Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of air trapping or pulmonary hyperinflation by forced spirometry in COPD patients: results from COSYCONET

Background Air trapping and lung hyperinflation are major determinants of prognosis and response to therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are often determined by body plethysmography, which has limited availability, and so the question arises as to what extent they can be estimated via spirometry. Methods We used data from visits 1–5 of the COPD cohort COSYCONET. Predictive parameters were derived from visit 1 data, while visit 2–5 data was used to assess reproducibility. Pooled data then yielded prediction models including sex, age, height, and body mass index as covariates. Hyperinflation was defined as ratio of residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) above the upper limit of normal. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01245933). Results Visit 1 data from 1988 patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease grades 1–4, n=187, 847, 766, 188, respectively) were available for analysis (n=1231 males, 757 females; mean±sd age 65.1±8.4 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 53.1±18.4 % predicted (% pred); forced vital capacity (FVC) 78.8±18.8 % pred; RV/TLC 0.547±0.107). In total, 7157 datasets were analysed. Among measures of hyperinflation, RV/TLC showed the closest relationship to FEV1 % pred and FVC % pred, which were sufficient for prediction. Their relationship to RV/TLC could be depicted in nomograms. Even when neglecting covariates, hyperinflation was predicted by FEV1 % pred, FVC % pred or their combination with an area under the curve of 0.870, 0.864 and 0.889, respectively. Conclusions The degree of air trapping/hyperinflation in terms of RV/TLC can be estimated in a simple manner from forced spirometry, with an accuracy sufficient for inferring the presence of hyperinflation. This may be useful for clinical settings, where body plethysmography is not available. This proposed method allows estimation of hyperinflation in COPD by spirometry, obviating the need for body plethysmography or further techniques. Results are depicted in easily applicable nomograms that can be used in clinical practice. https://bit.ly/3c0tUNL
Implementation of Imaging Methods in Evaluation of T2DM-Correlated Brain Alterations and Cognitive Dysfunction

Introduction: There has been mounting evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) populations are prone to aberrant brain functionality and cognitive deficits. Hyperglycemic status and insulin resistance, among other factors, have been associated with compromised brain neural congruity, leading to lower cognitive performance. Aim: The aim of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive review of imaging techniques and their applicability in detection of brain changes in the setting of T2DM. Methods: A search of PubMed electronic database was followed. Primary search terms included “imaging methods”, “type 2 diabetes” and “cognitive impairment”. Results: A range of imaging modalities that can be of value in depiction of diabetes-mediated structural and functional brain aberrations. Conclusion: An increasingly body of research points to the adverse effect T2DM exerts on brain integrity and higher cognitive skills. Findings support the role of imaging techniques in delineation of brain divergence in middle-aged and older diabetic populations.
The chemotactic swimming behavior of bird schistosome miracidia in the presence of compatible and incompatible snail hosts

No effective method has yet been developed to prevent the threat posed by the emerging disease—cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch), caused by infective cercariae of bird schistosomes (Digenea: Schistosomatidae). In our previous studies, the New Zealand mud snail—Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1853; Gastropoda, Tateidae)—was used as a barrier between the miracidia of Trichobilharzia regenti and the target snails Radix balthica. Since the presence of non-indigenous snails reduced the parasite prevalence under laboratory conditions, we posed three new research questions: (1) Do bird schistosomes show totally perfect efficacy for chemotactic swimming behavior? (2) Do the larvae respond to substances emitted by incompatible snail species? (3) Do the excretory-secretory products of incompatible snail species interfere with the search for a compatible snail host? The experiments were carried out in choice-chambers for the miracidia of T. regenti and T. szidati. The arms of the chambers, depending on the variant, were filled with water conditioned by P. antipodarum, water conditioned by lymnaeid hosts, and dechlorinated tap water. Miracidia of both bird schistosome species chose more frequently the water conditioned by snails—including the water conditioned by the incompatible lymnaeid host and the alien species, P. antipodarum. However, species-specific differences were noticed in the behavior of miracidia. T. regenti remained more often inside the base arm rather than in the arm filled with water conditioned by P. antipodarum or the control arm. T. szidati, however, usually left the base arm and moved to the arm filled with water conditioned by P. antipodarum. In conclusion, the non-host snail excretory-secretory products may interfere with the snail host-finding behavior of bird schistosome miracidia and therefore they may reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch.
A Large-Class Undergraduate Microbiology Laboratory Activity on Microbial Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance

The investigation of microbial diversity and adaptation is essential to comprehend biological processes. Yet, teaching basic microbiology techniques to large groups of students in limited time is challenging, as most approaches are time-consuming or require special equipment. In this activity, students performed three laboratory exercises in three hours involving the analysis of inoculated agar plates they prepared by swabbing samples from an environment of their choice, the examination of antimicrobial effects on growth, and the assessment of microbial enzymatic activity in soil. The activity was field tested in two classes (70 and 76 students, respectively) of first-year undergraduate biology and zoology students at the Bangor University (UK) using pre- and post-tests (n = 84). Based on the answers, learning gain scores (G) were calculated for each learning objective (LO). For all LOs, the mean post-test scores were higher than the mean pre-test scores. The activity significantly improved students’ understanding of microbial diversity (G = 0.36, p = 0.010) and microbial detection and quantification (G = 0.18 to 0.773, p ≤ 0.004). The lack of significant differences in scores for questions targeting microbial growth (G = 0.31, p = 0.292) and antimicrobial resistance (G = 0.38, p = 0.052) suggested some existing knowledge amongst undergraduates. However, the extent of knowledge showed great variation. The results may suggest that the activity is suitable to introduce microbiology-related laboratory work to students with limited laboratory skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the pre- and post-test approach used here is suitable for both course evaluation and monitoring attainment and can be used for program validation and quality control.
Major Research Topics in Big Data: A Literature Analysis from 2013 to 2017 Using Probabilistic Topic Models

Big data is a popular phenomenon among practitioners as well as scholars. Due to its multidisciplinary background, big data research literature includes a wide spectrum of scientific publications in various research areas. With the aim of identification of research trends in big data literature, an empirical analysis based on probabilistic topic models was performed on peer reviewed articles between 2013 and 2017. As a result of the analysis, the 24 topics demonstrating research trends was discovered. This study maps the research landscape of the big data literature over the past five years. The findings of this study may provide valuable insights to big data research communities.
How Can Innovative Practices In HEIs Facilitate Sustainable Social And Economic Development

The paper is focused on analyzing net-based practices in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as a policy tool for instituting a sustainable social and economic development. The purpose of the study is to identify relationships between net-based HEIs and welfare perspective; to investigate the extent to which the use of innovative education can affect societies. The paper challenging the argument HEIs that perform badly have a significant negative impact on economic and social growth. The main challenge is to identify the technical, economical and social aspects of HEIs as indicators of this impact, to consider outcomes for stakeholders of society. The research draws upon E-learning as mostly effective means of reducing cost of educational services of HEIs, aims to summarize the main findings of the scientific findings. The case studies show how the effectiveness of using net learning in HEIs can lead to social and economic growth in the countries concerned. Of particular importance are the differences between developed and developing countries. Upon the examination it becomes clear that E-skills have become the effective way to overcome differences among human, social capitals of countries by significant positive effect on wage levels. Trough showing the productivity paradox in innovative HEIs the paper tries to explain divides between counties, the importance of new policies in HEIs for governments. This research will provide valuable information regarding public regional decision-making in establishing organizational structures for efficiency (social benefits) of lifelong learning, provides novel insight into the understanding of E-education becoming the benchmark for HEIs and global economies.
Protective effects of Edaravone on the diffuse injury of brain in rats

Objective To investigate the effects of Edaravone （Ed） on p38mitogen-activated protein kinases/Caspase-3 （p38MAPK/Caspase-3） pathway following the diffuse injury of brain （DIB） in rats, as well as the protective effects of Edaravone on traumatic injury of brain （TIB）. Method The TIB models were established by using Marmarou＇s method in adult male Spraque-Dawlley rats. A total of 250 rats were divided （random number）9nto control group, model group, low-dose Edaravone treatment group and high-dose Edaravone treatment group.The rats were sacrificed separately 1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after DIB and the brain tissues of rats were taken.The morphological changes of neuron in hippocampus region were observed by using Nissl staining. The levels of phosphorylated p38MAPK and Caspase-3 were detected by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The learning and memory functions were determined with Morris water maze test from the 3rd to 7th day after injury.Results Compared with control group, some neurons displayed histopathological changes of necrosis and apoptosis in rats of model group. The levels of phosphorylated p38MAPK significantly increased in 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours after injury in rats of model group （ P 〈 0.05）, but there was no statistic significance in increase 72 hours later （ P〉 0.05）. The levels of Caspase-3 significantly increased in 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours after injury in rats of model group （ P 〈 0.05）, but there was no significant difference in increase in one hour after injury （0.59±0.29 vs.0. 40±0.17, P 〉0.05）. In the Morris water maze test from the 3rd to 6th day, the latency to find the platform significantly prolonged in rats of model group （ P 〈 0.05）, and the numbers of passing the platform by rats decreased on the 7th day （2.28 ± 1.18 vs. 8.20 ± 1.52, P 〈 0.05）. Compared with model group, the levels of phosphorylated p38MAPK in 6, 24 and 48 hours after injury in low-dose Edaravone group were lower （P 〈0.05）, but there was no statistical difference in one hour after injury （ P 〉 0.05）. The levels of Caspase-3 in 6,24, 48 and 72 hours after injury in rats of low-dose Edaravone group were lower than those of model group （ P 〈0.05）. The latency to find the platform significantly shortened （ P 〈 0.05） and the numbers of passing the platform by rats increased （4.17 ± 1.15 vs. 2.28 ± 1.18, P 〈 0.05） in low-dose Edaravone group. The above variables changed more prominently in high-dose Edaravone group. Conclusions Edaravone attenuates p38MAPK pathway activation, lowers the level of Caspase-3 following DIB and protects the rats against the traumatic injury of brain. Key words: Rats; Traumatic brain injury; Mitogen-activated protein kinases; Caspase-3; Learning-memory
Nucleolar Dominance: A 'David and Goliath' Chromatin Imprinting Process

