Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Which characteristics of nursing home residents influence differences in malnutrition prevalence? An international comparison of The Netherlands, Germany and Austria

Prevalence rates of malnutrition vary considerably internationally, partly due to differences in measurement methodology and instruments. In the present study, the same measurement methodology and instruments were used in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether resident characteristics influence possible differences in malnutrition prevalence between countries. The study followed a cross-sectional, multi-centre design that measured malnutrition in nursing home residents from The Netherlands, Germany and Austria. Resident data were gathered using a standardised questionnaire. Malnutrition was operationalised using BMI, unintentional weight loss and nutritional intake. Data were analysed using an association model. The prevalence rates of malnutrition in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria were 18·3, 20·1 and 22·5 %, respectively. The multivariate generalised estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression analysis showed that sex, age, care dependency, the mean number of diseases and some specific diseases were influencing factors for whether the resident was malnourished or not. The OR of malnutrition in the three countries declined after including the influencing factors resulting from the multivariate GEE analysis. The present study reveals that differences in the prevalence rates of malnutrition in nursing homes in The Netherlands, Germany and Austria are influenced by different resident characteristics. Since other country-related factors could also play an important role in influencing differences in the prevalence rates of malnutrition between the countries (structural and process factors of malnutrition care policy). We recommend the investigation of these factors in future studies.
The limited role of the glomerular endothelial cell glycocalyx as a barrier to transglomerular albumin transport

Abstract For over 50 years, the glomerular filter has been thought to exert an uniquely significant barrier to the transport of albumin. The glomerular endothelial cell glycocalyx is considered to contribute to this important barrier restriction. In renal disease, structural alterations to this layer have been associated with albuminuria. It appears however the claims of the influence of this barrier have been overstated. The behaviour of albumin in systems that model the glycocalyx has been studied widely and the results demonstrate that the endothelial glycocalyx would offer only relatively small effective barrier to albumin. This has been confirmed in studies on macromolecular exchange in non-renal capillary beds with similar endothelial glycocalyx. The experimental perturbations to the glomerular endothelial glycocalyx (through enzyme treatments, saline washouts) also create only relatively small changes in the level of albuminuria as compared to changes in albumin excretion seen in renal disease and nephrotic states. Additionally, it is questionable how specific these perturbations are. Overall, the endothelial glycocalyx most likely has biological functions like it does in other extracellular regions involving hydration through osmotic pressure and offering charge-mediated binding of various molecules. This confirms work by Comper and colleagues that the glomerular sieving of albumin is not unique and is consistent with that of size selectivity that results in significant amounts of albumin being filtered normally, retrieved by proximal tubules and returned to the blood supply.
Hum Genet 1 3 techniques from machine learning and statistics applied to specific subtasks

The rationale for computational systems biology (Ideker et al. 2001) remains compelling: the traditional approach to biomedical research, experiments and analysis, done primarily molecule by molecule, is not suited to extracting system-level information at the scale needed to ultimately understand and model complex biological systems. Studying these systems in detail is now becoming possible due to data supplied by high-throughput technologies for genomics, transcriptomics, protemomics, metabolomics and so forth. Understanding the coordinated behavior and functional role of these many interacting components requires a principled and networkcentered quantitative approach. In addition, “systems medicine” can reveal the perturbed structure of living systems in disease (Hood et al. 2004) as well as improved methods for disease diagnosis and treatment (Auffray et al. 2009; Hood et al. 2014). This global view and quantitative research strategy has been widely adopted, and “computational” methods are now abundant in processing genomic signals, genome-wide association studies, inferring networks, discovering biomarkers, predicting disease phenotypes and analyzing disease progression. As promoted in Ideker et al. (2001), biomedical applications frequently involve “computer-based” models and simulation, and the development of bioinformatics tools and algorithms. Accordingly, survey articles about “translational bioinformatics” typically recount exemplary studies using Abstract Cancer is perhaps the prototypical systems disease, and as such has been the focus of extensive study in quantitative systems biology. However, translating these programs into personalized clinical care remains elusive and incomplete. In this perspective, we argue that realizing this agenda—in particular, predicting disease phenotypes, progression and treatment response for individuals—requires going well beyond standard computational and bioinformatics tools and algorithms. It entails designing global mathematical models over network-scale configurations of genomic states and molecular concentrations, and learning the model parameters from limited available samples of high-dimensional and integrative omics data. As such, any plausible design should accommodate: biological mechanism, necessary for both feasible learning and interpretable decision making; stochasticity, to deal with uncertainty and observed variation at many scales; and a capacity for statistical inference at the patient level. This program, which requires a close, sustained
Depression and anxiety in inflammatory bowel disease: A review of comorbidity and management

