LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Autophagy induction extends lifespan and reduces lipid content in response to frataxin silencing in C. elegans

Severe mitochondria deficiency leads to a number of devastating degenerative disorders, yet, mild mitochondrial dysfunction in different species, including the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, can have pro-longevity effects. This apparent paradox indicates that cellular adaptation to partial mitochondrial stress can induce beneficial responses, but how this is achieved is largely unknown. Complete absence of frataxin, the mitochondrial protein defective in patients with Friedreich's ataxia, is lethal in C. elegans, while its partial deficiency extends animal lifespan in a p53 dependent manner. In this paper we provide further insight into frataxin control of C. elegans longevity by showing that a substantial reduction of frataxin protein expression is required to extend lifespan, affect sensory neurons functionality, remodel lipid metabolism and trigger autophagy. We find that Beclin and p53 genes are required to induce autophagy and concurrently reduce lipid storages and extend animal lifespan in response to frataxin suppression. Reciprocally, frataxin expression modulates autophagy in the absence of p53. Human Friedreich ataxia-derived lymphoblasts also display increased autophagy, indicating an evolutionarily conserved response to reduced frataxin expression. In sum, we demonstrate a causal connection between induction of autophagy and lifespan extension following reduced frataxin expression, thus providing the rationale for investigating autophagy in the pathogenesis and treatment of Friedreich's ataxia and possibly other human mitochondria-associated disorders.
Hot flashes during androgen deprivation therapy with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist combined with steroidal or nonsteroidal antiandrogen for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES
To investigate hot flashes and quality of life during combined androgen blockade (CAB) therapy using steroidal or nonsteroidal antiandrogens.


METHODS
A total of 151 patients with prostate cancer, who were enrolled into this study from May 2001 to June 2003, were randomized to receive CAB therapy using a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (leuprorelin) combined with a steroidal antiandrogen (chlormadinone) or a nonsteroidal antiandrogen (bicalutamide). The incidence of, frequency of, and distress due to hot flashes were evaluated with a self-administered questionnaire during a 2-year period. The general and disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes were also measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate questionnaire.


RESULTS
Data were available for analysis from 124 patients. Although the incidence of hot flashes largely tended to be greater in the bicalutamide group than in the chlormadinone group, no significant difference was noted in the cumulative incidence of hot flashes at 2 years. The median frequency of hot flashes daily was 1.3 and 2.2 for warmth/flushing (P = .16) and 1.0 and 3.6 for sweating (P = .021) in the chlormadinone and bicalutamide groups, respectively. Patients in the chlormadinone group were significantly less likely to be distressed by warmth/flushing (odds ratio 0.47, P < .001) and sweating (odds ratio 0.61, P = .01) than were those in the bicalutamide group. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate scores over time showed no intergroup differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that CAB using a steroidal antiandrogen such as chlormadinone might induce fewer and less-distressing hot flashes than CAB with bicalutamide.
Evaluation of inter- and intrafractional motion of liver tumors using interstitial markers and implantable electromagnetic radiotransmitters in the context of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) – the ESMERALDA trial

BACKGROUND
With the development of more conformal and precise radiation techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), patients with hepatic tumors could be treated with high local doses by sparing normal liver tissue. However, frequently occurring large HCC tumors are still a dosimetric challenge in spite of modern high sophisticated RT modalities. This interventional clinical study has been set up to evaluate the value of different fiducial markers, and to use the modern imaging methods for further treatment optimization using physical and informatics approaches.


METHODS AND DESIGN
Surgically implanted radioopaque or electromagnetic markers are used to detect tumor local-ization during radiotherapy. The required markers for targeting and observation during RT can be implanted in a previously defined optimal position during the oncologically indicated operation. If there is no indication for a surgical resection or open biopsy, markers may be inserted into the liver or tumor tissue by using ultrasound-guidance. Primary study aim is the detection of the patients' anatomy at the time of RT by observation of the marker position during the indicated irradiation (IGRT). Secondary study aims comprise detection and recording of 3D liver and tumor motion during RT. Furthermore, the study will help to develop technical strategies and mechanisms based on the recorded information on organ motion to avoid inaccurate dose application resulting from fast organ motion and deformation.


