Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological and Chemical Removal of Primary Cilia Affects Mechanical Activation of Chondrogenesis Markers in Chondroprogenitors and Hypertrophic Chondrocytes

Chondroprogenitors and hypertrophic chondrocytes, which are the first and last stages of the chondrocyte differentiation process, respectively, are sensitive to mechanical signals. We hypothesize that the mechanical sensitivity of these cells depends on the cell surface primary cilia. To test this hypothesis, we removed the primary cilia by biological means with transfection with intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88) siRNA or by chemical means with chloral hydrate treatment. Transfection of IFT88 siRNA significantly reduced the percentage of ciliated cells in both chondroprogenitor ATDC5 cells as well as primary hypertrophic chondrocytes. Cyclic loading (1 Hz, 10% matrix deformation) of ATDC5 cells in three-dimensional (3D) culture stimulates the mRNA levels of chondrogenesis marker Type II collagen (Col II), hypertrophic chondrocyte marker Type X collagen (Col X), and a molecular regulator of chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). The reduction of ciliated chondroprogenitors abolishes mechanical stimulation of Col II, Col X, and BMP-2. In contrast, cyclic loading stimulates Col X mRNA levels in hypertrophic chondrocytes, but not those of Col II and BMP-2. Both biological and chemical reduction of ciliated hypertrophic chondrocytes reduced but failed to abolish mechanical stimulation of Col X mRNA levels. Thus, primary cilia play a major role in mechanical stimulation of chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy in chondroprogenitor cells and at least a partial role in hypertrophic chondrocytes.
BeppoSAX Observations of Synchrotron X-Ray Emission from Radio Quasars

We present new BeppoSAX Low Energy Concentrator Spectrometer (LECS), Medium Energy Concentrator Spectrometer (MECS), and Phoswich Detector System (PDS) observations of four flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) having effective spectral indices αro and αox typical of high-energy peaked BL Lac objects. Our sources have X-ray-to-radio flux ratios on average ~70 times larger than "classical" FSRQs and lie at the extreme end of the FSRQ X-ray-to-radio flux ratio distribution. The collected data cover the energy range 0.1-10 keV (observer's frame), reaching ~100 keV for one object. The BeppoSAX band in one of our sources, RGB J1629+4008, is dominated by synchrotron emission peaking at ~2 × 1016 Hz, as also shown by its steep (energy index αX ~ 1.5) spectrum. This makes this object the first known FSRQ whose X-ray emission is not due to inverse Compton radiation. Two other sources display a flat BeppoSAX spectrum (αX ~ 0.7), with weak indications of steepening at low X-ray energies. The combination of BeppoSAX and ROSAT observations, (nonsimultaneous) multifrequency data, and a synchrotron inverse Compton model suggests synchrotron peak frequencies ≈1015 Hz, although a better coverage of their spectral energy distributions is needed to provide firmer values. If confirmed, these values would be typical of "intermediate" BL Lac objects for which the synchrotron and inverse Compton components overlap in the BeppoSAX band. Our sources, although firmly in the radio-loud regime, have powers more typical of high-energy peaked BL Lac objects than of FSRQs, and indeed their radio powers put them near the low-luminosity end of the FSRQ luminosity function. We discuss this in terms of an anticorrelation between synchrotron peak frequency and total power, based on physical arguments, and also as possibly due to a selection effect.
Revision posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a modified tibial-inlay double-bundle technique.

BACKGROUND Revision of an unsuccessful posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction is a complicated clinical procedure with an outcome that may be less satisfactory than that after a typical primary PCL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reasons for failure of primary PCL reconstructions and to determine the clinical outcomes of revision PCL reconstruction after a minimum of two years of follow-up. METHODS Twenty-eight revision PCL reconstructions were performed by a single surgeon. Four cases that involved diverse operative procedures and two cases with a duration of follow-up of less than twenty-four months were excluded; the outcomes of the remaining twenty-two reconstructions were analyzed at the time of the latest follow-up (at least twenty-four months postoperatively). A technique involving a double femoral tunnel, a modified tibial inlay, and Achilles tendon allograft was used in all twenty-two of these revision reconstructions. Seventeen patients (77%) underwent concomitant reconstruction of posterolateral corner structures. Knee stability was measured with use of posterior stress radiography as well as with a maximum manual displacement test utilizing a KT1000 arthrometer. The subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and objective Orthopädische Arbeitsgruppe Knie (OAK) scoring systems were used to evaluate the clinical outcome. RESULTS Nine (41%) of the primary PCL reconstructions most likely failed because of a single factor and thirteen (59%) most likely failed because of multiple factors. The most common probable causes of failure were posterolateral rotatory instability (seventeen knees, 77%) and improper graft tunnel placement (nine knees, 41%). Side-to-side differences during posterior stress radiography improved from 9.9 ± 2.8 mm preoperatively to 2.8 ± 1.8 mm at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). The subjective and objective clinical scores at the latest follow-up evaluation were significantly better than the preoperative scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic revision PCL reconstruction with use of the modified tibial-inlay double-bundle technique improved knee stability, as measured with posterior stress radiography and clinically, and outcomes. Associated posterolateral rotatory instability should be surgically corrected during PCL reconstruction to prevent graft failure resulting from abnormal opening of the lateral aspect of the tibiofemoral joint.
Characteristics of Older Adults Admitted to Hospital versus Those Discharged Home, in Emergency Department Patients Referred to Internal Medicine

