Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety Training Program for Clinical Laboratory Workers Regarding Prevention of Occupational Hazards

The practices of safety measures by the clinical laboratory workers in hospitals are necessary for the prevention of occupational hazards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of safety training program for laboratory workers' regarding prevention of occupational hazards. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used in carrying out this study. Setting: The study was conducted at four governmental hospitals in Benha City: - are Benha University Hospital, Benha Teaching Hospital, Health Insurance Hospital, and Fever Hospital which included clinical laboratory. The sample of this study included convenient laboratory workers (100) whom are working at four hospitals were participated in this study. Tools: 1- A structured interviewing questionnaire for the socio-demographic characteristics of the laboratory workers, and their knowledge regarding occupational hazards, 2- An observational checklist for safe laboratory environment and practices of laboratory workers regarding prevention of the occupational hazards. Results: Showed a significant positive effect of the program on knowledge and practices of the laboratory workers (P < 0.001). This study concluded that the program has positive effect to upgrade the laboratory workers' knowledge and improving their practices regarding prevention of occupational hazards (P < 0.001). The study recommended that regulatory training program should be strengthened to ensure basic lab safety practices in hospitals, and providing training courses for large number of hospitals laboratory workers about prevention of occupational hazards and safety environmental condition.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Consequences of Gastrointestinal Infections

s and presentations Rose TC*, Adams NL*, Taylor-Robinson DC, Barr B, Hawker J, O’Brien SJ, Whitehead M (2015) Are there socioeconomic inequalities in the risks and consequences of gastrointestinal infections? Presented at the NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections Annual Scientific Conference, 25th March: London, UK. Rose TC, Adams NL, Taylor-Robinson DC, Barr B, Hawker J, O’Brien SJ, Violato M, Whitehead M (2016) Relationship between socioeconomic status and measures of infectious intestinal disease severity. European Journal of Public Health, 26(suppl 1):ckw166.060. Rose TC, Adams NL, Taylor-Robinson DC, Barr B, Hawker J, O’Brien SJ, Violato M, Whitehead M (2016) Does socioeconomic status influence disease severity and sickness absence in people with infectious intestinal disease? Presented at the NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections Annual Scientific Conference, 14th March: Oxford, UK. Rose TC*, Adams NL*, Taylor-Robinson DC, Barr B, Hawker J, O’Brien SJ, Violato M, Whitehead M (2017) Relationship between socioeconomic status and risk of gastrointestinal infections in developed countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Presented at the NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections Annual Scientific Conference, 1st March: Liverpool, UK.
Development of a non-living vaccine against Burkholderia mallei (129.2)

Burkholderia mallei is a gram-negative highly pathogenic bacterium, responsible for glanders. B. mallei is considered potential bioterrorism agents, classified as such in list B by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently there is no vaccine available against B. mallei. In this study, we aimed to identify the protective proteins of B. mallei. The candidate proteins were selected based on the previous data of proteomics and linear expression library (LEE) whole-genome screens coupled with known structures or functions of the proteins in other bacteria. The selected proteins were BMA-4, BMA-8, BMA-9, BMA-10, BMA-11 and BMA-12. The genes encoding each protein were cloned into pCDNA3.1 and pET28a. The His-tag proteins were then purified. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with DNA encoding each protein and then boosted 3 weeks later with the recombinant proteins. Two weeks after boosting, mice were infected with B. mallei ATCC23344. The result showed that, 19 days after infection, there was 100% survival in the BMA2821 and BMAA0768 groups, however only 78% survival in the control group. The study needs to be repeated and the result will be discussed.
Post-transcriptional Regulation of Myelin Basic Protein Expression

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is essential for the formation of myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). We have examined three factors that can potentially regulate its expression posttranscriptionally: the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), the fragile X premutation transcript, and the tumor overexpressed gene (TOG) protein. We have revealed the presence of FMRP, a known translation inhibitor, in oligodendrocytes (OLGs) but found it had no effect on the translation of MBP mRNA. Correspondingly, the absence of FMRP in the Fmr1 KO mouse did not result in increased MBP translation. The presence in FXTAS patients of the fragile X premutation transcript, which contains expanded CGG repeats, has been associated with myelin changes in the CNS. We have found expanded CGG repeat RNA to be present in RNA granules that contain MBP transcripts. The presence of expanded CGG repeat RNA increased the expression of MBP mRNA in OLGs. In addition, increased translation of microinjected MBP mRNA occurred in fibroblasts from FXTAS individuals, suggesting that MBP mRNA translation may be upregulated in FXTAS. Knocking out TOG in mouse OLGs results in the near absence of MBP, despite a normal level of MBP transcripts, and extensive CNS dysmyelination. Levels of other myelin proteins, proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), were found to be similarly reduced. We have determined that TOG heterozygote (+/null) mice, which express half the normal level of TOG, have normal MBP levels before 45 days of age. This suggests that another mechanism, besides the originally proposed decrease in MBP mRNA translation, is the Anthony William Giampetruzzi – University of Connecticut, 2014 cause of MBP deficiencies in the 90 day old TOG heterozygotes. TOG is a microtubuleassociated protein and may be necessary for the transport of MBP mRNA granules to the myelin compartment where translation occurs. The effect of the reduction of TOG on microtubule based transport was examined by measuring the transport parameters of mitochondria in the processes of cultured OLGs. The transport of mitochondria was only slightly altered in the TOG heterozygote. These results suggest that approximately half the amount of TOG allows for sufficient transport and proper translation of MBP mRNA. Post-transcriptional Regulation of Myelin Basic Protein Expression Anthony William Giampetruzzi B.A., Clark University, 2003 M.A.T. , Clark University, 2004 A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Connecticut
Fibrosis: The sixth element

