Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malignant melanoma-Risk factors and the CDKN2A mutation in relation to phenotypes and other cancers.

Background: Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is an increasingly common cancer in fair-skinned people. The purpose of this thesis was to study high-risk patients with multiple tumours including a CMM, high-risk families with the unique Swedish germline mutation in CDKN2A(113insArg), as well as study risk factors for CMM in women. Methods: Tumours associated with CMM, in individuals/probands with four or more primary tumours including at least one CMM were genotyped. The probands were further sub-grouped according to subsequent cancers (Paper I). Possible similarities in tumour patterns were studied in their close relatives (Paper II*). Further, melanoma-prone families in southern Sweden with the 113insArg/CDKN2A mutation were phenotyped and genotyped (Paper III). Finally, a population-based cohort of originally 40.000 women was prospectively followed for 18 years regarding CMM after answering a questionnaire about CMM risk factors (Paper IV). Results: Papers I-II: The mutation was overrepresented in probands with multiple CMM. Non-mutation probands presented e.g. Neural System Tumours (NSTs), adenocarcinomas and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which were also seen in their relatives. For the relatives an overall increased risk for cancer was seen. Paper III: Positive mutation status was associated with clinically atypical nevi (CAN), and CMM diagnosis with red hair colour and CAN. No CMM were diagnosed in non-mutation carriers. The overall total nevus count (median 12, IQR: 5-25) and rate of individuals affected by CAN (14%), were lower in these families than shown in previous, population-based, Swedish studies. No atypical mole syndrome (AMS) phenotype was seen. Paper IV: Family history and ≥1 nevus on the left arm were risk factors for CMM, irrespective of age of the participants. Younger women with a history of frequent sunbed use had an additionally increased risk for CMM. CMM on the trunk were associated with a family history of CMM, a high nevus number and the youngest age at diagnosis. Conclusions: The 113insArg/CDKN2A mutation in these melanom-prone families is difficult to diagnose dermatologically, but the presence of CMM seems to be completely associated with the mutation. Hence, mutation carriers must be followed-up by dermatologists irrespective of phenotype. The population-based risks for CMM in southern Swedish women seem to be associated with a family history of CMM, a higher nevus number and, for younger women, the use of sunbeds. *Supplement. (Less)
Major prepartum and postpartum reproductive problems of dairy cattle in Central Ethiopia

A survey to determine major prepartum and postpartum reproductive problems of dairy cattle was carried out in three selected dairy farms in Debre Zeit town. Retrospective data analysis together with survey on major prepartum and postpartum reproductive problems were carried out through regular clinical follow up. A retrospective analysis of clinical data collected from a total of 711 cows in three farms was done and 44.3% of the cows were found with major prepartum and postpartum reproductive problems. Postpartum anestrus (12.9%) was the major reproductive problem followed by repeat breeding (11.4%) in the retrospective study. A total of 104 cows were used in the regular follow up and 33.6% (n =35) were found to be affected either with one or more of clinical reproductive problems. Postpartum anestrus (12.5%) was found to be the leading reproductive problem followed by repeat breeding (10.6%), metritis (8.7%), abortion (6.7%), retained placenta (3.8%), dystocia (2.9%) and prolapse (1.9%). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the difference in prevalence of the major reproductive problems on the basis of parity and body condition score. Hence, the impact of increasing parity on the occurrence of reproductive problems was examined and there is a direct relationship between increasing parity and prevalence of the reproductive problems with a highly significant variation (P<0.01) between primiparous and pluriparous cows. There is an inverse relationship of body condition and prevalence of reproductive problems with a highly significant variation (P<0.01). This study demonstrated that anestrus, repeat breeding, metritis and abortion were noticed as the most common major reproductive problems in the study farms in Debre Zeit town, Central Ethiopia.
Ion channels in mammalian vestibular afferents may set regularity of firing

SUMMARY Rodent vestibular afferent neurons offer several advantages as a model system for investigating the significance and origins of regularity in neuronal firing interval. Their regularity has a bimodal distribution that defines regular and irregular afferent classes. Factors likely to be involved in setting firing regularity include the morphology and physiology of the afferents' contacts with hair cells, which may influence the averaging of synaptic noise and the afferents' intrinsic electrical properties. In vitro patch clamp studies on the cell bodies of primary vestibular afferents reveal a rich diversity of ion channels, with indications of at least two neuronal populations. Here we suggest that firing patterns of isolated vestibular ganglion somata reflect intrinsic ion channel properties, which in vivo combine with hair cell synaptic drive to produce regular and irregular firing.
In vivo regulation of rainbow trout lipolysis by catecholamines