DISCUSSION
This is an open monocentric non-randomized, prospective study for the evaluation of organ motion using interstitial markers or implantable radiotransmitter. The trial will evaluate the full potential of different fiducial markers to further optimize treatment of moving targets, with a special focus on liver lesions.
Hip and ankle range of motion and hip muscle strength in young novice female ballet dancers and controls

Objectives—To compare the hip and ankle range of motion and hip muscle strength in 8–11 year old novice female ballet dancers and controls. Methods—Subjects were 77 dancers and 49 controls (mean (SD) age 9.6 (0.8) and 9.6 (0.7) years respectively). Supine right active hip external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) were measured using an inclinometer. A turnout protractor was used to assess standing active turnout range. The measure of ER achieved from below the hip during turnout (non-hip ER) was calculated by subtracting hip ER range from turnout range, and hip ER:IR was derived by dividing ER range by IR range. Range of right weight bearing ankle dorsiflexion was measured in a standing lunge using two methods: the distance from the foot to the wall (in centimetres) and the angle of the shank to the vertical via an inclinometer (in degrees). Right calf muscle range was measured in weight bearing using an inclinometer. A manual muscle tester was used to assess right isometric hip flexor, internal rotator, external rotator, abductor, and adductor strength. Results—Dancers had less ER (p<0.05) and IR (p<0.01) range than controls but greater ER:IR (p<0.01). Although there was no difference in turnout between groups, the dancers had greater non-hip ER. Dancers had greater range of ankle dorsiflexion than controls, measured in both centimetres (p<0.01) and degrees (p<0.05), but similar calf muscle range. After controlling for body weight, controls had stronger hip muscles than dancers except for hip abductor strength which was similar. Regression analyses disclosed a moderate relation between turnout and hip ER (r = 0.40). There were no significant correlations between range of motion and training years and weekly training hours. Conclusions—Longitudinal follow up will assist in determining whether or not hip and ankle range in young dancers is genetically fixed and unable to be improved with further balletic training. (Br J Sports Med 1999;33:340–346)
World War II, Missing Men and Out of Wedlock Childbearing

A large body of literature has studied the effects of sex ratio imbalances on marriage rates, assortative mating, and intra-household bargaining. Hardly any evidence exists, however, on the consequences for non-marital fertility. Based on county-level census data for the German state of Bavaria in 1939 and 1946, we use World War II as a natural experiment to study the effects of changes in the adult sex ratio on out-of-wedlock fertility. Our findings show that war-induced shortfalls of men significantly increased the nonmarital fertility ratio at mid century. We furthermore find the regional magnitude of this effect to be strongly attenuated by the county-level share of prisoners of war. Unlike military casualties and soldiers missing in action, prisoners of war had a sizeable positive probability of returning home from the war. Both current marriage market conditions, therefore, and foreseeable improvements in the future marriage market prospects of women appear to have influenced fertility behavior in the immediate aftermath of World War II.
Resin bond to indirect composite and new ceramic/polymer materials: a review of the literature.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Resin bonding is essential for clinical longevity of indirect restorations. Especially in light of the increasing popularity of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing-fabricated indirect restorations, there is a need to assess optimal bonding protocols for new ceramic/polymer materials and indirect composites.


PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The aim of this article was to review and assess the current scientific evidence on the resin bond to indirect composite and new ceramic/polymer materials.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic PubMed database search was conducted from 1966 to September 2013 for in vitro studies pertaining the resin bond to indirect composite and new ceramic/polymer materials.


RESULTS
The search revealed 198 titles. Full-text screening was carried out for 43 studies, yielding 18 relevant articles that complied with inclusion criteria. No relevant studies could be identified regarding new ceramic/polymer materials. Most common surface treatments are aluminum-oxide air-abrasion, silane treatment, and hydrofluoric acid-etching for indirect composite restoration. Self-adhesive cements achieve lower bond strengths in comparison with etch-and-rinse systems. Thermocycling has a greater impact on bonding behavior than water storage.


CONCLUSIONS
Air-particle abrasion and additional silane treatment should be applied to enhance the resin bond to laboratory-processed composites. However, there is an urgent need for in vitro studies that evaluate the bond strength to new ceramic/polymer materials.


CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This article reviews the available dental literature on resin bond of laboratory composites and gives scientifically based guidance for their successful placement. Furthermore, this review demonstrated that future research for new ceramic/polymer materials is required.
The prevalence, incidence and natural history of primary sclerosing cholangitis in an ethnically diverse population

BACKGROUND
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic cholestatic liver disease often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Current epidemiological data are limited to studies of predominantly Caucasian populations. Our aim was to define the epidemiology of PSC in a large, ethnically diverse US population.


METHODS
The Northern California Kaiser Permanente (KP) database includes records from over 3 million people and was searched for cases of PSC between January 2000 and October 2006. All identified charts were reviewed for diagnosis confirmation, IBD co-morbidity, and major natural history endpoints.


