Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cluster analysis-derived classification of psychological distress and illness behavior in the medically ill

Background The classification of psychological distress and illness behavior in the setting of medical disease is still controversial. Current psychiatric nosology does not seem to cover the spectrum of disturbances. The aim of this investigation was to assess whether the joint use of DSM-IV categories and the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR), that provide identification of syndromes related to somatization, abnormal illness behavior, irritable mood, type A behavior, demoralization and alexithymia, could yield subtyping of psychosocial variables in the medically ill. Method A cross-sectional assessment using both DSM-IV and the DCPR was conducted in eight medical centers in the Italian Health System. Data were submitted to cluster analysis. Participants were consecutive medical out-patients and in-patients for whom a psychiatric consultation was requested. A total of 1700 subjects met eligibility criteria and 1560 agreed to participate. Results Three clusters were identified: non-specific psychological distress, irritability and affective disturbances with somatization. Conclusions Two-step cluster analysis revealed clusters that were found to occur across clinical settings. The findings indicate the need of expanding clinical assessment in the medically ill to include the various manifestations of somatization, illness behavior and subclinical distress encompassed by the DCPR.
Diclofenac metabolism in the mouse: Novel in vivo metabolites identified by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to linear ion trap mass spectrometry

The metabolism of [14C]-diclofenac in mice was investigated following a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg. The majority of the drug-related material was excreted in the urine within 24 h of administration (49.7 %). Liquid chromatographic analyses of urine and faecal extracts revealed extensive metabolism to at least 37 components, with little unchanged diclofenac excreted. Metabolites were identified using a hybrid linear ion-trap mass spectrometer via exact mass determinations of molecular ions and subsequent multi-stage fragmentation. The major routes of metabolism identified included: 1) conjugation with taurine; and 2) hydroxylation (probably at the 4′-and 5-arene positions) followed by conjugation to taurine, glucuronic acid or glucose. Ether, rather than acyl glucuronidation, predominated. There was no evidence for p-benzoquinone-imine formation (i.e. no glutathione or mercapturic acid conjugates were detected). A myriad of novel minor drug-related metabolites were also detected, including ribose, glucose, sulfate and glucuronide ether-linked conjugates of hydroxylated diclofenac derivatives. Combinations of these hydroxylated derivatives with acyl conjugates (glucose, glucuronide and taurine) or N-linked sulfation or glucosidation were also observed. Acyl- or amide-linked-conjugates of benzoic acid metabolites and several indolinone derivatives with further hydroxylated and conjugated moieties were also evident. The mechanisms involved in the generation of benzoic acid and indolinone products indicate the formation reactive intermediates in vivo that may possibly contribute to hepatotoxicity.
How Wnt Signaling Affects Bone Repair by Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Bone Marrow

Abstract: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) from bone marrow are a source of osteoblast progenitors in vivo, and under appropriate conditions they differentiate into osteoblasts ex vivo. The cells provide a convenient cell culture model for the study of osteogenic tissue repair in an experimentally accessible system. Recent advances in the field of skeletal development and osteogenesis have demonstrated that signaling through the canonical wingless (Wnt) pathway is critical for the differentiation of progenitor cell lines into osteoblasts. Inhibition of such signals can predispose hMSCs to cell cycle entry and prevent osteogenesis. Our investigation of the role of Wnt signaling in osteogenesis by hMSCs ex vivo has demonstrated that osteogenesis proceeds in response to bone morphogenic protein 2 stimulation and is sustained by Wnt signaling. In the presence of Dkk‐1, an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, the cascade is disrupted, resulting in inhibition of osteogenesis. Peptide mapping studies have provided peptide Dkk‐1 agonists and the opportunity for the production of blocking antibodies. Anti‐Dkk‐1 strategies are clinically relevant since high serum levels of Dkk‐1 are thought to contribute to osteolytic lesion formation in multiple myeloma and possibly some forms of osteosarcoma. Specific inhibitors of glycogen synthetase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which mimic Wnt signaling, may also have a therapeutic benefit by enhancing in vitro osteogenesis despite the presence of Dkk‐1. Antibodies that block Dkk‐1 and GSK3β inhibitors may provide novel opportunities for the enhancement of bone repair in a variety of human diseases such as multiple myeloma and osteosarcoma.
A Middle Ear Implant, the Symphonix Vibrant Soundbridge: Retrospective Study of the First 125 Patients Implanted in France

