Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symposium 6: Young people, artificial nutrition and transitional care The nutritional challenges of the young adult with cystic fibrosis: transition

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex multisystem disorder affecting mainly the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. Intestinal malabsorption occurs in approximately 90% of patients. In the past, malnutrition was an inevitable consequence of disease progression, leading to poor growth, impaired respiratory muscle function, decreased exercise tolerance and immunological impairment. A positive association between body weight and height and survival has been widely reported. The energy requirements of patients with CF vary widely and generally increase with age and disease severity. For many young adults requirements will be 120–150% of the age-related estimated average requirement. To meet these energy needs patients are encouraged to eat a high-fat high-energy diet with appropriate pancreatic enzyme supplements. Many patients are unable to achieve an adequate intake as a result of a variety of factors including chronic poor appetite, infection-related anorexia, gastro-oesophageal reflux and abdominal pain. Oral energy supplements and enteral tube feeding are widely used. Nutritional support has been shown to improve nutritional status and stabilise or slow the rate of decline in lung function. With such emphasis on nutritional intake and nutritional status throughout life, poor adherence to therapies and issues relating to body image are emerging. The median survival of patients with CF is increasing. CF is now considered a life-limiting disease of adulthood rather than a terminal childhood illness. With increased longevity new challenges are emerging that include the transition of young adults with CF to adult services, CF-related diabetes, disordered eating, osteoporosis, liver disease and transplantation.
Student assessment in community settings: a comprehensive approach

Student assessment in community settings presents problems for medical teachers, e.g. difficulties in assessing the contribution of individual members to group work, and lack of test standardization due to varying field conditions. The Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira, Sudan is a community‐oriented, community‐based medical school which has adopted a comprehensive approach to student assessment in community settings using various methods, including peer assessment, a supervisory checklist, community feedback, reports from students, short essay questions (SEQs) and multiple choice questions (MCQs). Each method focuses on a specific aspect of the objectives of the community‐based programme and is weighted in the final grade according to the extent to which objectives were covered. This assessment programme contrasts with the conventional teacher‐centred approach, and is continuously monitored and improved using a variety of sources of information. A total of 105 students participated in a study designed to measure the reliability and validity of this approach. The reliability of the methods was tested by computing the alpha coefficient and was found to range between 0·77 and 0·92. This was considered acceptable. The validity of the instruments was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and their content validity was reviewed. The results show that the comprehensive approach used is fairly valid. It is suggested that the University's approach is successful in solving some of the problems of student assessment in community settings.
Nuclear phosphoinositide signaling regulates messenger RNA export

Messenger RNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm plays an essential role in linking transcription to translation and consequently regulation of protein expression. mRNA export requires a series of events: pre-mRNA processing, ribonucleoprotein targeting to the NPC (nuclear pore complexes), and translocation through nuclear pores to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, the conventional nuclear export machinery, exportins and the Ran GTPase, is not required for mRNA export. Instead, a protein complex consisting of a number of RNA binding proteins is essential for this event including the Aly/REF protein. Phosphoinositide signaling regulates a variety of cellular functions including pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA export. In fact, a phospholipase C-dependent inositol polyphosphate kinase pathway is required for efficient mRNA export. Recently, we showed that Aly is a physiological target of nuclear phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling, which regulates Aly localization as well as Aly function in cell proliferation and mRNA export through nuclear Akt-mediated phosphorylation and phosphoinositide association. Hence, water-soluble inositol polyphosphates and phosphatidylinositol lipids play pivotal roles in modulating mRNA export.
Parallel Ordered-Access Machine Computational Model and Architecture

: The article presents the new computational model which we name the parallel ordered-access machine because of its base – the parallel ordered-access memory. It also describes the computer architecture which implements proposed computational model and owing to this does not have such a limitation as the memory wall and provides parallel conflict-free memory access. The efficiency of the proposed ordered-access machine computational model is evaluated and an example of its implementation is presented.
Centrins, Cell Cycle Regulation Proteins in Human Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum*

