Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic Analyses of Musashi1 Downstream Targets Show a Strong Association with Cancer-related Processes*

Musashi1 (Msi1) is a highly conserved RNA-binding protein with pivotal functions in stem cell maintenance, nervous system development, and tumorigenesis. Despite its importance, only three direct mRNA targets have been characterized so far: m-numb, CDKN1A, and c-mos. Msi1 has been shown to affect their translation by binding to short elements located in the 3′-untranslated region. To better understand Msi1 functions, we initially performed an RIP-Chip analysis in HEK293T cells; this method consists of isolation of specific RNA-protein complexes followed by identification of the RNA component via microarrays. A group of 64 mRNAs was found to be enriched in the Msi1-associated population compared with controls. These genes belong to two main functional categories pertinent to tumorigenesis: 1) cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis and 2) protein modification (including ubiquitination and ubiquitin cycle). To corroborate our findings, we examined the impact of Msi1 expression on both mRNA (transcriptomic) and protein (proteomic) expression levels. Genes whose mRNA levels were affected by Msi1 expression have a Gene Ontology distribution similar to RIP-Chip results, reinforcing Msi1 participation in cancer-related processes. The proteomics study revealed that Msi1 can have either positive or negative effects on gene expression of its direct targets. In summary, our results indicate that Msi1 affects a network of genes and could function as a master regulator during development and tumor formation.
The ear as an alternative site for a pulse oximeter finger clip sensor.

BACKGROUND Finger clip pulse oximetry sensors are commonly used to obtain functional oxygen saturation readings (S(pO2)), but these sensors may perform poorly if the digit is poorly perfused or there is excessive hand movement. I have increasingly witnessed clinicians obtaining S(pO2) readings by placing the finger clip sensor on the patient's ear when an S(pO2) reading cannot be obtained from a finger. OBJECTIVE Determine if reliable S(pO2) readings can be obtained from a finger clip sensor placed on the ear. METHODS This was a prospective study with patients undergoing pulmonary function testing. The calculated functional oxygen saturation values from arterial blood gas analysis (S(aO2)) were compared with S(pO2) readings from a finger clip sensor placed on a finger (finger S(pO2)) and on the upper portion of an ear (ear S(pO2)). S(pO2) data were included in the study only if (1) the pulse rate from finger S(pO2) and ear S(pO2) differed by < or = 5 beats/min and (2) the photoplethysmographic waveform was stable and acceptable. RESULTS Data were obtained from 30 adult white patients. The number of S(pO2) readings that differed from the S(aO2) values by > or = 3% were 1 (3.3%) finger S(pO2) reading and 24 (80%, 95% CI 61%-92%) ear S(pO2) readings (p < or = 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis showed better agreement between S(aO2) and finger S(pO2) (mean +/- 2 SD limits of agreement -2.35 to 2.35) than between S(aO2) and ear S(pO2) (limits of agreement -7.24 to -0.08) or finger S(pO2) and ear S(pO2) (limits of agreement -7.56 to -0.23). CONCLUSION A pulse oximeter finger clip sensor placed on the ear does not provide clinically reliable S(pO2) readings.
LifeStream: Real-Time Bio-Signal Remote Monitoring System

This paper describes the design of a modular solution for remote bio-signal monitoring and processing. The main purpose is to increase health care efficiency by providing critical and intensive care units with lack of specialized personnel with access to off-site specialized patient diagnosis and therapeutic indications. The system modularity allows the integration of specific processing modules, such as diagnostic or compression algorithms. This solution was integrated into an existing telemedicine platform developed by Portugal Telecom. Currently the system is used to support professionals' decision support workflow concerning the transfer of critically ill paediatric patients between hospitals. Moreover, it introduces automation and mobile monitoring mechanisms in the process of transport of patients to specialized medical facilities that can be exploited into the future.
Development and structure of drinking water biofilms and techniques for their study

Drinking water systems are known to harbour biofilms, even though these environments are oligotrophic and often contain a disinfectant. Control of these biofilms is important for aesthetic and regulatory reasons. Study of full‐scale systems has pointed to several factors controlling biofilm growth, but cause‐and‐effect relationships can only be established in controlled reactors. Using laboratory and pilot distribution systems, along with a variety of bacterial detection techniques, insights have been gained on the structure and behaviour of biofilms in these environments. Chlorinated biofilms differ in structure from non‐chlorinated biofilms, but often the number of cells is similar. The number and level of cellular activity is dependent on the predominant carbon source. There is an interaction between carbon sources, the biofilm and the type of pipe material, which complicates the ability to predict biofilm growth. Humic substances, which are known to sorb to surfaces, appear to be a usable carbon source for biofilms. The finding offers an explanation for many of the puzzling observations in full scale and laboratory studies on oligotrophic biofilm growth. Pathogens can persist in these environments as well. Detection requires methods that do not require culturing.
A Four-Year Longitudinal Investigation of the Social Skills and Behavior Problems of Students with Learning Disabilities