RESULTS
We identified 169 (101 males) cases fulfilling PSC diagnostic criteria with a mean age at diagnosis of 44 years (range 11-81). The age-adjusted point prevalence was 4.15 per 100,000 on December 31, 2005. The age-adjusted incidence per 100,000 person-years was not significantly greater in men 0.45 (95% CI 0.33-0.61) than women 0.37 (95% CI 0.26-0.51). IBD was present in 109/169 (64.5%) cases and was significantly more frequent in men than women with PSC (73.3% and 51.5%, respectively, p = 0.005). The cumulative average yearly mortality rate was 1.9%. Age and serum sodium, creatinine and bilirubin at diagnosis and albumin at last entry were identified as significant factors associated with death, liver transplant or cholangiocarcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence and prevalence of PSC observed in a representative Northern California population are lower compared to previous studies in Caucasian populations and this might reflect differences in the incidence of PSC among various ethnic groups.
Circulating tumor cell biomarker panel as an individual-level surrogate for survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

PURPOSE
Trials in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) need new clinical end points that are valid surrogates for survival. We evaluated circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration as a surrogate outcome measure.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Examining CTCs alone and in combination with other biomarkers as a surrogate for overall survival was a secondary objective of COU-AA-301, a multinational, randomized, double-blind phase III trial of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone versus prednisone alone in patients with metastatic CRPC previously treated with docetaxel. The biomarkers were measured at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks, with 12 weeks being the primary measure of interest. The Prentice criteria were applied to test candidate biomarkers as surrogates for overall survival at the individual-patient level.


RESULTS
A biomarker panel using CTC count and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was shown to satisfy the four Prentice criteria for individual-level surrogacy. Twelve-week surrogate biomarker data were available for 711 patients. The abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and prednisone-alone groups demonstrated a significant survival difference (P = .034); surrogate distribution at 12 weeks differed by treatment (P < .001); the discriminatory power of the surrogate to predict mortality was high (weighted c-index, 0.81); and adding the surrogate to the model eliminated the treatment effect on survival. Overall, 2-year survival of patients with CTCs < 5 (low risk) versus patients with CTCs ≥ 5 cells/7.5 mL of blood and LDH > 250 U/L (high risk) at 12 weeks was 46% and 2%, respectively.


CONCLUSION
A biomarker panel containing CTC number and LDH level was shown to be a surrogate for survival at the individual-patient level in this trial of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone versus prednisone alone for patients with metastatic CRPC. Additional trials are ongoing to validate the findings.
Biological synthesis of metal carbonate minerals using fungi and actinomycetes

The exciting possibility of biosynthesis of minerals of variable morphology and with polymorph selectivity by challenging microorganisms such as fungi and actinomycetes has been described. Many fungi and actinomycetes are known to produce reasonable amounts of CO2 during growth. We show here that CO2 and characteristic proteins released from an endophytic fungus, Verticillium sp. and an extremophilic actinomycete, Thermomonospora sp. may be reacted with aqueous Ca and Ba ions to produce truly biogenic CaCO3 and BaCO3 crystals. While extracellular synthesis of the highly unstable vaterite polymorph of CaCO3 in a spherical morphology was observed with the fungus, both extraand intracellular formation of CaCO3 in the form of composites of flat plates and branched elongated flat plates, were observed with the actinomycete. Reaction of Ba ions with Verticillium sp. and Thermomonospora sp. resulted in the extracellular synthesis of BaCO3 crystals of spherical and flat, plate-like morphologies respectively. The action of specific proteins secreted by the microorganisms in directing crystal structure and morphology has been addressed.
Interleukin-7 promotes HIV persistence during antiretroviral therapy.

HIV persists in latently infected memory CD4(+) T cells during antiretroviral therapy (ART). When administered to HIV-infected subjects receiving suppressive ART, interleukin-7 (IL-7) increases the number of CD4(+) T cells by promoting their survival and proliferation. However, little is known about the impact of IL-7 on HIV persistence during ART. By isolating large numbers of CD4(+) T cells from HIV-infected subjects, we demonstrate that IL-7 enhances viral production in productively infected cells but does not disrupt viral latency in latently infected cells. When administered to virally suppressed subjects, IL-7 led to the rapid proliferation of memory CD4(+) T cells, which resulted in a 70% increase in the absolute number of circulating CD4(+) T cells harboring integrated HIV DNA 4 weeks after therapy. The genetic diversity of the viral reservoir increased transiently in the majority of the subjects studied before returning to baseline values. Altogether, our results indicate that IL-7 promotes the mechanisms of HIV persistence during ART by enhancing residual levels of viral production and inducing proliferation of latently infected cells, and suggest that IL-7 does not represent a suitable candidate therapeutic strategy for HIV eradication. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00099671 (AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 5214).
Modeling and validating Mondex scenarios described in UML and OCL with USE