Molecules and cellular mechanisms that regulate the process of cell division in malaria parasites remain poorly understood. In this study we isolate and characterize the four Plasmodium falciparum centrins (PfCENs) and, by growth complementation studies, provide evidence for their involvement in cell division. Centrins are cytoskeleton proteins with key roles in cell division, including centrosome duplication, and possess four Ca2+-binding EF hand domains. By means of phylogenetic analysis, we were able to decipher the evolutionary history of centrins in eukaryotes with particular emphasis on the situation in apicomplexans and other alveolates. Plasmodium possesses orthologs of four distinct centrin paralogs traceable to the ancestral alveolate, including two that are unique to alveolates. By real time PCR and/or immunofluorescence, we determined the expression of PfCEN mRNA or protein in sporozoites, asexual blood forms, gametocytes, and in the oocysts developing inside mosquito mid-gut. Immunoelectron microscopy studies showed that centrin is expressed in close proximity with the nucleus of sporozoites and asexual schizonts. Furthermore, confocal and widefield microscopy using the double staining with α-tubulin and centrin antibodies strongly suggested that centrin is associated with the parasite centrosome. Following the episomal expression of the four PfCENs in a centrin knock-out Leishmania donovani parasite line that exhibited a severe growth defect, one of the PfCENs was able to partially restore Leishmania growth rate and overcome the defect in cytokinesis in such mutant cell line. To our knowledge, this study is the first characterization of a Plasmodium molecule that is involved in the process of cell division. These results provide the opportunity to further explore the role of centrins in cell division in malaria parasites and suggest novel targets to construct genetically modified, live attenuated malaria vaccines.
Tailored interventions to overcome identified barriers to change: effects on professional practice and health care outcomes.

BACKGROUND Strategies to implement change in health professional performance have variable impact. A potential explanation is that the barriers to implementation are different in different settings and at different times. Change may be more likely if the strategies were specifically chosen to address the identified barriers. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of strategies tailored to address specific, identified barriers to change in professional performance. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group (EPOC) specialised register and pending files until end of December 2002. English language articles only were included. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that reported objectively measured professional practice or health care outcomes in which at least one group received an intervention designed (or tailored) to address prospectively identified barriers to change. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality. We also contacted study authors to obtain any missing information. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were undertaken. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 studies. For Comparison 1 (an intervention tailored to address identified barriers to change compared to no intervention or an intervention(s) not tailored to the barriers), there was no consistency in the results and the effect sizes varied both across and within studies.A meta-regression of a subset of the included studies, using a classical approach estimated a combined OR of 2.18 (95% CI: 1.09, 4.34), p = 0.026 in favour of tailored interventions. However, when a Bayesian approach was taken, meta-regression gave a combined OR of 2.27 (95% Credible Interval: 0.92, 4.75), which was not statistically significant. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Interventions tailored to prospectively identify barriers may improve care and patient outcomes. However, from the studies included in this review, we were unable to determine whether the barriers were valid, which were the most important barriers, whether all barriers were identified and if they had been addressed by the intervention chosen. Based on the evidence presented in this review, the effectiveness of tailored interventions remains uncertain and more rigorous trials (including process evaluations) are needed. Further research needs to address explicitly the questions of identifying and addressing barriers.
Polyploidy and angiosperm diversification.

Polyploidy has long been recognized as a major force in angiosperm evolution. Recent genomic investigations not only indicate that polyploidy is ubiquitous among angiosperms, but also suggest several ancient genome-doubling events. These include ancient whole genome duplication (WGD) events in basal angiosperm lineages, as well as a proposed paleohexaploid event that may have occurred close to the eudicot divergence. However, there is currently no evidence for WGD in Amborella, the putative sister species to other extant angiosperms. The question is no longer "What proportion of angiosperms are polyploid? ", but "How many episodes of polyploidy characterize any given lineage? " New algorithms provide promise that ancestral genomes can be reconstructed for deep divergences (e.g., it may be possible to reconstruct the ancestral eudicot or even the ancestral angiosperm genome). Comparisons of diversification rates suggest that genome doubling may have led to a dramatic increase in species richness in several angiosperm lineages, including Poaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae, and Brassicaceae. However, additional genomic studies are needed to pinpoint the exact phylogenetic placement of the ancient polyploidy events within these lineages and to determine when novel genes resulting from polyploidy have enabled adaptive radiations.
Outcome of critically ill allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients: a reappraisal of indications for organ failure supports.

