Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of sickness absence: development of a screening instrument

Objectives: To develop a concise screening instrument for early identification of employees at risk for sickness absence due to psychosocial health complaints. Methods: Data from the Maastricht Cohort Study on “Fatigue at Work” were used to identify items to be associated with an increased risk of sickness absence. The analytical procedures univariate logistic regression, backward stepwise linear regression, and multiple logistic regression were successively applied. For both men and women, sum scores were calculated, and sensitivity and specificity rates of different cut-off points on the screening instrument were defined. Results: In women, results suggested that feeling depressed, having a burnout, being tired, being less interested in work, experiencing obligatory change in working days, and living alone, were strong predictors of sickness absence due to psychosocial health complaints. In men, statistically significant predictors were having a history of sickness absence, compulsive thinking, being mentally fatigued, finding it hard to relax, lack of supervisor support, and having no hobbies. A potential cut-off point of 10 on the screening instrument resulted in a sensitivity score of 41.7% for women and 38.9% for men, and a specificity score of 91.3% for women and 90.6% for men. Conclusions: This study shows that it is possible to identify predictive factors for sickness absence and to develop an instrument for early identification of employees at risk for sickness absence. The results of this study increase the possibility for both employers and policymakers to implement interventions directed at the prevention of sickness absence.
The theoretical basis of cancer‐stem‐cell‐based therapeutics of cancer: can it be put into practice?

In spite of the advances in our knowledge of cancer biology, most cancers remain not curable with present therapies. Current treatments consider cancer as resulting from uncontrolled proliferation and are non‐specific. Although they can reduce tumour burden, relapse occurs in most cases. This was long attributed to incomplete tumour elimination, but recent developments indicate that different types of cells contribute to the tumour structure, and that the tumour's cellular organization would be analogous to that of a normal tissue, with a main mass of differentiating cells sensitive to anti proliferative agents, together with a small percentage of quiescent, resistant stem cells responsible for replenishing the tumour: the Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). Anti‐CSCs targeted therapeutic agents would prevent tumour regeneration. New mouse models tailored to exploit this novel concept will be critical to develop CSC‐based anti‐cancer therapies. Here we review the biological basis and the therapeutic implications of the stem‐cell model of cancer. BioEssays 29:1269–1280, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CHECK-LIST PARA DIAGNÓSTICO INICIAL DAS BOAS PRÁTICAS DE FABRICAÇÃO (BPF) DE PANIFICADORAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE BOM JESUS DO ITABAPOANA - RJ

O maior número de estabelecimentos comerciais do município de Bom Jesus do Itabapoana encontra-se na categorias das microempresas, como as panificadoras. Assim, com o aumento desse comércio, torna-se essencial a verificação da segurança alimentar do produto. O presente projeto de pesquisa tem por objetivo avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias, para diagnóstico inicial e a verificação da adequação das panificadoras, aplicando-se a Lista de Verificação das Boas Práticas de Fabricação, de acordo com a Resolução RDC no 275/2002 da ANVISA. A fim de manter o sigilo dos estabelecimentos, estes foram nomeados por A, B e C. De acordo com os itens pré selecionados do Check-List, sendo eles: Edificação e Instalações; Equipamentos, móveis e utensílios; Manipuladores; Produção e transporte do alimento, foi seguido a classificação quanto ao atendimento dos itens propostos: GRUPO 01 (76 a 100% dos itens), GRUPO 02 (51 a 75%) e GRUPO 03 (0 a 50%). Nenhuma das panificadoras encontrou-se no Grupo 1, visto que essa seria a classificação mais adequada aos parâmetros sanitários dos mesmos. Por outro lado, os estabelecimentos A e B enquadraram-se no Grupo 2 , enquanto a panificadora C obteve o menor percentual, ficando no GRUPO 3. De acordo com as condições das Edificações e Instalações dos estabelecimentos, demonstrado através de percentual, a panificadora A obteve o melhor desempenho. Quando comparada as outras, esta apresentava instalações sanitárias condizentes com a legislação vigente. Ao que refere-se as condições de Equipamentos, Móveis e Utensílios, o estabelecimento C teve os piores índices, pois no ambiente de trabalho encontravam-se objetos em desuso e em mau estado de conservação. Referente aos Manipuladores a panificadora B teve um elevado percentual, destacando o uso de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPI). Nos percentuais das condições de Produção e Transporte dos alimentos, verificava-se uma homogeinidade de dados, que garantiam um ambiente seguro para estes alimentos. Portanto, numa visão geral, a panificadora A apresentou os melhores resultados. Assim a partir dos itens verificados, é possível constatar que as condições higiênico-santárias, devem passar por uma implantação mais severa de métodos de controle de qualidade. Cabe então, a conscientização dos proprietários, o investimento no controle de qualidade e treinamento para os manipuladores, a fim e gerar prestígio, lucratividade e a garantia de um alimento seguro para toda a população.
Finding new consequences of an observation in a system of agents

