Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator levels in plasma precede a first acute myocardial infarction in both men and women: evidence for the fibrinolytic system as an independent primary risk factor.

BACKGROUND In patients with established ischemic heart disease, prospective cohort studies have indicated that plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), the inhibitor of the fibrinolytic system, may predict cardiovascular events. So far, there have been no primary prospective studies of PAI-1. METHODS AND RESULTS The aim of the present study was to test whether plasma levels of PAI-1, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and thrombomodulin (TM) could predict the occurrence of a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a population with high prevalence of coronary heart disease by use of a prospective nested case-control design. Mass concentrations of PAI-1 and tPA were significantly higher for the 78 subjects who developed a first AMI compared with the 156 references matched for age, sex, and sampling time; for tPA, this increase was independent of smoking habits, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I. The ratio of quartile 4 to 1 for tPA was 5.9 for a patient to develop a first AMI. The association between tPA and AMI was seen in both men and women. Increased levels of vWF were associated with AMI in a univariate analysis. High levels of TM were associated with AMI in women but not in men. CONCLUSIONS The plasma levels of PAI-1, tPA, and vWF are associated with subsequent development of a first AMI; for PAI-1 and tPA, this relation was found in both men and women. For tPA but not for PAI-1 and vWF, this association is independent of established risk factors.
Molecular Mechanisms Regulating LPS-Induced Inflammation in the Brain

Neuro-inflammation, one of the pathogenic causes of neurodegenerative diseases, is regulated through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). We previously showed that either bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or immunization with the α7(1–208) nAChR fragment decrease α7 nAChRs density in the mouse brain, exacerbating chronic inflammation, beta-amyloid accumulation and episodic memory decline, which mimic the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To study the molecular mechanisms underlying the LPS and antibody effects in the brain, we employed an in vivo model of acute LPS-induced inflammation and an in vitro model of cultured glioblastoma U373 cells. Here, we report that LPS challenge decreased the levels of α7 nAChR RNA and protein and of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) RNA and activity in distinct mouse brain regions, sensitized brain mitochondria to the apoptogenic effect of Ca2+ and modified brain microRNA profiles, including the cholinergic-regulatory CholinomiRs-132/212, in favor of anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic ones. Adding α7(1–208)-specific antibodies to the LPS challenge prevented elevation of both the anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic miRNAs while supporting the resistance of brain mitochondria to Ca2+ and maintaining α7 nAChR/AChE decreases. In U373 cells, α7-specific antibodies and LPS both stimulated interleukin-6 production through the p38/Src-dependent pathway. Our findings demonstrate that acute LPS-induced inflammation induces the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in the brain, that α7 nAChR down-regulation limits this pathway, and that α7-specific antibodies aggravate neuroinflammation by inducing the pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 and dampening anti-inflammatory miRNAs; however, these antibodies may protect brain mitochondria and decrease the levels of pro-apoptotic miRNAs, preventing LPS-induced neurodegeneration.
Biopsychosocial Health Care Needs at the Emergency Room: Challenge of Complexity

Background In an emergency room of internal medicine, triage and treatment of patients deserve first priority. However, biopsychosocial case complexity may also affect patient health outcome but has not yet been explored in this setting. Therefore, the aims of the study are (1) to estimate prevalence rates of complex patients in the emergency room (ER), (2) to describe biopsychosocial complexity in this population and (3) to evaluate possible correlations between patient profiles regarding case complexity and further clinical treatment. Methods During a study period of one week, all patients of an emergency room of internal medicine who were triaged to Manchester levels three to five were invited to participate in the study. Biopsychosocial case complexity was assessed by the INTERMED method. Psychosocial interventions were evaluated based on all documented interventions and recommendations given at the emergency room and during inpatient treatment. Results Study participants consisted of 167 patients with a subgroup of 19% (n = 32) receiving subsequent inpatient-treatment at the department. High biopsychosocial case complexity was found in 12% (n = 20) of the total sample (INTERMED score >20). This finding was paralleled by a cluster analysis suggesting three clusters with one highly complex patient group of 14%. These highly complex patients differed significantly from the other clusters as they had visited the emergency room more often within the last year and lived alone more frequently. In addition, admission rates were highest in this group. During ER treatment and subsequent inpatient treatment, 21% of highly complex patients received interventions addressing psychosocial factors as compared to 6% and 7%, respectively, in the other clusters. Conclusions A standardized screening of biopsychosocial case complexity among ‘frequent utilizers’ of the ER would be helpful to detect specific multidisciplinary health care needs among this particularly burdened patient group.
Activation of Mitochondrial ATP-Dependent Potassium Channels Protects Neurons against Ischemia-Induced Death by a Mechanism Involving Suppression of Bax Translocation and Cytochrome c Release

Neurons express a variety of plasma-membrane potassium channels that play important roles in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, but also contain mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels, the functions of which are unknown. Studies of cardiac cells suggest that similar mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels are involved in the process of ischemic preconditioning, suggesting a role in regulating cell survival. The authors report that mice given diazoxide, an activator of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels, exhibited a large (60% to 70%) decrease in cortical infarct size after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Diazoxide decreases neuronal apoptosis and increases astrocyte survival and activation in the penumbral region of the ischemic cortex. The neuroprotective effect of diazoxide is abolished by 5-hydroxydecanoate, a selective antagonist of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Studies of cultured hippocampal neurons reveal that diazoxide depolarizes mitochondria, prevents cytochrome c release, and protects cells against death induced by staurosporine and chemical hypoxia. Diazoxide increased the levels of Bcl2 and inhibited the association of Bax with mitochondria in neurons exposed to an apoptotic insult, suggesting that activation of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels may stabilize mitochondrial function by differentially modulating proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. Collectively, the data suggest that mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels play a key role in modulating neuronal survival under ischemic conditions, and identify agents that activate mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels as potential therapeutics for stroke and related neurodegenerative conditions.
Modulation of angiogenesis and tumorigenicity of human melanocytic cells by vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor.

Human melanoma cells express two prominent angiogenic factors, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF/fibroblast growth factor-2). In this study, we report on the relative contribution of these two factors to in vitro and in vivo growth of a tumorigenic melanoma cell line (WM164) and nontumorigenic, immortalized melanocytes (FM516SV). Overexpression of either cytokine significantly boosted tumorigenicity of WM164 cells in immunodeficient SCID mice. Attempting to overexpress bFGF antisense sequences produced no viable clones confirming earlier reports that autocrine bFGF is obligatory to melanoma cell survival and growth. By contrast, down-regulation of endogenous VEGF production did not affect growth of WM164 cells in vitro. In vivo expansion of WM164 cells expressing VEGF antisense was delayed but not abrogated. Forced expression of either bFGF or VEGF in immortalized but nontumorigenic melanocytes did not induce sustained tumor growth in vivo highlighting that neither of the two factors is sufficient for induction of tumorigenicity in this model system. Overexpression of either cytokine in WM164 cells led to the development of atypical large vessels but not to an increase in microvessel density. Taken together our results confirm an essential autocrine role of bFGF in human melanoma and indicate a beneficial but nonessential role of VEGF in the tumorigenic phenotype of human melanoma cells.
Use of a gesture user interface as a touchless image navigation system in dental surgery: Case series report

Purpose The purposes of this study were to develop a workstation computer that allowed intraoperative touchless control of diagnostic and surgical images by a surgeon, and to report the preliminary experience with the use of the system in a series of cases in which dental surgery was performed. Materials and Methods A custom workstation with a new motion sensing input device (Leap Motion) was set up in order to use a natural user interface (NUI) to manipulate the imaging software by hand gestures. The system allowed intraoperative touchless control of the surgical images. Results For the first time in the literature, an NUI system was used for a pilot study during 11 dental surgery procedures including tooth extractions, dental implant placements, and guided bone regeneration. No complications were reported. The system performed very well and was very useful. Conclusion The proposed system fulfilled the objective of providing touchless access and control of the system of images and a three-dimensional surgical plan, thus allowing the maintenance of sterile conditions. The interaction between surgical staff, under sterile conditions, and computer equipment has been a key issue. The solution with an NUI with touchless control of the images seems to be closer to an ideal. The cost of the sensor system is quite low; this could facilitate its incorporation into the practice of routine dental surgery. This technology has enormous potential in dental surgery and other healthcare specialties.
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin in Children and Adolescents

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a circulating glycoprotein that transports testosterone and other steroids in the blood. Interest in SHBG has escalated in recent years because of its inverse association with obesity and insulin resistance, and because many studies have linked lower circulating levels of SHBG to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and early puberty. The purpose of this review is to summarize molecular, clinical, endocrine, and epidemiological findings to illustrate how measurement of plasma SHBG may be useful in clinical medicine in children.
Aspergillus Flavus Endocarditis of the Native Mitral Valve in a Bone Marrow Transplant Patient

