Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entropy-Based Measures of Multidimensional Health Inequality

We propose a new measure of multidimensional health inequality based on a well-known class of entropy-based inequality measures. We aggregate a set of health attributes into a measure of overall health by minimizing the relative entropic distance between the multivariate distribution of attributes and the distribution of the summary measure. We calculate both general inequality and income-based inequality using generalized entropy, which offers many advantages in comparison to the Gini and condition index family of inequality measures, including accounting for the multidimensional nature of health, allowing flexibility in the degree of complementarity between health attributes, utilizing the information from the entire distribution of health and income rather than income or health ranks, and making normative assumptions transparent and intuitive. We demonstrate the contribution of our inequality measure using data from the Health and Retirement Surveys which contains multiple measures of clinical health, self-reported physical and mental health, and measures of income and wealth.
Dichotomy in cross‐clade reactivity and neutralization by HIV‐1 sera: Implications for active and passive immunotherapy

The identification of broadly reactive and cross‐clade neutralizing antibodies will facilitate the development of a more universally effective vaccine for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antibodies in sera from individuals infected with Clade B HIV bind native primary viral isolates, and virus binding correlates with neutralization and stable clinical disease. In this study, we quantified cross‐clade antibody reactivity and neutralization by Clades B and C sera. Primary viral isolates were captured by serum IgG bound to anti‐human IgG and quantitated as p24 released by lysis of captured virus. Neutralization was determined using PHA‐stimulated PBMC. Clade B antibodies reacted more frequently with Clade B R5 virus, but positive sera captured quantitatively more X4 virus than R5 and R5X4 virus. Clade B sera reacted less frequently and captured less Clade C virus than Clade B virus. Antibodies in Clade C sera captured Clades B and C isolates with equal frequency and quantity. There was no difference in neutralization of Clade B virus by either group of sera; however, Clade C sera neutralized Clade C virus, whereas Clade B sera were ineffective against Clade C virus. Thus, there are distinct differences in cross‐clade reactivity of and neutralization by antibodies induced in response to Clade C infection compared to Clade B infection. Understanding antibody responses to native virions after Clade C infection and cross clade antibody behavior has implications for understanding pathogenesis and vaccine development. J. Med. Virol. 76:146–152, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Duration and Local Toxicity of Sciatic Nerve Blockade With Coinjected Site 1 Sodium-Channel Blockers and Quaternary Lidocaine Derivatives

Background and Objectives Quaternary lidocaine derivatives (QLDs) have recently received much attention because of their potential application in prolonged or sensory-selective local anesthesia. However, associated tissue toxicity is an impeding factor that makes QLDs unfavorable for clinical use. Based on the proposed intracellular site of action, we hypothesized that nerve blocks obtained from lower concentrations of QLDs would be enhanced by the coapplication of extracellularly acting site 1 sodium-channel blocker, resulting in prolonged block duration but with minimal tissue toxicity. Methods Quaternary lidocaine derivatives (QX-314 or QX-222), site 1 sodium-channel blockers (tetrodotoxin [30 &mgr;M] or saxitoxin [12.5 &mgr;M]), or both were injected in the vicinity of the sciatic nerve. Thermal nociceptive block was assessed using a modified hot plate test; motor block by a weight-bearing test. Tissue from the site of injection was harvested for histological assessment. Results Coapplication of 25 mM QX-314 or 100 mM QX-222 with site 1 sodium-channel blockers produced an 8- to 10- fold increase in the duration of nerve blocks (P < 0.05), compared with QLDs or site 1 blockers alone. Quaternary lidocaine derivatives elicited severe myotoxicity; this was not exacerbated by coinjection of the site 1 sodium-channel blockers. Conclusions Coadministration of site 1 sodium-channel blockers and QLDs greatly prolongs the duration of peripheral nerve block without enhancing local tissue injury, but minimal myotoxicity still persists. It is not clear that the risks of QLDs are outweighed by the benefits in providing prolonged nerve blockade.
Doppler ultrasonography of the anterior knee tendons in elite badminton players: colour fraction before and after match