When a new observation is added to an existing logical theory, it is often necessary to compute new consequences of this observation together with the theory. This paper investigates whether this reasoning task can be performed incrementally in a distributed setting involving first-order theories. We propose a complete asynchronous algorithm for this non-trivial task, and illustrate it with a small example. As some produced consequences may not be new, we also propose a post-processing technique to remove them.
Contribution of PV systems with ultra capacitor energy storage on inter-area oscillation

In this paper, the effect of increased solar power penetration by three Photovoltaic (PV) generator systems on inter-area oscillation is investigated. With the help of an illustrative example, it is shown that general trends for PV generator is to increase the damping of inter-area mode oscillation. However, there are exceptions for certain types of system, location and penetration for which PV generator can reduce damping of the inter-area mode. Analysis of different PV generator system's contribution to the damping of inter-area mode has been carried out by a two-area test system. Eigenvalue analysis has been employed for detailed study along with participation factor and eigenvalue sensitivity analysis. Performance measures such as damping ratio and line performance index (LPI) are also used for further analysis of the contributions of PV systems on inter-area oscillation and the system performance.
Inhibition of HIV infection by bicyclams, highly potent and specific CXCR4 antagonists.

The bicyclams represent a new entity of low-molecular weight molecules that inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection through a specific blockade of CXCR4 (fusin), the receptor for the CXC chemokine SDF-1 (soluble-derived factor), which is also used as coreceptor by T-lymphotropic HIV strains to enter their target cells. The bicyclam AMD3100 or 1,1′-[1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)]-bis-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane octahydrochloride dihydrate, is able to block the CXCR4 receptor and to inhibit HIV replication at nanomolar concentrations while not being toxic to the host cells at 100,000-fold higher concentrations. It is the most specific and most potent CXCR4 antagonist that has been described to date.
Taurine and vitamin E supplementations have minimal effects on body composition, hepatic lipids, and blood hormone and metabolite concentrations in healthy Sprague Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND As prescriptions for off-label pharmaceutical use and autonomous administration of over-the-counter nutraceuticals become mainstream, thorough assessments of these compounds are warranted. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of gemfibrozil, rosiglitazone, metformin, taurine, and vitamin E on body composition, hepatic lipids, and metabolic hormone and blood metabolite concentrations in a healthy, outbred rat cohort. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed a purified 10 kcal% from fat diet for 56 days and assigned to diet alone (control) or diet plus oral administration of gemfibrozil (34 mg/kg), metformin (500 mg/kg), rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg), taurine (520 mg/kg), or vitamin E (200 mg/kg). RESULTS Rosiglitazone administration resulted in a 56% increase in carcass adiposity, cautioning potential prescriptive off-label use. Taurine supplementation had no adverse effects on evaluated parameters. A modest but significant increase in liver triacylglycerol content was observed with vitamin E supplementation compared with control (Δ 17.2 g triacylglycerol/100 g liver lipid). CONCLUSIONS The evaluated pharmaceuticals had effects in a healthy population similar to the reported effects in their target population and the nutraceuticals had minimal effects on the measured physiological parameters.
Evidence for association of GABAB receptors with Kir3 channels and regulators of G protein signalling (RGS4) proteins