Nucleolar dominance is an enigma. The puzzle of differential amphiplasty has remained unresolved since it was first recognised and described in Crepis hybrids by Navashin in 1934. Here we review the body of knowledge that has grown out of the many models that have tried to find the genetic basis for differential rRNA gene expression in hybrids, and present a new interpretation. We propose and discuss a chromatin imprinting model which re-interprets differential amphiplasty in terms of two genomes of differing size occupying a common space within the nucleus, and with heterochromatin as a key player in the scenario. Difference in size between two parental genomes induces an inherited epigenetic mark in the hybrid that allows patterns of chromatin organization to have positional effects on the neighbouring domains. This chromatin imprinting model can be also used to explain complex genomic interactions which transcend nucleolar dominance and which can account for the overall characteristics of hybrids. Gene expression in hybrids, relative to parentage, is seen as being based on the nuclear location of the sequences concerned within their genomic environment, and where the presence of particular repetitive DNA sequences are 'sensed', and render silent the adjacent information. THE EARLY DAYS A differential gene expression phenomenon that results in nucleolus formation by only one parental set of rRNA gene clusters is widely found in hybrids. The process was first observed about 50 years ago by Navashin (1), after crossing several different species from the genus Crepis, and later termed 'Nucleolar Dominance' (2). Navashin clearly demonstrated that after hybridization the chromosomes from parental species undergo morphological modifications in the hybrid. Changes that affected all of the chromosomes from one parent were termed "amphiplasty" or "neutral amphiplasty", whereas those that targeted only particular chromosomes he named "differential amphiplasty". This latter case resulted from Navashin's observations on a particular chromosome group of the genus Crepis - the D chromosomes - that usually display a distal small segment (the satellite) connected to the remainder of the chromosome by a thin strand of chromatin (the secondary constriction) at metaphase. In interspecific hybrids, only one D-chromosome showed this characteristic morphology, while the other failed to display its secondary constriction. Furthermore this differential behaviour always belonged to the chromosome from the same parental species in reciprocal crosses (Fig. 1). In backcrosses of the hybrid to its appropriate under- dominant parental species, Navashin detected the restoration of the secondary constriction and the satellite structures, thereby showing that these changes are reversible and not due to any permanent loss and/or damage of these chromatin regions. In parallel, Heitz (3) proved that the satellite and
Application of disposable multi-element surgical sets as a method to prevent SSI

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a current problem in health care facilities. Prevention of surgical site infections must be multidisciplinary. In operating theaters, the so-called procedural sets are being increasingly used lately, dedicated to a specific medical procedure and adapted to the needs of a specific operating suite. Each set may contain any components such as surgical drapes, surgical gowns, gloves or surgical dressings. The offer of the producers is very wide, thanks to which the quality of the products is systematically increasing. The use of such a solution saves time by increasing work efficiency and reducing costs. A lower number of packages (one package instead of a dozen or so of individual components) also means lower disposal costs. At the same time, it allows for standardization of the operating mode during surgeries and monitoring the consumption of materials used in operative fields.
Modelo de nicho potencial de las madrigueras de Gopherus flavomarginatus en la Reserva de la Biosfera de Mapimí

La tortuga del Bolson Gopherus flavomarginatus permanece gran parte de su vida dentro de sus madrigueras.Mediante el estudio de las caracteristicas del habitat necesarias para la construccion de sus refugios se pueden obtenermodelos de nicho potencial relacionados directamente con la presencia de esta especie. En una localidad de laReserva de la Biosfera de Mapimi con caracteristicas tipicas del habitat de G. flavomarginatus se analizo el patronde dispersion, densidad, elevacion, edafologia, vegetacion, aspecto y pendiente de 151 madrigueras registradas. Sedesarrollaron modelos de nicho potencial de las madrigueras con los programas Maxent y ArcMap. Se registraron2 zonas grandes de alta probabilidad de madrigueras, 1 localizada al oeste de la reserva y la otra al este. El modelopropuesto en este trabajo muestra que las poblaciones de G. flavomarginatus construyen sus madrigueras en zonas quebordean los grandes escurrimientos fluviales y que se distribuyen de una manera agrupada a lo largo de la reserva.Con los modelos generados en este estudio se podran ajustar las areas en que se presenta el habitat necesario para laconstruccion de madrigueras de G. flavomarginatus. El manejo adecuado y conservacion de esas areas beneficiaradirectamente la propia conservacion de la especie.
An evaluation of the use of chromic oxide, polyethylene glycol and Cr-EDTA as markers for digestive studies along the small intestine of ruminants