This longitudinal, prospective study investigated the social skills and behavior problems of three groups of students (10 students per group) from kindergarten through third grade: learning disabilities (LD), low achievement (LA), and average/high achievement (A/HA). Social skills and behavior problem rating scales were completed by teachers on all students during kindergarten through third grade. Students in the LD and LA group exhibited significantly lower social skills and higher levels of behavior problems than their A/HA peers, but no significant differences for either measure were found between the LD and LA groups. Scores on the cooperating/responding factor of the social skills rating scale increased over time, but scores on the outgoing/initiating factor of the social skills rating scale did not change significantly over time. Discussion focused on the finding that students in the LD and LA groups did not differ significantly on social skills or behavior problems over time, though both groups demonstrated more behavior problems and lower social skills than the A/HA students.
Emerging cell-cycle inhibitors for pancreatic cancer therapy

Introduction: Patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) present with advanced disease that is lethal and notoriously difficult to treat. The research focused initially on combining cytotoxic therapies with gemcitabine, and over the past decade, a large number of studies have been published that aimed to target the molecular abnormalities implicated in pancreatic tumor growth. Areas covered: The cell cycle is a tightly regulated series of events that governs cell replication and division. Deregulation of cell cycle kinases have been implicated in PC tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the potential and limitations of current cyclin-kinase inhibitors. We also summarize progress in evaluating other mitotic kinase inhibitors and novel cell-cycle kinase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents in PC. Expert opinion: While the successful development and approval of cell-cycle inhibitors for PC therapy remains unresolved, pre-clinical identification of resistant mechanisms would help design better early- phase clinical trials where relevant combinations may be evaluated prior to Phase II testing. The authors believe that cell-cycle kinases are important anti-cancer targets that operate in collaboration with other oncogenes intimately involved in uncontrolled tumor proliferation and by providing a unique, targeted, and complimentary anti-cancer mechanism, expand the available armamentarium against PC.
Effects of acupuncture as a treatment for hyperventilation syndrome: a pilot, randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND Sustained and subtle hyperventilation can result in a wide variety of symptoms, leading to a chronic condition that has been termed hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). Treatment options include physiotherapy, in the form of breathing retraining (BR), but additional approaches aim to reduce the anxiety that is recognized as being a frequent component of this condition. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate whether acupuncture is an appropriate treatment for HVS to reduce anxiety, and whether a crossover trial is an appropriate study design to evaluate acupuncture in this condition. DESIGN A single-blind crossover trial was carried out comparing the effects of 4 weeks (30 minutes twice weekly) acupuncture and BR on patients with HVS. SUBJECTS Ten (10) patients diagnosed with HVS were recruited to the trial and randomized into two groups. Both groups received acupuncture and BR with a washout period of 1 week. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure used was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale. Other outcome measures used were the Nijmegen questionnaire and Medical Research Council Dyspnea scale. RESULTS The results showed statistically significant treatment differences between acupuncture and breathing retraining, in favor of acupuncture. Reductions were found in the HAD A (anxiety) (p = 0.02) and Nijmegen (symptoms) (p = 0.03) scores. There was no statistical evidence of any carryover effects. However, when graphically examining individual anxiety scores, in those who received acupuncture first, there was a reduction in anxiety levels which persisted through the washout period, suggesting that there may have been some carryover effect from this treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial in the management of HVS in terms of reducing anxiety levels and symptom severity. However, there may be some carryover effect, after acupuncture treatment, which went undetected because the small sample size. This preliminary study provides the basis for a larger, sufficiently powered and methodologically sound trial.
Multidisciplinary European low dose initiative: an update of the MELODI program

Abstract Purpose: This paper provides an update and summary on the organization of European research in the field of low dose risk and radiation protection. To address declining resources and competence in radiation protection and related research across European countries, a High Level and Expert Group (HLEG) was established in 2007. The HLEG identified key policy and scientific questions to be addressed through a strategic research agenda for low dose radiation risk. This initiated the establishment of a European Research Platform, called MELODI (Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Research Initiative). Dr Bill Morgan closely followed the European low dose programme and chaired the international Advisory Boards of DoReMi Network of Excellence and the MELODI platform. Conclusion: The MELODI research platform is dedicated to low dose ionizing radiation risk. In 2010, MELODI was founded as a registered association with 15 members. As of September 2016, the association´s membership increased to 46. A major activity of MELODI is the establishment and updating of a long-term Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for research on low dose risk in Europe. The SRA is intended to guide the priorities for national and European research programmes and the preparation of competitive calls at the European level. A key priority for radiation protection research is to improve health risk estimates for exposures corresponding to the dose limits for occupational exposures and to reference levels for the exposure of the population in emergency situations.
Assessing Clinical Research Capacity in Vietnam: A Framework for Strengthening Capability for Clinical Trials in Developing Countries

