Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative effect of human soluble insulin and insulin aspart upon hypoglycaemia-induced alterations in cardiac repolarization.

AIMS Sudden death in young diabetic patients has been associated with nocturnal hypoglycaemia perhaps as a result of cardiac dysrhythmias following abnormal cardiac repolarization during hypoglycaemia. It was therefore important to compare the effect of soluble human insulin (HI) and a rapid-acting insulin analogue, insulin aspart (IAsp), on these aspects of cardiac function. METHODS A total of 17 healthy males underwent identical hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemic clamps with blood glucose maintained at 5 mm for 30 min and reduced to 2.5 mm after an additional 30 min. Subjects received either HI or IAsp on two different occasions separated by 4-6 weeks. Regular measurements were made of two measures of cardiac repolarization, QT dispersion and QTc as well as of counter-regulatory hormones. RESULTS The blood glucose lowering effect did not differ between IAsp and HI and the clearance rates were similar (HI mean +/- SD 1.24 +/- 0.12 l h(-1) kg(-1), IAsp mean +/- s.d. 1.22 +/- 0.32 l h(-1) kg(-1)). There were similar significant increases but no difference between treatments in QTc after hypoglycaemia induced by either IAsp or HI (480 +/- 37 ms vs 480 +/- 25 ms; NS). However, QT dispersion during hypoglycaemia was less pronounced with IAsp than with HI (92 +/- 36 ms vs 107 +/- 42 ms; P < 0.05). Plasma adrenaline increased significantly and similarly after both insulins (initial and final concentration, HI, 0.23 +/- 0.01 to 4.87 +/- 0.48 nm, P < 0.001, IAsp, 0.24 +/- 0.01 to 4.99 +/- 0.48 nm, P < 0.001). Serum potassium decreased significantly but by a similar amount between the groups (initial and final concentration, HI, 4.18 +/- 0.3 to 4.2 +/- 0.2 mm, P < 0.001, IAsp, 4.2 +/- 0.3 to 4.2 +/- 0.3 mm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Soluble human insulin and insulin aspart had similar effects upon hypoglycaemia-induced alterations in cardiac repolarization, presumably because the effects of both regular insulin and insulin aspart on the sympathoadrenal response and potassium concentration were the same.
Diagnostic imaging of ankle syndesmosis injuries: A general review

Literature on the various techniques for imaging injuries to the ankle syndesmosis to determine the most appropriate imaging modality for diagnosing syndesmosis ligament disruption and instability was reviewed using the following data sources: Pubmed, Google scholar, SportsDiscus, E‐journals and PLOSone. Search terms used were: syndesmosis paired with injury, imaging, radiology, X‐ray, stress X‐ray, arthrography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine scan, CT scan, MRI and arthroscopy. Articles were selected by reading abstracts and the full article if indicated. Further articles were derived from the references of the primary articles. Plain x‐rays of the ankle will detect approximately half on AP view to two‐thirds on mortise view of syndesmosis injuries. Syndesmosis injuries frequently occur in association with tibial or fibular fractures. Intra‐operative stress radiography failed to detect approximately half of instabilities confirmed at arthroscopy. The current benchmark imaging techniques to diagnose syndesmosis injury and diastasis are arthroscopy and high‐power (3T) MRI. Ultrasound is a promising, developing, cost‐effective imaging technique which is yet to reach its full diagnostic potential. CT and nuclear medicine scans have limited roles. MRI (3T) scanning in the plane of the syndesmotic ligaments is the investigation of choice to detect ankle syndesmosis injuries. In the presence of associated injuries requiring surgery, arthroscopic viewing with stress examination is the diagnostic benchmark when available.
Interaction Mediated by the Putative Tip Regions of MdsA and MdsC in the Formation of a Salmonella-Specific Tripartite Efflux Pump

