Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of vitamin D in gastrointestinal inflammation

The emerging role of vitamin D as a regulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses has encouraged the investigation of its role in the pathogenesis of a variety of autoimmune conditions including the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Animal models consistently demonstrate that vitamin D significantly impacts on the modulation of astrointestinal inflammation, while epidemiological and observational data show an inverse relationship between vitamin D status and the onset/progression of Crohn’s disease as well as the development of colorectal cancer. As vitamin D supplementation is readily available, at low cost, it is a very attractive potential therapeutic option. The biological plausibility for a role for vitamin D in inflammation modulation, the potential genetic links associated with vitamin D metabolism and the clinical aspects for it in IBD will be discussed.
Outpatient Order Accuracy

Abstract Context. —Laboratory test order entry errors potentially delay diagnosis, consume resources, and cause patient inconvenience. Objective. —To evaluate the frequency and causes of computer order entry errors in outpatients. Design. —Cross-sectional survey and prospective sample of errors. Participants answered questions about their test order entry policies and practices. They then examined a sample of outpatient requisitions and compared information on the requisition with information entered into the laboratory computer system. Order entry errors were divided into 4 types: tests ordered on the requisition, but not in the computer; tests performed but not ordered on the requisition; physician name discrepancies; and test priority errors. Participants. —Six hundred sixty laboratories enrolled in the College of American Pathologists Q-Probes program. Main Outcome Measure. —Overall order entry error rate. Results. —A total of 5514 (4.8%) of 114 934 outpatient requisitions were associated with at least 1 or.
Spectral sparsification of graphs: theory and algorithms

Graph sparsification is the approximation of an arbitrary graph by a sparse graph. We explain what it means for one graph to be a spectral approximation of another and review the development of algorithms for spectral sparsification. In addition to being an interesting concept, spectral sparsification has been an important tool in the design of nearly linear-time algorithms for solving systems of linear equations in symmetric, diagonally dominant matrices. The fast solution of these linear systems has already led to breakthrough results in combinatorial optimization, including a faster algorithm for finding approximate maximum flows and minimum cuts in an undirected network.
Does routine child health surveillance contribute to the early detection of children with pervasive developmental disorders? – An epidemiological study in Kent, UK

Does routine child health surveillance contribute to the early detection of children with pervasive developmental disorders? – An epidemiological study in Kent, UK . Tebreugge, M. , Nandini, V. & Ritchie, J. ( 2004 ) BMC Pediatrics 4 : 4 . Available at: http://www.biomedcentral. com/1471-2431/4/4 Background Recently changed guidelines for child health surveillance in the UK suggest targeted checks only, instead of the previously conducted routine or universal screening at 2 years and 3.5 years. There are concerns that these changes could lead to a delay in the detection of children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Recent UK studies have suggested that the prevalence of PDD is much higher than previously estimated. This study establishes to which extent the routine checks contributed to the early detection and assessment of cases of PDD. Simultaneously we have evaluated the process involved and estimate the prevalence of PDD in our district. Methods Retrospective study design utilizing community medical files. Headteachers of schools (n = 75) within Maidstone district (Kent) were asked to report all children with an established diagnosis of autism or PDD attending year 4 (born in 1991 and 1992; n = 2536) in October 2000 based on educational records. Results Fifty-nine schools (78.7%) took part in the study. A total of 33 children were reported. Twenty-one fulfilled the inclusion criteria (12 falsely reported). The prevalences were (per 10 000): PDD 82.8 (male to female ratio 6 : 1), childhood autism 23.7, Asperger's syndrome 11.8 and autistic spectrum disorder 47.3. Coexisting medical conditions were noted in 14.3%; 52.4% were attending mainstream schools. In 63.2% of cases concerns – mainly in the area of speech and language development (SLD) – had been documented at the 2 years check. At the 3.5 years check concerns were noted in 94.1%– the main area was again SLD (76.5%), although behavioural abnormalities were becoming more frequent (47.1%). A total of 13 children (68.4%) were referred for further assessment as a direct result of the checks. Conclusions The prevalences for different types of PDD were similar to those published recently, but much higher than reported a few years ago. Analysis of our data suggests that routine surveillance is a valuable contributing factor for the early detection of PDD and thereby facilitates early intervention. Thus, if routine surveillance ceases, then an alternative method of early detection should be put in place.
Professional Reasoning and Occupational Therapist's Use of a Multi-Sensory Environment for Clients with Dementia