Objective The Vibrant Soundbridge is an active semi-implantable middle ear implant for the rehabilitation of patients with a sensorineural hearing loss who are not able to derive adequate benefit from conventional hearing aids. A retrospective study was performed to assess the overall level of satisfaction of implanted patients and to investigate the potential determinants of postoperative success. Study Design A retrospective survey of audiological data from repeated measures and subjective data from self-assessment scales administered postoperatively was conducted to determine the degree of benefit and satisfaction for Vibrant Soundbridge implantees. Setting Twenty-one tertiary referral and teaching hospitals. Subjects The first 125 VSB implantees implanted in France between August 1997 and May 2001 were included in the study. Results No clinically significant change was observed for residual hearing postoperatively. Most patients (83%) reported they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the Vibrant Soundbridge. Analysis of correlation revealed a moderate correlation (Pearson coefficient r = 0.59) between the degree of benefit reported via the patient survey and the degree of benefit reported via the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. A moderate correlation (Pearson coefficient r = 0.66) was observed between speech comprehension scores in quiet for the preoperative unaided condition and the postoperative aided Vibrant Soundbridge condition. No correlation was observed between subjective reports of satisfaction postoperatively and performance on preoperative objective tests or patient characteristics. Conclusion The results indicate a high level of satisfaction with the VSB as a treatment of sensorineural hearing impairment in patients with a wide range of characteristics. Preoperative scores for unaided speech comprehension tests in quiet may be a potential indicator of success on aided Vibrant Soundbridge speech comprehension tests postoperatively but do not reflect patient satisfaction with the device reported on self-assessment scales.
Biocidal efficacy of monochloramine against planktonic and biofilm‐associated Naegleria fowleri cells

Free‐living amoebae (FLA) in aqueous systems are a problem for water network managers and health authorities because some are pathogenic, such as Naegleria fowleri, and they have also been reported to operate as reservoirs and vectors of several pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, to better control the occurrence of such amoebae, we evaluate the efficacy of monochloramine against planktonic forms (trophozoites and cysts) and also biofilm‐associated cells of N. fowleri as FLA are often associated with biofilms.
Hydration, transepidermal water loss, pH and skin surface parameters: correlations and variations between dominant and non‐dominant forearms

Summary The aim of this study was to examine differences between the skin of both forearms with regard to several parameters: hydration (skin capacitance), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH and skin surface parameters. Possible correlations between measurements were investigated. Thirty‐three healthy women (32.6 + 8.4 years) participated in the study. The different parameters were measured on each volar forearm (dominant and non‐dominant) at precisely delineated sites. TEWL and developed length (DL) were significantly increased on the dominant forearm (P<0·001 and P <0·01, respectively). In addition, a correlation matrix was calculated with the differences between dominant and non‐dominant forearms for all the parameters measured. Only the skin surface parameters were found to be interrelated with this statistical approach. These data confirm that randomization between forearms is essential in the design of a reliable experimental plan, and indicate the lack of relationship between these measurements as assessed in a group of healthy young women.
Determinación de prevalencia de Teniosis y Cisticercosis (Taenia spp.) en las parroquias Amaluza y Bellavista del Cantón Espíndola Provincia de Loja

