Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-HDL Cholesterol and Evaluation of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as coronary heart disease (CHD), is the most frequent cause of death worldwide, especially in developed countries. The latest recommendations of European and American Cardiological Associations emphasize the role of non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in evaluating the risk of CVD. Although this parameter has a lot of advantages, it is rarely used by general practitioners in lipid profile assessment. The aim of this article is to present the recent informations on the usage of non-HDL-C in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and to compare its diagnostic value to traditional and new CVD risk factors.
Hand Length as a Determinat of Height in School Children

The anthropometric characteristics of 600 normal Nigeria School Children of ages between 5-10 years of Gbagyi tribe of Abuja, with no obvious deformities or previous history of trauma to the hand were selected for this study. Of these children, males (n=300) with mean age of 7.10 ± 1.98, and females (n=300) with mean age of 7.68 ± 1.86) were investigated. The anthropometric characteristics of their height, age, weight, hand length, and body mass indices were measured, analysed statistically for any significant difference, and correlation between the parameters studied. The results show some significant differences between the anthropometric parameters and a significant correlation (≤ 0.001) between the height and hand length, and other parameters in both males and females. The study derived a linear regression and a multiple linear regression equations for Gbagyi School children of Nigeria from which height, age, weight, hand length and body mass index could be predicted if one factor is known. The results from the present study show that there was a positive correlation between height and hand length and other parameters indicating that height could be predicted using hand length, age, weight and body mass index among Gbagyi school children of Abuja-Nigeria.
When markets never fail : Reciprocal aggregation and the duality between persons and groups

When markets fail, at equilibrium shareholders typically disagree on how to run the firms, and genuine problems of social choice appear. Hence the necessity for an aggregation mechanism. This paper assumes aggregation simultaneously at the collective and individual levels, proposing a general equilibrium notion of reciprocal aggregation. The central principle the latter builds on is the unanimity principle, an admitedly weak requirement for aggregation mechanisms. Applied to the two leading cases of externalities in production and incomplete financial markets, we show how the strong unanimity principle restores Pareto optimality, even in case of severe market failures. ∗New York University, Abu Dhabi. herve.cres@nyu.edu †University of Newcastle
Mentoring in music education - the collaborative relationship among the student teacher, cooperating teacher and college supervisor: a qualitative action research study

The relationship among the cooperating teacher student teacher and college supervisor was the focus of this research. The term "mentor" is used in this study as o metaphor for the opportunity for each of the participants to teach something to one another as well as learn from one another The purpose of the study was to examine the mentoring process os it took place in the collaborative relationship among the participants in the music student teaching setting. Two in-depth case studies were conducted for this study, using qualitative research techniques. As the college supervisor and researcher I was able to connect this study directly to my position as a director of music education, therefore using this as an action research study. I primarily relied upon data collected through interviews, with journal entries, discussions daring seminars
( refereed ) Multidimensional welfare aggregation

Most accounts of welfare aggregation in the tradition of Arrow's (1951/1963) and Sen's (1970/1979) social-choice-theoretic frameworks represent the welfare of an individual in terms of a single welfare ordering or a single scalar-valued welfare function. I develop a multidimensional generalization of Arrow's and Sen's frameworks, representing individual welfare in terms of multiple personal welfare functions, corresponding to multiple 'dimensions' of welfare. I show that, as in the one-dimensional case, the existence of attractive aggregation procedures depends on certain informational assumptions, specifically about the measurability of welfare and its comparability not only across individuals but also across dimensions. I state several impossibility and possibility results. Under Arrow-type conditions, insufficient comparability across individuals leads to dictatorship of a single individual, while insufficient comparability across dimensions leads to dominance of a single dimension. Given sufficient comparability both across individuals and across dimensions, a range of possibilities emerges. I discuss the substantive implications of the results.
Effects of Glucosinolate-Rich Broccoli Sprouts on Urinary Levels of Aflatoxin-DNA Adducts and Phenanthrene Tetraols in a Randomized Clinical Trial in He Zuo Township, Qidong, People's Republic of China