This paper describes the Mondex case study with UML class diagrams and restricting OCL constraints. The constraints have been formulated either as OCL class invariants or as OCL pre- and postconditions. The proposed two models include UML class diagrams and OCL constraints which have been checked by the UML and OCL tool USE (UML-based Specification Environment). USE allows validation of a model by testing it with scenarios. The Mondex case study has been validated by positive and negative test cases. The test cases allow the validity of the various constraints to be traced and checked. Validation results are presented as textual protocols or as UML sequence diagrams where starting, intermediate, and resulting system states are represented by UML object diagrams. UML sequence diagrams, UML object diagrams, and textual protocols are shown with varying degrees of detail for the attributes, constraints, and executed commands.
Effects of a Dedicated Regional Psychiatric Emergency Service on Boarding of Psychiatric Patients in Area Emergency Departments

INTRODUCTION
Mental health patients boarding for long hours, even days, in United States emergency departments (EDs) awaiting transfer for psychiatric services has become a considerable and widespread problem. Past studies have shown average boarding times ranging from 6.8 hours to 34 hours. Most proposed solutions to this issue have focused solely on increasing available inpatient psychiatric hospital beds, rather than considering alternative emergency care designs that could provide prompt access to treatment and might reduce the need for many hospitalizations. One suggested option has been the "regional dedicated emergency psychiatric facility," which serves to evaluate and treat all mental health patients for a given area, and can accept direct transfers from other EDs. This study sought to assess the effects of a regional dedicated emergency psychiatric facility design known at the "Alameda Model" on boarding times and hospitalization rates for psychiatric patients in area EDs.


METHODS
Over a 30-day period beginning in January 2013, 5 community hospitals in Alameda County, California, tracked all ED patients on involuntary mental health holds to determine boarding time, defined as the difference between when they were deemed stable for psychiatric disposition and the time they were discharged from the ED for transfer to the regional psychiatric emergency service. Patients were also followed to determine the percentage admitted to inpatient psychiatric units after evaluation and treatment in the psychiatric emergency service.


RESULTS
In a total sample of 144 patients, the average boarding time was approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. Only 24.8% were admitted for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization from the psychiatric emergency service.


CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that the Alameda Model of transferring patients from general hospital EDs to a regional psychiatric emergency service reduced the length of boarding times for patients awaiting psychiatric care by over 80% versus comparable state ED averages. Additionally, the psychiatric emergency service can provide assessment and treatment that may stabilize over 75% of the crisis mental health population at this level of care, thus dramatically alleviating the demand for inpatient psychiatric beds. The improved, timely access to care, along with the savings from reduced boarding times and hospitalization costs, may well justify the costs of a regional psychiatric emergency service in appropriate systems.
Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in Retinal Images Using MLP Classifier

The rising situation in the developing world suggests diabetic retinopathy may soon be a major problem in the clinical world [1]. Hence, detection of diabetic retinopathy is important. This paper focuses on Multi Layer Perception Neural Network (MLPNN) to detect diabetic retinopathy in retinal images. In this paper the MLPNN classifier is presented to classify retinal images as normal and abnormal. A feature vector is formed with 64-point Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) with different 09 statistical parameters namely Entropy, mean, standard deviation, average, Euler number, contrast, correlation, energy and homogeneity. The Train N Times method was used to train the MLPNN to find best feature subset. The training and cross validation rates by the MLP NN are 100% for detection of normal and abnormal retinal images.
Variation reduction in a continuous web process

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1998.
A cross-language acoustic study of initial and final allophones of /l/

Formant frequency data for /l/ in 23 languages/dialects where the consonant may be typically clear or dark show that the two varieties of /l/ are set in contrast mostly in the context of /i/ but also next to /a/, and that a few languages/dialects may exhibit intermediate degrees of darkness in the consonant. F2 for /l/ is higher utterance initially than utterance finally, more so if the lateral is clear than if it is dark; moreover, the initial and final allophones may be characterized as intrinsic (in most languages/dialects) or extrinsic (in several English dialects, Czech and Dutch) depending on whether the position-dependent frequency difference in question is below or above 200/ 300 Hz. The paper also reports a larger degree of vowel coarticulation for clear /l/ than for dark /l/ and in initial than in final position. These results are interpreted in terms of the production mechanisms involved in the realization of the two /l/ varieties in the different positional and vowel context conditions subjected to investigation. 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.