Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of acid- and alkaline-aided extractions on functional and rheological properties of proteins recovered from mechanically separated turkey meat (MSTM).

UNLABELLED Functional and rheological characteristics of acid- and alkali-extracted proteins from mechanically separated turkey meat (MSTM) have been investigated. Extractions were carried out at 4 pH values (2.5, 3.5, 10.5, and 11.5). The study demonstrated that alkali and acid extractions resulted in significant (P < 0.0001) decreases of cooking and water loss compared to raw MSTM; however, the cooking loss was found to be similar (P = 0.5699) among the different protein isolates. Proteins extracted at pH 10.5 showed the lowest (P = 0.0249) water loss. Emulsion and foaming properties were found to be slightly higher in alkali-extracted proteins compared to those for acid extractions. The myofibrillar protein fraction showed better ability to form and stabilize emulsions compared to sarcoplasmic proteins. Myofibrillar proteins also showed better foam expansion; however, foam volume stability was similar for both myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein fractions. Textural characteristics (hardness, chewiness, springiness, and cohesiveness) of recovered proteins were found to be unaffected (P > 0.05) by different extraction pH. The protein extracted at pH 3.5 formed a highly viscoelastic gel network as evidenced by storage modulus (G') values, whereas the gel formed from proteins extracted at pH 10.5 was found to be the weakest. The work also revealed that acid treatments were more effective for removal of total heme pigments from MSTM. Color characteristics of protein isolates were markedly improved compared to the initial material and tended to be better when subjected to acid extractions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Mechanically separated meat is one of the cheapest sources of protein obtained by grinding meat and bones together and forcing the mixture through a perforated drum. The use of mechanically separated turkey meat (MSTM) for the production of further processed poultry products is limited due to its undesirable color and textural properties. Recovery of proteins from MSTM using pH shifting process will help the poultry processors to get better returns and also create opportunity to produce functional food ingredients.
In Search of a Future for Large-Scale Care Homes in Flanders

Housing for older people in Flanders evolves toward small-scale facilities and better quality of life. Ageing population strains the means to achieve this to the limit. The authors investigate whether and how Flemish large-scale facilities can adapt to meet contemporary and future requirements of housing for older people. By analyzing current tendencies, they depict what this housing should look like, both now and in the future. They then investigate how an existing large-scale care home could fit this picture by using design as a mode of knowledge production. They propose to redesign the site such that its actual evolution would be thoroughly redirected. Beyond the facility at issue, the study shows how Flemish large-scale facilities could develop to keep playing a role in the future. They should timely adapt their size with qualities of small-scale housing schemes, and integrate in the neighborhood.
Topical Review Article: The Age-Dependent Epileptic Encephalopathies

The most severe epilepsies that affect neonates, infants, and children include Ohtahara, West, and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. These three syndromes display considerable similarities and transitional features in their clinical symptoms, seizure phenomena, and electroencephalographic abnormalities. This review examines the similarities and differences between these three syndromes and the other severe epilepsies of infancy and childhood, and discusses the hypothesis that the three disorders form a continuum of epileptic encephalopathies that have a predictable age-related evolution. (J Child Neurol 1992;7:7-21).
Coping with chronic fatigue syndrome: a review and synthesis of qualitative studies

Background: Interventions that potentially improve coping with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are important for patients, clinicians, and researchers. Purpose: To identify factors experienced by patients to promote coping with CFS and to provide recommendations for adequate interventions in this patient group. Methods: A systematic review of qualitative studies was performed. Structured searches were conducted in major scientific databases. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and assessment. Meta-ethnography was applied to review and synthesise the studies. The analysis provided key concepts that could be aggregated using second-order interpretations. Results: Fifteen studies were included. Findings suggested that coping strategies, including activity management and the use of cognitive and emotional strategies, and psychological processes, such as acceptance and the rebuilding of identities and lives, may promote coping with CFS. The use of adequate coping strategies appeared to be facilitated by progress in these psychological processes. Coping appeared to be facilitated mainly by self-management, occasionally complemented by treatments and social support. Conclusions: Interventions focusing on coping may include the use of adequate coping strategies and take into account progress in psychological processes, which may fluctuate over time. Interventions may be complemented by self-management, other types of treatments, and social support.
Skin and skin substitutes in burn management