ABSTRACT Aims: To examine the professional reasoning process of occupational therapists using multi-sensory environments (MSEs) to treat clients with dementia. Methods: This was a qualitative study design which used interviews to uncover the multi-faceted professional reasoning process used by occupational therapists when implementing MSE interventions for individuals with dementia. Results: Qualitative data analysis yielded three themes regarding the professional reasoning process of occupational therapists that use MSEs to treat clients with dementia. Clinicians use MSEs because the intervention emphasizes client-centered care; facilitates neural changes; and promotes emotional connections. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the professional reasoning process which occupational therapists use when integrating the MSE into the occupational therapy plan of care. Further qualitative research is indicated to explore why occupational therapists continue to use interventions that are not evidence-based and to examine the process in which clinicians abandon current practice methods when research evidence does not support their use.
Emerging strategies for the treatment of gastroparesis

ABSTRACT Gastroparesis is a syndrome of delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Symptoms can be debilitating, affect nutritional states, and significantly impact patients’ quality of life. The management of these patients can prove quite difficult to many providers. This article will review the current management recommendations of gastroparesis, discuss investigational medications and interventions, and summarize future directions of therapies targeting the underlying disease process. Current therapies are subdivided into those improving gastric motility and those directly targeting symptoms. Non-pharmacologic interventions, including gastric stimulator implantation and intra-pyloric botulinum toxic injection are reviewed. A discussion of expert opinion in the field, a look into the future of gastroparesis management, and a key point summary conclude the article.
Health seeking and health related behaviour for type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in an urban community in Tanzania

Early in the 20th century, diabetes mellitus was considered to be a rare medical condition in African countries, and mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past 30 or 40 years however, the situation has changed. Diabetes is now regarded as a major public health problem throughout Africa particularly among urban communities. The disease is little understood in the general population and is often poorly detected. Previous research, for example, shows about 50 percent of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Tanzania are unaware of their condition and more than 80 percent diabetes cases are undiagnosed. This thesis aims to explore factors influencing health-seeking and health related behaviour among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in an urban community in Tanzania. It seeks to answer the following key question: What are the key factors influencing health seeking and health related behaviour and care management for type 2 diabetes mellitus? Data collection was carried out from March to June 2007 in two diabetes clinics in Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital city of Tanzania. The main study population consisted of patients aged 35 years and above who had been diagnosed with the disease more than one year before the time of the current study. In-depth interviews were carried out with 20 frequent and 10 infrequent clinic attendees, their 14 caregivers, and seven health care workers; while key informant interviews were carried out with six key national health officials. Furthermore, eight focus group discussions were carried out with people with diabetes and selected community members. Multiple influences on health-seeking behaviour were identified, many of which affected clinic attendance, adherence to treatment programmes, and outcomes. These influences included poor accessibility to diabetes drugs and other services at the clinics, lack of financial resources for transport to the clinic and purchasing of drugs, overcrowded and inadequate public transport, lay beliefs and models of disease causation and treatment which accentuate the role of traditional healers, and poor organisation of the clinics leading to long queues and waiting times. The findings suggest that improving the delivery of care to people with diabetes will require action to address a range of structural, financial, cultural, and administrative
Intestinal microbiota are transiently altered during Salmonella-induced gastroenteritis

Evaluation of: Barman M, Unold D, Shifl ey K et al. Enteric salmonellosis disrupts the microbialecology of the murine gastrointestinal tract. Infect. Immun. 76(3), 907-915 (2008). The mammalian GI tract contains a large and diverse ecosystem of microorganisms that play a profound role in our development and physiology. Interestingly, the microbial make-up within the intestine has been found to be altered in many clinically important diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Types 1 and 2 diabetes, and obesity. Barman et al. used a Salmonella-induced murine model of gastroenteritis to show that the intestinal microbiota are transiently altered during the host inflammatory response to infection. These findings are of interest as understanding how the microbiota are altered during disease states may offer insight into which microbial populations are important in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Recently, probiotics have been shown to modulate the mucosal immune system and improve intestinal barrier function, validating their potential as therapeutics for gastrointestinal-associated diseases. As we begin to understand the benefits conferred to the intestine by microbiota, the use of probiotics to modify its composition is an attractive option to improve human health.
Formative Assessment on English Proficiency in Chinese University

