Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards an Integrated Care Organisation from a CEO Perspective

Many experimental projects towards Person-Centred Care (PCC) are successful in the early stages, but founder when the attempt is made to scale them up to encompass the whole organisation. This case study therefore focusses on one manager’s attempts to extend the successes of a preliminary project ‘Etxean Ondo’ that aimed to provide adequate support for the elderly living at home or in nursing homes, as well as for their families and care professionals. Through in-depth interviews with stakeholders, this qualitative study, based on Grounded Theory, sets out to analyse which behaviours, attitudes and values on the part of management appeared to favour full-integration of PCC in this wider context. Analysis of the data gathered allowed the researcher to generate an experimental case model which suggests how the extrinsic, intrinsic and transcendent motivation of stakeholders can be aligned with the goals of upper management to promote full-integration of PCC in such a way as to generate trust, increase participant engagement and create a win-win situation for all. Whilst this is clearly an experimental project, it is hoped that the model provided may prove helpful to other researchers and managers interested in pioneering this type of comprehensive organisational strategic change towards integration.
Protective effects of dexmedetomidine on hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in cardiomyocytes by regulating the CHOP signaling pathway

Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in myocardial cells occurs frequently during cardiac surgery and affects the prognosis of patients. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on H/R injury and its association with the C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway. An H/R model was constructed in H9C2 cells to investigate the effects of Dex on H/R injury. Cell viability, apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined by MTT, flow cytometry and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine colorimetric assays, respectively. The expression levels of inflammatory factors were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and CHOP and glucose-regulated protein-78 (Grp78) expression levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. CHOP was overexpressed or knocked down to detect the cell viability, apoptosis, LDH level and the expression levels of inflammatory factors and Grp78. The results demonstrated that in the H/R group, cell viability was lower and apoptosis was higher, and that higher levels of LDH and inflammatory factors were present compared with those in the Dex+H/R group. Silencing of CHOP significantly reversed the H/R-reduced cell viability, high apoptotic rate and LDH levels, as well as the elevated expression levels of inflammatory factors and Grp78 caused by H/R injury, whereas the overexpression of CHOP inhibited cell viability and promoted apoptosis, elevated LDH level and expression of inflammatory factors and Grp78 compared with the negative control. Additionally, pretreatment with Dex significantly alleviated the H/R injury; thus, Dex may protect H9C2 cells against H/R induced cell injury, possibly by suppressing the CHOP signaling pathway.
Non-Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia Due to Hirudotherapy: A Case Report

Leech therapy, which can lead to complications such as anemia and bleeding, has been used to treat many diseases since ancient times. Furthermore, some substances in leech saliva are known to have anticoagulant effects. Acute mesenteric ischemia, which develops due to mesenteric vascular obstruction, can be treated medically or surgically. Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) occurs as a result of decreased blood flow in mesenteric vessels due to hypovolemia, hypotension, etc. In this report, we mentioned a 57-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with syncope and weakness. In his medical history, the patient was stated to have used leech therapy to treat diabetic wounds on his feet, and prolonged and unstoppable bleeding was seen after leech bites. On his physical examination, there was tenderness in all quadrants of the abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography without contrast agent showed hepatic portal venous gas and pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PSI). The patient underwent laparotomy owing to the development of acute abdomen during the follow-up. Necrosis was seen in the terminal ileum and entire colon. Low flow in mesenteric vascular vessels of these necrotic segments was indicated with intraoperative Doppler ultrasonography. All necrotic segments were resected and open end-ileostomy was performed. The patient was discharged on the 17th day of follow-up. In conclusion, excessive bleeding caused by leech therapy can cause NOMI.
Docosahexaenoic acid inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation by decreasing microRNA-155 expression levels