Background Frail older adults present to the Emergency Department (ED) with complex medical, functional, and social needs. When these needs can be addressed promptly, discharge is possible, and when they cannot, hospital admission is required. We evaluated the care needs of frail older adults in the ED who were consulted to internal medicine and seen by a geriatrician to determine, under current practices, which factors were associated with hospitalization and which allowed discharge. Methods We preformed a chart-based, exploratory study. Data were abstracted from consultation records and ED charts. All cases had a standard Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA which records a Clinical Frailty Scale (CFA) and allows calculation of a Frailty Index (FI). Results Of 100 consecutive patients, 2 died in the ED, 75 were admitted, and 23 were discharged, including one urgent placement. Compared with discharged patients (0.39 ± SD 0.16), those admitted had a higher mean FI-CGA (0.48 ± 0.13; p < .01). Greater mobility dependence (2% in discharged vs. 32% in admitted; p < .05) was notable. Conclusions Discharge decisions require assessment of medical, functional, and social problems. Ill, frail patients often can be discharged home when social and nursing support can be provided. The degree of frailty, impaired mobility, and likely delirium must be taken into account when planning for their care.
The ‘double face’ of lifelong learning: Two analytical perspectives on a ‘silent revolution’

Abstract This article focuses on the tensions between two perspectives on lifelong learning. Perspective I examines the social framework for lifelong learning. In perspective II we put forward our own theoretical view on ‘education in the life span’, namely the concept of biographical learning, and outline the idea of the ‘biographicity’ of social learning processes. This discussion is set within the context of the globalising imperatives and international discourses of lifelong learning. In the conclusion, we suggest the main perspectives and desiderata for research
MALDI-TOF MS Distinctly Differentiates Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae from Haemophilus haemolyticus

Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Haemophilus haemolyticus exhibit different pathogenicities, but to date, there remains no definitive and reliable strategy for differentiating these strains. In this study, we evaluated matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a potential method for differentiating NTHi and H. haemolyticus. The phylogenetic analysis of concatenated 16S rRNA and recombinase A (recA) gene sequences, outer membrane protein P6 gene sequencing and single-gene PCR were used as reference methods. The original reference database (ORD, provided with the Biotyper software) and new reference database (NRD, extended with Chinese strains) were compared for the evaluation of MALDI-TOF MS. Through a search of the ORD, 76.9% of the NTHi (40/52) and none of the H. haemolyticus (0/20) strains were identified at the species level. However, all NTHi and H. haemolyticus strains used for identification were accurately recognized at the species level when searching the NRD. From the dendrogram clustering of the main spectra projections, the Chinese and foreign H. influenzae reference strains were categorized into two distinct groups, and H. influenzae and H. haemolyticus were also separated into two categories. Compared to the existing methods, MALDI-TOF MS has the advantage of integrating high throughput, accuracy and speed. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF MS is an excellent method for differentiating NTHi and H. haemolyticus. This method can be recommended for use in appropriately equipped laboratories.
A Node-Based Element for Analysis of Planar Piezoelectric Structures

A novel node-based smoothing element for triangular and quadrilateral meshes is presented for static analysis of planar piezoelectric structures. In contrast to the smoothed finite element formulation that was based on sub-cells within an original quadrilateral element, this new method transforms a general original finite element mesh into a mesh of new smoothing cells individually associated with a single node which is termed as node-based elements. The displacement fields of the element are approximated by the linear interpolation functions of the original mesh while the approximations of mechanical strains and electric potential fields are normalized using the stabilized conforming nodal integration technique over each node-based element. This technique allows field gradients to be directly computed from interpolating shape functions by using boundary integrations along each edge of the node-based element. Furthermore, the present elements do not require any additional degrees of freedom and are insensitive to bad element shapes in the original mesh. Several numerical examples and comparative studies with other numerical results as well as analytic solutions in the literature are carried out in order to demonstrate the simplicity, efficiency and reliability of the novel elements.
People with Parkinson's disease should avoid performing dual-tasks while walking: myth or reality?