Se determino la prevalencia de Teniosis (Taenia spp.), cisticercosis por T. solium, parasitos de mayor ocurrencia y factores de riesgo asociados a teniosis y cisticercosis en habitantes de dos localidades al sur del Ecuador. Se analizo por la Tecnica de Ritchie 392 (Amaluza) y 385(Bellavista) muestras de heces y se observo 9 especies de parasitos, siendo E. coli (48,47% y 56,88%) y E. histolytica (47,19% y 44,68%) las mas frecuentes, seguido de G. lamblia (10,46% y 7,27%), A. lumbricoides (4,59% y 2,08%), H. nana (4,59% y 2,08%), I. butschlii (4,34% y 2,34%), H. diminuta (1,53% y 1,82%), E. nana (0,77% y 4,68%) y T. trichiura (0,51% y 1,04%) respectivamente. La prevalencia de Teniosis y Cisticercosis fue (0,77% y 2,11%) en Amaluza y (0,26%y 3,72%) en Bellavista respectivamente. Se determino a la eliminacion de parasitos, altura, el sexo masculino, y crianza de cerdos como factores de riesgo. Las condiciones de insalubridad rural combinado con el sistema de crianza promueven la permanencia del ciclo de vida de T. solium, aumentando y extendiendo el riesgo de infeccion. PALABRAS CLAVES: T. solium, Teniosis, Cisticercosis.
Major colorectal surgery in a patient with cold agglutinin disease

We present the case of a 62‐year‐old man with severe cold agglutinin disease who underwent major colorectal surgery. Cold agglutinin disease is a condition in which auto‐antibodies, usually immunoglobulin M, cause red blood cell agglutination at decreased body temperature. Haemolysis may result. Agglutination results in impaired perfusion, resulting in symptomatic Raynaud's phenomenon and acrocyanosis. Haemolysis can result in anaemia and thrombotic events caused by microvascular occlusion, in addition to haemoglobinuria and renal failure. Peri‐operative hypothermia is common in all patients and may be associated with significant morbidity, but is potentially catastrophic in a patient suffering from cold agglutinin disease.
Dietary Choices for Breakfast in Children and Adolescents

Breakfast represents a healthy habit and associations with positive health outcomes have been widely described. Breakfast should be consistent with local and family dietary traditions. The proportion of breakfast skippers in the pediatric and adolescent diet range 10–30% throughout the world. Policies and interventions supportive of breakfast consumption are therefore encouraged. According to neurobehavioral data, the good example of parents and access to a variety of palatable and pleasant breakfast foods should drive children to become able to self-select breakfast models with balanced composition, while respecting recommended dietary allowances. A balanced macronutrient composition, the proposition of a variety of models leading to a total energy density preferably within lower ranges (< 1–1.5), as well as glycemic indices in the lower range for the same food class, could emphasize the positive short- and long- term health outcomes now attributable to breakfast.
Pollution-induced heat shock protein expression in the amphipod Gammarus roeseli is affected by larvae of Polymorphus minutus (Acanthocephala)

Abstract The relationship between the exposure of organisms to chemicals and subsequent alterations in various biochemical processes (commonly referred to as biomarkers) is of growing importance in environmental and ecotoxicological research. However, parasites which also affect the physiological homeostasis of their hosts, and thus may alter biomarker reactions, are usually ignored in environmental research. To address this deficit, we have used the host–parasite system Gammarus roeseli naturally infected with cystacanths of the acanthocephalan Polymorphus minutus to investigate whether infection of gammarids with parasites alters their heat shock protein response following exposure to palladium (Pd). After 24 days of metal exposure relative levels of heat shock protein hsp70 were analysed in the tissues of parasites and intermediate hosts. Simultaneously, the metal accumulation in gammarids and parasites was determined. As none of the infected gammarids showed hsp70 levels at the end of the Pd exposure (either exposed or not), infected and unparasitized G. roeseli were exposed to heat. Again, only uninfected gammarids showed a temperature-dependent increase in hsp70 levels. Interestingly, although the intermediate hosts showed no hsp70 response, exposure to Pd and heat results in increasing hsp70 in the parasites within in the haemocoel of G. roeseli. Heat experiments with isolated cystacanths also showed increasing hsp70 levels in P. minutus with temperature. Concerning uninfected G. roeseli, exposure to Pd and heat causes a hsp70 response. Pd concentrations were found to be higher in the larval parasites than in the gammarids. This result clearly contradicts previous results, as high metal accumulation was so far only described from adult acanthocephalans. Our findings provide experimental evidence that parasites alter the biomarker responses of their host and that the infection status of test animals is extremely important for ecotoxicological studies.
Follicular Dendritic Cells Carry MHC Class II-Expressing Microvesicles at Their Surface1