PURPOSE Because the overall outcome of critically ill hematologic patients has improved, we evaluated the short-term and long-term outcomes of the poor risk subgroup of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter study of allogeneic HSCT recipients admitted to the ICU between 1997 and 2003. RESULTS Two hundred nine critically ill allogeneic HSCT recipients were included in the study. Admission in the ICU occurred during the engraftment period (< or = 30 days after transplantation) for 70 of the patients and after the engraftment period for 139 patients. The overall in-ICU, in-hospital, 6-month, and 1-year survival rates were 48.3%, 32.5%, 27.2%, and 21%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation was required in 122 patients and led to a dramatic decrease in survival rates, resulting in in-ICU, in-hospital, 6-month, and 1-year survival rates of 18%, 15.6%, 14%, and 10.6%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation, elevated bilirubin level, and corticosteroid treatment for the indication of active graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were independent predictors of death in the whole cohort. In the subgroup of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, associated organ failures, such as shock and liver dysfunction, were independent predictors of death. ICU admission during engraftment period was associated with acceptable outcome in mechanically ventilated patients, whereas patients with late complications of HSCT in the setting of active GVHD had a poor outcome. CONCLUSION Extensive unlimited intensive care support is justified for allogeneic HSCT recipients with complications occurring during the engraftment period. Conversely, initiation or maintenance of mechanical ventilation is questionable in the setting of active GVHD.
Practical evaluation of a novel multivariable relay autotuner with short and efficient excitation

In this paper we propose an autotuning method that combines a setup for decentralized relay autotuning of two-input two-output systems with an identification method that uses short experiments to estimate up to second-order time-delayed systems. A small modification of the experiment gives better low-frequency excitation and improved models. The method is successfully demonstrated in simulations and on a quadruple tank process.
Ceding Control: Empowering Remote Participants in Meetings involving Smart Conference Rooms

We present a system that provides an immersive experience to a remote participant collaborating with other participants using a technologically advanced “smart” meeting room. Traditional solutions for virtual collaboration, such as video conferencing or chat rooms, do not allow remote participants to access or control the technological capabilities of such rooms. In this work, we demonstrate a working system for immersive virtual telepresence in a smart conference room that does allow such control.
INRs and point of care testing

Despite limitations, overall evidence shows that point of care testing is reliable The development and adoption of instruments for determining the international normalised ratio (INR) at the point of care for monitoring treatment with coumarin anticoagulants has added another variable to the question of the precision of INR measurements. In this issue Poller et al (p 30) show discrepancies between results when two such instruments are used and the best estimate of the true INR.1 These observations, however, should be seen in the context of the already recognised limitations of the INR system and the potential for using point of care testing to deliver safe and effective anticoagulant therapy efficiently. Coumarin anticoagulants remain the preferred method of prophylaxis and treatment for thrombosis in a range of clinical situations. Around 1% of the populations of many countries receive such treatment, a proportion boosted by the increasing use of oral anticoagulation as thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation.2 Monitoring of the anticoagulant effect of coumarins, however, is essential, and the prothrombin time is used for this …
Positive Stable Realisation of Fractional Electrical Circuits Consisting of n Subsystem

This paper presents a method of the determination of a positive stable realisation of the fractional continuous-time positive system consisting of n subsystems with one fractional order and with different fractional orders. For the proposed method, a digraph-based algorithm was constructed. In this paper, we have shown how we can realise the transfer matrix using electrical circuits consisting of resistances, inductances, capacitances and source voltages. The proposed method was discussed and illustrated with some numerical examples.
The influence of energy performance levels on the heating demand in dwellings: case-study analyses on neighbourhoods

Unforeseen variations in user behaviour can cause large differences between real and predicted heating demands in dwellings. While these discrepancies have been extensively documented in the literature, taking user behaviour into account in energy calculations remains challenging and could benefit from additional knowledge of the inhabitants’ interactions with their houses and systems. In response to this need for additional knowledge, case-study analyses were carried out on two different neighbourhoods, both consisting of nearly identical houses: one old neighbourhood with uninsulated houses and one recent neighbourhood built according to contemporary energy regulations. Information on user behaviour, on the building characteristics, and on the resulting performance was gathered both by in-situ measurements and by surveys of the inhabitants. Correlations and contradictions between presence, heating, and ventilation profiles were identified as decisive elements for a better estimation of real heating demands. However, the analysis also illustrated that it is hardly possible to fully isolate user behaviour from building characteristics and assess these as distinct entities. This is caused by the direct correlation between the household typologies and the building typologies as well as by the influence of building characteristics on the user behaviour.
The discovery of new anesthetics by targeting GABAA receptors

Introduction: Many of the general anesthetics, currently used in clinical practice, work through interactions with GABAA receptors. The last 2 decades has witnessed substantial progress in defining the molecular mechanisms by which general anesthetics interact with GABAA receptor sites. However, despite progress in the basic scientific understanding of the mechanism of action of general anesthetics, introduction of novel general anesthetic agents into clinical practice has proven quite challenging. Areas covered: The focus of this review is on the potential for translating basic science advances into the design of new and improved anesthetics. The authors review general anesthetics in current practice as well as anesthetic drug candidates in development and discuss the potential for novel anesthetic drug development. Expert opinion: Opportunities for the discovery of new anesthetics include: computational-based ligand-design, structure-based design, re-exploration of old structure–activity data, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity predictions and high-throughput screening. The authors believe a lack of high-resolution three-dimensional structures of mammalian GABAA receptors remains a significant limiting factor in structure-based anesthetic drug design.
Effect of hypothermia (20-25 degrees C) on mitosis in PtK1 cells.