Traditionally, people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are advised to avoid performing dual-tasks while walking. Rehabilitation programs also emphasise the need to train walking under single-task conditions to improve gait and reduce risk for falls. There are findings that people with PD can walk faster and with longer strides while performing a secondary motor or cognitive task, when cued by a metronome or visual floor stripes. There are also findings that people with PD can walk faster and with longer strides while performing a secondary motor task simply by prioritising their attention to take big steps. Using attention is a convenient strategy favoured by people with PD to manage their gait difficulties. This thesis examined the immediate and training effects of two attentionpriority strategies on dual-cognitive task walking in people with mild to moderate PD. Two groups of participants received 30 minutes of training to prioritise attention to take big steps while performing serial three subtractions (gait-priority strategy) or to divide their attention between taking big steps and the cognitive task (equal-priority strategy). Control groups received no training. Measures of gait hypo-bradykinesia (stride length and gait velocity), stride variability (Coefficient of variation [CV] of stride length and CV of stride time) and cognitive task performance (accurate enumeration rate) were assessed at baseline, during training, immediately after training and 30 minutes after training. Both attention-priority strategies improved stride length and gait velocity during training. The improvement was retained for at least 30 minutes after training. Both strategies have no effect on CVs of stride length, stride time and accurate enumeration rate. Many daily routines require our ability to overcome single-, dualand multitask demands while walking. Rehabilitation strategies should encompass real life demands in order to minimise functional impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. Putting together the findings of this thesis and the evidence provided by previous studies, it is concluded that traditional recommendations need qualification. Avoiding dual-tasks during walking or gait retraining in people with mild to moderate PD may not be necessary. Gait-priority and equal-priority strategies can be used as compensatory strategies to improve gait during dual-tasks. The two strategies can also be used in training programs for walking rehabilitation.
Demographic, Insurance, and Health Characteristics of Newly Enrolled HIV-Positive Patients After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act in California.

OBJECTIVES To examine changes in HIV-positive patient enrollment in a large health care delivery system before and after key Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions went into effect in 2014. METHODS Analyses compared HIV-positive patients newly enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Northern California between January and June 2012 (n = 339) to those newly enrolled between January and June 2014 through the California insurance exchange or via other mechanisms (n = 549). RESULTS After the ACA, the HIV-positive patient enrollment increased. These new enrollees were more likely to be male (93.6% vs 89.1%; P = .01), to be enrolled in high-deductible benefit plans (≥ $1000; 18.8% vs 5.5%; P = .01), and to have better HIV viral control (HIV RNA levels below limits of quantification 79.5% vs 73.6%; P = .05) compared with pre-ACA new enrollees. Among post-ACA new enrollees, there were more patients in the lowest and highest age groups. Post-ACA exchange enrollees (22%) were more likely to be male and to have high-deductible plans than those enrolled through other mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS More men, higher deductibles, and better HIV viral control characterize newly enrolled HIV-positive patients after the ACA in California. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS Evolving characteristics of HIV-positive enrollees may affect HIV policy, patient care needs, and service utilization.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 1 Activates Androgen Receptor-Dependent Transcription and Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer

ABSTRACT Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases phosphorylate the estrogen receptor and activate transcription from estrogen receptor-regulated genes. Here we examine potential interactions between the MAP kinase cascade and androgen receptor-mediated gene regulation. Specifically, we have studied the biological effects of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1) expression in prostate cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that expression of constitutively active MEKK1 induces apoptosis in androgen receptor-positive but not in androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells. Reconstitution of the androgen receptor signaling pathway in androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer cells restores MEKK1-induced apoptosis. MEKK1 also stimulates the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor in the presence or absence of ligand, whereas a dominant negative mutant of MEKK1 impairs activation of the androgen receptor by androgen. These studies demonstrate an unanticipated link between MEKK1 and hormone receptor signaling and have implications for the molecular basis of hormone-independent prostate cancer growth.
LBOS 03-06 ANTI HYPERTENSIVE TREATMENT COMPLIANCE AND ADVERSE EFFECT PROFILE AMONG HYPERTENSION CLINIC ATTENDEES IN JODHPUR, INDIA.