Many neurotransmitters and hormones signal by stimulating G protein‐coupled neurotransmitter receptors (GPCRs), which activate G proteins and their downstream effectors. Whether these signalling proteins diffuse freely within the plasma membrane is not well understood. Recent studies have suggested that direct protein–protein interactions exist between GPCRs, G proteins and G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK or Kir3) channels. Here, we used fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) combined with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to investigate whether proteins within this signalling pathway move within 100 Å of each other in the plasma membrane of living cells. GABAB R1 and R2 receptors, Kir3 channels, Gαo subunits and regulators of G protein signalling (RGS4) proteins were each fused to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) or yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and first assessed for functional expression in HEK293 cells. The presence of the fluorophore did not significantly alter the signalling properties of these proteins. Possible FRET was then investigated for different protein pair combinations. As a positive control, FRET was measured between tagged GABAB R1 and R2 subunits (∼12% FRET), which are known to form heterodimers. We measured significant FRET between tagged RGS4 and GABAB R1 or R2 subunits (∼13% FRET), and between Gαo and GABAB R1 or R2 subunits (∼10% FRET). Surprisingly, FRET also occurred between tagged Kir3.2a/Kir3.4 channels and GABAB R1 or R2 subunits (∼10% FRET). FRET was not detected between Kir3.2a and RGS4 nor between Kir3.2a and Gαo. These data are discussed in terms of a model in which GABAB receptors, G proteins, RGS4 proteins and Kir3 channels are closely associated in a signalling complex.
Chromosome 1 deletions in human neuroblastomas: generation and fine mapping of microclones from the distal 1p region.

Human neuroblastomas show a high incidence of deletions in the distal region of the short arm of chromosome 1. In pursuit of a molecular analysis of these deletions, we have generated a microclone bank from microdissected 1p35-pter chromosomal fragments. To allow a rapid localization of the microclones, we have also generated a panel of (human x mouse) hybrid cell lines through microcell-mediated chromosome transfer. The hybrid cells contained different portions of the human chromosome 1 on a murine background. A total of 20 randomly chosen single or low-copy microclones were localized by Southern analysis on DNA of the hybrid panel: All probes were derived from chromosome I. Sixteen mapped in region 1p36.1-pter, two in 1p22-p36.1, and another two in 1cen-qter. The mapping of ten of these microclones was further refined by in situ hybridization. Cells of the neuroblastoma line GI-ME-N carry two types of chromosome 1, one cytogenetically normal and another with a translocation reported to be in 1p36.2, i.e., a t(1;? ) (p36.2;? ) marker. Using cell hybridization, we separated the two chromosome 1 types of GI-ME-N into different hybrid cell clones. Southern hybridization of three microclones from distal Ip to DNA of the hybrid cell clones revealed that the breakpoint in the translocated chromosome I was located in 1p36.1.
Pictorial versus Textual Information and the Ratio-Bias Effect

The ratio-bias effect refers to the perception that a low probability event is more likely when presented in the form of a larger, e.g., 10-in-100, than smaller, e.g., 1-in-10, numerical ratio. This phenomenon has been used to help distinguish between rational-analytic versus heuristic-automatic ways of problem solving. In the current study, responding in accordance with the ratio bias was more prevalent when choices were presented pictorially as opposed to textually. Results are discussed with respect to how various factors, including mode of information presentation, may affect whether problems are solved via heuristic, automatic processes as opposed to effortful, analytic strategies.
Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in patients with chronic heart failure.