Abstract While there has been a great deal of speculation over the years on the importance of emotional factors in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), it is only in the last decade or so that studies with stronger designs have been available to clarify the nature of this relationship. This review considers recent evidence on the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in IBD, the role of these disorders as a risk factor for IBD onset, the degree to which they affect the course of the IBD, and the contribution of corticosteroid treatment to psychiatric symptom onset. There is evidence that anxiety and depression are more common in patients with IBD and that the symptoms of these conditions are more severe during periods of active disease. The few studies that address the issue of anxiety and depression as risk factors for IBD do not yet provide enough information to support definite conclusions. There is evidence, however, that the course of the disease is worse in depressed patients. Treatment with corticosteroids can induce mood disorders or other psychiatric symptoms. The second part of the review focuses on patient management issues for those with comorbid anxiety or depression. Practical approaches to screening are discussed, and are recommended for routine use in the IBD clinic, especially during periods of active disease. We review evidence‐based pharmacological and psychological treatments for anxiety and depression and discuss practical considerations in treating these conditions in the context of IBD to facilitate overall management of the IBD patient.
The Influence of Hydrocolloid Patch Composition on the Bioavailability of Triamcinolone Acetonide in Humans

Triamcinolone acetonide (TACA) is a corticosteroid; it is used in the systemic and topical treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Conventionally, for topical use, the drug is formulated in a cream or ointment. However, it has been observed in vitro that percutaneous penetration of corticosteroids can be influenced by hydrocolloid patches. Corticosteroids produce a pallor or blanching when applied to the skin that correlates with anti-inflammatory activity; this property has been used extensively as a bioassay. The aim of this study therefore was to evaluate the occlusive properties of a range of hydrocolloid patches containing TACA on the drug's penetration in vivo using visual assessment and a graded multiple measurement. The in vivo hydration of these dermatological patches was also investigated. Statistical analysis of the weight gains of patches containing either NaCMC 39% or pectin 39% showed that there was a significant difference in the rates of hydration of the two types of patch (p <. 005). An increase in application time of the hydrocolloid patches allowed more TACA to be released, which was illustrated by an increase in both the maximum percentage total possible score (%TPS) values and AUC, although changes in the hydrocolloid composition did not significantly alter the blanching response. All of the patches adhered well, were unobtrusive to the normal activity of the wearers, and showed great potential for the convenient, localized, prolonged delivery of drugs to the skin.
Intrauterine Coxsackie Virus, Group B Type 1, Infection: Viral Cultivation from Amniotic Fluid in the Third Trimester

We report a case that presents clear evidence of an intrauterine infection of twin fetuses with an enterovirus. The mother had signs and symptoms of chorioamniotitis at 34 weeks' gestation. Coxsackie virus, group B type 1 (CVB1), was cultured from amniotic fluid obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis when the membranes of both fetuses were still intact. Delivery occurred vaginally approximately 24 hours later, following spontaneous rupture of membranes. At birth, both twins showed signs of sepsis. Postpartum, CVB1 was recovered from the mother's cervix, and the newborns' cerebrospinal fluid, nasopharyngeal, and rectal swabs. The present significance of this case is discussed.
Sensitivity of Jury Trial Outcomes to Trial Factors

This paper presents a novel machine learning approach to feature impact analysis in the context of American criminal jury trials. Specifically, four data mining algorithms are used to rank nineteen characteristics of jury trial procedure according to their influence on trial outcomes. The algorithms are implemented using various packages in the statistical computing language R. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
The Gα Subunit Signals through the Ste50 Protein during the Mating Pheromone Response in the Yeast Kluyveromyces lactis

ABSTRACT Yeast mating signal transduction pathways require a heterotrimeric G protein composed of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits connected to a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) module. While in Saccharomyces cerevisiae elimination of Gα induces constitutive activation of the mating pathway, in Kluyveromyces lactis it produces partial sterility, which indicates that K. lactis Gα (KlGα) is required to positively activate mating. We use physical interaction experiments to determine that KlGα interacts with the adaptor protein KlSte50p. The Ras association (RA) domain of KlSte50p favored interaction with the GDP-bound KlGα subunit, and when the KlGα protein is constitutively activated, the interaction drops significantly. Additionally, KlSte50p strongly associates with the MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK) KlSte11p through its sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain. Genetic experiments placed KlSte50p downstream of the G protein α subunit, indicating that KlGα may stimulate the mating pathway via KlSte50p. Fusion of KlSte50p to the KlGβ subunit partially eliminated the requirement of KlGα for mating, indicating that one contribution of KlGα to the mating pathway is to facilitate plasma membrane anchoring of KlSte50p.
Eliminating the dichotomy between theory and practice in talent identification and development: considering the role of psychology