Disease-related injury in any organ triggers a complex cascade of cellular and molecular responses that culminates in tissue fibrosis. This monograph describes the molecular, cellular and immunological characteristics that occur in an inflammatory process, until it ends in fibrosis; and particularly when the phenomenon persists, leading to an activation that does not remit from the effector cells, chronifying the process, healing the tissue or the organ, generating specific pathologies and dysfunction. The article is illustrated with some examples of fibrotic diseases, discussing their pathogenesis, clinical picture and treatment, particularly in light of new immunopathogenic findings. The preponderant role of early therapeutic interventions to block the evolution towards tissue scar is highlighted. In the end, recommendations are made about the avenues of investigation that must be followed in this final stage of the inflammatory process. *Correspondence to: Alcibey Alvarado, Clínica de Diagnóstico Médico, Torre Médica, 3 piso, Paseo Colón, San José, América Central, Costa Rica, Tel: 50622237134; 50622566439; 50687351858; Fax: 50622216754; E-mail: alcialvagonza@yahoo.com. mx
Roles of Cellular RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases in Endogenous Small RNA Pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans: A Dissertation

The RNA interference (RNAi) pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans is a twostep, small RNA-mediated silencing pathway. Unlike in other organisms, Dicer processing of double-stranded RNA into small interfering (si) RNAs is not sufficient in worms to induce gene silencing. The activity of cellular RNAdependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) is necessary to synthesize a secondary pool of siRNAs, which interact with a unique class of Argonaute proteins to form the functional effector complexes that mediate silencing. The aims of this thesis were to: 1) characterize the role of RdRP family members in endogenous small RNA biogenesis; 2) identify the Argonaute proteins that interact with RdRPdependent small RNAs; and 3) investigate the biological function of RdRPdependent small RNA pathways in C. elegans. In this thesis, I describe genetic, deep sequencing, and molecular studies, which identify 22G-RNAs as the most abundant class of endogenous small RNA in C. elegans. The 22G-RNAs resemble RdRP-dependent secondary siRNAs produced during exogenous RNAi, in that they possess a triphosphorylated 5’ guanine residue and exhibit a remarkable strand bias at target loci. Indeed, I show that 22G-RNAs are dependent on the activity of the RdRPs RRF-1 and EGO-1 and function in multiple distinct endogenous small RNA pathways. Interestingly, I have found that RRF-1 and EGO-1 function redundantly in the germline to generate 22G-RNAs that are dependent on and interact with members of an expanded family of worm-specific Argonaute (WAGO) proteins.
Entrepreneurial Orientation, Synergy and Firm Performance in the Agribusiness Context: An Emerging Market Economy Perspective

Entrepreneurship researchers have called for more investigation on the contribution of context in advancing entrepreneurship theory. The aim of the paper is to analyse the agribusiness enterprise performance by introducing collaborativeness as a dimension of entrepreneurial orientation. Agribusiness is a key regional sector representing a crucial ratio of employment, economic production. and future growth. Due to the sector`s importance and the many challenges it faces, the impact of a synergy approach entrepreneurial orientation model on agribusiness performance is tested.Structural equation modelling is used to test data collected from 120 agribusinesses located in Albania. Study results show collaborativeness as a dimension of the extracted entrepreneurial orientation model which provides a synergy between the actors of entrepreneurial value creation and has a significant direct contribution to enterprise performance.Implications for Central European audience: Even though the results are related to agribusinesses in Albania, the findings of this research may advocate that to enhance enterprise performance in fragile sectors and emerging economy markets, the synergy among the value creation actors of the entrepreneurial process is a necessity. Besides the theoretical implications, this study has also some practical implications for policymakers, entrepreneurs and researchers.
THE ASSOCIATION OF BIOMARKERS OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND DISORDERS OF MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION

Atherosclerosis is a process associated with a number of risk factors which via their cumulative action accelerate atherogenesis. It is believed that endothelial dysfunction, associated with inflammation and increased oxidative stress in the blood vessel wall, is in its basis. The aim of the study was to analyze the association of myocardial ischemia with the parameters of endothelial dysfunction. We analyzed 120 patients of both sexes. The first group consisted of 70 dyslipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and manifest atherosclerosis on a hygienic-dietary regime and statin therapy. The second group consisted of 50 dyslipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with no verified atherosclerotic complications. Patients in both groups were similar in age and had a similar duration of diabetes. The analyses suggested a positive correlation of myocardial ischemia induced by exercise stress test demands with the values of citrulline, but not with the values of highly sensitive Creactive protein and nitric oxide. In the group with clinically manifest atherosclerosis, there were significantly more positive stress test results when myocardial ischemia was concerned. Acta Medica Medianae 2017;56(2):25-31
Combining Survival and Toxicity Effect Sizes from Clinical Trials: NCCTG 89-20-52 (Alliance)

Background: How can a clinician and patient incorporate survival and toxicity information into a single expression of comparative treatment benefit? Sloan et al. recently extended the ½ standard deviation concept for judging the clinical importance of findings from clinical trials to survival and tumor response endpoints. A new method using this approach to combine survival and toxicity effect sizes from clinical trials into a quality-adjusted effect size is presented. Methods: The quality-adjusted survival effect size (QASES) is calculated as survival effect size (ESS) minus the calibrated toxicity effect sizes (EST) (QASES=ESS-EST). This combined effect size can be weighted to adjust for the relative emphasis placed by the patient on survival and toxicity effects. Results: As an example, consider clinical trial NCCTG 89–20-52 which randomized patients to once-daily thoracic radiotherapy (ODTRT) versus twice-daily treatment of thoracic radiotherapy (TDRT) for the treatment of lung cancer. The ODTRT vs. TDRT arms had median survival time of 22 vs. 20 months (p=0.49) and toxicity rate of 39% vs. 54%, (p<0.05). The QASES of 0.18 standard deviations translates to a quality-adjusted survival difference of 5.7 months advantage for the ODRT arm over the TDRT treatment arm (22(16.3) months), p<0.05). Similar results are presented for the four possible case combinations of significant/non-significant survival and toxicity benefits using completed clinical trials. Conclusions: We used a novel approach to re-analyze clinical trial data to produce a single estimate for each treatment that combines survival and toxicity data. The QASES approach is an intuitive and mathematically simple yet robust approach.
Web-based Information Systems for Technological Process Control: an Architectural Framework and Software Solutions

In modern software development, a multi-level architectural design and the use of Web-and component-based technologies are key factors for standardization (enhancing reusability), quality assurance and cost effectiveness. Clearly, this is not only true for software development in “trendy e-domains” like E-Commerce, E-Learning etc., but also in conventional industrial application areas, including information systems for technological process control (TPC-IS) . This paper focuses at the latter ones. It outlines the most important common features of TPC-IS, discusses the impact these features have on a Web-based architectural TPC-IS design, and proposes a multi-level TPC-IS cross architecture considering these impacts. The appropriateness of that cross architecture is illustrated by reference to some projects which have been carried out for the Ukrainian gas-transport industry. Adequate technologies like MS COM/DCOM and ActiveX, XML and RDF are choosed, tested, and discussed with respect to TPC-IS implementation issues.
A Novel Molecular Pathway Involving GPR10, REST, and PRICKLE1 in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Leiomyoma

Uterine Leiomyoma (UL), also known as Uterine Fibroids, are benign, hormonesensitive tumors arising in the smooth muscle tissue layer of the uterus, the myometrium. UL are the most common female reproductive tract tumors, with lifetime occurrence in up to 77% of all women. A third of women with UL require treatment for clinically significant symptoms of menorrhagia, severe pain, anemia and fertility complications, resulting in over 200,000 hysterectomies and up to $34.4 billion in medical costs in the United States each year. Despite the prevalence of UL, currently no treatment for UL is long-term, cost effective and leaves fertility intact. There is a pressing need to develop better pharmacotherapies for the treatment of UL. Remarkably, very little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of UL. Environmental estrogen exposure is one of the most recognized risk factors associated with the development of UL tumors. At the cellular level, extensive evidence has linked the cell proliferation, survival and growth of UL tumors to the over-activation of the PI3K/AKT-mTOR pathway. This work establishes, for the first time, a comprehensive molecular pathway starting from known environmental estrogen risk factors leading to activation of the most crucial cell proliferation pathway in UL. We identified the most overexpressed G-protein coupled receptor in UL as the neuronspecific GPR10 (PRLHR), which activates the PI3K/AKT-mTOR pathway in UL cells upon stimulation by its ligand, PrRP (Prolactin-Releasing Peptide). Epigenetic silencing of GPR10 in non-neuronal cells is accomplished by the tumor-suppressor REST (Repressor Element Silencing Transcription factor), which we found to be drastically down-regulated at the protein level in UL tissue. In addition to GPR10, many of the most dysregulated genes in UL tissue are direct targets
Assessing toxicity in Daphnia magna: an oxidative lipidomic approach

