Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radio-wave Therapy of Inferior Turbinates for Treatment of Intractable Vasomotor Rhinitis - a Clinical Study of the Subjective Long-term Outcome

Objective: To evaluate the subjective outcome after treatment with bi-polar radio-wave frequency therapy of the inferior turbinates in patients with vasomotor rhinitis unresponsive to nasal steroid treatment.Material and Methods: Details of 151 patients with vasomotor rhinitis were collected from an electronic patient-record system. The main indica- tion for turbinectomy with radio-wave frequency therapy was nasal congestion. Using a questionnaire with a follow-up time between 9 and 33 months, radio-wave therapy demonstrated good subjective results with respect to nasal congestion and patient relief. No serious side effects were reported.Conclusion: Radio-wave frequency therapy is a low cost procedure suitable for out-patient clinics; the procedure is easy to perform and has a good long term effect on nasal congestion in patients with intractable vasomotor rhinitis.
Telomere shortening in breast cancer cells (MCF7) under treatment with low doses of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid chelidonine

Telomeres, the specialized dynamic structures at chromosome ends, regularly shrink with every replication. Thus, they function as an internal molecular clock counting down the number of cell divisions. However, most cancer cells escape this limitation by activating telomerase, which can maintain telomere length. Previous studies showed that the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid chelidonine stimulates multiple modes of cell death and strongly down-regulates telomerase. It is still unknown if down-regulation of telomerase by chelidonine boosts substantial telomere shortening. The breast cancer cell line MCF7 was sequentially treated with very low concentrations of chelidonine over several cell passages. Telomere length and telomerase activity were measured by a monochrome multiplex quantitative PCR and a q-TRAP assay, respectively. Changes in population size and doubling time correlated well with telomerase inhibition and telomere shortening. MCF7 cell growth was arrested completely after three sequential treatments with 0.1 μM chelidonine, each ending after 48 h, while telomere length was reduced to almost 10% of the untreated control. However, treatment with 0.01 μM chelidonine did not have any apparent consequence. In addition to dose and time dependent telomerase inhibition, chelidonine changed the splicing pattern of hTERT towards non-enzyme coding isoforms of the transcript. In conclusion, telomere length and telomere stability are strongly affected by chelidonine in addition to microtubule formation.
Comparison of the gastrointestinal tract of a dual-purpose to a broiler chicken line: A qualitative and quantitative macroscopic and microscopic study

The transition to using dual-purpose chickens is an alternative to killing male hatchlings of high performance egg-laying chickens. This study aimed to compare the gastrointestinal tract of a recently developed genetic line of dual purpose male chicken, Lohmann Dual (LD), with that of a broiler line, Ross 308. Eighty birds from each line were grown until they reached an average body weight 2000 g (5 weeks for Ross and 9 for LD birds). Six birds of each line were sampled weekly. Body weight (BW), normalized mass of gastrointestinal segments and relative length of intestine were determined. Histologically the villus height, epithelium height, crypt depth, mucosal enlargement factor and the tunica muscularis thickness were measured in jejunum and ileum. Data were regressed against body weight and genetic line. Jejunal enterocyte microvilli and junctional complexes length were measured. Normalized mass and relative length of the gastrointestinal segments were greater in LD birds than in Ross birds at all ages. After day 7 these decreased steadily over the lifetime of the birds in both genetic lines. The growth curves of the gastrointestinal segments of the LD birds were similar to those of the Ross birds. In birds of the same BW, LD birds had a significantly heavier gizzard, shorter intestine, higher jejunal villi, thicker ileal tunica muscularis and smaller ileal mucosal enlargement factor than were found in Ross birds. The large gizzard in LD chickens presumably increases the degree of food processing and enhances availability of nutrients in the orad part of the intestine leading to a lower nutrient concentration and a smaller absorption surface area in the ileum of the LD compared to the Ross chickens. The anatomical differences between the two lines are important criteria for further selection and should be considered in their feeding management.
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic energy therapy on pain and function in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Pulsed electromagnetic energy therapy (PEME) reduces pain and disability. The efficacy of PEME therapy in knee osteoarthritis is not known in Indian population. Aims & Objective: To compare the effect of PEME therapy versus conventional therapy on pain and function in participants with knee OA. Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental study of 20 participants fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria, by selective sampling was conducted at college of physiotherapy. Participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Group A was given PEME therapy with Magnetodyne with frequency 15Hz for 30 minutes, 6 days/week for 2 weeks. Group B was given conventional physiotherapy in the form of hot pack to the knee for 10-15 minutes. Both groups also received a set of 10 repetitions of quadriceps drill and stretching of tight muscles for 30sec-3 repetitions. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess knee pain and Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to measure knee pain, stiffness and physical function. Results: Difference in VAS and WOMAC scores were calculated using t-test. Mean difference in VAS score for Group A (4.08 ± 1.10) and Group B (1.40 ± 0.21) was significant with significant difference in favor of Group A (t= 7.57, p
Parenting behaviors that shape child compliance: A multilevel meta-analysis