PtK1 cells enter prophase and complete mitosis at 24-25 degrees C but are inhibited from entering prophase at 20-21 degrees C. Cells which have progressed up to midprophase at 24-37 degrees C return to interphase when cooled to 20-21 degrees C, but those in late prophase complete a normal, although prolonged mitosis. If prophase cells which have reverted to interphase at 20-21 degrees C are incubated at 24-37 degrees C they reenter prophase and complete mitosis. This temperature-induced prophase-interphase-prophase transition can be repeated several times on the same cell. At 24-25 degrees C the process of spindle formation (i.e. prometaphase to the initiation of anaphase) encompasses approximately 75% of the total mitotic interval, with a duration of 8-12 h, compared to about 50% of the mitotic interval and a duration of 0.5 to 1.0 h at 37 degrees C.
Enterprise Architecture based Assessment of Healthcare Information System Strategic Alignment

Traditionally, most Information Technology (IT) implementations in healthcare are concerned primarily with improving the efficiency of operational tasks, without considering the effectiveness of the strategic management decision processes. This paper objective aims at filling this lack by presenting a new approach for Assessment of Healthcare Information Systems (HIS) Strategic Alignment. The underlined concepts are based on Enterprise Architecture (EA) related concepts, providing a clear and comprehensive view of the structure and operations of the healthcare system. This paper focus on how to carry out an internal EA analysis that aims at measuring HIS alignment via a set of metrics determining if the business processes, sub-processes, applications and databases are actually achieving their purpose. This will enable all parties involved in the HIS management process to stay abreast of what has been really attained, which goals are being met, and what needs to be changed.
POLYMORPHISMS OF THE OVINE LEPTIN GENE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH GROWTH AND CARCASS TRAITS IN THREE IRANIAN SHEEP BREEDS

Leptin (LEP), the expression product of the obese gene produced primarily in the adipose tissue, is related to feed intake, growth and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to study the possible association between polymorphism of the LEP gene with growth and carcass traits among three Iranian sheep breeds of the Shal, Zandi and Zel varieties. A total of 180 purebred animals of the Shal, Zandi and Zel, breeds were chosen for this study. Three flocks, each comprising of 60 ewes of three breeds, were derived from Aboureyhan sheep populations. The Shal (n=18), Zandi (n=24) and Zel (n=17) lambs were screened for polymorphism of the LEP gene. Following genomic DNA extraction from whole blood samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in order to amplify a 260 bp fragment of the target gene. Polymorphisms were detected using the single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) technique. Two genotypes of AA and AG with frequencies of 0.53 and 0.47 in the Shal 0.70 and 0.30 in the Zandi and 0.65, 0.35 in the Zel breed were observed, respectively. The frequencies of alleles A and G were 0.74, 0.26 in the Shal breed, 0.85, 0.15 in the Zandi breed and 0.82, 0.18 in the Zel breed, respectively. Chi-Square test (χ2) confirmed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for the LEP loci. Average heterozygosity (30%) of the LEP locus for the three breeds was slightly low. Comparison of the sequence of the target gene available in the GeneBank with the results of the present study showed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) A→G and T→C transitions at 113 and 165 bp positions, respectively. In the Shal breed, the A113G SNP associated with an increase in cold carcass weight (p< 0.01), fat-tail percent (p< 0.05) and total body fat weight (p< 0.05). In the Zel breed, the A113G SNP was associated with an increase in fat-tail percent (p< 0.05) and reduction in slaughter weight (p< 0.05), cold carcass weight (p< 0.01) and lean meat weight (p< 0.01). Therefore, a significant association between SNP within the LEP gene and certain carcass traits in the Shal and Zel breeds is proposed. In the Zandi breed the A113G SNP was not associated with carcass traits but showed a reduction in weaning weight (P< 0.05).
Effect of change in transporter expression on gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Background and Aims: To analyze the difference in signal intensity on gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among various hepatocellular nodules during hepatocarcinogenesis as correlated with the expressions of the transporters of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA.