Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body mass index as a measure of body fatness: age- and sex-specific prediction formulas

In 1229 subjects, 521 males and 708 females, with a wide range in body mass index (BMI; 13.9–40.9 kg/m2), and an age range of 7–83 years, body composition was determined by densitometry and anthropometry. The relationship between densitometrically-determined body fat percentage (BF%) and BMI, taking age and sex (males =1, females = 0) into account, was analysed. For children aged 15 years and younger, the relationship differed from that in adults, due to the height-related increase in BMI in children. In children the BF% could be predicted by the formula BF% = 1.51xBMI–0.70xage–3.6xsex+1.4 (R2 0.38, SE of estimate (see) 4.4% BF%). In adults the prediction formula was: BF% = 1.20xBMI+0.23xage−10.8xsex–5.4 (R2 0.79, see = 4.1% BF%). Internal and external cross-validation of the prediction formulas showed that they gave valid estimates of body fat in males and females at all ages. In obese subjects however, the prediction formulas slightly overestimated the BF%. The prediction error is comparable to the prediction error obtained with other methods of estimating BF%, such as skinfold thickness measurements or bioelectrical impedance.
Signal peptide mutations in RANK prevent downstream activation of NF-κB

Familial expansile osteolysis and related disorders are caused by heterozygous tandem duplication mutations in the signal peptide region of the gene encoding receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK), a receptor critical for osteoclast formation and function. Previous studies have shown that overexpression of these mutant proteins causes constitutive activation of NF‐κB signaling in vitro, and it has been assumed that this accounts for the focal osteolytic lesions that are seen in vivo. We show here that constitutive activation of NF‐κB occurred in HEK293 cells overexpressing wild‐type or mutant RANK but not in stably transfected cell lines expressing low levels of each RANK gene. Importantly, only cells expressing wild‐type RANK demonstrated ligand‐dependent activation of NF‐κB. When overexpressed, mutant RANK did not localize to the plasma membrane but localized to extensive areas of organized smooth endoplasmic reticulum, whereas, as expected, wild‐type RANK was detected at the plasma membrane and in the Golgi apparatus. This intracellular accumulation of the mutant proteins is probably the result of lack of signal peptide cleavage because, using two in vitro translation systems, we demonstrate that the mutations in RANK prevent cleavage of the signal peptide. In conclusion, signal peptide mutations lead to accumulation of RANK in the endoplasmic reticulum and prevent direct activation by RANK ligand. These results strongly suggest that the increased osteoclast formation/activity caused by these mutations cannot be explained by studying the homozygous phenotype alone but requires further detailed investigation of the heterozygous expression of the mutant RANK proteins. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Hormonal and Biochemical Parameters and Osteoporotic Fractures in Elderly Men

Low testosterone has been associated with hip fracture in men in some studies. However, data on other hormonal parameters and fracture outcome in men is minimal. This study examined the association between free testosterone (free T) estradiol (E2), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), and fracture in 437 elderly community‐dwelling men. Age, height, weight, quadriceps strength, femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD), and fracture data (1989–1997) also were obtained. Fractures were classified as major (hip, pelvis, proximal tibia, multiple rib, vertebral, and proximal humerus) or minor (remaining distal upper and lower limb fractures). Fifty‐four subjects had a fracture (24 major and 30 minor). There was no association between minor fractures and any hormonal parameter. Risk of major fracture was increased 2‐fold for each SD increase in age, decrease in weight and height, and increase in SHBG, and risk of major fracture was increased 3‐fold for each SD decrease in quadriceps strength, FN BMD, and 25(OH)D (univariate logistic regression). Independent predictors of major fracture were FN BMD, 2.7 (1.5–4.7; odds ratio [OR]) and 95% confidence interval [CI]); 25(OH)D, 2.8 (1.5–5.3); and SHBG, 1.7 (1.2–2.4). An abnormal value for three factors resulted in a 30‐fold increase in risk but only affected 2% of the population. It is not immediately apparent how 25(OH)D and SHBG, largely independently of BMD, may contribute to fracture risk. They may be markers for biological age or health status not measured by methods that are more traditional and as such may be useful in identifying those at high risk of fracture.
Association between the use of benzodiazepines and opioids with the risk of falls and hip fractures in older adults

ABSTRACT Background: To determine the association between the use of opioids and benzodiazepines and the risk of falls with hip fracture in populations older than 65 years in Colombia. Methods: A case-control study with patients older than 65 years with diagnosis of hip fracture. Two controls were obtained per case. The drugs dispensed in the previous 30 days were identified. Sociodemographic, diagnostic, pharmacological (opioids and benzodiazepines), and polypharmacy variables were analyzed. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk of fall with hip fracture while using these drugs. Results: We included 287 patients with hip fractures and 574 controls. There was a female predominance (72.1%) and a mean age of 82.4 ± 8.0 years. Of the patients, 12.7% had been prescribed with opioids and 4.2% with benzodiazepines in the previous month. The adjusted multivariate analysis found that using opioids (OR:4.49; 95%CI:2.72–7.42) and benzodiazepines (OR:3.73; 95%CI:1.60–8.70) in the month prior to the event was significantly associated with a greater probability of suffering a fall with hip fracture. Conclusions: People who are taking opioids and benzodiazepines have increased risk for hip fracture in Colombia. Strategies to educate physicians regarding the pharmacology of older adults should be strengthened.
Revisiting quality management and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between quality management practices as well as their impact on organisational performance in the ASEAN regional context.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of 115 data collected from automotive parts/components manufacturing companies in five ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) was used to test the proposed research hypotheses. A two‐step modelling approach was employed to model the data by using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings – Leadership of the organisations tend to focus on their external (customers and suppliers) rather than internal (employees) partners. The result of this study also suggests that tier 1 suppliers of the automotive industry in ASEAN considered quality information and supplier relationship instead of people management, as the drivers of process management.Research limitations/implications – The study was limited to a single industry. The study did not consider som.
P2X4 Receptor in Silico and Electrophysiological Approaches Reveal Insights of Ivermectin and Zinc Allosteric Modulation

Protein allosteric modulation is a pillar of metabolic regulatory mechanisms; this concept has been extended to include ion channel regulation. P2XRs are ligand-gated channels activated by extracellular ATP, sensitive to trace metals and other chemicals. By combining in silico calculations with electrophysiological recordings, we investigated the molecular basis of P2X4R modulation by Zn(II) and ivermectin, an antiparasite drug currently used in veterinary medicine. To this aim, docking studies, molecular dynamics simulations and non-bonded energy calculations for the P2X4R in the apo and holo states or in the presence of ivermectin and/or Zn(II) were accomplished. Based on the crystallized Danio rerio P2X4R, the rat P2X4R, P2X2R, and P2X7R structures were modeled, to determine ivermectin binding localization. Calculations revealed that its allosteric site is restricted to transmembrane domains of the P2X4R; the role of Y42 and W46 plus S341 and non-polar residues were revealed as essential, and are not present in the homologous P2X2R or P2X7R transmembrane domains. This finding was confirmed by preferential binding conformations and electrophysiological data, revealing P2X4R modulator specificity. Zn(II) acts in the P2X4R extracellular domain neighboring the SS3 bridge. Molecular dynamics in the different P2X4R states revealed allosterism-induced stability. Pore and lateral fenestration measurements of the P2X4R showed conformational changes in the presence of both modulators compatible with a larger opening of the extracellular vestibule. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated additive effects in the ATP-gated currents by joint applications of ivermectin plus Zn(II). The C132A P2X4R mutant was insensitive to Zn(II); but IVM caused a 4.9 ± 0.7-fold increase in the ATP-evoked currents. Likewise, the simultaneous application of both modulators elicited a 7.1 ± 1.7-fold increase in the ATP-gated current. Moreover, the C126A P2X4R mutant evoked similar ATP-gated currents comparable to those of wild-type P2X4R. Finally, a P2X4/2R chimera did not respond to IVM but Zn(II) elicited a 2.7 ± 0.6-fold increase in the ATP-gated current. The application of IVM plus Zn(II) evoked a 2.7 ± 0.9-fold increase in the ATP-gated currents. In summary, allosteric modulators caused additive ATP-gated currents; consistent with lateral fenestration enlargement. Energy calculations demonstrated a favorable transition of the holo receptor state following both allosteric modulators binding, as expected for allosteric interactions.
Embryonic growth and antioxidant provision in avian eggs

Avian embryos undergo extremely rapid development over a relatively short period of time, and so are likely to suffer high levels of oxidative damage unless this is mitigated by sufficient maternal allocation of appropriate antioxidants. At a species level, it is therefore predicted that antioxidants should be allocated to eggs according to the rate of embryonic growth, such that eggs containing embryos that grow faster are furnished with higher antioxidant levels, independent of egg size. We tested this prediction for three potentially important classes of dietary-derived yolk antioxidants: carotenoids, vitamin E and vitamin A. Across species, we found positive relationships between embryonic growth rate and total yolk levels of each of the three antioxidant classes. Moreover, there were consistent differences in antioxidant provision between pairs of species that share a common initial egg mass yet have differing rates of embryonic growth, such that the eggs of the faster-developing species have higher levels of carotenoids and vitamin E. These results may explain the marked interspecific variation in antioxidant provision and provide evidence for the role that these antioxidants play during embryonic development.
Regional Assessment of Cardiac Left Ventricular Myocardial Function via MRI Statistical Features

Automating the detection and localization of segmental (regional) left ventricle (LV) abnormalities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently sparked an impressive research effort, with promising performances and a breadth of techniques. However, despite such an effort, the problem is still acknowledged to be challenging, with much room for improvements in regard to accuracy. Furthermore, most of the existing techniques are labor intensive, requiring delineations of the endo- and/or epi-cardial boundaries in all frames of a cardiac sequence. The purpose of this study is to investigate a real-time machine-learning approach which uses some image features that can be easily computed, but that nevertheless correlate well with the segmental cardiac function. Starting from a minimum user input in only one frame in a subject dataset, we build for all the regional segments and all subsequent frames a set of statistical MRI features based on a measure of similarity between distributions. We demonstrate that, over a cardiac cycle, the statistical features are related to the proportion of blood within each segment. Therefore, they can characterize segmental contraction without the need for delineating the LV boundaries in all the frames. We first seek the optimal direction along which the proposed image features are most descriptive via a linear discriminant analysis. Then, using the results as inputs to a linear support vector machine classifier, we obtain an abnormality assessment of each of the standard cardiac segments in real-time. We report a comprehensive experimental evaluation of the proposed algorithm over 928 cardiac segments obtained from 58 subjects. Compared against ground-truth evaluations by experienced radiologists, the proposed algorithm performed competitively, with an overall classification accuracy of 86.09% and a kappa measure of 0.73.
Health Canada’s Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study—A Review Exploring Research Challenges, Methods, Limitations and Uncertainties of Some of the Findings

Background: Risk of harm associated with wind turbines is debated globally. Some people living or working in proximity to wind turbines report adverse health effects such as sleep disturbance, noise annoyance, and diminished quality of life. Due to public concern, Health Canada announced its wind turbine noise and health study which included subjective and objective measurements. Findings were published between 2014 and 2016. In 2018, Health Canada published clarifications regarding the design and interpretation of study conclusions. Methods: Methods and subjective/objective findings were reviewed. Peer reviewed publications, conference presentations, judicial proceedings, government documents, and other sources were evaluated and considered in context with advanced methods for investigating reports of adverse health effects. Objectives: To review and explore some of the research challenges, methods, strengths and limitations of findings and conclusions. To participate in scientific dialogue and contribute towards an understanding of reported health risks associated with wind turbine noise. Results: Wind turbine human health research is challenged by numerous variables. Knowledge gaps and individual human and wind turbine variables are identified. Strengths and advisories of limitations are considered and acknowledged. Health Canada’s advisories that its study design does not permit any conclusions about causality and results may not be generalized beyond the sample taken in Canada are supported. Enhanced methods for investigating health outcomes are proposed including establishing referral resources within medical facilities for physicians. It is proposed staffing of the resource center include multidisciplinary teams of physicians, epidemiologists, acousticians and other specialists to investigate suspected wind turbine adverse health effects. Discussion: A review and appraisal of some of the research challenges associated with wind turbine human health research are presented. Given the identified methods, research/knowledge gaps, and limitations and cautionary advisories, Health Canada’s results should be carefully considered when predicting or protecting from health risks of wind turbine noise.
Dynomite: a dynamically organized ink and audio notebook

Dynomite is a portable electronic notebook for the capture and retrieval of handwritten and audio notes. Dynomite provides a casual, paper like interface, allowing the user to write or draw on a screen resembling an ordinary paper notebook. Indexing is provided by allowing users to attach properties, or data types, to specific ink, and by allowing the user to associate text keywords with pages of notes. Dynomite notes can be organized into sub notebooks based on these indexes. In addition, Dynomite records audio synchronously with notes and allows users to mark or highlight significant sections, so that they may be easily located and replayed. In order to understand how well the features of Dynomite support natural note taking practices, we conducted usage studies, which showed that Dynomite's indexing capabilities clearly improve the ability to find information in notes. (4 pages)
Evaluation of Protocol Using Gene Capture and PCR for Detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA in Feces

ABSTRACT The route of transmission of Helicobacter pylori, which is usually acquired in childhood and is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, remains undetermined. Mapping the distribution of H. pylori genotypes within families could help to determine the routes of transmission and risk factors. Here we describe a noninvasive method for obtaining H. pylori DNA isolates from the feces of children. Children presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children were tested for gastric H. pylori colonization by using the 13C-urea breath test (UBT) and were asked to provide fecal samples, which were tested for H. pylori by using the HpSA fecal antigen test. DNA was purified from fecal samples by using a novel method of gene capture with subsequent H. pylori PCR analysis. Fifteen UBT-positive and 15 UBT-negative children participated in the study. The positive and negative predictive values for the assay were 80 and 100%, respectively. Fecal DNA purification followed by H. pylori PCR analysis is an effective tool for harvesting H. pylori DNA isolates from the feces of children. This technique may be developed to allow the diagnosis and noninvasive genotyping of H. pylori in children and their families.
HCI engineering integrated with capability maturity models: A study focused on requirements development