It is acknowledged that appropriate support and training are essential if talented individuals are to fulfil their potential. The early identification of talented athletes is an increasingly important consideration for researchers and practitioners alike. Once talented individuals have been detected, crucial but limited support resources can be optimally deployed to ensure that their needs are met and that their gifts are developed. However, there is considerable disagreement among experts on what talent is, and which factors can reliably be used within talent identification processes. This paper explores prerequisites to success in sport, and the comparative efficacy of employing these prerequisites within talent identification schemes. It is proposed that talent needs to be reconceptualized so that talent identification and talent development processes are perceived to be dynamic and interrelated. Additionally, the need to place greater emphasis on the capacity of a child to develop in sport and the psychological factors that underpin this process is highlighted. To this end, it is advocated that talent identification and development schemes, while emphasizing the multidimensional nature of talent, need to recognize the essential role of psychology in the ability of individuals to fulfil their sporting potential.
Nasal swabs for detection of respiratory syncytial virus RNA

Nasal swab offers a sensitive sampling method for the detection of respiratory viruses in children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an exception and it is detected more often in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) than in nasal swabs when it is searched for by immunoassays or viral culture (1–2). Therefore, more laborous and painful NPA have been the first-choice specimen for high-yield recovery of RSV by conventional methods. We wanted to find out whether the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) increases the usefulness of nasal swabs by comparing the performance of nasal swab-RT-PCR with NPA-immunoassays in the detection of RSV infections in children.
Anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 enhancing requires FGF‐2/FGF receptor 1 binding in mouse osteoblasts

In this study, we investigated the role of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in mouse osteoblast survival and the function of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in this process. In particular, for the first time, we demonstrated that PGF2α increased osteoblast survival in a dose‐dependent manner and we showed that the effect is correlated with an increase in Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PGF2α caused a decrement of the active caspases 9 and 3. By blocking FGF‐2 with the specific neutralizing antibody and by depletion of FGFR1 gene with a specific siRNA, we showed that FGFR1 and FGF‐2 are critical for the increment of Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and the decrement of the active caspases 9 and 3, induced by PGF2α. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy studies showed that PGF2α increased binding of FGF‐2 and FGFR1 and co‐localization of reactive sites at plasma membrane level. In conclusion, we report a novel mechanism in which PGF2α induces FGF‐2 binding to its specific cell surface receptor 1 leading to a cascade pathway that culminates with increased mouse osteoblast survival. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:145–152, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epithelial Cells of Nasal Mucosa Express Functional Gap Junctions of Connexin 43

Objective—Recent studies have suggested that inositol triphosphate is transmitted through the gap junction of adjacent epithelial cells and communicates the intracellular calcium wave that controls the beating of cilia. Therefore, gap junction-mediated intercellular communication may modulate the metachronal ciliary beating of respiratory mucosa. Material and Methods—The expression and function of gap junctions were evaluated in nasal mucosa using immunofluorescent staining, Western blotting and Lucifer Yellow dye coupling in both whole nasal mucosa and cultured nasal epithelial cells. Results—Among connexins (Cxs) 26, 32 and 43, only Cx43 was found in the nasal mucosa, in both the epithelial cells and submucosa tissue. Using Western blotting, Cx43 protein was found in protein extracts of both whole mucosa and cultured epithelial cells. The Cx43 protein content increased twofold between the 3rd and 6th days of culture. Lucifer Yellow dye, microinjected into single cultured epithelial cells, had spread to the adjacent cells. Conclusions—Cx43 is present in nasal mucosa. The expression of Cx43 on epithelial cells increases after culture. The dye-coupling study in epithelial cells indicated that the signal may be transmitted to neighboring cells via a gap junction composed of Cx43. Thus, Cx43 may be involved in the regulation of metachronal ciliary beating in ciliated epithelial cells and growth or differentiation in nasal tissue.
Gestational Stress Leads to Depressive-Like Behavioural and Immunological Changes in the Rat