Residents of Qidong, People's Republic of China, are at high risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma, in part due to consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods, and are exposed to high levels of phenanthrene, a sentinel of hydrocarbon air toxics. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, contain anticarcinogens. Glucoraphanin, the principal glucosinolate in broccoli sprouts, can be hydrolyzed by gut microflora to sulforaphane, a potent inducer of carcinogen detoxication enzymes. In a randomized, placebo-controlled chemoprevention trial, we tested whether drinking hot water infusions of 3-day-old broccoli sprouts, containing defined concentrations of glucosinolates, could alter the disposition of aflatoxin and phenanthrene. Two hundred healthy adults drank infusions containing either 400 or <3 μmol glucoraphanin nightly for 2 weeks. Adherence to the study protocol was outstanding; no problems with safety or tolerance were noted. Urinary levels of aflatoxin-N7-guanine were not different between the two intervention arms (P = 0.68). However, measurement of urinary levels of dithiocarbamates (sulforaphane metabolites) indicated striking interindividual differences in bioavailability. An inverse association was observed for excretion of dithiocarbamates and aflatoxin-DNA adducts (P = 0.002; R = 0.31) in individuals receiving broccoli sprout glucosinolates. Moreover, trans, anti-phenanthrene tetraol, a metabolite of the combustion product phenanthrene, was detected in urine of all participants and showed a robust inverse association with dithiocarbamate levels (P = 0.0001; R = 0.39), although again no overall difference between intervention arms was observed (P = 0.29). Understanding factors influencing glucosinolate hydrolysis and bioavailability will be required for optimal use of broccoli sprouts in human interventions.
Nosocomial Outbreak of Infections by Proteus mirabilis That Produces Extended-Spectrum CTX-M-2 Type β-Lactamase

ABSTRACT Nineteen multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis strains were isolated from 19 patients suffering from infections probably caused by P. mirabilis. These strains were recovered from urine or other urogenital specimens of 16 inpatients and three outpatients with a hospitalization history in a urology ward of Funabashi Medical Center, from July 2001 to August 2002. These strains demonstrated resistance to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefpodoxime, and aztreonam, while they were highly susceptible to ceftazidime (MIC, ≤0.5 μg/ml). The resistance level of these strains to cefotaxime was decreased by the presence of clavulanic acid. Therefore, the strains were speculated to produce extended-spectrum class A β-lactamases. These strains were later found to carry blaCTX-M-2 genes by both PCR and sequencing analyses. The profiles of SmaI-digested genomic DNA of 19 isolates were distinguished into five different clusters by biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis. Four of them, consisting of 18 isolates, were suggested to be a clonal expansion. These findings suggested that a nosocomial outbreak of infections by CTX-M-2-producing P. mirabilis had occurred in our medical center. Most patients suffered from urogenital malignancies with long-term catheterization. Cefazolin, cefoperazone-sulbactam, and/or levofloxacin were mostly administered to the patients, but these agents seemed ineffective for eradication of CTX-M-2 producers. Early recognition and rapid identification of colonizing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, including CTX-M-2-producing P. mirabilis, would be the most effective measures to cope with further spread of this kind of hazardous microorganism in clinical environments.
Investigation on Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships and Pharmacophore Modeling of a Series of mGluR2 Antagonists

MGluR2 is G protein-coupled receptor that is targeted for diseases like anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. Herein, we report the three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies of a series of 1,3-dihydrobenzo[ b][1,4]diazepin-2-one derivatives as mGluR2 antagonists. Two series of models using two different activities of the antagonists against rat mGluR2, which has been shown to be very similar to the human mGluR2, (activity I: inhibition of [3H]-LY354740; activity II: mGluR2 (1S,3R)-ACPD inhibition of forskolin stimulated cAMP. ) were derived from datasets composed of 137 and 69 molecules respectively. For activity I study, the best predictive model obtained from CoMFA analysis yielded a Q2 of 0.513, R2 ncv of 0.868, R2 pred = 0.876, while the CoMSIA model yielded a Q2 of 0.450, R2 ncv = 0.899, R2 pred = 0.735. For activity II study, CoMFA model yielded statistics of Q2 = 0.5, R2 ncv = 0.715, R2 pred = 0.723. These results prove the high predictability of the models. Furthermore, a combined analysis between the CoMFA, CoMSIA contour maps shows that: (1) Bulky substituents in R7, R3 and position A benefit activity I of the antagonists, but decrease it when projected in R8 and position B; (2) Hydrophilic groups at position A and B increase both antagonistic activity I and II; (3) Electrostatic field plays an essential rule in the variance of activity II. In search for more potent mGluR2 antagonists, two pharmacophore models were developed separately for the two activities. The first model reveals six pharmacophoric features, namely an aromatic center, two hydrophobic centers, an H-donor atom, an H-acceptor atom and an H-donor site. The second model shares all features of the first one and has an additional acceptor site, a positive N and an aromatic center. These models can be used as guidance for the development of new mGluR2 antagonists of high activity and selectivity. This work is the first report on 3D-QSAR modeling of these mGluR2 antagonists. All the conclusions may lead to a better understanding of the mechanism of antagonism and be helpful in the design of new potent mGluR2 antagonists.
Human Periprostatic Adipose Tissue: its Influence on Prostate Cancer Cells