Early burn excision has reduced the mortality from major burns. This practice presents the problem of wound coverage after excision, since the availability of autologous donor sites is limited in very large burns. This article reviews the methods available for covering burn wounds. Methods of expanding autologous skin are discussed as well as techniques using allogeneic tissue and xenograft. Newer synthetic skin substitutes have become an important advance and are also described. Cultured skin replacements are also discussed along with their shortfalls. The treatment of a patient with major burns may require the use of many different skin substitutes, as none is entirely satisfactory on its own.
Meta‐analysis of gene expression profiles associated with histological classification and survival in 829 ovarian cancer samples

Transcriptomic analysis of global gene expression in ovarian carcinoma can identify dysregulated genes capable to serve as molecular markers for histology subtypes and survival. The aim of our study was to validate previous candidate signatures in an independent setting and to identify single genes capable to serve as biomarkers for ovarian cancer progression. As several datasets are available in the GEO today, we were able to perform a true meta‐analysis. First, 829 samples (11 datasets) were downloaded, and the predictive power of 16 previously published gene sets was assessed. Of these, eight were capable to discriminate histology subtypes, and none was capable to predict survival. To overcome the differences in previous studies, we used the 829 samples to identify new predictors. Then, we collected 64 ovarian cancer samples (median relapse‐free survival 24.5 months) and performed TaqMan Real Time Polimerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis for the best 40 genes associated with histology subtypes and survival. Over 90% of subtype‐associated genes were confirmed. Overall survival was effectively predicted by hormone receptors (PGR and ESR2) and by TSPAN8. Relapse‐free survival was predicted by MAPT and SNCG. In summary, we successfully validated several gene sets in a meta‐analysis in large datasets of ovarian samples. Additionally, several individual genes identified were validated in a clinical cohort.
Promoting Policy, Systems, and Environment Change to Prevent Chronic Disease: Lessons Learned From the King County Communities Putting Prevention to Work Initiative.

CONTEXT Initiatives that convene community stakeholders to implement policy, systems, environment, and infrastructure (PSEI) change have become a standard approach for promoting community health. OBJECTIVE To assess the PSEI changes brought about by the King County, Washington, Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative and describe how initiative structures and processes contributed to making changes. DESIGN The impact evaluation used a logic model design, linking PSEI changes to longer-term behavioral impacts in healthy eating active living and tobacco use and exposure. Qualitative methods, including stakeholder interviews and surveys, were used to identify initiative success factors. SETTING Communities Putting Prevention to Work activities occurred throughout King County, with a focus on 7 low-income communities in South Seattle/King County. PARTICIPANTS The focus communities had a combined population of 652 000, or 35% of the county total, with lower incomes and higher rates of physical inactivity, tobacco use, poor diet, and chronic disease. INTERVENTION Twenty-four PSEI strategies were pursued by organizations in sectors including schools, local governments, and community organizations, supported by the public health department. There were 17 healthy eating active living strategies (eg, enhancements to school menus, city planning policies) and 7 tobacco strategies (eg, smoke-free policies in schools, housing, and hospitals). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE PSEI changes made and numbers of residents reached. RESULTS Twenty-two of the 24 strategies achieved significant progress toward implementing PSEI changes. The most common success factor was a "dyad" consisting of a dedicated technical assistance provider-either an outside consultant or public health department staff-working closely with a champion from the participating organizations to bring about PSEI changes. CONCLUSIONS An initiative structure that creates and supports external consultant/internal organizational champion dyads in key community sectors offers a promising approach that may be adopted by similar community health efforts in the future.
The Effects of a Park Awareness Campaign on Rural Park Use and Physical Activity