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) present in lymphoid follicles play a critical role in germinal center reactions. They trap native Ags in the form of immune complexes providing a source for continuous stimulation of specific B lymphocytes. FDCs have been reported to express MHC class II molecules, suggesting an additional role in the presentation of not only native, but also processed Ag in the form of peptide-loaded MHC class II. Adoptive bone marrow transfer experiments have shown that MHC class II molecules are only passively acquired. Up to now the origin of these MHC class II molecules was not clear. Here we show by cryoimmunogold electron microscopy that MHC class II molecules are not present at the plasma membrane of FDCs. In contrast, microvesicles attached to the FDC surface contain MHC class II and other surface proteins not expressed by FDCs themselves. The size and marker profiles of these microvesicles resemble exosomes. Exosomes, which are secreted internal vesicles from multivesicular endosomes, have been shown earlier to stimulate proliferation of specific T lymphocytes in vitro, but their target in vivo remained a matter of speculation. We demonstrate here that isolated exosomes in vitro bind specifically to FDCs and not to other cell types, suggesting that FDCs might be a physiological target for exosomes.
High-Voltage-Environment Backscatter-Channel Measurements at 5.8 GHz

This study characterizes 5.8 GHz backscatter radio links in a transient, high-voltage power line environment. The measured results demonstrate how an increased RF carrier frequency provides additional resistance to the noise, interference, and added corona shielding of communication antennas that operate near high-voltage lines. The results lead to important design rules for low-power wireless-sensor applications deployed in the future smart grid.
Sketch an ICT-based Data Management Scheme for liberalizing electricity market

Electricity has been the most important energy resource for daily applications. With the trends of continuously increasing of electricity cost and imperative need of CO2 emission reductions, forward-thinking governments are taking great importance of optimization on electricity trading for national economic and environmental developments. Although conventional electricity trading approaches such as electricity pool, bilateral market, and so on have been applied in many countries, these methods are lack of the attention to emerging renewable energy options. Based on the above, this paper presents a Data Management Scheme for Electricity Trading (DaMaSET), especially adding the role of Micro-gird. With the support of ICT-enabled load forecasting model, the proposed DaMaSET is capable of shaping an information processing module for electricity-oriented Energy Management System, addressing a valuable research direction in terms of advancing electricity trading, and further indicating a systematic perspective on energy-related environmental sustainability.
Role of mechanical compression on bone regeneration around a particulate bone graft material: an experimental study in rabbit calvaria

PURPOSE This experimental study was designed to analyze the effect of different compressive forces on the bone regeneration around a particulate bone graft material. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty 6-mm-diameter defects were created in the calvaria of 20 New Zealand rabbits (4 defects per rabbit calvaria). All the defects were filled with particles of synthetic bone. Two standardized compressive forces were then applied, 4.1 g to half the defects (Test A) and 8.2 g to the other half (Test B), all for 1 min. The graft sites were allowed to heal for 6 weeks, after which the rabbits were euthanized. The calvarium vault of each animal was extracted, radiographed, and prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The percentage of defect fill, bone density, new bone formation, and residual bone graft material were recorded, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS Histological evaluation found that defect closure among the Test A (lower compression) group ranged from 38.34 (95% lower CI) to 55.8 (95% upper CI) (mean 47 ± 8.5%), while among the Test B group (higher compression), it ranged from 81.26 (95% lower CI) to 95.32 (mean 88 ± 7.3%). Significantly more closure was achieved for the Test B group (P < 0.05). Histomorphometric comparison of the two groups found significantly more new bone formation, higher bone density, and a higher percentage of defect fill in the defects subjected to the higher compression level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Increasing the compressive force applied to bone graft particulate used to fill small defects created in rabbit calvaria appears to be beneficial.
Nutrient-dependent/pheromone-controlled adaptive evolution: a model