Background What are the parenting behaviors that shape child compliance? Most research on parent-child interactions relies on correlational research or evaluations of “package deal” interventions that manipulate many aspects of parenting at the same time. Neither approach allows for identifying the specific parenting behaviors that shape child compliance. To overcome this, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed available evidence on the effects of experimentally manipulated, discrete parenting behaviors—a niche in parent-child interaction research that contributes unique information on the specific parenting behaviors that shape child behavior. Methods We identified studies by systematically searching databases and through contacting experts. Nineteen studies (75 effect sizes) on four discrete parenting behaviors were included: praise, verbal reprimands, time-out, and ignore. In multilevel models, we tested for each parenting behavior whether it increased child compliance, including both observed and parent-reported measures of child compliance. Results Providing “time-out” for noncompliance robustly increased both observed and parent-reported child compliance (ds = 0.84–1.72; 95% CI 0.30 to 2.54). The same holds for briefly ignoring the child after non-compliance (ds = 0.36–1.77; 95% CI 0.04 to 2.90). When observed and parent-reported outcomes were combined, but not when they were examined separately, verbal reprimands also increased child compliance (d = 0.72; 95% CI 0.26 to 1.19). Praise did not increase child compliance (ds = –0.27–1.19; 95% CI –2.04 to 1.59). Conclusion Our findings suggest that of the discrete parenting behaviors that are experimentally studied in multiple trials, especially time-out and ignore, and to some extent verbal reprimands, shape child compliance.
Temporal clustering analysis of endothelial cell gene expression following exposure to a conventional radiotherapy dose fraction using Gaussian process clustering

The vascular endothelium is considered as a key cell compartment for the response to ionizing radiation of normal tissues and tumors, and as a promising target to improve the differential effect of radiotherapy in the future. Following radiation exposure, the global endothelial cell response covers a wide range of gene, miRNA, protein and metabolite expression modifications. Changes occur at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels and impact cell phenotype as well as the microenvironment by the production and secretion of soluble factors such as reactive oxygen species, chemokines, cytokines and growth factors. These radiation-induced dynamic modifications of molecular networks may control the endothelial cell phenotype and govern recruitment of immune cells, stressing the importance of clearly understanding the mechanisms which underlie these temporal processes. A wide variety of time series data is commonly used in bioinformatics studies, including gene expression, protein concentrations and metabolomics data. The use of clustering of these data is still an unclear problem. Here, we introduce kernels between Gaussian processes modeling time series, and subsequently introduce a spectral clustering algorithm. We apply the methods to the study of human primary endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to a radiotherapy dose fraction (2 Gy). Time windows of differential expressions of 301 genes involved in key cellular processes such as angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis, immune response and protein kinase were determined from 12 hours to 3 weeks post-irradiation. Then, 43 temporal clusters corresponding to profiles of similar expressions, including 49 genes out of 301 initially measured, were generated according to the proposed method. Forty-seven transcription factors (TFs) responsible for the expression of clusters of genes were predicted from sequence regulatory elements using the MotifMap system. Their temporal profiles of occurrences were established and clustered. Dynamic network interactions and molecular pathways of TFs and differential genes were finally explored, revealing key node genes and putative important cellular processes involved in tissue infiltration by immune cells following exposure to a radiotherapy dose fraction.
Understanding women’s, caregivers’, and providers’ experiences with home-based records: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Mothers, caregivers, and healthcare providers in 163 countries have used paper and electronic home-based records (HBRs) to facilitate primary care visit. These standardized records have the potential to empower women, improve the quality of care for mothers and children and reduce health inequities. This review examines experiences of women, caregivers and providers with home-based records for maternal and child health and seeks to explore the feasibility, acceptability, affordability and equity of these interventions. We systematically searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Ahead of Print, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, and PsycINFO for articles that were published between January 1992 and December 2017. We used the CASP checklist to assess study quality, a framework analysis to support synthesis, and GRADE-CERQual to assess the confidence in the key findings. Of 7,904 citations, 19 studies met our inclusion criteria. In these studies, mothers, caregivers and children shared HBR experiences in relation to maternal and child health which facilitated the monitoring of immunisations and child growth and development. Participants’ reports of HBRs acting as a point of commonality between patient and provider offer an explanation for their perceptions of improved communication and patient-centered care, and enhanced engagement and empowerment during pregnancy and childcare. Healthcare providers and nurses reported that the home-based record increased their feeling of connection with their patients. Although there were concerns around electronic records and confidentiality, there were no specific concerns reported for paper records. Mothers and other caregivers see home based records as having a pivotal role in facilitating primary care visits and enhancing healthcare for their families. The records’ potential could be limited by users concerns over confidentiality of electronic home-based records, or shortcomings in their design. Health systems should seize the opportunity HBRs provide in empowering women, especially in the contexts of lower literacy levels and weak health care delivery systems.
Genome-wide analyses of miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements reveals new insights into the evolution of the Triticum-Aegilops group