To examine the effects of a park awareness campaign on park use in 6 community parks. One-group pretest-posttest design. Six community parks located in a South Carolina county. Children, adolescents, and adults observed in community parks. A 1-month awareness campaign that culminated in single 1.5-hour events at 6 parks in April 2011 and May 2011. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities was used to objectively measure park use in May 2010 (baseline) and May 2011 (postcampaign). Zero-inflated Poisson models tested whether the number of total park users and the number of park users engaged in sedentary, walking, and vigorous activities differed by observation date. Park use was significantly greater at baseline than postcampaign (97 vs 84 users, respectively; &khgr;2 = 4.69, P = .03). There were no significant differences in the number of park users engaged in sedentary (&khgr;2 = 2.45, P = .12), walking (&khgr;2 = 0.29, P = .59), and vigorous (&khgr;2 = 0.20, P = .65) activities between baseline and postcampaign. Although only 97 and 84 people were observed across all parks at baseline and postcampaign, a total of 629 people were observed during the 6 separate 1.5-hour campaign park events. This suggests that there is potential for greater park utilization in these communities, and important questions remain on how to conduct effective awareness campaigns and how to harness interest in park events for the purpose of contributing to future community-wide physical activity and health promotion efforts.
Enhancing Themes and Strengths Assessment: Leveraging Academic-Led Qualitative Inquiry in Community Health Assessment to Uncover Roots of Community Health Inequities

Context: Rigorous qualitative research can enhance local health departments' efforts to gain a deeper insight into residents' perceived community health inequities necessary for productive community health assessments (CHAs) and community health improvement plans (CHIPs). Objective: The Chicago Department of Public Health and the Partnership for Healthy Chicago used the National Association of County & City Health Officials' Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) model to conduct its CHA/CHIP, Healthy Chicago 2.0 (HC 2.0). Public health graduate students conducted qualitative research for part of the Community Themes and Strengths Assessment (CTSA), one of the 4 MAPP assessments. Design: Using a health equity lens, this qualitative component included focus groups and oral histories with residents in Chicago Community Areas with the highest social and economic hardship to better understand how residents perceive health inequities in their respective neighborhoods. Settings: Community-based organizations in 6 Chicago neighborhoods with the highest quartile of social and economic hardship. Participants: Forty-eight Chicago residents from 5 community areas participated in focus groups, and 6 residents of a Mexican ethnic enclave shared oral histories. Main Outcome Measure: Residents' perceptions of community needs and assets. Results: Needs identified include inaccessible resources and opportunities, economic instability, and safety. Assets include the efficacy and agency of resilient residents, as well as faith and spirituality. Systemic and institutional discrimination was identified at the roots of community health inequities. Conclusion: Through qualitative inquiry, the more nuanced understanding of how residents perceive health inequities better positioned HC 2.0 to develop upstream strategies in line with advanced health equity practice. Engaging qualitative academic researchers in CTSA brings academic expertise to enrich the CHA while providing real-time learning experiences to prepare future public health practitioners to work on upstream structural determinants of health.
Association of serum bilirubin and promoter variations in HMOX1 and UGT1A1 genes with sporadic colorectal cancer