This study aims to explore the effect of formative assessment on English proficiency in Chinese university, especially oral proficiency through date analysis, questionnaire, and discussion. As a baton of teaching and learning, the assessment system is very important for the English proficiency in Chinese universities learners, especially the formative assessment, which decides whether the learners put emphasis on the learning process. In the long term, formative assessment is ignored in Chinese English assessment system. In China, although many Chinese scholars do researches on this field in general, few demonstrate the specific methods and techniques to solve the problem. Some effecive methods and techniques are introduced in this paper by the analysis of Western relevant academic data and the questionnaire of this research.
Improvement of Severe Congestive Heart Failure and Valvular Involvement After Living Kidney Transplantation

Introduction: Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who have advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) are not usually referred for kidney transplantation because of the high risk of surgical or cardiac complications. Case Presentation: We reported three patients on different renal replacement therapies who had severe CHF with ejection fraction (EF) of 15% to 20% and valvular heart involvement. Two patients were on maintenance hemodialysis and one patient was on ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. After successful kidney transplantation, the significant improvement in left ventricular function (increased EF) and valvular involvement was seen. Discussion: Kidney transplantation could be considered as the best choice for CHF and valvular involvement in patients with ESRD on renal replacement therapies.
Fixation of the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement

The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (UKR) is a commonly performed procedure, with a good clinical outcome at 15 years, however, radiolucent lines are commonly found beneath the tibial tray. With the projected increase in knee arthroplasty, particularly in younger patients, implant longevity is of paramount importance. The aim of this thesis is to understand how fixation is achieved with the Oxford UKR and how it can be improved. A histological study demonstrated that in the presence of a radiolucent line the tibial bone-cement interface is made up of a combination of direct bony contact, fibrocartilage and fibrous tissue. The radiolucency is more marked when there is more soft tissue. However in all cases there is some direct bony contact. Cemented and cementless fixation was compared in a randomised controlled study using radiostereometric analysis and fluoroscopic imaging of the interfaces. In the first year the cementless tibial component subsided on average 0.28 mm and had an increased posterior slope of 0.40°, whereas the cemented component only subsided 0.09 mm, with a 0.10° increase in slope. In the second year both components had very little further subsidence (mean Two designs of lateral UKR were also compared. These had a flat tibial component that predominantly transmits compressive loading, and a domed component that also transmits shear. There was a lower prevalence of radiolucency in the domed tibia (13% v 60%), even though there was a similar amount of migration as the cemented medial tibial component. In conclusion radiolucent lines, both partial and complete, are common with cemented components, and may, in part, be a result of compressive loading. They are associated with good long-term results and direct bone cement contact indicating satisfactory fixation. However, they are also associated with increased migration and soft tissue at the interface suggesting that the fixation, although satisfactory, is suboptimal. The cementless components had no complete radiolucencies and low levels of migration in the second year. This suggests that bone ingrowth and secure fixation occurs reliably, and therefore that cementless fixation may be better than cemented for the Oxford UKR.
Feng Shui of supercomputer memory positional effects in DRAM and SRAM faults

Several recent publications confirm that faults are common in high-performance computing systems. Therefore, further attention to the faults experienced by such computing systems is warranted. In this paper, we present a study of DRAM and SRAM faults in large high-performance computing systems. Our goal is to understand the factors that influence faults in production settings. We examine the impact of aging on DRAM, finding a marked shift from permanent to transient faults in the first two years of DRAM lifetime. We examine the impact of DRAM vendor, finding that fault rates vary by more than 4x among vendors. We examine the physical location of faults in a DRAM device and in a data center; contrary to prior studies, we find no correlations with either. Finally, we study the impact of altitude and rack placement on SRAM faults, finding that, as expected, altitude has a substantial impact on SRAM faults, and that top of rack placement correlates with 20% higher fault rate.
COPD updates: what’s new in pathophysiology and management?

The historic perspective that used to define chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has changed. As reviewed in this article, it is based on a better understanding of the underlying inflammatory airflow obstruction and a multidimensional classification, which mostly targets a subgroup called ‘frequent exacerbators’. Clinical and radioimaging predictors are the stamina for an aggressive therapeutic approach. A simplified explanation of the updated Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines will ease the burden of treatment selection.
Negotiating health care: The experiences of young lesbian and bisexual women