Lipidomics, an under-utilised and rapidly developing field aims to identify the full complement of hydrophobic constituents in a cell, tissue or organism. Lipid peroxidation, a major consequence of oxidative stress, represents a mechanistically illuminating marker for numerous toxicants. Lipidomics offers the ideal technique to acquire a greater level of mechanistic detail compared to currently utilised methodologies. Here, I present a study into lipid peroxidation from simple in vitro models to complex in vivo systems utilising mass spectrometric techniques. Initially, oxidised products from a systematic range of phospholipids were induced and comprehensively annotated to allow the development of OxyLipidBlast. This is the first tool facilitating the identification of oxidised lipids and provides utility to numerous fields. Secondly I present the first annotated lipidome of the keystone ecotoxicological species Daphnia magna and the first annotated lipidome of algal species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii published in English. Subsequent oxidation in vitro of lipid extracts yielded perturbations, biologically relevant to the following in vivo exposures with well established toxicants and novel silver nanoparticles. Overall the work presented in this thesis enhances both eco and oxidative lipidomics. However, these studies also highlighted the limitations of shotgun lipidomics for ecotoxicology assessment
MORPHOLOGICAL REMODELING OF NUCLEUS AMBIGUUS (NA) PROJECTIONS TO CARDIAC GANGLIA IN F344 RATS FOLLOWING CHRONIC INTERMITTENT HYPOXIA (CIH)

The baroreflex sensitivity is reduced following CIH. But the heart rate responses to electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus are significantly increased at low frequencies (Gu et al. 2007; EB Abstract). To elucidate the neural mechanisms for such paradoxical findings, F344 rats (3 months) were exposed to either room air (RA) or CIH for 35 days (n=6 /group). Confocal microscopy was used to examine vagal efferent axons and terminals in cardiac ganglia following FG injection to label cardiac ganglia and DiI microinjection into the left NA to label vagal efferents. We found that:
Surgical Education Assessment of simulators for training and selection of trainees

BackgroundApproximately 15 % of surgical patients in hospital are affected of an adverse event, which is a medical error caused by the health care system. Laparoscopy is the preferred surgical technique in common procedures. Societal changes with shorter working hours, patient safety and ethics demand optimisation of resources toachieve the goal of educating competent surgeons within a reasonable time frame. Errors related to procedures is more often due to communicational skills and lack of situational awareness than pure technical skills. Laparoscopic simulation creates a safe training environment to spare patients being operated on by surgeons atthe steepest part of their learning curve. Selection of surgical trainees by testing different areas of technical and non-technical competence and personality traits is uncommon in the surgical community.Aim. The aim of the research project is to investigate laparoscopic simulators used for training and potential unsuitable behaviour of surgical trainees as defined for the selection process.MethodsThree studies were conducted with surgical novices, trainees and experienced surgeons by using laparoscopic simulators. Trainee and expert performance were investigated for simulator feasibility, effect of training of novices with sense of touch (haptics) and 3D vision, and opinion of experienced surgeons in using a virtual reality (VR) simulator.A mixed methods design with questionnaires and interviews with experienced surgeons was used to identify unsuitable behaviour and traits in trainees.ResultsThe Simball® Box is a new type of laparoscopic simulator which showed good feasibility and has the potential to mirror the technical progression with metrics. LapSim® Haptic Virtual Reality simulator with 3D and haptics shortens the acquisition of basic skills in novices with 32 %. Experienced surgeons considered that haptics inLapSim® had limited fidelity, but in spite of this, produced less stretch damage to the simulated tissue with haptics enabled. Experienced surgeons have quite consistent views on what makes a person unsuitable as a surgeon. This knowledge have been systematized in 11 problem domains and a list of early “warning signs” in addition to astructured interview guide.SignificanceThe findings from the studies concerning laparoscopic simulators have increased the knowledge of their usefulness and effectiveness and could assist in the construction of training curricula. The findings from the study on unsuitable behaviour could increase awareness and suggest the possibility to identify these signs early during training and initiate actions to remediate. The interview guide could contribute to increased quality and transparency amongst candidates applying for a trainee position. (Less)
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: An Update

Otolaryngologists and gastroenterologists seem to differ in their definitions and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). In this review article, the author suggests a multidisciplinary approach to LPR diagnosis. Based on the latest findings, the author proposes an algorithm to facilitate the assessment and management of LPR.