Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Management of Dairy Cows During the Transition Period

Potential consequences of an inadequate transition program include: • metabolic disorders--milk fever, fatty liver, and ketosis • reproductive disorders--retained placenta (RP) and metritis • digestive disorders--subclinical rumen acidosis (SARA) and displaced abomasum (DA) • rapid and excessive loss of body condition in early lactation • low peak milk yields • poor fertility • high veterinary costs • high involuntary cull rates.
Isolation and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium from human stool

Accepted 20 July 2017 Online release 04 August 2017 Cryptosporidium is an intracellular zoonotic protozoan parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of humans and causes a diarrheal disease, cryptosporidiosis. Stool act as a great reservoir for contamination with water and oro-faecal is the most potential medium of transmission. The study was aimed to isolate and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium from stool samples of patients at Shurjo kanto Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Samples were collected from children (under 6 years of age) and adult patients (above 20 years of age) having history of diarrhoea. Cryptosporidium were detected by the conventional ZiehlNeelsen staining method and PCR. By microscopy Cryptosporidium were primarily detected positive in 10 from 30 samples, of 4(10) in children under 6 years of age and 6(20) in adults patients above 20 years of age, which were further confirmed by PCR. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium in 33% of all patients, of which 40% of children were at the age of less than 6 years and 30% were at the age of beyond 20 years old patients admitted in Shurjo kanto Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Altogether, the study revealed that age has significant effects on the occurrences of the Cryptosporidium infection that causes diarrhea. However further studies are needed to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium in more patients throughout the year in order to better understanding about the status of Cryptosporidium infection in human. Keyword
The relationship of erbB family genes and chemosensitivity of Pemetrexed treated non-squamous NSCLC patients

To investigate the relationship between the expression of the ErbB family genes and the sensitivity of non-squamous NSCLC by Pemetrexed treatment, 93 non-squamous NSCLC patients diagnosed as clinical stage IIIB or IV and received pemetrexed-platinum chemotherapy enroll in this research. The tumor tissue and peripheral blood samples were collected for detecting ErbB family genes (EGFR\HER2\ErbB3\ErbB4) expression by immunohistochemical method and RT-PCR, and the therapeutic effect of the treatment was analyzed. The EGFR expression in tumor tissues is positively correlated with that in peripheral blood (p=0.037), while no significant correlation was observed between HER2/ErbB3 expression in tumor tissues and that in peripheral blood (p>0.05). The expression of EGFR/HER2/ErbB3/ErbB4 shows no statistical significance between PD group and PR plus SD group (all>0.05). The mRNA level of EGFR/HER2 in blood may serve as potential indicators of chemosensitivity to pemetrexed in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
Comparative study among Spanish students of health sciences degrees : Facing death

Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain Department of Mathematics, University of Almería, Almería, Spain Correspondence Sagrario Pérezde la Cruz, Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería. Carretera de Sacramento s/n 04120 La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería. Spain. Email: spd205@ual.es Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of students of health sciences faculties (medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy) regarding specific issues related to death and end of life in both professional and personal realms. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and multi-center approach was used. The modified Bugen Scale for facing death was used. The study population (411 students) encompassed three distinct groups: students from the degrees of medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy. In total, 12 items showed significant differences between the three groups. The sample presented a moderate level of perceived competency in the ability to face death. We found significant differences in the scores obtained by the three groups regarding their ability to face the death of people who are emotionally close. Furthermore, the sample demonstrated a good level of self-efficacy when facing death, with nursing students displaying the greatest emotional involvement when compared to their colleagues studying medicine and physiotherapy. It is therefore recommended that study curricula of future health professionals contain specific training in end-of-life care.
Hypoxia-induced feedback of HIF-1α and lncRNA-CF129 contributes to pancreatic cancer progression through stabilization of p53 protein

Rationale: Emerging evidences have highlighted the critical roles of lncRNAs in human cancer development. The work sought to assess the biological role and potential underlying mechanisms of lncRNA-CF129 (CF129) which is significantly reduced in pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: CF129 expression and its association with multiple clinicopathologic characteristics in PC specimens were analyzed. The role of CF129 both in vitro and in vivo was assessed, with RNA pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays being performed to detect the interaction between CF129 and p53 and E3 ligase MKRN1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays were utilized to identify the interaction between p53 and FOXC2 promoter, HIF-1α/HDAC1 complex and CF129 promoter, FOXC2 and HIF-1α promoter, respectively. Results: CF129 levels were markedly lower in PC compared with paired non-tumor adjacent tissues. Low CF129 expression predicted short overall survival in PC patients. CF129 inhibited invasion and metastasis of PC cells in a FOXC2-dependent manner. In addition, CF129 regulates FOXC2 transcription through association with mutant p53. CF129 directly binds to p53 and E3 ligase MKRN1, and such an interaction leading to p53 protein ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, CF129 is a hypoxia-responsive lncRNA, which is transcriptionally downregulated by binding between HIF-1α/HDAC1 complex and CF129 promoter. Finally, it is revealed that HIF-1α is reciprocally regulated by FOXC2 in transcriptional level. Clinically, CF129 downregulation coordinates overexpression of FOXC2. Conclusions: Our study suggests that CF129 inhibits pancreatic cell proliferation and invasion by suppression of FOXC2 transcription, which depends on MKRN1-mediated ubiquitin-dependent p53 degradation. The HIF-1α/CF129/ p53/FOXC2 axis may function as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.
Effects of timing parameter changes on the gait of functional electrical stimulation users with drop foot

Introduction Functional electrical stimulation uses clinician-set parameters to modify stimulation. This study aimed to investigate whether timing parameters in the ODFS Pace functional electrical stimulation device have an effect on the gait of the general population of functional electrical stimulation users who have a foot drop. Methods Twelve functional electrical stimulation users with foot drop resulting from upper motor neurone disorders were recruited from the functional electrical stimulation Service in Leeds, UK. A crossover trial design was used, comparing adjusted values of rising ramp, delay and extension. Instrumented gait analysis was carried out to measure ankle dorsiflexion during the swing phase of gait, foot clearance from the ground, and speed of ankle plantarflexion at initial contact. The effect of timing parameters on gait kinematics was studied. Results No statistically significant effects on the measured parts of gait were found for any of the timing parameters. Trends were identified in average mid-swing ground clearance and dorsiflexion associated with the delay and rising ramp timing parameters. Conclusions Further work in this area should use larger numbers of participants. Based on these results, the effects of ramping and delay would be of particular interest for further study.
ROC Curve for Multivariate Random Variables

The ROC curve is drawn with two conditional cumulative distribution functions (or survival functions) of the univariate random variable. In this work, we consider joint cumulative distribution functions of k random variables, and suggest a ROC curve for multivariate random variables. With regard to the values on the line, which passes through two mean vectors of dichotomous states, a joint cumulative distribution function can be regarded as a function of the univariate variable. After this function is modified to satisfy the properties of the cumulative distribution function, a ROC curve might be derived; moreover, some illustrative examples are demonstrated.
Changes in Spine Alignment and Postural Balance After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Rehabilitative Point of View

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in female patients in developed countries. Recent articles indicate that one-sided mastectomy or minor breast surgery to treat breast cancer can have deleterious effects on posture and the musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations post-breast cancer surgery of the spine alignment associated to the balance not reported by the noninvasive instrumentation. We enrolled 30 women who had undergone treatment for breast cancer (BG) and were on a waiting-list for rehabilitation treatment and a control group of 30 healthy volunteer women (CG), matched by age and body mass index. The stabilometry was performed using a force platform (Kistler Instruments, Winterthur, Switzerland) test during quiet standing with closed-eyes (EC) and open-eyes (EO), recording the position of the center of pressure (CoP) for 51.2 sec. The stabilogram or the time plot of the two coordinates, X and Y, of the CoP was obtained, which represent anteroposterior and midlateral balance. Spinal posture was measured using the Formetric-4D rasterstereographic system (DIERS, International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany), and thoracic kyphotic angle, lumbar lordotic angle, and surface trunk rotation were evaluated. Sixty participants were analyzed (CG:30; BG:30). For the spine rasterstereography a statistically significant difference was shown with regard to anterior–posterior flexion of the trunk major in BG; pelvic inclination and twist of half-pelvis decreased in BG; normalized lumbosacral inversion point decreased in BG; surface rotation major in BG; and lateral deviation major in BG. Compared with the values for the stabilometry test with EO and EC, a statistically significant difference was observed, respectively, for ellipse length (mm; p = 0.04) and ellipse area (mm2; p = 0.04) with EO and in ellipse area (mm2) with EC (p = 0.05), increased in BG for both conditions. No difference was shown for CoP velocity and oscillations between the groups. Breast cancer survivors after prostheses or tissue expanders for mastectomy showed a spine's misalignment present both on the sagittal plane, both on the coronal and frontal plane, increased in BG regard to anterior–posterior flexion of the trunk, surface rotation, and lateral deviation. It is associated with greater energy expenditure for the postural balance control increased in BG with a major ellipse area in EO and EC conditions and major ellipse length in EC condition.
Thermal conditions and age structure determine the spawning regularities and condition of Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) in the NE of the Baltic Sea

Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) is a total spawner with a group-synchronous ovarian organization. Age polymodality in total spawners is considered an important factor in assuring that a strong population is sustainable under an intensive harvesting regime and different climatic conditions. In the present study, we investigated the seasonal and inter-annual variation in spawner age structure and the effect of preceding winter thermal conditions on the start of the herring spawning and larvae retention period. Herring spawning season in the Gulf of Riga starts up to six weeks later after colder winters compared to milder winters. Significantly older individuals dominated at the beginning of the spawning season, and thus herring mean age gradually decreased towards the end of the spawning season from 1999–2015. On an annual scale, this pattern was obvious after cold winters, while after mild winters the pattern did not continue, indicating a more homogenous maturation cycle and spawning period, despite the age and size of the herring population in mild winters. Further, herring condition factor was studied in relation to age and spawning season following different winter thermal conditions. Young, 2- and 3- year old first-spawning herring experienced significantly lower conditions after cold winters compared to older ages, indicating an age-dependent effect of preceding winter on herring maturation cycle, condition and spawning time.
Alveolar restoration following rapid maxillary expansion with and without corticotomy: A microcomputed tomography study in sheep

Objective This study examined bone microstructure restoration after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) with and without corticotomy over multiple retention periods. Methods Eighteen male Dorper sheep were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 6 each group): group 1, RME with corticotomy on the buccal and palatal sides; group 2, conventional RME treatment; and group 3, no treatment. Post-RME, trabecular bone microstructure and new bone formation were evaluated by using microcomputed tomography (microCT) and histomorphometry after a 4- or 12-week retention period. Intergroup differences in bone quality and bone remodeling were analyzed by using two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results The bone volume fraction (bone volume [BV]/total volume [TV]) values relative to the control in groups 1 and 2 were 54.40% to 69.88% after the 4-week retention period and returned to approximately 80% after the 12-week retention period. The pooled BV/TV values of the banded teeth in groups 1 and 2 were significantly lower than those of the control after the 4-week retention period (p < 0.05). However, after the 12-week retention period, the pooled BV/TV values in group 2 were significantly lower than those in groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.05). Histomorphological analysis showed that the new bone formation area in group 1 was approximately two to three times of those in group 2 and control. Conclusions Corticotomy significantly enhanced the restoration of bone quality after the retention periods for banded teeth. This benefit might result from the increased new bone formation after corticotomy.
Imaging in chronic pancreatitis: State of the art review

Abstract Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an important gastrointestinal cause of morbidity worldwide. It can severely impair the quality of life besides life-threatening acute and long-term complications. Pain and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (leading to malnutrition) impact the quality of life. Acute complications include pseudocysts, pancreatic ascites, and vascular complications. Long-term complications are diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer. Early diagnosis of CP is crucial to alter the natural course of the disease. However, majority of the cases are diagnosed in the advanced stage. The role of various imaging techniques in the diagnosis of CP is discussed in this review.
Climate change affects water security 5937 ( a ) ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

An increase in extreme precipitation is projected for many areas worldwide in the coming decades. To assess the impact of increased precipitation intensity on water security, we applied a regional-scale hydrological and soil erosion model, forced with regional climate model projections. We specifically considered the impact of climate change on the distribution of water between soil (green water) and surface water (blue water) compartments. We show that an increase in precipitation intensity leads to a redistribution of water within the catchment, where water storage in soil decreases and reservoir inflow increases. This affects plant water stress and the potential of rainfed versus irrigated agriculture, and increases dependency on reservoir storage, which is potentially threatened by increased soil erosion. This study demonstrates the crucial importance of accounting for the fact that increased precipitation intensity leads to water redistribution between green and blue water, increased soil erosion, and reduced water security. Ultimately, this has implications for design of climate change adaptation measures, which should aim to increase the water holding capacity of the soil (green water) and to maintain the storage capacity of reservoirs (blue water), benefiting rainfed and irrigated agriculture.
Eosinophils in the gastrointestinal tract and their role in the pathogenesis of major colorectal disorders

Eosinophils are currently regarded as versatile mobile cells controlling and regulating multiple biological pathways and responses in health and disease. These cells store in their specific granules numerous biologically active substances (cytotoxic cationic proteins, cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, enzymes) ready for rapid release. The human gut is the main destination of eosinophils that are produced and matured in the bone marrow and then transferred to target tissues through the circulation. In health the most important functions of gut-residing eosinophils comprise their participation in the maintenance of the protective mucosal barrier and interactions with other immune cells in providing immunity to microbiota of the gut lumen. Eosinophils are closely involved in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), when their cytotoxic granule proteins cause damage to host tissues. However, their roles in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis appear to follow different immune response patterns. Eosinophils in IBD are especially important in altering the structure and protective functions of the mucosal barrier and modulating massive neutrophil influx to the lamina propria followed by transepithelial migration to colorectal mucus. IBD-associated inflammatory process involving eosinophils then appears to expand to the mucus overlaying the internal gut surface. The author hypothesises that immune responses within colorectal mucus as well as ETosis exerted by both neutrophils and eosinophils on the both sides of the colonic epithelial barrier act as additional pathogenetic factors in IBD. Literature analysis also shows an association between elevated eosinophil levels and better colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis, but mechanisms behind this effect remain to be elucidated. In conclusion, the author emphasises the importance of investigating colorectal mucus in IBD and CRC patients as a previously unexplored milieu of disease-related inflammatory responses.
Detection of minimal mucosal esophageal lesions in non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease using optical enhancement plus optical magnification

Abstract Background and study aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of endoscopy using optical enhancement (OE system) with optical magnification to predict reflux in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients. Patients and methods A prospective, non-randomized, single-blind study was performed from September 2015 to January 2016. Participants suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and were assigned to the NERD group or the non-reflux disease control group based on endoscopic findings and a 24-hour pH-impedance-monitoring test. Endoscopy using the OE system with optical magnification was performed in all patients to detect minimal mucosal esophageal lesions (MMEL), specifically abnormalities in the numbers, dilation, and tortuosity of intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs). Biopsies were obtained from each esophageal segment, and diagnoses from images were compared to diagnoses of reflux and inflammation using 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring and histology, respectively. Results Fifty-seven patients were included (36 in the NERD group, 21 in the control group). IPCLs were observed in 94.4 % of cases in the NERD group and 38 % of cases in the control group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in IPCL abnormalities between groups that were associated with histologically identified inflammation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 94.4 %, 61.9 %, 80.9 %, 86.6 %, and 82.4 %, respectively. The 24-hour pH-impedance-monitoring test was used as the gold standard. The Kappa interobserver and intraobserver values were 0.85 and 0.90, respectively. Conclusion The OE system with optical magnification can detect MMEL and predict NERD with high sensitivity, accuracy, and interobserver and intraobserver agreement. Presence of IPCLs highly correlates with histologically identified inflammation.
Aligning the normalized systems theorems with existing heuristic software engineering knowledge

—Software applications used by contemporary organizations have to be expendable for incorporating additional functional requirements, as well as adaptable regarding ever changing user requirements. As this evolvability has frequently be noted to be lacking in most information systems, Normalized Systems (NS) theory has recently proposed a framework on evolvable modularity. Based on the concept of systems theoretic stability, NS formulates a number theorems, constituting a set of formally proven necessary conditions in order to obtain such evolvability in modular structures. These theorems were argued to strongly align with heuristic (often tacit) best-practice knowledge of experienced software developers. In order to further validate this claim, the present paper will investigate the degree in which the NS theorems align with best-practice software engineering guidelines based on the set of 22 “bad smells in code” as deﬁned by Fowler and Beck. The analysis shows that the avoidance of the code smells indeed largely aligns with the Normalized Systems theorems. While 14 of the guidelines seem to be reﬂected by the NS theorems, 4 of them seem to be unrelated to the theorems and another set of 4 code smells seems to be contradicting with NS reasoning.
A record nine different phases (four cubic, two hexagonal, and one lamellar lyotropic liquid crystalline and two micellar solutions) in a ternary isothermal system of an amphiphilic block copolymer and selective solvents (water and oil)

We report on a ternary isothermal system consisting of a poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(propylene oxide) (PEO/PPO) amphiphilic block copolymer, “water”, and “oil” (where “water” and “oil” are selective solvents for the different blocks), which exhibits the richest structural polymorphism ever observed (in equilibrium) in mixtures containing amphiphiles (such as block copolymers, surfactants, or lipids). The microstructure resulting from the self-assembly of the PEO/PPO block copolymer can vary from normal (oil-in-water) micelles in solution, through all types of normal and reverse (water-in-oil) lyotropic liquid crystals (normal micellar cubic, normal hexagonal, normal bicontinuous cubic, lamellar, reverse bicontinuous cubic, reverse hexagonal, reverse micellar cubic), to reverse micelles, as the relative volume fraction of the apolar (“oil”-like) components increases over that of the polar (“water”-like) components. The structure in the liquid crystalline phases has been established with small-angle X-ray sca.