Even though coming from different communities, Software Engineering (SE) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) engineering have similar goals: the definition of methods, techniques and standards to support the development of software systems, and, in particular for HCI, of interactive systems. Currently, several SE approaches are largely applied in practice thank to the widespread use of capability maturity models in companies. To benefit from this situation and taking advantage of the similarity of SE and HCI goals, we have studied how to support the developers that use these models with approaches from HCI while developing interactive systems. In this paper we present the part of this study regarding requirements development process, an undoubtedly important area from software life cycle. This study involves a detailed analysis of one of the most known models (the CMMI-DEV - Capability Maturity Model Integration for Developers) and interview with twenty experts in HCI domain. As result, a set of HCI approaches to support the developers in the requirements development process area is presented.
Large Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Kidney: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

Solitary fibrous tumors are spindle cell neoplasms frequently arising in the serosal surface as well as a variety of other sites. We report two cases of large solitary fibrous tumor arising in the kidney, clinically thought to be renal cell carcinoma, in 41-and 72-year-old men. Although large in size (13.0 and 14.0 cm in greatest dimension, respectively), both lesions were well circumscribed and composed of a mixture of spindle cells and dense collagenous bands with no areas of necrosis or cystic changes noted macroscopically or microscopically. Immunohistochemical studies revealed reactivity for vimentin, CD34, collagen IV, and bcl-2 protein in both cases, with no staining for keratin, S-100 protein, or muscle markers, confirming the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney. Solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney is rare but may present as a large mass that may be clinically confused with carcinoma or sarcoma.
Low Power State Assignment Targeting Two- And Multi-level Logic Implementations

The problem of minimizing power consumption during the state encoding of a finite state machine is considered. A new power cost model for state encoding is proposed and encoding techniques that minimize this power cost for two- and multi-level logic implementations are described. These techniques are compared with those which minimize area or the switching activity at the present state bits. Experimental results show significant improvements.
Understanding weather and climate of the last 300 years from ships' logbooks

Ships' logbooks have been preserved in archives of different European countries. This paper reviews how their records provide reliable information relevant to meteorology and climatology, extending the observational record back to at least the early 18th century. This allows describing weather during historical events, improving the knowledge on hurricanes or unveiling multidecadal variability previously unsuspected, such as the steady enhancement of the Australian monsoon, the high variability of the atmospheric circulation over the Euro‐Atlantic region during the Late Maunder Minimum or the relationship between the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon and the El Niño—Southern Oscillation. Observations from ships can feed long‐term reanalysis projects and contribute to reduce their uncertainties over the oceans. The extended record of observations also aids the search of analogues before the human fingerprint, thus improving the detection and attribution of climate change. The integration with paleoclimate proxies is a complex task that requires merging heterogeneous records with a wide range of time resolutions, spatial density, and responses to the climate system. However, recent international efforts open the field to new opportunities. Summing up, logbooks are a consistent, but underexploited, source of relevant climatic data that will widen our knowledge of the past climate. This in turn provides a way to better understand present climatic variations and predict future changes.
The Fate of Abstracts Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Congress of Neurologic Surgeons

The purpose of this study was to determine the publication rate and time to publication following abstract presentation at a major neurosurgical meeting, namely the 2005 annual meeting of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). We reviewed all 754 abstracts presented at the 2005 CNS annual meeting to determine publication status and identify factors that are associated with publication. A standardized database search was conducted to determine publication status. Predictors of publication were examined. Of the 754 abstracts presented, 383 (50.8%) were published after 5.3 years. The median time to publication was 450 days (range-646 to 1953 days) with 16% being published prior to the meeting. Oral presentations had a publication rate of 64.0% compared to 48.3% for poster presentations. Of the abstracts not published prior to the meeting, 77% were published within 3 years of the meeting. In univariate analysis, neuro-oncology abstracts (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.34 - 2.64; p < 0.001) and abstracts selected for oral presentation (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.30 - 2.99; p = 0.001) had a significantly higher likelihood of publication. These associations remained independent in multivariate analysis. Neuro-oncology abstracts (p = 0.004), basic science research (p = 0.003) and abstracts selected for oral presentation (p = 0.036) were published in higher impact factor journals. Half of presentations at the annual CNS meeting will be published in peer-reviewed journals with a median time to publication of 450 days. Neuro-oncology abstracts and those abstracts selected for oral presentation have a significantly higher likelihood of publication.