Patient: Male, 36 Final Diagnosis: Aspergillus flavus endocarditis Symptoms: Malaise • fatigue and dyspnea Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Mitral vale replacemnet Specialty: Cardiology Objective: Rare disease Background: Infective endocarditis due to Aspergillus species is an uncommon infection with a high mortality rate. It mostly occurs after the implantation of prosthetic heart valves. Parenteral nutrition, immunosuppression, broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens, and illegal intravenous drug use are the risk factors for developing infection. Case Report: We report a case of Aspergillus flavus native mitral valve endocarditis in a patient who had allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the past due to myelodysplastic syndrome. Conclusions: Although it is rare and there is limited experience available with the diagnosis and treatment, early recognition and therapeutic intervention with systemic antifungal therapy and aggressive surgical intervention are critical to prevent further complications that may eventually lead to death. In addition, better novel diagnostic tools are needed to facilitate more accurate identification of patients with invasive Aspergillus and to permit earlier initiation of antifungal treatment.
NUS at DUC 2005: Understanding Documents via Concept Links

The primary goal of our participation in DUC 2005 is two-fold. One is to benchmark the performance of a method of computing sentence semantic similarity. The other is to test the effectiveness of a new redundancy minimization formula inspired by Maximal Marginal Relevance (MMR). By using only these two features and eschewing other heuristics, our system performed competitively, achieving the top automated ROUGE scores among participants this year. This is a revised version of our notebook paper.
MHC, mate choice and heterozygote advantage in a wild social primate

Preferences for mates carrying dissimilar genes at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) may help animals increase offspring pathogen resistance or avoid inbreeding. Such preferences have been reported across a range of vertebrates, but have rarely been investigated in social species other than humans. We investigated mate choice and MHC dynamics in wild baboons (Papio ursinus). MHC Class II DRB genes and 16 microsatellite loci were genotyped across six groups (199 individuals). Based on the survey of a key segment of the gene‐rich MHC, we found no evidence of mate choice for MHC dissimilarity, diversity or rare MHC genotypes. First, MHC dissimilarity did not differ from random expectation either between parents of the same offspring or between immigrant males and females from the same troop. Second, female reproductive success was not influenced by MHC diversity or genotype frequency. Third, population genetic structure analysis revealed equally high genotypic differentiation among troops, and comparable excess heterozygosity within troops for juveniles, at both Mhc‐DRB and neutral loci. Nevertheless, the age structure of Mhc‐DRB heterozygosity suggested higher longevity for heterozygotes, which should favour preferences for MHC dissimilarity. We propose that high levels of within‐group outbreeding, resulting from group‐living and sex‐biased dispersal, might weaken selection for MHC‐disassortative mate choice.
The association between periprocedural factors and the late outcome of percutaneous stenting of lower extremity arteries. A retrospective cohort study

Introduction About 20–30% of the population have peripheral artery disease. Many of them require intervention, with a percutaneous procedure currently being the first choice. However, the outcomes of these interventions need regular evaluation due to continuous progress in endovascular techniques and the devices used. Aim The aim of this study was to analyze procedural factors influencing the outcome of endovascular intervention in patients stented for the first time due to lower extremity atherosclerosis. Material and methods The medical documentation of 91 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up after stenting of a lower limb artery was retrospectively evaluated. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed. Results The mean observation time was 544.4 ±502.9 days. The primary patency of a stent after such a follow-up was 68.1%. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that the risk of target lesion revascularization was affected by the following (hazard risk, 95% confidence interval): the number of vascular segments with significant lesions (13.14, 2.28–75.8); critical limb ischemia (5.68, 1.23–26.2); localization of the target lesion in an aorto-iliac in comparison with a femoro-popliteal vascular segment (0.37, 0.14–0.7); aorto-iliac lesion class according to the TASC-II consensus (1.96, 1.1–3.8); and claudication distance (1.02, 1.01–1.03). Conclusions The common primary patency of a stent implanted into either an aorto-iliac or a femoro-popliteal vascular segment was similar to that found in other reports. The main factors affecting the outcome of the endovascular procedures performed were mainly related to atherosclerosis severity, not to the type of technique or device used.
An Angle Criterion for Conical Mesh Vertices

Abstract A vertex in a mesh surface with planar faces may have the propertythat offsetting all the face planes incident with the vertex by a con-stant distance leads to planes which intersect again in a commonpoint. This is equivalent to the property that the planes, consis-tently oriented via the connectivity of the mesh, are tangent to anoriented cone of revolution. We show that for vertices of valence4, this conical property is characterized in terms of the interior an-gles of the faces adjacent to the vertex: The two sums of oppositeangles are equal. For a convex vertex this angle criterion followsdirectly from known results in spherical geometry concerning con-vex spherical quadrilaterals. For other types of vertices, however,the occurrenceof non-convex spherical quadrilateralsmakes it nec-essary to exhaustively enumerate and study a number of cases. Thepresent short note resolves this combinatorial difﬁculty and provesthat all conical vertices are characterized by this same angle crite-rion. This result is especially relevant in the context of modelingwith conical meshes [Liu et al. 2006].
Skeptical Inquirer Follow-Up : Research On The Feeling Of Being Stared At