The sequence drafts of wild emmer and bread wheat facilitated high resolution, genome-wide analysis of transposable elements (TEs), which account for up to 90% of the wheat genome. Despite extensive studies, the role of TEs in reshaping nascent polyploid genomes remains to be fully understood. In this study, we retrieved miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) from the recently published genome drafts of Triticum aestivum, Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides, Aegilops tauschii and the available genome draft of Triticum urartu. Overall, 239,126 MITE insertions were retrieved, including 3,874 insertions of a newly identified, wheat-unique MITE family that we named “Inbar”. The Stowaway superfamily accounts for ~80% of the retrieved MITE insertions, while Thalos is the most abundant family. MITE insertions are distributed in the seven homologous chromosomes of the wild emmer and bread wheat genomes. The remarkably high level of insertions in the B sub-genome (~59% of total retrieved MITE insertions in the wild emmer genome draft, and ~41% in the bread wheat genome draft), emphasize its highly repetitive nature. Nearly 52% of all MITE insertions were found within or close (less than 100bp) to coding genes, and ~400 MITE sequences were found in the bread wheat transcriptome, indicating that MITEs might have a strong impact on wheat genome expression. In addition, ~40% of MITE insertions were found within TE sequences, and remarkably, ~90% of Inbar insertions were located in retrotransposon sequences. Our data thus shed new light on the role of MITEs in the diversification of allopolyploid wheat species.
Análisis estadístico de polimorfismos genéticos en estudios epidemiológicos

Analysis of genetic polymorphisms allows the genes that confer susceptibility to diseases to be analyzed. This paper presents the nomenclature used in genetic epidemiology literature and a basic strategy for statistical analysis of epidemiological studies that use genetic markers. First, a descriptive analysis of a single nucleotide polymorphism is presented, with assessment of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Next, methods to assess the association with disease are presented. To do this, logistic regression models are used and alternative models of inheritance are explored. Finally, methods for the simultaneous analysis of multiple polymorphisms are presented: haplotype frequency estimation and analysis of disease association.
DECORE-21: Assessment of occupational stress in police. Confirmatory factor analysis of the original model

There is scarce research on stress in Spanish police officers and on the use of instruments to assess this construct in this professional group. In Spain, the DECORE questionnaire has been one of the most used. Nevertheless, it had not been previously applied to police officers. The aim of this study was to analyze both the construct validity and the reliability of the original model of 44 items. A cross-sectional design and a non-probabilistic quota sampling were used. A total of 223 Spanish police officers participated. 202 police personnel were men (90.6%) and 21 were women (9.4%). The average age was 41 years old (SD = 7.52). These police officers answered the DECORE questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was carried out. The results showed an unsatisfactory adjustment using the original model of 44 items. A final solution of 21 items and four factors was formulated with both suitable validity and reliability indexes. In this model, 23 items that did not weigh highly in any of the four factors were removed. The DECORE-21 questionnaire is recommended to assess work-related stress in police officers.
Desmoplakin interacts with the coil 1 of different types of intermediate filament proteins and displays high affinity for assembled intermediate filaments