To survive in the presence of a wide range of toxic compounds, gram-negative bacteria expel such compounds via tripartite efflux pumps that span both the inner and outer membranes. The Salmonella-specific MdsAB pump consists of MdsB, a resistance-nodulation-division (RND)-type inner membrane transporter (IMT) that requires the membrane fusion protein (MFP) MdsA, and an outer membrane protein (OMP; MdsC or TolC) to form a tripartite efflux complex. In this study, we investigated the role of the putative tip regions of MdsA and its OMPs, MdsC and TolC, in the formation of a functional MdsAB-mediated efflux pump. Comparative analysis indicated that although sequence homologies of MdsA and MdsC with other MFPs and OMPs, respectively, are extremely low, key residues in the putative tip regions of these proteins are well conserved. Mutagenesis studies on these conserved sites demonstrated their importance for the physical and functional interactions required to form an MdsAB-mediated pump. Our studies suggest that, despite differences in the primary amino acid sequences and functions of various OMPs and MFPs, interactions mediated by the conserved tip regions of OMP and MFP are required for the formation of functional tripartite efflux pumps in gram-negative bacteria.
An exploratory study of physical activity and perceived barriers to exercise in ambulant people with neuromuscular disease compared with unaffected controls

Objective: To determine activity patterns and perceived barriers to exercise in ambulant people with neuromuscular disease compared with ambulatory controls. Design: Prospective controlled parallel group design. Setting: Outpatient clinic and community. Subjects: Thirteen ambulatory people with neuromuscular disease and 18 ambulatory controls. Main measures: Heart rates were recorded during sedentary activity and treadmill walking at various speeds to indicate activity threshold (flex heart rate), followed by ambulatory heart rate monitoring over two weekdays and one weekend day. The EPIC-Norfolk Physical Activity Questionnaire-2 and Barriers to Physical Activity and Disability Survey were completed. Results: Participants with neuromuscular disease were less active than controls as estimated by both the EPIC-Norfolk Physical Activity Questionnaire-2, P<0.004, and the flex heart rate method, P<0.05. The number of perceived barriers was greater in the neuromuscular group, a mean of 7 (SD 4.2) barriers, compared with mean 3 (SD 2.1) barriers for controls, P<0.05. Specific barriers differed, with the barriers of `pain', `lack of energy' and `exercise is too difficult' showing the greatest discrepancy and being higher in the neuromuscular disease group. Conclusion: Physical activity, as determined by two different methods, was less and barriers to exercise greater in people with neuromuscular disease compared with healthy controls. Specific barriers were different in the two groups. This information could assist in the design of achievable and effective exercise programmes for people with neuromuscular disease.
Trajectories of risky drinking around the time of statutory retirement: a longitudinal latent class analysis

Abstract Background and Aims Life transitions such as retirement may influence alcohol consumption, but only a few studies have described this using longitudinal data. We identified patterns and predictors of risky drinking around the time of retirement. Design A cohort study assessing trajectories and predictors of risky drinking among employees entering statutory retirement between 2000 and 2011. Setting and Participants A total of 5805 men and women from the Finnish Public Sector study who responded to questions on alcohol consumption one to three times prior to (w−3, w−2, w−1), and one to three times after (w+1, w+2, w+3) retirement. Measurements We assessed trajectories of risky drinking (> 24 units per week among men, > 16 units among women, or an extreme drinking occasion during past year) from pre‐ to post‐retirement, as well as predictors of each alcohol consumption trajectory. Findings Three trajectories were identified: sustained healthy drinking (81% of participants), temporary increase in risky drinking around retirement (12%) and slowly declining risky drinking after retirement (7%). The strongest pre‐retirement predictors for belonging to the group of temporary increase in risky drinking were current smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.70–5.64], male sex (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 2.16–3.55), depression (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.05–1.99) and work‐place in the metropolitan area (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.00–1.66). Compared with the slowly declining risky drinking group, the temporary increase in risky drinking group was characterized by lower occupational status and education, and work‐place outside the metropolitan area. Conclusions In Finland, approximately 12% of people who reach retirement age experience a temporary increase in alcohol consumption to risky levels, while approximately 7% experience a slow decline in risky levels of alcohol consumption. Male gender, smoking, being depressed and working in a metropolitan area are associated with increased likelihood of increased alcohol consumption.
Can Super Smart Leaders Suffer From too Much of a Good Thing? The Curvilinear Effect of Intelligence on Perceived Leadership Behavior