Although improving health systems promises important benefits, most developing nations lack the resources to support nationally driven clinical research. Strengthened clinical research capacity can advance national health goals by supporting greater autonomy in aligning research with national priorities. From March through June 2010, we assessed six elements of clinical research capacity in Vietnam: research agenda; clinical investigators and biostatisticians; donors and sponsors; community involvement; scientific, ethical, safety, and quality oversight; and clinical research institutions. Assessments were drawn from interviews with investigators, Ministry of Health staff members, nongovernment organizations, and U.S. Mission staff members, and document review. Observations and recommendations were shared with collaborators. Reassessment in 2015 found growth in the number of clinical trials, improved regulation in human subjects protection and community engagement, and modest advances in research agenda setting. Training and investment in institutions remain challenging. A framework for assessing clinical research capacity can affirm strengths and weaknesses and guide the coordination of capacity-building efforts.
Presencia de arsénico de origen natural en las aguas subterráneas del acuífero detrítico del Terciario de Madrid

Se han detectado contenidos elevados de arsenico en las aguas subterraneas del acuifero detritico del Terciario de Madrid que parecen responder a causas naturales. Estas concentraciones anomalas non frecuentes en las aguas subterraneas de elevado tiempo de tranaito por el acuifero, caracterizadas por a) pH con tendencia a la alcalinidad valores entre 8,3 y 9> y, por tanto, presencia del anion CO3= b) altos contenidos en el cation sodio, y c) concentraciones poco significativas de los cationes calcio y magnesio. Los contenidos elevados de arsenico se asocian con concentraciones importantes en las aguas subterraneas de vanadio, fluor y boro. Dado que las formas mas estables en sistemas acuosos de estos cuatro constituyentes son los complejos anionicos, parece muy probable que la concentracion y la movilidad del arsenico pudiera estar controlada por fenomenos de intercambio anionico. Estos procesos son frecuentes en las aguas subterraneas con un alto grado de evolucion caracterizadas por valores elevados de pH y una fuerte tendencia al ablandamiento. Aunque esta hipotesis es la que mas parece ajustarse a los datos observados, no se descarta la posible existencia de otros factores adicionales capaces de controlar la movilidad del arsenico y que seran objeto de futuras investigaciones. Palabras clave: acuifero, aguas subterraneas, arsenico, calidad de aguas, hidrogeoquimica
Lessons in platelet production from inherited thrombocytopenias

Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of platelet production has greatly expanded in recent years due to the opportunity to culture in vitro megakaryocytes and to create transgenic animals with specific genetic defects that interfere with platelet biogenesis. However, in vitro models do not reproduce the complexity of the bone marrow microenvironment where megakaryopoiesis takes place, and experience shows that what is seen in animals does not always happen in humans. So, these experimental models tell us what might happen in humans, but does not assure us that these events really occur. In contrast, inherited thrombocytopenias offer the unique opportunity to verify in humans the actual effects of abnormalities in specific molecules on platelet production. There are currently 20 genes whose defects are known to result in thrombocytopenia and, on this basis, this review tries to outline a model of megakaryopoiesis based on firm evidence. Inherited thrombocytopenias have not yet yielded all the information they can provide, because nearly half of patients have forms that do not fit with any known disorder. So, further investigation of inherited thrombocytopenias will advance not only the knowledge of human illnesses, but also our understanding of human platelet production.
Patient satisfaction in Japan.

PURPOSE To extend existing knowledge about health care quality and patient satisfaction by exploring Japanese context having a different health care system and a different culture from the USA and Europe. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A structural equation model is used to explore links between quality perception and patient satisfaction as well as between patient satisfaction and intentional behavior relying on 159 Japanese outpatient replies. FINDINGS Japanese healthcare service quality is evaluated using its process characteristics (patient-provider interaction) and physical attributes (settings and appearance). Process quality attributes were found to be patient satisfaction antecedents. Satisfaction in turn predicts patient intentional behavior (to return and to recommend). Japanese society cultural specificity seems to be an interesting background to understand Japanese evaluation when patients assess health service quality. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS The sample investigated is relatively small. The study relied on a linear approach to assess patient satisfaction and intentional behavior. However, the non-linear model should yield a better reality fit. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS To improve Japanese patient satisfaction, cultural values such as courtesy, empathy and harmony should be emphasized when delivering medical services. Satisfied consumers are an important asset for the healthcare provider as they intend to reuse the service and to recommend it to their families and friends. Both foreign and Japanese providers should adopt a consumer perspective to enhance the service quality and then to maintain long-term relationships with their customers. ORIGINALITY/VALUE The study used structural equation analysis to assess patient satisfaction in a scarcely investigated context. Moreover, the study relies on Japanese society's cultural characteristics to explain and understand results.
All roads lead to actin: the intimate relationship between TCR signaling and the cytoskeleton