SUMMARY Lipolysis provides fatty acids that support key life processes by functioning as membrane components, oxidative fuels and metabolic signals. It is commonly measured as the rate of appearance of glycerol (Ra glycerol). Its in vivo regulation by catecholamines has been thoroughly investigated in mammals, but little information is available for ectotherms. Therefore, the goals of this study were, first, to characterize the effects of the catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (Epi) on the lipolytic rate of intact rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and, second, to determine whether the plasma glycerol concentration is a reliable index of Ra glycerol. Our results show that baseline Ra glycerol (4.6±0.4μ mol kg–1 min–1) is inhibited by NE (–56%), instead of being stimulated, as in mammals, whereas Epi has the same activating effect in both groups of vertebrates (+167%). NE-induced inhibition of fish lipolysis might play a particularly important role during aquatic hypoxia, when survival often depends on regulated metabolic depression. The plasma glycerol concentration is a poor predictor of Ra glycerol, and it should not be used as an index of lipolysis. Trout maintain a particularly high baseline lipolytic rate because only 13% of the fatty acids provided are sufficient to support total energy expenditure, whereas the remaining fatty acids must undergo reesterification (87%).
Cold rearing improves cold-flight performance in Drosophila via changes in wing morphology

SUMMARY We use a factorial experimental design to test whether rearing at colder temperatures shifts the lower thermal envelope for flight of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen to colder temperatures. D. melanogaster that developed in colder temperatures (15°C) had a significant flight advantage in cold air compared to flies that developed in warmer temperatures (28°C). At 14°C, cold-reared flies failed to perform a take-off flight∼ 47% of the time whereas warm-reared flies failed ∼94% of the time. At 18°C, cold- and warm-reared flies performed equally well. We also compared several traits in cold- and warm-developing flies to determine if cold-developing flies had better flight performance at cold temperatures due to changes in body mass, wing length, wing loading, relative flight muscle mass or wing-beat frequency. The improved ability to fly at low temperatures was associated with a dramatic increase in wing area and an increase in wing length (after controlling for wing area). Flies that developed at 15°C had∼ 25% more wing area than similarly sized flies that developed at 28°C. Cold-reared flies had slower wing-beat frequencies than similarly sized flies from warmer developmental environments, whereas other traits did not vary with developmental temperature. These results demonstrate that developmental plasticity in wing dimensions contributes to the improved flight performance of D. melanogaster at cold temperatures, and ultimately, may help D. melanogaster live in a wide range of thermal environments.
Echolocation by two foraging harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)

SUMMARY Synchronized video and high-frequency audio recordings of two trained harbour porpoises searching for and capturing live fish were used to study swimming and echolocation behaviour. One animal repeated the tasks blindfolded. A splash generated by the fish being thrown into the pool or– in controls – by a boat hook indicated prey and stimulated search behaviour. The echolocation sequences were divided into search and approach phases. In the search phase the porpoises displayed a clear range-locking behaviour on landmarks, indicated by a distance-dependent decrease in click interval. Only in trials with fish was the search phase followed by an approach phase. In the initial part of the approach phase the porpoises used a rather constant click interval of around 50 ms. The terminal part started with a sudden drop in click interval at distances around 2–4 m. Close to the prey the terminal part ended with a buzz, characterized by constant click intervals around 1.5 ms. The lag time in the search and the initial part of the approach phase seems to be long enough for the porpoise to process echo information before emitting the next click (pulse mode). However, we assume that during the buzz lag times are too short for pulse mode processing and that distance information is perceived as a `pitch' with a `frequency' corresponding to the inverse of the two-way transit time (pitch mode). The swimming speed of the animal was halved when it was blindfolded, while the click intervals hardly changed, resulting in more clicks emitted per metre swum.
LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

The early recognition of cardiac ischemia and accurate placement of the patient in the risk spectrum of the acute coronary syndrome are critical to the effective management of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Apart from clinical history, physical examination and accurate ECG interpretations, cardiac biomarkers are equally valuable in the initial evaluation of patients with nontraumatic chest pain. Previously the diagnosis of an AMI was based on World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria which defined MI as the presence of two out of three characteristics comprising: symptoms of acute ischemia (chest pain), development of Q waves in ECG and elevated activities of traditional serum enzymes comprising: total CK, CK-MB, ASAT and LDH. An ideal biomarker should have the following characteristics: relatively high concentration within cardiac tissue, have no significant tissue sources other than the heart, have high clinical sensitivity and specificity, be detectable in the blood early after the onset of chest pain, have elevated blood levels for several days after the onset of symptoms, and have an assay with a quick turnaround time. Since no single biomarker fulfils all of these criteria, the NACB proposes the use of two biomarkers for the diagnosis of AMI: an early marker – myoglobin and a definitive marker- cardiac troponins. When cardiac troponin is not available, the next best alternative is CK-MB (measured by mass assay).
Increased gene expression of a facilitated diffusion urea transporter in the skin of the African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) during massively elevated post-terrestrialization urea excretion