Although researchers predominately test for linear relationships between variables, at times there may be theoretical and even empirical reasons for expecting nonlinear functions. We examined if the relation between intelligence (IQ) and perceived leadership might be more accurately described by a curvilinear single-peaked function. Following Simonton’s (1985) theory, we tested a specific model, indicating that the optimal IQ for perceived leadership will appear at about 1.2 standard deviations above the mean IQ of the group membership. The sample consisted of midlevel leaders from multinational private-sector companies. We used the leaders’ scores on the Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT)—a measure of IQ—to predict how they would be perceived on prototypically effective leadership (i.e., transformational and instrumental leadership). Accounting for the effects of leader personality, gender, age, as well as company, country, and time fixed effects, analyses indicated that perceptions of leadership followed a curvilinear inverted-U function of intelligence. The peak of this function was at an IQ score of about 120, which did not depart significantly from the value predicted by the theory. As the first direct empirical test of a precise curvilinear model of the intelligence-leadership relation, the results have important implications for future research on how leaders are perceived in the workplace.
High level of C-type natriuretic peptide induced by hyperandrogen-mediated anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome mice.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, is a complex endocrinopathy that affects the fertility of 9-18% of reproductive-aged women. However, the exact mechanism of PCOS, especially hyperandrogen-induced anovulation, is largely unknown to date. Physiologically, the natriuretic peptide type C/natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (CNP/NPR2) system is essential for sustaining oocyte meiotic arrest until the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. We therefore hypothesized that the CNP/NPR2 system is also involved in PCOS and contributes to arresting oocyte meiosis and ovulation. Here, based on a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS-like mouse model, persistent high levels of CNP/NPR2 were detected in anovulation ovaries. Meanwhile, oocytes arrested at the germinal vesicle stage correlated with persistent high levels of androgen and estrogen. We further showed that ovulation failure in these mice could be a result of elevated Nppc/Npr2 gene transcription that was directly increased by androgen (AR) and estrogen (ER) receptor signaling. Consistent with this, anovulation was alleviated by administration of either exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or inhibitors of AR or ER to reduce the level of CNP/NPR2. Additionally, the CNP/NPR2 expression pattern in the anovulated follicles was, to some extent, consistent with the clinical expression in PCOS patients. Therefore, our study highlights the important role an overactive CNP/NPR2 system caused by hyperandrogenism in preventing oocytes from maturation and ovulation in PCOS mice. Our findings provide insight into potential mechanisms responsible for infertility in women with PCOS.
Molecular Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma

While high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common histologic subtype of ovarian cancer, significant tumor heterogeneity exists. In addition, chemotherapy induces changes in gene expression and alters the mutational profile. To evaluate the notion that patients with HGSOC could be better classified for optimal treatment based on gene expression, we compared genetic variants [by DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) using a 50 gene Ion Torrent panel] and gene expression (using the NanoString PanCancer 770 gene Panel) in the tumor from 20 patients with HGSOC before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). NGS was performed on plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) on a select group of patients (n = 14) to assess the utility of using cfDNA to monitor these changes. A total of 86 genes had significant changes in RNA expression after NACT. Thirty-eight genetic variants (including SNPs) from 6 genes were identified in tumors pre-NACT, while 59 variants from 19 genes were detected in the cfDNA. The number of DNA variants were similar after NACT. Of the 59 variants in the plasma pre-NACT, only 6 persisted, whereas 33 of 38 specific variants in the tumor DNA remained unchanged. Pathway analysis showed the most significant alterations in the cell cycle and DNA damage pathways. Implications: Gene expression profiles at the time of interval debulking provide additional genetic information that could help impact treatment decisions after NACT; although, continued collection and analysis of matched tumor and cfDNA from multiple time points are needed to determine the role of cfDNA in the management of HGSOC. Mol Cancer Res; 16(5); 813–24. ©2018 AACR.
Platelet Adhesion to Pure Titanium with Different Surface Treatment