PURPOSE To evaluate feasibility and repeatability of maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) measurement in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD), and to identify MAOD predictors employable in the clinical setting. METHODS We studied 10 CHF and 5 ALVD patients. Five normals (N) were used as controls. All subjects underwent a ramp incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX), three moderate-intensity constant-power exercise tests (CPET) at 30, 60, and 90% of ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) power, and three severe-intensity CPET (1-2, 2-3, and >3 min in duration). MAOD was calculated as the difference between accumulated O2 demand and uptake during severe-intensity CPET. Postexercise lactate (PEL) was measured at 2, 4, 6, and 8 min of recovery after CPX and severe-intensity CPET. RESULTS MAOD did not vary with increasing severe-intensity CPET duration in any study subgroup. MeanMAOD (mean of the three severe-intensity CPET) was lower in the CHF than ALVD or N subgroups (12.2 +/- 4.9 vs 23.7 +/- 11.8 and 24.8 +/- 8.2 mL x kg(-1), P < 0.05), with comparable lean body mass values. In the total study population, meanMAOD was significantly but not highly correlated with peak VO2 and PEL from CPX, PEL from severe-intensity CPET, and O2 deficit and steady-state VO2 from moderate-intensity CPET. Intraclass correlation coefficient of MAOD measurement in CHF and ALVD was 0.98. CONCLUSIONS MAOD is repeatedly measurable in patients with CHF by a single severe-intensity CPET. MAOD of CHF patients is lower than that of age-matched ALVD patients and N, and this finding is muscle mass-independent. Finally, ergospirometric parameters and PEL from CPX, PEL from severe-intensity CPET, and VO2 on-kinetic descriptors from moderate-intensity CPET seem useless to reliably predict MAOD in CHF patients.
Helicobacter pylori Detection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

SUMMARY The discovery of Helicobacter pylori in 1982 was the starting point of a revolution concerning the concepts and management of gastroduodenal diseases. It is now well accepted that the most common stomach disease, peptic ulcer disease, is an infectious disease, and all consensus conferences agree that the causative agent, H. pylori, must be treated with antibiotics. Furthermore, the concept emerged that this bacterium could be the trigger of various malignant diseases of the stomach, and it is now a model for chronic bacterial infections causing cancer. Most of the many different techniques involved in diagnosis of H. pylori infection are performed in clinical microbiology laboratories. The aim of this article is to review the current status of these methods and their application, highlighting the important progress which has been made in the past decade. Both invasive and noninvasive techniques will be reviewed.
New-Onset Hypertension in Late Pregnancy is Associated with Lower Fetal and Infant Mortality in Preterm Twins

Objective: To assess the association between new-onset hypertension in late pregnancy (NOH) and fetal and infant mortality in early preterm, late preterm, and full-term twins. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 275, 316 twins in 1995–1997 based on multiple birth registration dataset of USA. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) was used to evaluate the odds ratios (OR) of fetal and infant death (at individual level) associated with NOH, with adjustment of potential confounders at both twin set level and individual level. Results: The risks for early neonatal death (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.76) and late neonatal death (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87) were decreased in early preterm twins born to mothers with NOH compared with early preterm twins born to mothers with normal blood pressure. The decreased risks for fetal death (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.53; OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.65) and infant death (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.44; OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51, 0.91) were associated with NOH in both early and late preterm twins, whereas no association between NOH and fetal/infant mortality were observed in full-term twins. Conclusion: NOH is associated with lower risk of fetal death and infant death in preterm twins.
On-chip robotics for biomedical innovation: Manipulation of single virus on a chip