An emerging body of research shows that lesbians and bisexual women face multiple barriers to health care and are in a vulnerable position when accessing care and interacting with health care providers. Young women's experiences have been only marginally researched, however. This article describes findings from a qualitative study that explored the health-related experiences of eight young lesbian and bisexual women ages 18-21 in San Francisco, California, USA, and focuses on how participants negotiated the health care interaction. The negotiations highlight (1) the agency exercised by these young women; (2) the impact of health care providers on young lesbian and bisexual women's access to and utilization of medical care; and (3) the ways the health care interaction reflects larger power dynamics in society.
Role of caveolin-1 in asthma and chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is the major protein present in invaginations of the plasma membrane of cells known as caveolae. Cav-1 is expressed in numerous resident and inflammatory cells implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A remarkable repertoire of functions has been identified for Cav-1 and these extend to, and have relevance to, asthma and chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases. Important processes influenced by Cav-1 include inflammation, fibrosis, smooth muscle contractility, regulation of apoptosis and cell senescence as well as epithelial barrier function and homeostasis. A better understanding of Cav-1 may be useful in developing new therapies for chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases.
Chronophysiology of the cardiovascular system

Abstract The development of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices and the beat-by-beat measurement of heart rate have enabled it to be established that there are circadian rhythms in heart rate and blood pressure in subjects living normally. Investigations of these variables have led to quantification of their fall at night, and rapid rise on awakening and becoming active in the morning. These changes are of particular interest insofar as abnormalities in them are associated with cardiovascular problems and morbidity in patients and also act as risk factors in otherwise healthy individuals. It has also been shown that there are many other variables of the cardiovascular system. The causes of the circadian rhythms in heart rate and blood pressure are outlined, with particular stress upon the role of the autonomic nervous system, as assessed from low- and high-frequency components of the variation in heart rate measured beat-by-beat. Activity increases blood pressure, but there is evidence that this “reactivity” varies with time of day, and this also might be related to cardiovascular morbidity. Based upon data from several sources, including night work, resting subjects and bed-ridden patients, it is concluded that the contribution of the “body clock” to producing the circadian rhythm in heart rate and blood pressure is relatively small. A bias towards an exogenous cause applies also to most other circadian rhythms in the cardiovascular system. Knowledge of circadian rhythmicity in cardiovascular system, together with an understanding of its causes, provides a rationale for advice to reduce cardiovascular risk and to assess the efficacy of therapies.
Oxidative status and malondialdehyde in β‐thalassaemia patients

Background In β‐thalassaemia syndromes, decreased or impaired biosynthesis of β‐globin leads to accumulation of unpaired α‐globin chains. Moreover, the iron overload in β‐thalassaemia patients generates oxygen‐free radicals and peroxidative tissue injury. The aim of this study was to detect and correlate iron overload parameters with the oxidative stress and the antioxidant capability in β‐thalassaemia patients.
Pulse transmission coefficient: A nonhyperemic index for physiologic assessment of procedural success following percutaneous coronary interventions

Intracoronary pressure measurements and the determination of fractional flow reserve (FFR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) predict adverse events. Coronary lesions may impair the transmission of pressure waves across a stenosis, potentially acting as a high‐frequency filter. The pulse transmission coefficient (PTC) is a nonhyperemic parameter that calculates the transmission of high‐frequency components of the pressure signal through a stenosis. It was shown recently that PTC is highly correlated with FFR. This study was designed to examine the change of PTC as compared to FFR following PCI. Pressure signals were obtained by pressure guidewire in 27 lesions pre‐ and post‐PCI and were analyzed with an algorithm that identifies the high‐frequency component in the pressure signal. The PTC was calculated at baseline as the ratio between distal and proximal high‐frequency components of the pressure waveform across the lesion. FFR measurements were assessed with intracoronary adenosine. There was a significant increase in PTC following PCI (0.15 ± 0.17 at baseline vs. 0.84 ± 0.11 post‐PCI; P < 0.001). Comparable changes were observed for FFR (0.58 ± 0.12 at baseline vs. 0.91 ± 0.05 post‐PCI; P < 0.001). PTC is a nonhyperemic parameter for physiologic assessment of coronary artery stenoses. Similar to FFR, PTC is significantly increased following PCI. Thus, it may serve as an adjunct index for the functional assessment of procedural success following PCI. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:95–102. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scrub typhus in Uttarakhand, India: a common rickettsial disease in an uncommon geographical region

Summary Scrub typhus is a commonly encountered rickettsial disease of the Indian subcontinent. Humans are infected accidentally and the case fatality can be significantly high if the disease is not identified in time. We report nine cases of scrub typhus from the Garhwal region of the newly created north Indian state of Uttarakhand, a region not previously known to harbour the vector. Entomological studies are needed to study the density of the vectorand to institute vector control measures in order to prevent this relatively benign, yet potentially fatal, clinical entity from spiralling into a major public health issue.