Objective: To investigate the initial human platelet adhesion to pure titanium with different surface treatments.Methods: Pure titanium disks were prepared to form four kinds of surface as polished(Po),dual acid-etched(DAE),sandblasted and acid-etched(SLA),alkali-and heat-treated(AH). Platelet-rich plasma(PRP) were prepared and put into four kinds of surfaces of titanium disks.Then the samples were characterized by SEM after 30 minutes of incubation.Results: The amount of platelets on SLA and DAE were more than those on Po and AH.Platelets on SLA and DAE were widely distributed and aggregated.Platelets on SLA extended pseudopods clearly and linked with each other.Platelets on Po and AH were mainly round and distributed singly.Conclusion: Complex microtextures of titanium surface are favourable for the adherence of platelets.And the wettability has influence on platelets adhesion to titanium.Hydrophilic surfaces are against the adherence of platelets.
Classification of cognitive performance in bipolar disorder

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the etiology of cognitive impairment associated with bipolar disorder, we need to clarify potential heterogeneity in cognitive functioning. To this end, we used multivariate techniques to study if the correlation structure of cognitive abilities differs between persons with bipolar disorder and controls. Method: Clinically stable patients with bipolar disorder (type I: n = 64; type II: n = 44) and healthy controls (n = 86) were assessed with a wide range of cognitive tests measuring executive function, speed, memory, and verbal skills. Data were analysed with multivariate techniques. Results: A distinct subgroup (∼30%) could be identified that performed significantly poorer on tests concerning memory function. This cognitive phenotype subgroup did not differ from the majority of bipolar disorder patients with respect to other demographic or clinical characteristics. Conclusions: Whereas the majority of patients performed similar to controls, a subgroup of patients with bipolar disorder differed substantially from healthy controls in the correlation pattern of low-level cognitive abilities. This suggests that cognitive impairment is not a general trait in bipolar disorder but characteristic of a cognitive subgroup. This has important clinical implications for cognitive rehabilitation and remediation.
A novel integrated heater and sensor for injection molding applications

In the process chain from granulate to the finished molding, mold temperature control is of great significance during polymer processing, which has been substantiated that it determines the quality features of the components and guarantees correct reproduction of the surface. In view of the existing inherent problems associated with the constant temperature mold in injection molding process, the rapid heat cycle molding process can facilitate rapid temperature change at the mold surface thereby improving quality of molded parts without increasing cycle time. So an integrated heater and sensor consisting of one metallic heating layer and one oxide insulation layer was investigated in this thesis and developed for thermoplastic injection molding applications. The entire research consists of three parts: theoretical part, fabrication part and experimental part. In the theoretical part, a transient heat transfer model is built to help understand the mechanism of heat transfer in an injection mold, and thus derives an important parameter for the designed heater and sensorthe thickness of thermal insulation layer, which can be neither too thick nor too thin, too thick an insulation layer increase the cooling time too much, whereas with a too thin layer the mold surface temperature will stay too low. Design issues towards developing a mold capable of raising temperature 200 ̊C in one second and cooling to room temperature very fast were discussed. In the fabrication part, materials with closely matched low thermal expansion coefficient were used for all layers to reduce thermal stresses between layers during heating and cooling period. Several rapid heat cycle mold inserts prototype were constructed by using MEMS technology. In the experimental section, the heating and cooling response shows differences with the analytical solution of the heat transfer model and results are discussed and verified by performing numerical simulation using FEM. Shear force test proves the integrated heater and sensor is durable and wear-resistant, which is capable for practical applications.
x3ogre: connecting X3D to a state of the art rendering engine