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hyperplasia is a common cause of carotid restenosis. In the present study, the potential protective effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in carotid restenosis and the underlying mechanism of its effects were examined. VSMCs were treated with DHA, a polyunsaturated ω-3 fatty acid. Cell migration and proliferation were assessed using wound healing and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and by measuring Ki-67 protein levels. Additionally, the expression levels of microRNA-155 were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The involvement of microRNA-155 in the regulation of migration and proliferation was evaluated by transfecting VSMCs with microRNA mimics and inhibitors. Moreover, the reversal of migration and proliferation after transfection of VSMCs with the microRNA mimics and subsequent treatment with DHA was investigated. A target gene of microRNA-155 was identified using RT-qPCR and luciferase assays. The migration and proliferation of VSMCs, as well as the expression of microRNA-155 was inhibited by DHA stimulation. MicroRNA-155 regulated the migration and proliferation of VSMCs. Finally, proliferation and migration of VSMCs were reduced following DHA treatment, which was mediated by an increase in the expression levels of microRNA-155. Suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (Socs1) was the target gene of microRNA-155. In conclusion, DHA inhibited VSMC migration and proliferation by reducing microRNA-155 expression. This effect may be caused by the microRNA-155 target gene Socs1.
Association between prostate-specific antigen change over time and prostate cancer recurrence risk: A joint model

Background: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is an important biomarker to monitor patients after treated with radiation therapy (RT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the PSA data and prostate cancer recurrence using the joint modeling. Methods: This historical cohort study was performed on 422 prostate cancer patients. Inclusion criteria included: patients with localized prostate cancer referring to Cancer Institute in Tehran (Iran) from 2007 to 2012, and under radiation therapy. Joint model has two components or sub-models. We showed the results by parameter estimating the longitudinal sub-model and survival sub-model. EM algorithm, Newton-Gauss and Gauss-Hermit law were used for final model parameters. R software version 3.2 was used for statistical analysis. Results: In this study, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria, out of 422 patients, the data on 314 cases were selected for analysis and the main result of joint model was obtained. PSA directly and significantly was associated with recurrence risk, therefore increasing 2.6 ml/lit PSA (one unit in transformed PSA) increases 39% recurrence risk (95% CI for RR: 1.09-1.77). Also, slope of PSA trend has significant association with prostate cancer recurrence risk (95% CI for RR: 1.05-1.41). Conclusion: This study showed a significant relationship between PSA, and its slope with the recurrence risk by joint model, with regard to the pathological, demographic and clinical features in the Iranian population.
The role of the NMD factor UPF3B in olfactory sensory neurons

The UPF3B-dependent branch of the nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) pathway is critical for human cognition. Here, we examined the role of UPF3B in the olfactory system. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis demonstrated considerable heterogeneity of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) cell populations in wild-type (WT) mice, and revealed that UPF3B loss influences specific subsets of these cell populations. UPF3B also regulates the expression of a large cadre of antimicrobial genes in OSNs, and promotes the selection of specific olfactory receptor (Olfr) genes for expression in mature OSNs (mOSNs). RNA-seq and Ribotag analyses identified classes of mRNAs expressed and translated at different levels in WT and Upf3b-null mOSNs. Integrating multiple computational approaches, UPF3B-dependent NMD target transcripts that are candidates to mediate the functions of NMD in mOSNs were identified in vivo. Together, our data provides a valuable resource for the olfactory field and insights into the roles of NMD in vivo.
Noninvasive Multielectrode Array for Brain and Spinal Cord Local Field Potential Recordings from Live Zebrafish Larvae

Zebrafish are an important and expanding experimental system for brain research. We describe a noninvasive electrophysiology technique that can be used in living larvae to measure spontaneous activity in the brain and spinal cord simultaneously. This easy-to-use method uses a commercially available multielectrode array to detect local field potential parameters, and allows for relative coordinated (network) measurements of activity. We demonstrate sensitivity of this system by measuring activity in larvae treated with the antiepileptic drug valproic acid. Valproic acid decreased larval movement and startle response, and decreased spontaneous brain activity. Spinal cord activity did not change after treatment, suggesting valproic acid primarily affects brain function. The observed differences in brain activity, but not spinal cord activity, after valproic acid treatment indicates that brain activity differences are not a secondary effect of decreased startle response and movement. We provide a step-by-step protocol for experiments presented that a novice could easily follow. This electrophysiological method will be useful to the zebrafish neuroscience community.
Defence and regrowth, alternative plant strategies in the struggle against herbivores

Differences in intensity or frequency of defoliation between species do not necessarily imply differences in ultimate effect: survival or growth. Several species appear to be very successful to overcome a high defoliation pressure because of their regrowth capacity. The hypothesis is formulated that defence mechanisms and regrowth capacity are alternatives. Given a limited amount of energy and nutrients available in the struggle against herbivores, there should be a trade off between these two mechanisms. Observations on the intensity of herbivory, experiments on regrowth capacity and on storage of reserves in roots agree with the predictions based on this hypothesis. Herbivory theory is discussed and it is concluded that a short population longevity and/or a short life cycle may be one of the ways to reduce the effect of herbivory. Differences in shoot/root ratio are discussed in this context.
Innate immune-mediated antiviral response to SARS-CoV-2 and convalescent sera a potential prophylactic and therapeutic agent to tackle COVID-19

