Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoids and Opioids in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

In traditional medicine, Cannabis sativa has been prescribed for a variety of diseases. Today, the plant is largely known for its recreational purpose, but it may find a way back to what it was originally known for: a herbal remedy. Most of the plant's ingredients, such as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, and others, have demonstrated beneficial effects in preclinical models of intestinal inflammation. Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) have shown a regulatory role in inflammation and mucosal permeability of the gastrointestinal tract where they likely interact with the gut microbiome. Anecdotal reports suggest that in humans, Cannabis exerts antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal properties. Despite these reports, strong evidence on beneficial effects of Cannabis in human gastrointestinal diseases is lacking. Clinical trials with Cannabis in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have shown improvement in quality of life but failed to provide evidence for a reduction of inflammation markers. Within the endogenous opioid system, mu opioid receptors may be involved in anti-inflammation of the gut. Opioids are frequently used to treat abdominal pain in IBD; however, heavy opioid use in IBD is associated with opioid dependency and higher mortality. This review highlights latest advances in the potential treatment of IBD using Cannabis/cannabinoids or opioids.
A study on risk factors for macroscopic gut abnormalities in intensively reared broiler chickens

ABSTRACT Intensification of broiler production has coincided with an increase in enteric disorders. Enteric syndromes of unknown aetiology are often associated with an increased feed conversion ratio and are given the general term “dysbiosis”. Despite the importance of dysbiosis, information on factors contributing to this condition are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe dysbiosis in broilers (Ross 308) during one production round and to identify risk factors. Fifteen farms in Flanders (Belgium) were followed up, with visits at days 10, 17, 20, 24 and 28 of production. At every visit, 10 random birds were inspected for footpad lesions, hock burns and breast blisters. Also, coccidiosis and enteric abnormalities were scored after necropsy. A gut appearance score (GAS) was given based on 10 macroscopically visible parameters, where a higher GAS equalled more enteric abnormalities. Footpad lesions were seen in 14 farms and increased in prevalence with the age of the birds. Hock burns were seen less frequently, and no breast blisters were detected. Eimeria acervulina lesions were most frequently observed, followed by E. maxima and E. tenella lesions. The average GAS increased from day 10 until day 20. The strong correlations between the GAS at days 10, 17 and 20 indicate that prevalence of gut abnormalities at day 10 can be predictive for scores later on. A higher amount of intestinal defects was seen in older female birds, in the presence of a conceivable E. tenella infection and at farms with a higher productivity and sanitary status. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Gut lesions found in young broilers can predict further development of defects. Caecal lesions showed the strongest correlation with GAS in a multivariate model.
A Developmental Study of the Self-Prioritization Effect in Children Between 6 and 10 Years of Age.

Self-biases are well described in adults but remain poorly understood in children. Here, we investigated in 6-10 year-old children (N = 132) the self-prioritization effect (SPE), a self-bias which reflects, in adults, the perceptual advantage for stimuli arbitrarily associated with the self as compared to those associated with other persons. We designed a child-friendly adaptation of a paradigm originally introduced in adults by Sui, He, and Humphreys (2012) in order to test whether the SPE also occurs in children and if so, to determine its evolution with age. A robust SPE was obtained from the age of 6, and this effect was similar-sized in our four age groups. These findings are discussed with reference to the development of the self during childhood.
ASSET PRICING UNDER ANY DISTRIBUTION OF RETURNS: THE OMEGA CAPM

We propose a new version of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). This new model works under any distribution of asset returns and its beta is sensitive to variations in the risk-free rate. Furthermore, our model does not make strong assumptions regarding investor behavior. It maintains the simple structure of a single factor and the micro-foundations of the traditional CAPM. This new approach brings several improvements to any models that use the beta as an explanatory variable. After a brief empirical test, we verified that the new model had a better performance than the traditional CAPM. (JEL G12, G11)
Isolated Rupture of the Subscapularis Tendon -A Case Report-

A case of traumatic isolated rupture of the subscapularis tendon is reported. A fifty-seven year old man with no previous shoulder pain or instability sustained an injury on his left shoulder.On clinical examination, there was tenderness over the front of the shoulder and bicipital groove. All range of movement of his left shoulder was markedly limited.Plain radiograph showed os acromiale. On arthrographic examination, there was extravasation of dye into the inferior side of the subcoracoid bursa and subdeltoid bursa. Rupture of the subscapularis was also confirmed by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging.This subscapularis rupture was treated by patch graft with an excellent result obtained.
Properties and Fertility Capability of Highland Soils in Khao Kho Area, Phetchabun Province, Thailand

A study on properties and fertility capability of highland soils in Khao Kho area, Phetchabun Province was conducted on six representative soil locations in the elevation range of 724 to 942 meters above mean sea level. Method of study included soil field morphology analysis and laboratory analyses of soil samples on their micromorphological characteristics, physical, chemical and mineralogical properties according to standard methods and assessment of their fertility capability. Results of the study revealed that these soils are moderately deep to very deep. These soils developed on residuum and colluvium derived from weathered rhyolitic tuff, andesitic tuff and graywacke. All soils have clay coatings on pore walls and as large accumulation spots in their subsoils. They are moderately to well developed. Physical properties of fine earths in these soil do not pose any problem for agricultural uses. Most of them have medium fertility. A major clay mineral in most of these soils is kaolinite and their silt fraction is clearly dominated by quartz. These soils are Paleudults for four areas, Paleudalf and Hapludalf each for one area. Their fertility capability units include Chk for two areas, and Lh, Ch, L’hk and LCak each for one area. Their limitation comprised acidity, low phosphorus, low potassium and aluminum toxicity. Selective agricultural uses can be made but measures for soil and water conservation, and good natural forest upkeep are needed to sustain their biophysical system.
UNESCO-enlisted Cultural landscapes: their presence and presentation in eLearning courses by National Tourism Destinations

National Tourism Offices are currently using different channels to promote destinations and its tourism product: directly to the end consumer, through the media, or in collaboration with the travel trade intermediaries: tour operators and travel agents. This paper will evaluate how innovative technologies, in particular eLearning courses, are being used in the awareness-raising, representation and training about Cultural landscapes. The focus in this research is on communication practices through online training platforms of the national tourism administrations, excluding all platforms for tourists, city marketing, attracting visitors, and the like. This research presents an analysis of the eLearning courses offered by National Tourism Offices, particularly concentrating on the countries hosting UNESCO-enlisted Cultural landscapes. Such eLearning courses are offered to travel agents and travel consultants all around the world in order to prepare them with the knowledge on the tourism destination and its attractions. While successfully finishing the course travel agents are expected to have needed knowledge about such a tourism destination, to be aware on who the right clients are and how to sell better the destination to them. NADZEYA KALBASKA, LORENZO CANTONI 283 This research will assess (i) presence of UNESCO-enlisted Cultural landscapes in such training activities, and (ii) the way they are presented, framed and featured.
Personality and Motivation to Live Healthily in Relation to Understandings of Reproductive Health

The objective of this research is to identify and examine the effects of Personality (P) and Motivation to Live Healthily (MLH) in relation to an Understandings of Reproductive Health (URH). An expost facto method has been used by selecting twenty-three samples for each cell. The reliability of P was 0.929, of MLH . 879 and URH.89. Data was analysed by two-way ANOVA. Research results revealed that there was understanding of reproductive health significant difference between those students who have most motivation to live healthy lives compared a motivation to live a low healthy life. Moreover, there was a significant interaction effect between personality and motivation to live healthily given an understanding of reproductive health.
The Delphi Technique: An Adaptive Research Tool

The Delphi technique is one type of research methodology that is growing in popularity. This paper introduces this technique to therapists searching for a user-friendly method of conducting research. The Delphi process is explained and several issues that the researcher must consider are presented. These issues include the identification of participants and the number of questionnaires or rounds that are required to reach consensus. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the technique concludes that the argument is weighted equally on both sides. Applications to research in rehabilitation are reviewed and brief case scenarios related to the application of the technique to management issues are presented for further consideration. The Delphi technique is not a perfect tool for all situations but it can be adapted to address a variety of issues in a range of working environments.
The effect of ketotifen on density distribution of eosinophils in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Density analysis and ultrastructural observation were performed on eosinophils from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) . Before treatment, density analysis displayed lower peak density and greater number of hypodense eosinophils compared with normal subjects. After treatment with ketotifen, profiles demonstrated similar peak density to normal subjects following decreased number of hypodense eosinophils which was directly proportional to remission of clinical symptoms. Hypodense eosinophils were morphologically characterized by partial or complete degranulation. It is suggested that hypodense eosinophils may contribute clinical manifestation of AD and that ketotifen may give clinical remission for patients with AD by decreasing such cells.
AMEBIC LIVER ABSCESS. CASE REPORT

Amebic liver abscess (ALA) is the most common extraintestinal manifestation of amebiasis. The AlA is a result of the invasion of Entamoeba histolytica in the liver. It is an infection that is associated with poor environmental sanitation and poor hygiene. It is a disease that is still presented a high morbidity. This article presents a case report and track a patient aged 23 with ALA, who has the typical symptoms who provided adequate etiological treatment is reported. Additionally, a review of the subject is done by addressing the most relevant epidemiological aspects.
A Historic Look at Functional Outcome Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY (THA) is one of the most common adult orthopedic surgical procedures performed in the United States.1,2 It has been shown to be a very successful surgical procedure to relieve pain and improve ambulatory function in the treatment of arthritis of the hip.3–6 A decade ago, over 120,000 THAs were performed annually in the United States. Over 254,000 THAs were performed in the year 2000. This represents 92 out of every 100,000 Americans. Forty-eight percent of THAs were performed on people older than 75.1,7 Surgical technique, postoperative management, and length of stay (LOS) following THA have changed dramatically in the last 3 decades.6,8,9 In the 1970s, patients who underwent a cemented THA were admitted to the hospital 1 to 2 days prior to surgery. They were kept on bedrest for 2 to 3 days postoperation before physical therapy was initiated. Weight bearing was restricted to partial weight bearing and LOS was 17 days.6,9 Patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were also kept on bedrest for 2 to 3 days, and knee range of motion often did not begin for 7 days. Continuous passive motion
Effects of angiotensin-1 receptor autoantibodies on the myocardial structure and function of rats

To observe the effects of angiotensin-1 receptor autoantibodies(AT_1R-AAs)on the myocardial structure and function of rats,healthy SD rats of 2 month age were selected and actively immunized with the extracellular second loop of the cyclopeptide 165-191 fragment of angiotebisionⅡtype-1 receptor in a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg for 12 weeks;while the control rats were immunized only with Freund's adjuvant.In the whole course of study,all rats were subjected to be tested for their tail arterial blood pressure and heart rate as well as to be bled to assess the titers of AT_1R-AAs autoantibody by ELISA assay.At the end of experiment,invasive cardiac function and morphology of heart was measured.The AT_1R-AAs were purified by using affinity chromatography with protein A sepharose CL-4B from sera of immunized rats and it was used to act upon on the myocardial cells by addition into media to induce myocardial hypertrophy.The protein content in myocardial cells was determined by BCA assay and the cell diameter were measured with micrometer.It was found that high titers of AT_1R-AAs were found in the sera from immunized rats throughout the period of study in contrast to those from control rats.Blood pressure after 6 weeks appeared to be significantly higher in the immunized rats than those of the control group.Compared with those of control group,the ratio of HW/BW and LVW/BW,the cardiac functioning indexes including LVSP,+dp/dt max and-dp/dt max increased much more significantly. AT_1R-AAs also increased the overall protein content and the cell diameter of myocardial cells.These results indicate that AT_1R-AAs is intimately involved the process of myocardial hypertrophy both in vitro and in vivo.
Osteoporosis During the Childbearing Year

&NA; This clinical commentary is supplementary to the article reprinted, with permission, from JOSPT, Boissonnault WG, Boissonnault JS, Transient Osteoporosis of the Hip Associated with Pregnancy, 2001. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated overview of the literature related to etiology and pathogenesis of transient osteoporosis (TO) during the childbearing year. Clinical implications for differential diagnosis and clinical management of the condition relevant to physical therapist practice are presented.
Relationship between Eating and Digestive Symptoms and Respiratory Function in Advanced Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients can have various issues that affect their quality of life, including eating and digestive conditions. Objective: We sought to identify the relationship between respiratory function and various eating and digestion related symptoms in patients with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods: Eating and digestive symptoms, including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, swallowing difficulty, mastication difficulty, early satiety, and aspiration, were evaluated among patients with advanced DMD who were nonambulatory and required noninvasive mechanical ventilatory support. In addition, various respiratory function parameters were measured, including forced vital capacity (FVC), maximal insufflation capacity (MIC), peak cough flow (PCF), assisted PCF (APCF), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). We then analyzed the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and respiratory function parameters. Results: A total of 180 patients (age, 22.3±5.0 years) were included in the analysis. Loss of appetite and early satiety showed no correlation with any of the respiratory function parameters. Constipation was correlated with MEP; swallowing difficulty was correlated with MIC, APCF, MIP and MEP; and mastication difficulty was correlated with FVC, PCF, APCF, MIP, and MEP. Notably, age did not correlate with any gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: Eating and digestive symptoms are more closely correlated with respiratory function than with age in patients with DMD. We think this correlation is mainly caused by the skeletal muscle strength, which is major determinant of both digestive and respiratory function.
Toward Exposure Control for Robot Vision in Rapidly Changing Environment

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) of the robot means to estimate the position of the robot using the sensors and generate the map. Laser, ultrasonic, and camera sensors are the typical sensor choice mainly used in SLAM application. When the wheel odometry is not available, robots heavily rely on visual odometry. However, the cameras are vulnerable to a light condition such as sunlight or illumination changes. Therefore, these disadvantages should be avoided via camera exposure adjustments. This paper introduces a simple and practical method for determining exposure time through image entropy information and demonstrates through experiments.
The biochemical pathology of toxic cell death.

The toxicity of chemicals is, in most cases, a consequence of their metabolism, and the cytochrome P450-dependent mixed function oxidases are the most common mechanisms mediating such biotransformations. The mechanisms linking metabolism to the genesis of lethal cell injury is a central concern of biochemical pathology. For many years it has been widely held that cellular injury is mediated by the interaction of chemically reactive metabolites with macromolecules. The evidence to support such an hypothesis is largely circumstantial. There is, however, little or no data relative to the nature of the cellular targets of covalent binding or the functional consequences that result from the interactions between the chemical toxin and key cellular macromolecules. Recent studies have provided alternative mechanisms. Emphasis has been given to recently described changes in intracellular calcium homeostasis, changes in thiol status, and the role of acute oxidative stress imposed by the formation of activated oxygen species. Future studies can be expected to focus on the nature and extent of the membrane injury mediated by such oxygen metabolites and on the relationship between such membrane damage and alterations in calcium and thiol homeostasis. Language: en
Polymer hydrogels: looking for green synthesis and bioengineering applications

A staggering number of medical devices, including healthcare products for diagnosis and therapy, have exploited biomaterials as platform technologies. Rational biomaterials design requires to pay attention to both, materials and biological considerations. They can be employed to treat or replace any tissues or function of living tissues and to engineer systems that could control, for example, the drug delivery [1]. The term biomaterial includes metals and ceramics, but polymers account for the vast majority and, among them, polymer hydrogels represent one of the most promising groups. Hydrogels consist of three-dimensional crosslinked networks able to absorb large amounts of water while maintaining their dimensional stability, also capable to act as stimuli-responsive to external and internal triggers [1]. Regarding the biomedical applications, the development of new synthetic routes to reduce the toxicity of residual monomer and chemicals (e.g., initiators, surfactants, etc.) is required. Recently, a green and straightforward approach for the production of polymer nanogels, used as nanovectors to deliver drug molecules, based on the recourse to high energy irradiation of aqueous solutions of preformed polymers has been reported [2]. Pulsed electron beams are usedto induce the generation of free radicals directly onto the polymer chains, without any additional reagent [2]. With a similar purpose, electrochemical advanced oxidation technologies may offer an interesting approach. As recently shown, the obtention of a crosslinked poly(vinylpyrrolidone)(PVP) hydrogel by means of electrogenerated of hydroxyl radicals is feasible [3]. The sensitivity of hydrogels to different stimuli opens new horizons in the design of biomedical devices interacting with the human body. By coupling a hard polymer currently used in the biomedical field to soft and sensitive gels, new smart materials with better performance than the former can be produced. Poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-based hydrogels are particularly and extensively investigated as thermal actuators due to its critical temperature (LCST) close to that of the human body (around 36.5–37.5 oC). Thus, several applications are possible, from drug delivery to tissue engineering, followed by stem cells, microf uidic devices, biosensors, and bioimaging [4]. An overview of innovative synthetic routes for hydrogels synthesis, such as the one based on the employment of electrochemical technologies, will be given. Further, a very appealing new class of thermoresponsive surgical meshes acting as thermosensitive biomedical sensors, currently investigated within the framework of the 4D-POLYSENSE European project, will be presented