Nanomanipulation of a single influenza virus in a microfluidic chip for biomedical innovation was developed. We employed Robot on a Chip (RoC) to achieve stable manipulation of nano-scale biomaterials such as virus (size is about 100 nm). The microfluidic chip has independent virus chamber and cell chamber to make quantitative analysis such as single virus infection to a specific cell. Gel-microtool generated by local heating of thermosensitive hydrogel poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) by near infrared laser was used for stable and high-speed virus manipulation. Single selected virus was transported to cell chamber using the gelmicrotool. To construct the stable experimental environment in a microfluidic chip, solution reservoir having air damper and leak port was fabricated and short response time of flow control within 1 second was achieved. To avoid the incursion of the extra virus to the cell chamber, isolation of the cell chamber to virus chamber was performed by stacking the microchannle between these chambers using in-situ photoplolymerization of photo-crosslinkable resin polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEG-MA) (200). In this paper, we demonstrated single influenza virus manipulation and isolation of cell chamber and virus chamber using optical tweezers, quick flow control devices and in-situ photopolymerization in a microfluidic chip.
Adaptive management of the Great Barrier Reef: A globally significant demonstration of the benefits of networks of marine reserves

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) provides a globally significant demonstration of the effectiveness of large-scale networks of marine reserves in contributing to integrated, adaptive management. Comprehensive review of available evidence shows major, rapid benefits of no-take areas for targeted fish and sharks, in both reef and nonreef habitats, with potential benefits for fisheries as well as biodiversity conservation. Large, mobile species like sharks benefit less than smaller, site-attached fish. Critically, reserves also appear to benefit overall ecosystem health and resilience: outbreaks of coral-eating, crown-of-thorns starfish appear less frequent on no-take reefs, which consequently have higher abundance of coral, the very foundation of reef ecosystems. Effective marine reserves require regular review of compliance: fish abundances in no-entry zones suggest that even no-take zones may be significantly depleted due to poaching. Spatial analyses comparing zoning with seabed biodiversity or dugong distributions illustrate significant benefits from application of best-practice conservation principles in data-poor situations. Increases in the marine reserve network in 2004 affected fishers, but preliminary economic analysis suggests considerable net benefits, in terms of protecting environmental and tourism values. Relative to the revenue generated by reef tourism, current expenditure on protection is minor. Recent implementation of an Outlook Report provides regular, formal review of environmental condition and management and links to policy responses, key aspects of adaptive management. Given the major threat posed by climate change, the expanded network of marine reserves provides a critical and cost-effective contribution to enhancing the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.
Metal-free polymer/MWCNT composite fiber as an efficient counter electrode in fiber shape dye-sensitized solar cells

Highly aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as fiber were modified with a conducting polymer via a simple dip coating method. Modified MWCNT exhibited admirable improvement in electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of tri-iodide in dye sensitized solar cells. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm the successful deposition of polymer on MWCNT. Cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies were carried out to investigate the inner mechanism for the charge transfer behaviour. Results from bare and modified electrodes revealed that the MWCNT/(poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composite electrode is much better at catalysing the I 3 - / I - redox couple compared to the pristine fiber electrode. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of 5.03% for the modified MWCNT electrodes was comparable with that of the conventional Pt-based electrode. The scientific results of this study reveal that MWCNT/PEDOT:PSS may be a better choice for the replacement of cost intensive electrode materials such as platinum. Good performance even after bending up to 90° and in-series connection to enhance the output voltage were also successfully achieved, highlighting the practical application of this novel device.
The Effects of Varying Task Priorities on Language Production by Young and Older Adults

The present study compared how varying task priorities affected young and older adults' language production. Both young and older adults responded to monetary incentives to vary their performance when simultaneously talking and tracking a pursuit rotor. Tracking performance improved when they were rewarded for tracking and declined when they were rewarded for talking. Both young and older adults also spoke more slowly when rewarded for tracking and more rapidly when rewarded for talking. Young produced less complex sentences when rewarded for tracking and produced more complex sentences when rewarded for talking. However, older adults did not vary their grammatical complexity as a function of monetary incentives. These results are consistent with prior studies suggesting that older adults use a simplified speech register in response to dual-task demands.