Background The prenatal migration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurosecretory neurons allows nutrients and human pheromones to alter GnRH pulsatility, which modulates the concurrent maturation of the neuroendocrine, reproductive, and central nervous systems, thus influencing the development of ingestive behavior, reproductive sexual behavior, and other behaviors. Methods This model details how chemical ecology drives adaptive evolution via: (1) ecological niche construction, (2) social niche construction, (3) neurogenic niche construction, and (4) socio-cognitive niche construction. This model exemplifies the epigenetic effects of olfactory/pheromonal conditioning, which alters genetically predisposed, nutrient-dependent, hormone-driven mammalian behavior and choices for pheromones that control reproduction via their effects on luteinizing hormone (LH) and systems biology. Results Nutrients are metabolized to pheromones that condition behavior in the same way that food odors condition behavior associated with food preferences. The epigenetic effects of olfactory/pheromonal input calibrate and standardize molecular mechanisms for genetically predisposed receptor-mediated changes in intracellular signaling and stochastic gene expression in GnRH neurosecretory neurons of brain tissue. For example, glucose and pheromones alter the hypothalamic secretion of GnRH and LH. A form of GnRH associated with sexual orientation in yeasts links control of the feedback loops and developmental processes required for nutrient acquisition, movement, reproduction, and the diversification of species from microbes to man. Conclusion An environmental drive evolved from that of nutrient ingestion in unicellular organisms to that of pheromone-controlled socialization in insects. In mammals, food odors and pheromones cause changes in hormones such as LH, which has developmental affects on pheromone-controlled sexual behavior in nutrient-dependent reproductively fit individuals across species of vertebrates.
Effect of ethosuximide on cortisol metabolism in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Abstract Background: Antiepileptics may affect cortisol metabolism through CYP3A4. There is little known about ethosuximide. Clinical Case: Our patient is a 12-year-old girl with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) owing to 21 hydroxylase deficiency. A standard treatment regimen was initiated with satisfactory results until the age of 6 years, when she developed absence seizures treated with ethosuximide. She received such therapy until the age of 12 years, at which point ethosuximide was discontinued. During ethosuximide administration, she experienced worsening control of CAH disease activity that responded to progressive increases in hydrocortisone dose up to 28 mg/m2 per day. Despite high doses of hydrocortisone, she suffered no cushingoid symptoms. Her requirements for high glucocorticoid replacement doses resolved shortly after ethosuximide was discontinued. We provide data over 6 years demonstrating a correlation between adrenal hormone secretion, cortisol requirements and ethosuximide dose. Conclusion: This is the first case demonstrating an interaction between ethosuximide and hydrocortisone clearance in the treatment of salt-wasting CAH.
Decomposition of the vertical ground reaction forces during gait on a single force plate.

UNLABELLED Davis and Cavanagh (1993) have proposed a solution to avoid the footstep targeting by using a large force plate but several points of Davis and Cavanagh's method remain unclear and hardly computable. OBJECTIVE to develop a method that decomposes left and right GRF profiles from the GRF profile recorded on a single platform. This method aims to include a systematic detection of the single to double stand-phase-instants in order to lead to accurate measurement of the vertical GRF component in typically developing children. METHODS Six children were asked to walk without targeting their footsteps on a set-up composed of independent force platforms. The vertical GRF component, independently measured on the different platforms, was numerically summed to obtain the corresponding global vertical GRF, to which the decomposition method was applied. Then, the validation consisted in comparing the vertical GRF computed from this decomposition to the independently measured vertical GRF. RESULTS the mean relative error between the computed vertical GRF and the corresponding measured vertical GRF of 36 double stances (6 double stances x 6 children) is equal to 3.8±2.6%. CONCLUSION implemented a new method to assess with known accuracy the vertical GRF component under each foot using a unique large force platform.