The interaction of intermediate filaments (IFs) with the cell-cell adhesion complexes desmosomes is crucial for cytoskeletal organization and cell resilience in the epidermis and heart. The intracellular desmosomal protein desmoplakin anchors IFs to the cell adhesion complexes predominantly via its four last carboxy-terminal domains (C-terminus). However, it remains unclear why the C-terminus of desmoplakin interacts with different IF types or if there are different binding affinities for each type of IFs that may influence the stability of cell-specific adhesion complexes. By yeast three-hybrid and fluorescence binding assays, we found that the coiled-coil 1 of the conserved central rod domain of the heterodimeric cytokeratins (Ks) 5 and 14 (K5/K14) was required for their interaction with the C-terminus of desmoplakin, while their unique amino head- and C-tail domains were dispensable. Similar findings were obtained in vitro with K1/K10, and the type III IF proteins desmin and vimentin. Binding assays testing the C-terminus of desmoplakin with assembled K5/K14 and desmin IFs yielded an apparent affinity in the nM range. Our findings reveal that the same conserved domain of IF proteins binds to the C-terminus of desmoplakin, which may help explain the previously reported broad binding IF-specificity to desmoplakin. Our data suggest that desmoplakin high-affinity binding to diverse IF proteins ensures robust linkages of IF cytoskeleton and desmosomes that maintain the structural integrity of cellular adhesion complexes. In summary, our results give new insights into the molecular basis of the IF-desmosome association.
Interventions for Substance Misuse following TBI: A Systematic Review

Objective: Review the literature to evaluate the evidence for effective treatment to mitigate substance misuse and substance use disorders (SUD) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design: Systematic review. Data source: Scopus. Study eligibility criteria: A study was considered eligible for review if (a) the intended population specifically included persons with TBI; (b) the experimental intervention targeted misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs; (c) the intervention was compared to the standard of care, control or another intervention; (d) the outcomes under study included substance use or misuse; and (e) the study design was a controlled trial. Results: Six studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were conducted during the acute phase of recovery using brief interventions, while the remaining three were conducted with individuals in the post-acute phase (usually several years post-injury) using more intensive treatment. All studies were found to be vulnerable to bias due to methodological weaknesses. Conclusions: While firm conclusions could not be drawn from the results of the studies, each study provided important information about the challenges to conducting SUD intervention trials with persons with TBI. The choices researchers will have to make to address these challenges are delineated.
The Bootstrap Percentile in Food and Drug Administration Regulations for Bioequivalence Assessment

Nowadays, the bootstrap is one of the most prominent representatives of resampling techniques, especially with respect to their daily use. It is typically applied in situations which are not analytically tractable due to the complexity of the underlying statistical estimation or testing problem, where it is common practice to run a Monte-Carlo algorithm instead of calculating the exact bootstrap. This makes the bootstrap an easy to handle and also a very flexible tool, which, of course, must always be critically looked at before being applied. This is also the case when using the bootstrap to calculate confidence intervals for statistically evaluating the bioequivalence of two formulations of a drug as recommended in the 1997 draft of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance (]). Here, the bootstrap seems to be a sensible way to cope with the analytical problems related to the recently proposed and rather complex measures for assessing population and individual bioequivalence. In this paper, we briefly review the different concepts of bioequivalence and two approaches for measuring the individual and population bioequivalence, namely the moment-based and the probability-based approaches, where the focus is on individual bioequivalence. We then concentrate on the bootstrap percentile interval, which has been considered by the FDA.
Cancer increases the risk of atrial fibrillation during long-term follow-up (OPERA study)

Introduction Relation between atrial fibrillation (AF) and cancer is known but not very well understood. The purpose of this prospective study was to find out whether subjects with cancer were at greater risk of AF than subjects without cancer. Materials and methods The study was based on the OPERA (Oulu Project Elucidating Risk of Atherosclerosis) material and had 1045 subjects and the mean follow-up time of 16.3 years. During the follow-up AF and cancer diagnosis were made (atrial flutter included) if these events were listed in the National Death Registry and/or hospital discharge registry. Results In this study 130 subjects (12%) had cancer and 19% of these had AF, whereas only 9% of those without cancer experienced AF during the follow-up (p<0.001). Subjects in the cancer group had greater probability of developing atrial fibrillation during the follow-up time in comparison to the subjects without cancer (Hazard ratio (HR) 2.47 (95%CI) 1.57–3.88) in multivariate model including relevant confounding factors. Conclusion The main finding of this OPERA study was that cancer is an independent risk factor of atrial fibrillation. Still it remains unclear whether this association is causative or whether cancer and atrial fibrillation just share the same pathophysiologic mechanisms.