A variety of surveys have shown that most people believe they can feel unseen stares (Sheldrake 1994). In his article "Can we tell when someone is staring at us? " (March/April 2000 SI) Robert A. Baker, a CSICOP Fellow, dismissed this belief as false. "Skeptics. believe that it is nothing more than a superstition and/or a response to subtle signals from the environment. " (Baker 2000, p. 40). He claimed to provide empirical evidence to support his presuppositions.
Functional equivalence or behavioural matching? A critical reflection on 15 years of research using the PETTLEP model of motor imagery

Motor imagery, or the mental rehearsal of actions in the absence of physical movement, is an increasingly popular construct in fields such as neuroscience, cognitive psychology and sport psychology. Unfortunately, few models of motor imagery have been postulated to date. Nevertheless, based on the hypothesis of functional equivalence between imagery, perception and motor execution, Holmes and Collins in 2001 developed the PETTLEP model of motor imagery in an effort to provide evidence-based guidelines for imagery practice in sport psychology. Given recent advances in theoretical understanding of functional equivalence, however, it is important to provide a contemporary critical reflection on motor imagery research conducted using this model. The present article addresses this objective. We begin by explaining the background to the development of the PETTLEP model. Next, we evaluate key issues and findings in PETTLEP-inspired research. Finally, we offer suggestions for, and new directions in, research in this field.
Good, Bad, and Ugly Colonial Activities: Do They Matter for Economic Development?

Abstract Levels of development vary widely within countries in the Americas. We argue that part of this variation has its roots in the colonial era, when colonizers engaged in different economic activities in different regions of a country. We present evidence consistent with the view that “bad” activities (those that depended heavily on labor exploitation) led to lower economic development today than “good” activities (those that did not rely on labor exploitation). Our results also suggest that differences in political representation (but not in income inequality or human capital) could be the intermediating factor between colonial activities and current development.
A new inverse method for stellar population synthesis and error analysis

The stellar population synthesis in unresolved composite objects is a very tricky problem. Indeed, it is a degenerate problem since many parameters affect the observables. The stellar population synthesis issue thus deserves a deep and rigourous analysis. In this paper we present a method of inversion which uses as observables the intensities at each pixel of a galactic spectrum and provides the stellar contribution to luminosity of all stars considered in a database. The main contribution of this paper to the synthesis problem is that it provides an analytical computation of the uncertainties accompanying a solution. This constitutes an important improvement relative to previous methods which do not provide such infomation except in the method described by Pelat (1997) and Moultaka & Pelat (2000). The latter uses the equivalent widths and intensities of stellar spectra in order to reproduce the equivalent widths of a galactic spectrum. The novelty of this work relative to the previous one is that the dust emission present in the IR spectra can be modeled as well as the velocity dispersion of stars that broadens the lines of a galactic spectrum. Tests are also performed in order to estimate the reliability of the method and the influence on the results of an additive continuum present in a studied spectrum, for example in the case of AGNs.
The stability of patriotism in the face of variation in national laws

Patriotism has been described by several authors as a rigid and stable construct. it is argued that this might lead to a deterministic conception of citizenship, in which citizens of a certain country are supposed to react in a predetermined way, as far as factors affecting attachment to the country are concerned. It is proposed that such a view conceals the fact that people's relations to the country, even affective relations such as attachment, are political relations, and therefore, should be affected by the political activity of the State. This view received some support from an experimental study in which French citizens expressed their level of blind and constructive patriotism (Schatz & Staub, 1997) after having been exposed to a bogus national law that favored either immigrants (pro-outgroup only), nationals (pro-ingroup only), or both Blind patriotism appeared stable across contexts, whereas constructive patriotism varied Implications for the study of patriotism and citizenship are discussed.
An Efficient Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)

In recent years, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) has attracted the attention of researchers and product developers because of its robust mathematical structure and highest security in comparison to other existing algorithms like RSA (Rivest Adleman and Shameer Public key Algorithm). Elliptic Curve Digital signature represents one of the most widely used security technologies for ensuring un-forge-ability and non-repudiation of digital data. Its performance heavily depends on an operation called point multiplication. Furthermore, root cause of security breakdown of ECDSA is that it shares three points of the elliptic curve public ally which makes it feasible for an adversary to gauge the private key of the signer. In this paper we proposed a new ECDSA which involves not as much of point multiplication operations as in existing ECDSA and shares only two curve points with everyone. The proposed method also reduces the point addition and point doubling operations. It is found to be more secure in contrast to existing ECDSA.