Heme oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1) and bilirubin UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) enzymes, both involved in bilirubin homeostasis, play an important role in the oxidative stress defense. The objective of our study was to assess the effect of promoter variations of HMOX1 and UGT1A1 genes and of serum bilirubin on the risk of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). This exploratory case‐control study was based on 777 CRC patients and 986 controls from the Czech Republic. The (GT)n and (TA)n dinucleotide variations in HMOX1 and UGT1A1 gene promoters, respectively, were determined by fragment analysis. In addition, the A(‐413)T variant in HMOX1 promoter was also analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. Serum bilirubin levels were compared in a subset of 174 cases and 247 controls, for whom biochemical data were available. After adjustment for age, a significant association between CRC risk and UGT1A1*28 allele carrier status was detected [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) = 0.80 (0.60–0.97), p = 0.022]. No association between CRC risk and individual HMOX1 gene variants was observed, although a diplotype analysis revealed an increased risk for a specific HMOX1 genotype combination. These effects were more pronounced in males. Substantially lower serum bilirubin levels were detected in CRC patients compared to the controls (p < 0.001); each 1 μmol/L decrease in serum bilirubin was associated with a 7% increase of CRC risk (p < 0.001). In conclusion, UGT1A1*28 allele carrier status might be a protective factor against the development of CRC in the male population, whereas low serum bilirubin levels are associated with an increased risk of CRC in both genders.
High expression of the longevity gene product SIRT1 and apoptosis induction by sirtinol in adult T‐cell leukemia cells

Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive peripheral T‐cell neoplasm that develops after long‐term infection with human T‐cell leukemia virus (HTLV‐1). SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+‐dependent histone/protein deacetylase, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as aging, metabolism, neurogenesis and apoptosis, owing to its ability to deacetylate numerous substrates, such as histone and NF‐κB, which is implicated as an exacerbation factor in ATL. Here, we assessed how SIRT1 is regulated in primary ATL cells and leukemic cell lines. SIRT1 expression in ATL patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls, especially in the acute type. Sirtinol, a SIRT1 inhibitor, induced significant growth inhibition or apoptosis in cells from ATL patients and leukemic cell lines, especially HTLV‐1‐related cell lines. Sirtinol‐induced apoptosis was mediated by activation of the caspase family and degradation of SIRT1 in the nucleus. Furthermore, SIRT1 knockdown by SIRT1‐specific small interfering RNA caused apoptosis via activation of caspase‐3 and PARP in MT‐2 cells, HTLV‐1‐related cell line. These results suggest that SIRT1 is a crucial antiapoptotic molecule in ATL cells and that SIRT1 inhibitors may be useful therapeutic agents for leukemia, especially in patients with ATL.
Runt‐related transcription factor 2 in human colon carcinoma: A potent prognostic factor associated with estrogen receptor

Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) belongs to the RUNX family of heterodimeric transcription factors, and is mainly associated with osteogenesis. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that RUNX2 increased the cell proliferation of mouse and rat colon carcinoma cells but the status of RUNX2 has remained unknown in human colon carcinoma. Therefore, we examined clinical significance and biological functions of RUNX2 in colon carcinoma. RUNX2 immunoreactivity was examined in 157 colon carcinoma tissues using immunohistochemistry. RUNX2 immunoreactivity was evaluated as percentage of positive carcinoma cells [i.e., labeling index (LI)]. We used SW480 and DLD‐1 human colon carcinoma cells, expressing estrogen receptor‐β (ER) in subsequent in vitro studies. RUNX2 immunoreactivity was detected in colon carcinoma cells, and the median value of RUNX2 LI was 67%. RUNX2 LI was significantly associated with Dukes' stage, liver metastasis and ERβ status. In addition, RUNX2 LI was significantly associated with adverse clinical outcome of the colon carcinoma patients, and turned out an independent prognostic factor following multivariate analysis. Results of in vitro studies demonstrated that both SW480 and DLD‐1 cells transfected with small interfering RNA against RUNX2 significantly decreased their cell proliferation, migration and invasive properties. In addition, RUNX2 mRNA level was significantly decreased by ER antagonist in these two cells. These findings all suggest that RUNX2 is a potent prognostic factor in human colon carcinoma patients through the promotion of cell proliferation and invasion properties, and is at least partly upregulated by estrogen signals through ERβ of carcinoma cells.
The Effectiveness of Splinting as Perceived by the Parents of Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an important disease of childhood with far-reaching effects on the child and family. Splinting is a major treatment modality used by occupational therapists for children with JIA. Parents play a central role in whether, when and how splints are used with their children on a daily basis. This paper describes a qualitative research project, which was undertaken to evaluate an occupational therapy service for children with JIA whose treatment had involved splinting. Using semi-structured interviews, the study investigated five mothers' perceptions of the effectiveness of splinting for their children. The interviews revealed five major points. First, the informants generally believed the splinting to be effective. Secondly, the children involved generally resisted wearing splints because they were physically uncomfortable and made them feel different to other children. Thirdly, the mothers used a variety of strategies to ensure that their children wore the splints. Fourthly, the perception of having a positive and supportive relationship with the therapist enhanced the mothers' ability to adhere to splinting. Lastly, the mothers' grief at having a child with JIA influenced their ability to understand and attend to information about specific interventions such as splinting. Practical responses to these findings are outlined.
Preliminary Findings For Calcium Intake in Children With Cystic Fibrosis Following Behavioral Intervention for Caloric Intake