SUMMARY The full-length cDNA sequence of a putative urea transporter (lfUT) of the facilitated diffusion UT-A type has been cloned from the African lungfish Protopterus annectens. The lfUT cDNA is 1990 bp in length and its open reading frame encodes a 409 amino acid long protein, with a calculated molecular mass of 44,723 Da. The sequence is closest to those of amphibians (∼65% amino acid homology), followed by mammals and elasmobranchs (∼60%), and then teleosts (∼50%). lfUT was clearly expressed in gill, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle and skin. Upon re-immersion in water after 33 days of air exposure (`terrestrialization'), lungfish exhibited a massive rise in urea-N excretion which peaked at 12–30 h with rates of 2000–5000 μmol-N kg–1 h–1 (versus normal aquatic rates of<130 μmol-N kg–1 h–1) and persisted until 70 h. This appears to occur mainly through the skin. Total `excess' urea-N excretion amounted to ∼81,000–91,000 μmol-N kg–1 over 3 days. By real-time PCR, there was no difference in lfUT expression in the ventral abdominal skin between aquatic ammoniotelic controls and terrestrialized lungfish immediately after return to water (0 h), and no elevation of urea-N excretion at this time. However, skin biopsies revealed a significant 2.55-fold elevation of lfUT expression at 14 h, coincident with peak urea-N excretion. At 48 h, there was no longer any significant difference in lfUT mRNA levels from those at 0 and 14 h, or from aquatic fed controls. In accordance with earlier studies, which identified elevated urea-N excretion via the skin of P. dolloi with pharmacology typical of UT-A carriers, these results argue that transcriptional activation of a facilitated diffusion type urea transporter (lfUT) occurs in the skin during re-immersion. This serves to clear the body burden of urea-N accumulated during terrestrialization.
Management of Older People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ranks among the most common chronic diseases and with the population ageing, its prevalence is predicted to increase. Established interventions that improve mortality include smoking cessation, and oxygen therapy in patients with significant hypoxaemia. Pharmacotherapy aims to alleviate symptoms, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, and prevent and manage exacerbations. Although most medications are delivered via the inhaled route, adverse effects can manifest systemically. The likelihood of systemic adverse effects increases in the elderly and caution should be exercised in patients with comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease. When indicated, combination therapies can offer superior efficacy over monotherapy. Assessment and education to ensure appropriate delivery device selection and use are integral to optimal care.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among female nurses in a teaching hospital in North-Eastern state of Malaysia

Nurses who are mostly shift workers were found to be at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). This study was designed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among female nurses working in a teaching hospital. A cross sectional study was conducted among 404 female nurses working in a teaching hospital in north-eastern state of Malaysia. Data were collected using a proforma on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, physical activity and depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS) 42 questionnaire (validated Malay version). Anthropometric, blood pressure measurement and fasting venous blood for fasting lipid profile and blood sugar were taken from each respondent. Majority of the respondents were Malay nurses with the mean age of 42.1 (SD 7.19) years old. Out of 404 respondents, 56.2% of them do shift work. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 24.3% (95% CI: 20.1, 28.4). The significant factors associated with metabolic syndrome were total duration of employment (years) and one way commuting time to work (minutes). There was a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among nurses working in a teaching hospital in North-Eastern state of Malaysia. Occupational factors such as total duration of employment and one way commuting time to work are associated with metabolic syndrome. Key words: Prevalence, metabolic syndrome, nurses, shift work, self-perceived stress.
Self-Report Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behaviors of Extremely Low Birth Weight, Late Preterm, and Full-Term Control Adolescents

This study evaluated physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary behaviors of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and late preterm adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine if the self-reported PA levels, preferences of PA, and sedentary behaviors of unimpaired ELBW (birth weight < 800g) and late preterm (birth weight 1500-2500g and < 37 weeks gestational age) adolescents differed significantly (p<0.05) from full-term control adolescents (birth weight > 2500g and >37 weeks gestational age). Additionally, PA levels were compared to maximal oxygen consumption measurements. Sedentary behavior characteristics and screen time usage (television, computer, and video games) were also compared. The participants were 61 (n=17 ELBW, n=21 late preterm, n=23 full-term) adolescents, ages 12-20, born in the Kansas City area between January, 1993 to December, 1995. A modified version of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) was used to determine past year MET hours per week of PA and preferences of PA. The MAQ results indicated no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in PA between the three groups and PA intensity preferences were similar among the three groups (p>0.05). Maximal oxygen consumption was obtained utilizing a ramp treadmill protocol to exhaustion. A statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.450, p = 0.000) was obtained between the reported PA and maximal oxygen consumption. Sedentary behavior and screen time were assessed utilizing a Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire. No statically significant differences were found when comparing time spent in sedentary behaviors or screen time utilization (p>0.05). Findings resulted in the conclusions that these unimpaired ELBW and late preterm adolescents did not appear to be notably impacted by their prematurity in a way that manifested
Use of Checklist Prevents Errors during Surgeries