Regardless of cell type, the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton is tightly linked to vital biological properties such as polarity, motility, cell–cell contact, exocytosis and proliferation. In the immune system, where rapid and efficient response to antigen‐provoked stimuli is crucial, an overwhelming amount of data implicate the actin cytoskeleton and its regulators as central to immune function. Increasingly, the cytoskeleton is considered an essential amplification step in T cell receptor (TCR)‐, costimulatory‐, and integrin‐mediated signaling. Advances in genetic manipulation and confocal imaging have led to a keener appreciation of the importance of TCR signal integration by the actin cytoskeleton. This review outlines recent advances in elucidating the regulation of T cell function through the actin cytoskeleton. We also examine intriguing parallels between the immune system and other models of cytoskeletal regulation.
Las administraciones locales ante el reto de la Unión Monetaria Europea: Una nueva situación para los sistemas de información contable

La incorporacion de Espana a la Union Monetaria Europea supondra una nueva situacion con parametros economicos diferentes, que obligara a las administraciones locales a tomar decisiones para actuar no solo como impulsoras del cambio, sino tambien como organizaciones que sufren cambios importantes en su propio sistema. La administracion local es uno de los principales agentes en la adaptacion de la sociedad a la nueva situacion, dada su dimension publica. Asumir este papel implica para las mismas tanto costes como beneficios, originados por los cambios administrativos y organizativos que deberan abordar. El objetivo de este articulo es analizar el impacto en los sistemas organizativos y contables de las administraciones locales de la proxima union monetaria, asi como de las politicas de adaptacion que deberan acometer este tipo de entidades.
Complement C3a, CpG Oligos, and DNA/C3a Complex Stimulate IFN-α Production in a Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product-Dependent Manner

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multiligand transmembrane receptor implicated in a number of diseases including autoimmune diseases. To further understand the pathogenic mechanism of RAGE in these diseases, we searched for additional ligands. We discovered that C3a bound to RAGE with an EC50 of 1.9 nM in an ELISA, and the binding was increased both in magnitude (by >2-fold) and in affinity (EC50 70 pM) in the presence of human stimulatory unmethylated cytosine-guanine-rich DNA A (hCpGAs). Surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence anisotropy analyses demonstrated that hCpGAs could bind directly to RAGE and C3a and form a ternary complex. In human PBMCs, C3a increased IFN-α production in response to low levels of hCpGAs, and this synergy was blocked by soluble RAGE or by an Ab directed against RAGE. IFN-α production was reduced in response to mouse CpGAs and C3a in RAGE−/− mouse bone marrow cells compared wild-type mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RAGE is a receptor for C3a and CpGA. Through direct interaction, C3a and CpGA synergize to increase IFN-α production in a RAGE-dependent manner and stimulate an innate immune response. These findings indicate a potential role of RAGE in autoimmune diseases that show accumulation of immunostimulatory DNA and C3a.
Quantitative exposure matrix for asphalt fume, total particulate matter, and respirable crystalline silica among roofing and asphalt manufacturing workers

This paper summarizes available data on worker exposures to asphalt fume (soluble fraction), total particulate matter, and respirable crystalline silica (quartz) [hereinafter RCS] over a 30-year period in Owens Corning’s asphalt production and roofing manufacturing plants. For the period 1977 through 2006, the air-monitoring database contains more than 1,400 personal samples for asphalt fume (soluble fraction), 2,400 personal samples for total particulate, and 1,300 personal samples for RCS. Unique process-job categories were identified for the asphalt production and roofing shingle manufacturing plants. Quantitative exposures were tabulated by agent, process-job, and calendar period to form an exposure matrix for use in subsequent epidemiologic studies of the respiratory health of these workers. Analysis of time trends in exposure data shows substantial and statistically significant exposure reductions for asphalt fume (soluble fraction), total particulate matter, and respirable crystalline silica at Owens Corning plants. Cumulative distribution plots for the most recent sampling period (2001–2006) show that 95% of the asphalt fume (soluble fraction) measurements were less than 0.25 mg/m3; 95% of the total particulate measurements were less than 2.2 mg/m3; and 95% of the RCS measurements were less than 0.05 mg/m3. Several recommendations are offered to improve the design of future monitoring efforts.