We connect X3D to the state of the art OGRE renderer using our prototypical x3ogre implementation. At this we perform a comparison of both on a conceptual level, highlighting similarities and differences. Our implementation allows swapping X3D concepts for OGRE concepts and vice versa. We take advantage of this to analyse current shortcomings in X3D and propose X3D extensions to overcome those.
Comparative Analysis of Japanese Three-Spined Stickleback Clades Reveals the Pacific Ocean Lineage Has Adapted to Freshwater Environments while the Japan Sea Has Not

Divergent selection and adaptive divergence can increase phenotypic diversification amongst populations and lineages. Yet adaptive divergence between different environments, habitats or niches does not occur in all lineages. For example, the colonization of freshwater environments by ancestral marine species has triggered adaptive radiation and phenotypic diversification in some taxa but not in others. Studying closely related lineages differing in their ability to diversify is an excellent means of understanding the factors promoting and constraining adaptive evolution. A well-known example of the evolution of increased phenotypic diversification following freshwater colonization is the three-spined stickleback. Two closely related stickleback lineages, the Pacific Ocean and the Japan Sea occur in Japan. However, Japanese freshwater stickleback populations are derived from the Pacific Ocean lineage only, suggesting the Japan Sea lineage is unable to colonize freshwater. Using stable isotope data and trophic morphology, we first show higher rates of phenotypic and ecological diversification between marine and freshwater populations within the Pacific Ocean lineage, confirming adaptive divergence has occurred between the two lineages and within the Pacific Ocean lineage but not in the Japan Sea lineage. We further identified consistent divergence in diet and foraging behaviour between marine forms from each lineage, confirming Pacific Ocean marine sticklebacks, from which all Japanese freshwater populations are derived, are better adapted to freshwater environments than Japan Sea sticklebacks. We suggest adaptive divergence between ancestral marine populations may have played a role in constraining phenotypic diversification and adaptive evolution in Japanese sticklebacks.
An updated review of worldwide levels of docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid in human breast milk by region

Abstract Objective We aimed to evaluate the DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) levels in human breast milk worldwide by country, region and socio-economic status. Design Descriptive review conducted on English publications reporting breast-milk DHA and AA levels. Setting We systematically searched and identified eligible literature in PubMed from January 1980 to July 2015. Data on breast-milk DHA and AA levels from women who had given birth to term infants were included. Subjects Seventy-eight studies from forty-one countries were included with 4163 breast-milk samples of 3746 individuals. Results Worldwide mean levels of DHA and AA in breast milk were 0·37 (sd 0·11) % and 0·55 (sd 0·14) % of total fatty acids, respectively. The breast-milk DHA levels from women with accessibility to marine foods were significantly higher than those from women without accessibility (0·35 (sd 0·20) % v. 0·25 (sd 0·14) %, P<0·05). Data from the Asian region showed the highest DHA concentration but much lower AA concentration in breast milk compared with all other regions, independent of accessibility to marine foods. Comparison was made among Canada, Poland and Japan – three typical countries (each with sample size of more than 100 women) from different regions but all with high income and similar accessibility to fish/marine foods. Conclusions The current review provides an update on worldwide variation in breast-milk DHA and AA levels and underlines the need for future population- or region-specific investigations.
Health-related behaviours after 1 year of renal transplantation

Health-related behaviours and psychological distress were examined after kidney transplantation. Patients were evaluated at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after transplantation. Participants completed the Healthy Behaviours Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. No significant differences in Healthy Behaviours Questionnaire’s total score and psychological comorbidity were observed at three time points. However, there was an increase in drug-consumer habits (p < 0.05) and a reduction in sedentary lifestyle (p < 0.05) at 6 months and 1 year. Moreover, at 1 year, post-transplant had increased the harmful health habits (p < 0.05). In regression analysis, anxiety symptoms were significant predictors of Healthy Behaviours Questionnaire change at a year post-transplantation.