‘Hospitals do most of the right things, on most patients, most of the time. The checklist helps them to do all the right things, on all patients, all the time. ’ According to International Patient Safety Goal-4 (IPSG-4), the hospitals need to ensure the correct patient, correct site, correct procedure and correct surgery. WHO launched Safe Surgery Saves Lives program in 2009 to reduce the number of surgical deaths across the globe. In the complex setting of an operating room, any of the steps may be overlooked during the fast-paced preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative preparations. So a customized checklist was introduced after sensitization and training of all OT users to reinforce accepted safety practices and foster better communication and team work between clinical disciplines. The aim of the checklist is to reduce the number of errors during surgery and to reduce postoperative complications. The use of the checklist reduced the rate of deaths and complications by more than one-third. The rate of major inpatient complications dropped from 11 to 7%, and the inpatient death rate following major operations fell from 1.5 to 0.8% after implementation of the checklist. Audit tool printed at the backside of the checklist is analyzed every month, to observe the shortcomings.
The role of the psychogeriatric day hospital

In the current climate of the implications of the Community Care Act and health service reforms, defining the role and function of the psychogeriatric day hospital is crucial, particularly its distinction from day centre care. This paper describes this role and key issues in day hospital planning. It was presented to the Wessex Specialists in Old Age Psychiatry and accepted by them as a consensus document.
Behaviour and buoyancy regulation in the deepest-diving reptile: the leatherback turtle

SUMMARY In the face of the physical and physiological challenges of performing breath-hold deep dives, marine vertebrates have evolved different strategies. Although behavioural strategies in marine mammals and seabirds have been investigated in detail, little is known about the deepest-diving reptile – the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Here, we deployed tri-axial accelerometers on female leatherbacks nesting on St Croix, US Virgin Islands, to explore their diving strategy. Our results show a consistent behavioural pattern within dives among individuals, with an initial period of active swimming at relatively steep descent angles (∼–40 deg), with a stroke frequency of 0.32 Hz, followed by a gliding phase. The depth at which the gliding phase began increased with the maximum depth of the dives. In addition, descent body angles and vertical velocities were higher during deeper dives. Leatherbacks might thus regulate their inspired air-volume according to the intended dive depth, similar to hard-shelled turtles and penguins. During the ascent, turtles actively swam with a stroke frequency of 0.30 Hz but with a low vertical velocity (∼0.40 ms–1) and a low pitch angle (∼+26 deg). Turtles might avoid succumbing to decompression sickness (‘the bends’) by ascending slowly to the surface. In addition, we suggest that the low body temperature of this marine ectotherm compared with that of endotherms might help reduce the risk of bubble formation by increasing the solubility of nitrogen in the blood. This physiological advantage, coupled with several behavioural and physical adaptations, might explain the particular ecological niche the leatherback turtle occupies among marine reptiles.
Operationalization and Measurement of Sign Language

We outline a number of fundamental issues in how sign language exposure and proficiency were operationalized and reported by Geers et al. Most importantly, the authors did not distinguish between those exposed to ASL versus English signing systems (eg, signing exact English, sign-supported English, baby sign) when classifying children. This is a fatal flaw because, in contrast to artificial English signing systems, natural sign languages such as ASL are legitimate languages (as long-affirmed by the Linguistic Society of America1), with all the cognitive benefits a natural language provides. The study is recklessly misleading because of this inappropriate conflation, … E-mail: nkc{at}bu.edu
WHEN IS WEIGHT CRITICAL?

[Figure][1] Lynn Riddiford discusses Frederik Nijhout and Carroll Williams' 1974 paper entitled ‘Control of moulting and metamorphosis in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.): growth of the last-instar larva and the decision to pupate’. A copy of the paper can be obtained from
Re: Confusing Recommendations Regarding Timing of Peanut-Based Foods to Low-risk Infants

As both pediatric advocates and formulators of the official American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy “Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk,”1 we are perplexed by the recent Perspectives article authored by Sicherer et al, “The Benefits of New Guidelines to Prevent Peanut Allergy. ”2 The focus of our concern is the reprinting of a table from the guidelines previously published by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)–sponsored expert panel3 and the statement by Sicherer himself, both of which imply policies regarding complementary feeding of peanut-based … E-mail: arthur.eidelman{at}gmail.com