Stress during pregnancy, gestational stress, can increase the chance of developing postpartum depression, which is estimated to occur in 10% of women. Since major depression is accompanied by an activation of the inflammatory response system, the aim of this study was to investigate if stress during pregnancy induces postpartum depressive-like behaviour, and if so, is it accompanied by activation of the inflammatory response system in female Fisher rats. We investigated the effect of gestational stress on the production of depressive-like behaviour in the rats. The pregnant dams underwent daily restraint stress (for 1 week, 3 times/day) or were left undisturbed (control). On postpartum day 22, the rats were introduced to the forced swim test (pre-test). On postpartum days 23 and 24 (test days), the immobility time was measured. Gestational stress significantly elevated immobility scores by 35–40% above the control values on both test days, which suggests that the stressed group displayed postpartum depressive-like behaviour. The concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in stimulated whole-blood culture were also analysed. The stressed group showed higher levels of all three cytokines. No significant differences in the cytokine concentrations were detected in the hypothalamus, hippocampus or pre-frontal cortex.
Co-expression of urotensin II and its receptor (GPR14) in human cardiovascular and renal tissues

Background Urotensin-II (UII), a cyclic dodecapeptide originally isolated from fish urophysis that has potent cardiovascular effects, has recently been identified as an endogenous ligand for the orphan G protein-coupled receptor, GPR14. The physiological roles of endogenous UII and its receptor in humans remain unknown. Objective To investigate the presence of human (h) UII-like immunoreactivity (hUII-LI) in human biological fluids, and the expression of hUII and GPR14 genes in human tissues. Methods We have established a specific radioimmunoassay for hUII and the real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method using LightCycler for the quantification of hUII and GPR14 mRNAs. Results Gel filtration and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography of human urine extracts revealed a single major peak of hUII-LI co-eluting with known hUII. The concentrations of hUII-LI in urine from normal individuals were 7.4 ± 0.9 μg/g creatinine, whereas its plasma concentration was undetectable (< 50 pg/ml). Urinary hUII concentrations from patients with essential hypertension and those with renal tubular abnormality, but not with glomerular diseases, were significantly greater than those from normal individuals. The resulting fractional excretion of hUII, exceeding the glomerular filtration rate, suggests a renal origin of urinary UII-LI. hUII mRNAs were abundantly expressed in the kidney and the right atrium, but far less so in the vasculature, whereas GPR14 mRNAs were equally and abundantly expressed in both cardiovascular and renal tissues. Conclusions These data suggest that urinary hUII is derived mainly from a renal source, and that hUII functions as an autocrine/paracrine vasoactive factor not only in the cardiovascular system, but also in the kidney, with an as yet unspecified function.
Concepciones del ser humano y la naturaleza desde el antropocentrismo y el biosferismo

El presente trabajo profundiza en la distinta concepcion que las personas poseen del ser humano y de la naturaleza en funcion de sus actitudes hacia el medio ambiente. En concreto se pretende establecer que caracteristicas se asocian al ser humano y a la naturaleza para aquellos sujetos que poseen actitudes biosfericas que valoran a la naturaleza por el valor intrinseco de esta, frente a actitudes antropocentricas que valoran la naturaleza por su contribucion a la mejora de la calidad de vida humana. Los resultados obtenidos con una muestra de estudiantes ponen de manifiesto que la concepcion que los participantes tienen del ser humano en relacion con la naturaleza, destaca cualidades morales del primero frente a las esteticas de la naturaleza y aquellas que tienen que ver con el equilibrio del mundo natural. No obstante, este discurso parece matizarse en funcion de que las actitudes hacia el medio ambiente se orienten hacia el biosferismo, el antropocentrismo o la apatia medioambiental. Asi, el ser humano es percibido como contaminador desde una perspectiva antropocentrica y destructor desde una biosferica. Por su parte, la naturaleza es vista de forma utilitarista desde el antropocentrismo; mientras que los sujetos biosfericos valoran sus caracteristicas intrinsecas
Breastfeeding Experiences of Taiwan Nurses on Rotational Shifts

&NA; The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of ten three-shift nurses, with particular focus on how they make arrangements regarding breastfeeding in relation to their workplaces and work breaks. Using a qualitative approach, data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten three-shift nurses who had breastfed for more than six months and who returned to work after childbirth. Snowball sampling was used to recruit participants, each of whom was interviewed for 1.5-2 hours. Content analysis was used to synthesize interview transcripts. The following three predominant themes and nine sub-themes were identified: (1) managing to express milk --- finding appropriate times to express milk during day shifts, learning the timing to express milk during night shifts, and expressing all milk from the breasts during early morning ‘graveyard’ shifts; (2) dealing with the conflict between work and expressing milk --- learning to both take care of patients and express milk, coming back to work on time after expressing milk, and finding “good” places to express milk; and (3) viewing breastfeeding as part of life --- being with the baby at home more than being out, turning cars into mobile breastfeeding and milk-expressing “rooms”, and breastfeeding as an accomplishment. These findings can help nurses and other healthcare professionals provide anticipatory guidance to women who plan to continue to breastfeed after returning to work. Study results can provide a reference for shift workers who continue to breastfeed after they return to work.