classes (46.6%). Conclusions : H. pylori are highly prevalent among university students in our region. Higher prevalence found in older students and those from low social class.
A before and after study of the impact of Specialist Workers for Older People.

BACKGROUND Case management of vulnerable older people by Community Matrons has been introduced into the UK. A locally designed case management approach, the Specialist Workers for Older People (SWOP) Service, was implemented by a Central England Primary Care Trust. Here, we report an evaluation of this service. METHODS Before and after study of 418 people (207 before; 211 after) aged >or=75 at high risk of emergency hospital admission. SWOPs carry out assessments of social and medical needs, produce individual care plans, co-ordinate care and refer to appropriate agencies. Univariable analysis was used to determine the association of SWOPs on changes in hospital admission rates and primary care workload. RESULTS There was a non-significant reduction in hospital admissions from 0.91 to 0.67 per patient. There was a significant increase in routine general practitioner surgery visits, from an average 1.3 to 2.6 per patient. The number of emergency home visits decreased from an average 2.8 to 1.1 per patient (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Case management might reduce hospital admissions and is potentially a cost-effective service. However, not all case management schemes are successful. With the introduction of Community Matrons, it is important to understand what elements of the SWOP service contributed to its success.
Predicting VO2max in College-Aged Participants Using Cycle Ergometry and Nonexercise Measures

PREDICTING VO2MAX IN COLLEGE-AGED PARTICIPANTS USING CYCLE ERGOMETRY AND NONEXERCISE MEASURES David E. Nielson Department of Exercise Science Master of Science The purpose of this study was to develop a multiple linear regression model to predict treadmill VO2max scores using both exercise and nonexercise data. One hundred five college-aged participants (53 male, 52 female, mean age 23.5 ± 2.8 yrs) successfully completed a submaximal cycle ergometer test and a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) on a motorized treadmill. The submaximal cycle protocol required participants to achieve a steady-state heart rate (HR) equal to at least 70% of age-predicted maximum HR (220-age), while the maximal treadmill GXT required participants to exercise to volitional fatigue. Relevant submaximal cycle ergometer test data included a mean (± SD) ending steady-state HR and ending workrate equal to 164.2 ± 13.0 and 115.3 ± 27.0, respectively. Relevant nonexercise data included a mean (± SD) body mass (kg), perceived functional ability [PFA] score, and physical activity rating [PA-R] score of 74.2 ± 15.1, 15.7 ± 4.3, and 4.7 ± 2.1, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to generate the following prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness (R = 0.91, SEE = 3.36 ml·kg1·min1): VO2max = 54.513 + 9.752 (gender, 1 = male, 0 = female) – 0.297 (body mass, kg) + 0.739 (PFA, 2-26) + 0.077 (work rate, watts) – 0.072 (steady-state HR). Each predictor variable was statistically significant (p < .05) with beta weights for gender, body mass, PFA, exercise workrate, and steady-state HR equal to 0.594, -0.544, 0.388, 0.305, and -0.116, respectively. The predicted residual sums of squares (PRESS) statistics reflected minimal shrinkage (RPRESS = 0.90, SEEPRESS = 3.56 ml·kg1·min1) for the multiple linear regression model. In summary, the submaximal cycle ergometer protocol and accompanying prediction model yield relatively accurate VO2max estimates in healthy college-aged participants using both exercise and nonexercise data. Key Terms: cycle ergometry, exercise testing, VO2max prediction, nonexercise
Fibre fortification to increase stool frequency in children with a history of constipation

Constipation is a serious problem in the pediatric population and often requires medical management with laxatives and enemas. Participants (2-10 years of age, n=13) with a history of mild constipation were assigned randomly to a fibre treatment or placebo group. After three weeks, subjects were crossed over to the other treatment. Pea hull fibre (4.0-7.6 g/day = 3.6-6.8 g/day of dietary fibre) was added to snack foods and an inulin supplement (5.0 g/day = 4.5 g/day of dietary fibre) was given, whereas the placebos were non-fortified snacks and maltodextrin (5.0 g/day). Subjects or their parents documented stool frequency, stool consistency, occurrence of abdominal pain and intake of snack foods and the supplement. Over the final two weeks, there was a trend towards an increase in the mean number of daily bowel movements in the fibre treatment group compared to the placebo group (n=11, 0.68 ± 0.18 vs. 0.59 ± 0.26, p=0.064). Exclusion of one subject with diarrhea-type stools led to a significant difference between groups (n=10, 0.54 ± 0.18 vs. 0.67 ± 0.22, p=0.002). Stool consistency, using the Bristol Stool Form Rating Scale, showed no significant differences in stool consistency between groups (p=0.379) nor was there a difference in the incidences of abdominal pain (p=0.129). Not all subjects experienced abdominal pain. The inulin supplement (91% compliance rate; 1 serving per day) was consumed more consistently than were the snack foods fortified with pea hull fibre (77% compliance rate; 2 servings per day). There were no significant differences in the intake of the snacks or supplement when the placebo and treatment groups were compared. Energy intake was significantly lower during the fibre treatment period compared to placebo (n=12, 1307 ± 296 kcal/day vs. 1441 ± 285 kcal/day, p=0.035).