Background Anterior knee tendon problems are seldom reported in badminton players although the game is obviously stressful to the lower extremities. Hypotheses Painful anterior knee tendons are common among elite badminton players. The anterior knee tendons exhibit colour Doppler activity. This activity increases after a match. Painful tendons have more Doppler activity than tendons without pain. Study design Cohort study. Methods 72 elite badminton players were interviewed about training, pain and injuries. The participants were scanned with high-end ultrasound equipment. Colour Doppler was used to examine the tendons of 64 players before a match and 46 players after a match. Intratendinous colour Doppler flow was measured as colour fraction (CF). The tendon complex was divided into three loci: the quadriceps tendon, the proximal patellar tendon and the insertion on the tibial tuberosity. Results Interview: Of the 72 players, 62 players had problems with 86 tendons in the lower extremity. Of these 86 tendons, 48 were the anterior knee tendons. Ultrasound: At baseline, the majority of players (87%) had colour Doppler flow in at least one scanning position. After a match, the percentage of the knee complexes involved did not change. CF increased significantly in the dominant leg at the tibial tuberosity; single players had a significantly higher CF after a match at the tibial tuberosity and in the patellar tendon both before and after a match. Painful tendons had the highest colour Doppler activity. Conclusions Most elite badminton players had pain in the anterior knee tendons and intratendinous Doppler activity both before and after match. High levels of Doppler activity were associated with self-reported ongoing pain.
Amino‐functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in human macrophages

Nanoparticles are increasingly used in different biological and biomedical applications. However, their impact on cell functions is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that aminofunctionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS‐NH2) of ~100 nm but not carboxy‐functionalized (PS‐COOH) or non‐functionalized (PS) particles of the same size induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent release of IL‐1β by human macrophages. PS‐NH2 were found to induce time‐dependent lysosomal destabilization followed by release of lysosomal enzymes, which trigger mitochondrial damage and increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulation of mitochondria‐derived ROS causes oxidation of thioredoxin and its dissociation from the thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP). Liberated TXNIP forms a complex with the inflammasome, which promotes recruitment and activation of caspase‐1 followed by processing of pro‐IL‐1β to IL‐ 1β. Treatment of macrophages with the ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐ L‐cysteine abolishes both, the caspase‐1 activation and the subsequent release of IL‐1β. Using an in vitro knockdown approach, we showed that PS‐NH2 but not PS‐COOH or PS induce activation of specifically the NLRP3 inflammasome. Thus, aminofunctionalized nanoparticles may induce proinflammatory activation of human macrophages, an effect that can be antagonized by radical scavengers. Supported by the DFG.
Long-range enhancers on 8q24 regulate c-Myc

Recent genomewide association studies have found multiple genetic variants on chromosome 8q24 that are significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer. These risk loci are located in a ”gene desert,” a few hundred kilobases telomeric to the Myc gene. To date, the biological mechanism(s) underlying these associations remain unclear. It has been speculated that these 8q24 genetic variant(s) might affect Myc expression by altering its regulation or amplification status. Here, we show that multiple enhancer elements are present within this region and that they can regulate transcription of Myc. We also demonstrate that one such enhancer element physically interacts with the Myc promoter via transcription factor Tcf-4 binding and acts in an allele specific manner to regulate Myc expression.
Challenges to cervical screening in a developing country: The case of Malaysia.

OBJECTIVES Many developing countries, including Malaysia, will need to continue relying on cervical screening because they will not be able to cover their entire female adolescent populations with HPV vaccination. The aim of this paper was to establish the extent of the health care, informational, financial and psychosocial barriers to cervical screening in Malaysia. METHODS A literature search was made for reports on implementation, perceptions and reception of cervical screening in Malaysia published between January 2000 and September 2008. RESULTS Despite offering Pap smears for free since 1995, only 47.3% of Malaysian women have been screened. Several factors may have contributed to this. No national call-recall system has been established. Women are informed about cervical screening primarily through mass media rather than being individually invited. Smears are free of charge if taken in public hospitals and clinics, but the waiting times are often long. The health care system is unequally dense, with rural states being underserved compared to their urban counterparts. If the screening coverage was to increase, a shortage of smear-readers would become increasingly apparent. CONCLUSIONS Improving screening coverage will remain an important strategy for combating cervical cancer in Malaysia. The focus should be on the policy-making context, improving awareness and the screening infrastructure, and making the service better accessible to women.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in men and women: An outcome analysis comparing gender.