This study examined the effectiveness of a 7-session (9 week) behavioral intervention aimed at increasing caloric intake on dietary calcium (Ca) intake in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diet diaries collected 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after treatment were reanalyzed for Ca intake in 44 children with CF ages 3 to 12 years of age. Paired t test analysis revealed a significant increase in mean daily dietary Ca pre- (1,006 mg/Ca/day) to posttreatment (1,467 mg/Ca/day), t(43) = 6.56, p < . 001. Follow-up data on 15 participants demonstrated maintenance of these gains 12 months after treatment. Behavioral interventions appear promising for increasing dietary Ca intake in children with CF.
All 4 bile salt hydrolase proteins are responsible for the hydrolysis activity in Lactobacillus plantarum ST-III.

UNLABELLED In vertebrates, bile salt hydrolysis plays an essential role in fat metabolism. Bile salts are synthesized in the liver. And in the small intestine glycine and taurine are de-conjugated from bile salts by the enzyme bile salt hydrolase (BSH) from intestinal microbes. However, the mechanism of bile salt hydrolysis in Lactobacillus plantarum is still ambiguous. Four predicted bile salt hydrolase (bsh) genes from L. plantarum ST-III were cloned into Escherichia coli. The function of these genes was explored by overexpression. All 4 proteins that were studied showed activity against glycine- or taurine-conjugated bile salts. Substrate preference was also observed in BSH proteins, especially for the enzyme BSH1, which had high hydrolysis activity for glycodeoxycholic acid. These results suggest that all 4 bile salt hydrolases may be responsible for the bile salt hydrolysis activity in L. plantarum ST-III. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Hypercholesterolemia is considered one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease. More interest has focused on intestinal microbes because of their role in the decrease of serum cholesterol. BSH proteins play an important role in the reduction of cholesterol. This paper adds to a better understanding of BSH proteins of intestinal microbes. It gives a great hint that probiotics can be used to solve hypercholesterolemia one day.
INHIBITION OF HUMAN LEUKOCYTE MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (LIF) BY α‐L‐FUCOSE

: Peak leukocyte migration inhibitory activity was produced in vitro by human lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A and eluted from Sephadex G-100 gel columns in fractions containing molecules of mol. wt. 40,000-50,000 daltons. No activity was found in fractions containing molecules of mol. wt. 23,000 daltons which is the estimated size of the human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). In the present experiments migration inhibition was tested on human peripheral blood leukocytes migrating under agarose. Unconcentrated supernatant activity was reduced in a dose-related manner by alpha-L-fucose. At a concentration of 0.1 M alpha-L-fucose, the mediator activity was completely neutralized. The effect was reversible and specific for alpha-L-fucose. Concentrated supernatant activity, however, was only slightly reduced even in the presence of a higher concentration of sugar. The possible role of alpha-L-fucose as a part of a mediator receptor on the indicator cells is discussed.