OBJECTIVE To study the treatment compliance and adverse effects among hypertensive patients receiving treatment at Hypertension clinic, UHTC Pratap Nagar, Jodhpur, India. DESIGN AND METHOD A longitudinal study was conducted on 1036 hypertensive patients enrolled at Hypertension clinic, Pratap Nagar, Jodhpur, India. Patients attendees to the clinic during inception (Nov 2013) were selected for study purpose and quarterly follow-ups were done. The participants were asked about their socio-demographic status, therapy, side effects, and compliance with physicians' instructions. In addition, 8 physicians reported: prescribing practices, drug side effects, and patient compliance for data corroboration. Noncompliance was defined as a ≥2-point decrease on the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale assessed during follow-ups after baseline. Multivariate regression analysis was done with P < 0.05 considered significant for variable effect under study. RESULTS We observed an attrition rate of 9.2% (n = 96) participants in the study. The participant's mean age was 65.0 ± 5.6yrs (37-88 yrs); 67.9% were male; 51.9% illiterate and 39.0% belonged to lower socioeconomic strata (SES). 61.9% had hypertension for more than 10 years, and 48.0% were receiving multiple drug therapy. Over the 2 years of follow-up, 32.2% participants demonstrated noncompliance to antihypertensive medications. After multivariate adjustment noncompliance was significantly associated with: age (>60yrs, p = 0.003), uncontrolled BP (p = 0.025), illiteracy (p = 0.041), lower SES (p < 0.01) and adverse effect (p < 0.001). Drug adverse effects were reported among 19.01% participants; most frequently observed were dizziness (56.8%), cough (44.6%), oedema (28.4%) and rash/itch (17.7). Important predictors for changed therapy (41.21%) status were inadequate BP control (68.9%), adverse effects (11.9%), service dissatisfaction (7.0%) and cost (4.9%) etc. CONCLUSIONS Poor adherence to treatment is common in hypertensives mostly due to dissatisfaction with treatment & services and adverse effects. During follow-ups efforts shall be made to ensure full compliance and safe treatment by active patient engagement.
Multiple Aspects of Neural Activity during Reaching Preparation in the Medial Posterior Parietal Area V6A

The posterior parietal cortex is involved in the visuomotor transformations occurring during arm-reaching movements. The medial posterior parietal area V6A has been shown to be implicated in reaching execution, but its role in reaching preparation has not been sufficiently investigated. Here, we addressed this issue exploring the neural correlates of reaching preparation in V6A. Neural activity of single cells during the instructed delay period of a foveated Reaching task was compared with the activity in the same delay period during a Detection task. In this latter task, animals fixated the target but, instead of performing an arm reaching movement, they responded with a button release to the go signal. Targets were allocated in different positions in 3-D space. We found three types of neurons: cells where delay activity was equally spatially tuned in the two tasks (Gaze cells), cells spatially tuned only during reaching preparation (Set cells), and cells influenced by both gaze and reaching preparation signals (Gaze/Set cells). In cells influenced by reaching preparation, the delay activity in the Reaching task could be higher or lower compared with the Detection task. All the Set cells and a minority of Gaze/Set cells were more active during reaching preparation. Most cells modulated by movement preparation were also modulated with a congruent spatial tuning during movement execution. Present results highlight the convergence of visuospatial information, reach planning and reach execution signals on V6A, and indicate that visuospatial processing and movement execution have a larger influence on V6A activity than the encoding of reach plans.
Psychometric Evaluation and Discussions of English Language Learners’ Listening Comprehension

The importance of listening in the context of English language acquisition is gaining acceptance, but its unique attributes in language performance, while substantively and qualitatively justifiable, are generally not psychometrically defined. This article psychometrically supports listening as a distinct domain among the three other domains of language learning—reading, writing, and speaking—through the analysis of listening data from a large-scale K-12 English language proficiency assessment. Student responses in this study were compared on the basis of cognitive, metacognitive, and other learning strategies between high achieving and low achieving listening groups that were formed using a latent mixture distribution model. Latent mixture distribution and differential items functioning analyses together with classical item analysis were used to substantiate or draw attention to literature findings. The article also highlights the importance of social-interactive items that are inadvertently embedded in an assessment that is primarily created to measure academic language.
Psychosocial correlates of substance use amongst secondary school students in south western Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE To determine the psychosocial correlates of substance use among secondary school students in rural and urban communities in south western Nigeria. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of secondary school students using questionnaire eliciting substance use by students (WHO drug use questionnaire) and a well designed questionnaire on psychosocial variables. SETTING Six secondary schools selected from two local government areas in Ilesa, Osun State, South Western Nigeria. SUBJECTS The study population comprised 600 randomly selected senior secondary school students from six schools. RESULTS A total of 562 questionnaires were analysed. Current stimulant use was significantly associated with lower socio-economic status, coming from a polygamous family and self-rated poor academic performance. Current alcohol use was associated with being a male, polygamous family background, living alone or with friends, not being religious and self-rated poor academic performance. Current hypnosedatives use was commoner in students living alone or with friends and in those with self-rated poor academic performance. There was also significant positive relationship between current tobacco use and the male sex, not being religious and self-rated poor academic perfomance. Lifetime use of these substances had similar association with the psychosocial variables with slight differences. CONCLUSION The similarity between the psychosocial correlates highlighted in this study and those reported in previous studies from other parts of Nigeria makes these observations useful enough for the planning of preventive strategies.