ABSTRACT The whole world is confronting the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent novel coronavirus infection. Besides several experimental drugs, the strong immune responses and convalescent sera are the current two potential options to tackle coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Innate immune-mediated antiviral responses are initiated by the recognition of viral invasion through pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In coronavirus, the PAMPs are recognized by Toll-like receptors 3 and 7, endosomal ribonucleic acid receptors, RNA in cytosol, and by pattern recognition receptor (RIG-1) in the alveolar cells and site of invasion. Nuclear factor-κB and interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF3) are activated in response to the above recognition episode and translocate to nucleus. These transcription factors in the nucleus initiate the expression of interferon type 1 and pro-inflammatory cytokine storm, which leads to first line of defense at the site of viral entrance. The effectiveness of innate immune system is greatly relies on type 1 interferons and its cascade, because of their role in the inhibition of viral replication and initiation of adaptive immune responses. The successful interferon type 1 response put down the viral replication and transmission at prompt point. Passive immunization is the administering of antibodies into infected patients, which is taken from recovered individuals. The convalescent sera of the recovered COVID-19 patients are containing antiviral neutralizing antibodies and are used therapeutically for infected individuals by SARS-CoV-2 and for the purpose of prophylaxis in exposed individuals. The convalescent sera is found effective when administered early at the onset of symptoms.
Paired-related homeobox 1 overexpression promotes multidrug resistance via PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major cause of disease relapse and mortality in breast cancer. Paired-related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is involved in tumor development, including cell invasion and MDR. However, the effect of PRRX1 on MDR had not clearly established. The present study investigated the influence of PRRX1 on MDR and the underlying molecular mechanisms in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were divided into PRRX1+ group (cells transfected with a recombinant plasmid carrying the PRRX1 gene), negative control group (cells transfected with a blank vector) and blank group (untreated cells). It was found that the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of PRRX1, N-cadherin, vimentin and P-glycoprotein were significantly higher in PRRX1-overexpressing MCF-7 cells compared with those in control cells. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of three groups after treatment with docetaxel and cis-platinum complexes were significantly higher in PRRX1-overexpressing MCF-7 cells compared with those in control cells. Furthermore, relative PTEN expression decreased significantly and levels of phosphorylated PI3K and AKT increased substantially in PRRX1-overexpressing MCF-7 cells. These results indicated that PRRX1 overexpression may induce MDR via PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling in breast cancer. It is highly recommended that PRRX1 gene expression detection should be performed in patients with breast cancer to aid the selection of more appropriate treatments, which will lead to an improved prognosis in clinical practice.
Safety assessment of the process STF, based on EREMA Basic technology, used to recycle post‐consumer PET into food contact materials

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process STF (EU register number RECYC177) which uses the EREMA Basic technology. The input material is hot caustic washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post‐consumer PET containers including no more than 5% PET from non‐food consumer applications. The flakes are heated in a continuous reactor under vacuum before being extruded. The Panel concluded that the continuous reactor (step 2, for which a challenge test was provided), is critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters that control the performance of this step are temperature, pressure and residence time. It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food derived from the exposure scenario for infants when such recycled PET is used at up to 100%. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not of safety concern when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs, including drinking water, for long‐term storage at room temperature, with or without hotfill. Articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave and conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.
Real-Life Incentives Driving Public-Private Partnership in Diagnostic Services

Background Diagnostic services are highly critical in the success of treatment processes, overly costly nonetheless. Accordingly, hospitals generally seek the private partnership in the provision of such services. This study intends to explore the incentives owned by both public and private sector in their joint provision of diagnostic services under the public-private partnership agreement. Method A qualitative, exploratory study was employed in Tehran hospitals from October 2017 to March 2018. Around 25 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the purposively recruited hospital managers, heads of diagnostic services and managers of private companies. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using conventional content analysis, assisted by “MAXQDA-12”. Results Three main categories and nine sub-categories represented the incentives of public sector, and four main categories and seven sub-categories signified those of private sector. The incentives of public sector included the status-quo remediation, upstream requirements, and personal reasons. As such, the individual, social and economic incentives and legal constraints were driving the behavior of the private sector. Conclusions Financial problem and gain were the most noted incentives by the partners. Attention to the either side's incentives and aims is likely to ensure the durability and effectiveness of such partnerships in the health sector.
Porting X Windows System to Operating System Compliant with Portable Operating System Interface