Background/Aims: Adipose microenvironment is involved in signaling pathways that influence prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, the role of human periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT) from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been studied and compared to that of PPAT from PCa patients. The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of factors derived from both PPATs on the behavior of androgen-dependent and castration resistant PCa cells. Methods: PPAT conditioned media (CM) were obtained from tissue samples from patients with clinically primary PCa (TPPAT) or BPH (BPPAT). Cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and metalloproteinase expression were evaluated following exposure of LNCaP (androgen dependent) and PC3 (androgen independent) prostate cancer cell lines to BPPAT or TPPAT CM. Results: Proliferation or motility of LNCaP or PC3 cells were not significantly affected by TPPAT or BPPAT CM. The number of LNCaP but not PC3 cells attached to components of TPPAT CM significantly decreased compared to cells attached to BPPAT CM. PPAT produced and released pro-MMP-9. Zymograms demonstrated that TPPAT CM induced a significant increase in pro-MMP-9 activity compared to BPPAT CM in LNCaP cells but not in PC3 cells. Conclusions: We conclude that TPPAT released factors, such as pro-MMP-9, could induce the invasive capacity of LNCaP cells and speculate that PPAT derived factors could, in the early stages of prostate cancer, modulate disease progression.
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction in systemic lupus erythematosus: an uncommon but important clinical manifestation

Objectives: To document intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IpsO) as a recognised clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a possible new clinical entity with its apparent association with ureterohydronephrosis. Methodology: We report six lupus patients who presented with IpsO and review 12 other cases from an English literature search. IpsO is defined as the presence of clinical features suggestive of intestinal obstruction but without organic obstruction, namely absence of bowel sounds, presence of multiple fluid levels on plain abdominal X-rays and exclusion of organic obstruction by imaging or surgical procedure. Other clinical characteristics related to the underlying lupus, serological and histological findings, treatment modalities and outcomes of these patients were reviewed. Results: All 18 patients fulfilled the ACR revised classification criteria for SLE. None showed any clinical features of scleroderma or overlap syndrome. The mean age of onset of IpsO was 29.0 (15-47) y. The female to male ratio was 16: 2. Nine patients had IpsO as the initial presentation of their underlying lupus. Coexisting lupus involvement of other organ systems included glomerulonephritis (n = 7), thrombocytopenia (n = 5) and cerebral lupus (n = 3). The serology data and autoantibody profile of some of the previously reported patients were incomplete. In our series, anti-Ro antibody was positive in 5=6 while anti-RNP was found in 1=6 patients only. All our patients had active lupus serology at presentation. 17=18 patients required the use of high dose systemic corticosteroid therapy while one patient responded to topical adrenocorticotrophin hormone treatment. Response was good and was observed early after commencement. Azathioprine was used as maintenance therapy in 6=18 patients with good effects. An apparent association with the presence of bilateral ureterohydronephrosis was found in 12=18 patients. These patients presented with dysuria without positive bacterial culture though features of chronic interstitial cystitis were not invariably found in these patients. Conclusion: IpsO is an uncommon but important manifestation of SLE. The underlying pathology is not fully understood but it may be related to immune complex deposition. The finding of coexisting ureterohydronephrosis suggests that there may also be a central smooth muscle motility problem of neuropathic or myogenic pathophysiology which may or may not be secondary to vasculitis. Early recognition and treatment of IpsO in SLE is important.
Modeling and simulation of noise in transistors under large-signal condition

The paper reviews the current status of noise simulation and modeling for semiconductor devices (in particular, transistors) operated in large-signal (forced) conditions. From a practical standpoint, large-signal noise modeling is relevant in the simulation and design of analog components such as mixers and frequency multipliers. The specific features of cyclostationary noise are discussed, and the various modeling techniques are presented, including simulation strategies for evaluating the large-signal steady state within the framework of a physics-based model. Particular attention is given to the issue of microscopic noise scource modulation and frequency conversion, still an open problem in the case of 1/ƒ noise not amenable to a superposition of more elementary (e.g. generation-recombination) sources. Starting from physics-based large-signal simulation techniques, the review also covers compact modeling strategies, where noise source modulation is even more involved and no general, device-independent strategy seems to provide correct results, but ad-hoc solutions have to be tailored on specific device classes.
Aging and visual feature binding in working memory

This chapter examines the question of how the features or elements (e.g. shape, color, or spatial location) of a stimulus that is encountered in the visual environment are bound together in working memory to form an integrated representation. We first briefly review recent research on this topic in healthy young adults, examining the factors that determine successful encoding and retention in working memory. A particular focus of the chapter concerns how this key cognitive process (or set of processes) might vary as a function of healthy cognitive aging, and of neuropsychological disorders typically associated with aging (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). It appears that while older adults typically show associative deficits in long-term memory, age-related binding deficits in working memory are somewhat inconsistent in nature, and may depend to some extent on the form of binding being examined.
α-Helix Formation Is Required for High Affinity Binding of Human Apolipoprotein A-I to Lipids*

Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I is thought to undergo a conformational change during lipid association that results in the transition of random coil to α-helix. Using a series of deletion mutants lacking different regions along the molecule, we examined the contribution of α-helix formation in apoA-I to the binding to egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) small unilamellar vesicles (SUV). Binding isotherms determined by gel filtration showed that apoA-I binds to SUV with high affinity and deletions in the C-terminal region markedly decrease the affinity. Circular dichroism measurements demonstrated that binding to SUV led to an increase in α-helix content, but the helix content was somewhat less than in reconstituted discoidal PC·apoA-I complexes for all apoA-I variants, suggesting that the helical structure of apoA-I on SUV is different from that in discs. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that the binding of apoA-I to SUV is accompanied by a large exothermic heat and deletions in the C-terminal regions greatly decrease the heat. Analysis of the rate of release of heat on binding, as well as the kinetics of quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by brominated PC, indicated that the opening of the N-terminal helix bundle is a rate-limiting step in apoA-I binding to the SUV surface. Significantly, the correlation of thermodynamic parameters of binding with the increase in the number of helical residues revealed that the contribution of α-helix formation upon lipid binding to the enthalpy and the free energy of the binding of apoA-I is -1.1 and -0.04 kcal/mol per residue, respectively. These results indicate that α-helix formation, especially in the C-terminal regions, provides the energetic source for high affinity binding of apoA-I to lipids.
Approximate Bayesian computation reveals the factors that influence genetic diversity and population structure of foxsnakes

Contemporary geographical range and patterns of genetic diversity within species reflect complex interactions between multiple factors acting across spatial and temporal scales, and it is notoriously difficult to disentangle causation. Here, we quantify patterns of genetic diversity and genetic population structure using mitochondrial DNA sequences (101 individuals, cytochrome b) and microsatellites (816 individuals, 12 loci) and use Approximate Bayesian computation methods to test competing models of the demographic history of eastern and western foxsnakes. Our analyses indicate that post‐glacial colonization and past population declines, probably caused by the infilling of deciduous forest and cooler temperatures since the mid‐Holocene, largely underpin large‐scale genetic patterns for foxsnakes. At finer geographical scales, our results point to more recent anthropogenic habitat loss as having accentuated genetic population structure by causing further declines and fragmentation.
Predictive Findings of Visual Outcome in Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography after Ranibizumab Treatment in Age-related Macular Degeneration

Purpose To investigate which spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings predict visual outcome after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD). Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients with treatment-naïve NV-AMD who underwent three or more consecutive anti-VEGF injections. The patients were divided into three groups according to their changes of visual acuity (VA); improved (group I), static (group S), or worsened (group W). We assessed the incidences and values of all available SD-OCT findings of these groups, compared these findings between the three groups and compared the initial values with the post-treatment values. Results Better initial VA and longer external limiting membrane (ELM) length were associated with less change in VA after anti-VEGF treatment. The initial VA was mildly correlated with initial photoreceptor inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS) length and initial ELM length. The final VA was also mildly correlated with the final IS/OS length and the final ELM length. VA was significantly changed after anti-VEGF treatment in groups W and I. With regard to incidence, disruption of the IS/OS (IS/OS-D), disruption of the ELM (ELM-D) and ELM length differed significantly between the three groups, particularly ELM-D. The incidences of IS/OS-D and ELM-D in group I were significantly lower than those in groups S and W, and those in group S were also lower than those in group W. The ELM length in group I was significantly longer than it was in groups S and W, and the ELM length in group S was longer than that for group W. However, these three findings did not change after the anti-VEGF treatment. Conclusions Initial IS/OS-D, ELM length and particularly ELM-D can be useful predictors of the visual outcome after anti-VEGF treatment in NV-AMD patients.
Perioperative herbal supplement use in cancer patients: potential implications and recommendations for presurgical screening.

BACKGROUND Products made from botanicals that are used to maintain or improve health are known as herbal supplements, botanicals, or phytomedicines. Many herbs have a long history of use and claimed health benefits. However, many herbal supplements and botanicals have potent pharmacologic activity that can contribute to adverse effects and drug interactions. The use of herbal supplements by cancer patients in the perioperative period is common and consistent with the substantial increase in the use of alternative medical therapies. METHODS We reviewed the literature to examine the constituents, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of those herbal supplements that are predominantly used by cancer patients. RESULTS Different supplements possess antiplatelet activity, adversely interact with corticosteroids and central nervous system depressant drugs, have gastrointestinal manifestations, produce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and produce additive effects when used with opioid analgesics. CONCLUSIONS With the increasing use of herbal supplements by cancer patients, surgical staff need to screen patients pre-surgically for use of these supplements. Clinical practice guidelines are needed for screening and prevention of herbal supplement usage to prevent potential adverse events that may arise from herbal medications taken alone or combined with conventional therapies during the perioperative period.