In cows, fitted with a T-shaped cannula in the duodenum and with a re-entrant cannula in the ileum, ileal recoveries were determined of Cr 2 0 3 , impregnated onto paper, and polyethylene glycol, introduced into the duodenum. The length of the collection periods of digesta showed to be of importance. The mean trans­ it time of both markers along the small intestine did not differ. In sheep, fitted with an infusion tube into the abomasum and with an ileal re­ entrant cannula, polyethylene glycol was recovered quantitatively over 10-h col­ lection periods of digesta. In fitted with an infusion tube into the abomasum with 4 T-shaped cannulas along the small intestine, flow rates of digesta in jejunum and ileum determined with polyethylene glycol and Cr-EDTA were comparable.
The evolution of C4 photosynthesis.

C4 photosynthesis is a series of anatomical and biochemical modifications that concentrate CO2 around the carboxylating enzyme Rubisco, thereby increasing photosynthetic efficiency in conditions promoting high rates of photorespiration. The C4 pathway independently evolved over 45 times in 19 families of angiosperms, and thus represents one of the most convergent of evolutionary phenomena. Most origins of C4 photosynthesis occurred in the dicots, with at least 30 lineages. C4 photosynthesis first arose in grasses, probably during the Oligocene epoch (24-35 million yr ago). The earliest C4 dicots are likely members of the Chenopodiaceae dating back 15-21 million yr; however, most C4 dicot lineages are estimated to have appeared relatively recently, perhaps less than 5 million yr ago. C4 photosynthesis in the dicots originated in arid regions of low latitude, implicating combined effects of heat, drought and/or salinity as important conditions promoting C4 evolution. Low atmospheric CO2 is a significant contributing factor, because it is required for high rates of photorespiration. Consistently, the appearance of C4 plants in the evolutionary record coincides with periods of increasing global aridification and declining atmospheric CO2 . Gene duplication followed by neo- and nonfunctionalization are the leading mechanisms for creating C4 genomes, with selection for carbon conservation traits under conditions promoting high photorespiration being the ultimate factor behind the origin of C4 photosynthesis. Contents Summary 341 I. Introduction 342 II. What is C4 photosynthesis? 343 III. Why did C4 photosynthesis evolve? 347 IV. Evolutionary lineages of C4 photosynthesis 348 V. Where did C4 photosynthesis evolve? 350 VI. How did C4 photosynthesis evolve? 352 VII. Molecular evolution of C4 photosynthesis 361 VIII. When did C4 photosynthesis evolve 362 IX. The rise of C4 photosynthesis in relation to climate and CO2 363 X. Final thoughts: the future evolution of C4 photosynthesis 365 Acknowledgements 365 References 365.
Perceptions of Social Security in Communist Romania

Different factors have been proposed to explain the longevity of the communist system in Romania: social control by the secret police, external pressures, or foreign control. However, the most common explanation is that of the Romanian people’s ‘passivity’. Many commentators distinguish between two groups in Romanian society, victims and collaborators, and hold the entire Romanian nation responsible for communism since it did not oppose the system and its authorities. Over the last few years, Romanian sociologists have begun to study communist society more systematically. They have developed new interpretations of the causes of the longevity of the system in terms of the transformation of social identity under communism and general fear. This article advances a complementary explanation, focusing on the perception of social security, and draws on a series of interviews conducted in the summer of 2009 in Romania and a number of public surveys conducted between 1999 and 2009.
TP53 Arg72Pro and CCND1 A870G Polymorphisms and Esophageal Cancer Risk

The authors examined 184 residents from Kazakhstan to reveal an association of the CCND1 gene A870G and TP53 gene Arg72Pro polymorphisms with esophageal cancer risk. 86 of them were control group and 98 were patients with esophageal cancer. DNA samples were genotyped by direct sequencing method and TaqMan allelic discrimination method. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat(superscript TM) Software and ”Case-Control Study Estimating Calculator” from TAPOTILI company. A significant association was revealed between CCND1 homozygous genotype (A870A, OR=2.654) and TP53 heterozygous (Arg72Pro. OR1.417) and homozygous (Pro72Pro, 0R2.860) genotypes increased risk of esophageal cancer.