Now-a-days graphical interface is very important for any operating system, even the embedded ones. Adopting existing solutions will be much easier than developing your own. Moreover, a lot of software may be reused in this case. This article is devoted to X Window System adaptation for Portable Operating System Interface (POSIX) compliant real-time operating system Baget. Many encountered problems come from the tight connection between X and Linux, therefore it is expected to encounter these issues during usage of X on non-Linux systems. Discussed problems include, but not limited to the absence of dlopen, irregular file paths, specific device drivers. Instructions and recommendations to solve these issues are given. A comparison between XFree86 and Xorg implementations of X is discussed. Although synthetic tests show Xorg performance superiority, XFree86 consumes fewer system resources and is easier to port.
Cavity Nesting by Great Kiskadees (Pitangus sulphuratus): Adaptation or Expression of Ancestral Behavior?

Beginning with the work of von Ihering (1904), the nature of the nest has been used for formulating systematic hypotheses within the family Tyrannidae. Here, I provide several records of cavity nesting by Great Kiskadees (Pitangus sulphuratus). I then discuss nest location (exposed vs. concealed) and nest structure (cup-shaped vs. domed) of Tyrannus relatives (12 genera and ca. 33 species) as they relate to the systematics of the group, and suggest that cavity nesting is a primitive trait in certain branches of the Tyrannidae. Great Kiskadees usually build large globular or domed nests on high, exposed sites atop isolated trees (von Ihering 1904; Haverschmidt 1968, 1974; pers. obs.). The nests contain a lateral entrance and are firmly attached to the forks of branches (Euler 1900, Sick 1985). On 18 September 1989, I located a Great Kiskadee nest in a cavity (hereafter "niche") 7.84 m above the ground in the front wall of the Imaculada Conceiq5o Church in Piracicaba, southeastern Brazil. The nest faced a public square that contained many trees. It was in a corner of the building and partly protected by a large vertical column. Internal dimensions of the niche were: width, 13 cm; height, 47 cm; and horizontal depth, 25 cm. The globular nest occupied the entire width of the niche, although a small space occurred above the nest. The entrance hole was at the front of the nest. I observed two adults feeding at least two nestlings at the nest entrance, and the ground below the nest was littered with insect fragments and pellets. The nest was inactive on 25 September, but by 8 October a pair of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) occupied the nest and subsequently nested successfully. The remains of the kiskadee nest were visible on the church wall five years after I discovered the nest. On 7 December 1993, I found another nest, nearly identical to the nest described above, in a niche 10.54 m above the ground in a side wall of the same church. This nest also was partly protected by a vertical column. Old pellets typical of those produced by Great Kiskadees were on the ground beneath the nest. Judging by the appearance of the nest and pellets, I am confident that the nest was constructed by Great Kiskadees. On 27 November 1995, I found a third kiskadee nest in this same niche, but saw no kiskadees
Enterovirus infections in pediatric patients hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2015–2018

Background Infection with viruses especially rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus has been known to be a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age globally, particularly in developing countries. Also, some genotypes of enteroviruses (EVs) have been reported to be associated with gastroenteritis. This study is aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype diversity of EV in children admitted to hospitals with acute gastroenteritis. Methods A total of 1,736 fecal specimens were collected from children hospitalized with diarrhea in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 2015 to 2018. All specimens were tested for the presence of EV by RT-PCR of the 5′ untranslated region. The genotypes of EV were further identified by nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene. Results EV was detected in 154 out of 1,736 specimens (8.9%) throughout the study period. The prevalence of EV detected in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 was 7.2%, 9.0%, 11.2%, and 8.6%, respectively. EV was detected all year round with a high prevalence during rainy season in Thailand. Overall, 37 genotypes of EV were identified in this study. Among these, coxsackievirus (CV)-A24 and CV-B5 (7.5% each), and EV-C96 (6.8%) were the common genotypes detected. Conclusion This study demonstrates the prevalence, seasonal distribution, and genotype diversity of EV circulating in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand during the period 2015 to 2018.