PURPOSE Recent studies have shown that female athletes suffer a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears than comparable male athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect gender has on outcome in ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. TYPE OF STUDY Retrospective case review and outcome study. METHODS A retrospective review of a single surgeon's practice revealed 279 ACL reconstructions that met our criteria for inclusion. Two-hundred forty-nine of these patients (91%) were contacted. Two-hundred (72%) were evaluated with physical examination, KT-1000 testing, functional testing, and radiographic evaluation. Outcome was assessed with Tegner, Lysholm, modified HSS, and Cincinnati Knee rating scales, as well as the SF-36 health survey and a self-administered questionnaire. There were 137 men and 63 women. Data were evaluated with Wilcoxon rank sum testing, analysis of variance testing, chi-square analysis, and the Student t test. The level of significance was set at P <. 05. RESULTS Postoperatively, no differences were noted on Lachman, anterior drawer, pivot shift, or functional testing in either groups. Male patients had a significantly greater mean prone heel height difference (1.80 v 1.10 cm, P =.0018) and mean KT-1000 maximum manual side-to-side difference (0.76 v 1.73 mm, P =.014). However, no differences were noted in the percentage of patients with greater than 5-mm side-to-side difference, with 5 men (4%) and 2 women (3%) classified as arthrometric failures. No differences were noted in mean Tegner, Lysholm, Noyes Cincinnati, and modified HSS scores. Men had significantly lower HSS radiographic scores (24.98 v 26.22, P =.0016). Men and women were compared with gender-matched controls for SF-36 testing, and women scored higher compared with controls than did men in the Role Physical, Body Pain, and General Health categories. No differences were noted in either group regarding donor-site pain, patellofemoral crepitance, or problems with stair climbing. Ninety-six percent of men and 98% of women would have had the surgery over again given similar circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Objective criteria failed to detect clinically significant differences in physical examination and arthrometric results between men and women. Knee rating scale scores were similar. Comparable outcome with high satisfaction and equal success can be expected in both men and women undergoing ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. No basis exists for the inclusion of gender as a determining factor regarding the decision to perform ACL reconstructive surgery with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.
Exploring the extremes of sequence/structure space with ensemble fold recognition in the program Phyre

Structural and functional annotation of the large and growing database of genomic sequences is a major problem in modern biology. Protein structure prediction by detecting remote homology to known structures is a well‐established and successful annotation technique. However, the broad spectrum of evolutionary change that accompanies the divergence of close homologues to become remote homologues cannot easily be captured with a single algorithm. Recent advances to tackle this problem have involved the use of multiple predictive algorithms available on the Internet. Here we demonstrate how such ensembles of predictors can be designed in‐house under controlled conditions and permit significant improvements in recognition by using a concept taken from protein loop energetics and applying it to the general problem of 3D clustering. We have developed a stringent test that simulates the situation where a protein sequence of interest is submitted to multiple different algorithms and not one of these algorithms can make a confident (95%) correct assignment. A method of meta‐server prediction (Phyre) that exploits the benefits of a controlled environment for the component methods was implemented. At 95% precision or higher, Phyre identified 64.0% of all correct homologous query–template relationships, and 84.0% of the individual test query proteins could be accurately annotated. In comparison to the improvement that the single best fold recognition algorithm (according to training) has over PSI‐Blast, this represents a 29.6% increase in the number of correct homologous query–template relationships, and a 46.2% increase in the number of accurately annotated queries. It has been well recognised in fold prediction, other bioinformatics applications, and in many other areas, that ensemble predictions generally are superior in accuracy to any of the component individual methods. However there is a paucity of information as to why the ensemble methods are superior and indeed this has never been systematically addressed in fold recognition. Here we show that the source of ensemble power stems from noise reduction in filtering out false positive matches. The results indicate greater coverage of sequence space and improved model quality, which can consequently lead to a reduction in the experimental workload of structural genomics initiatives. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Investigation of Global and Regional Integration of ASEAN Economic Community Stock Market: Dynamic Risk Decomposition Approach

ABSTRACT This article investigates the dynamic pattern of stock market relations between the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and two major stock markets: China and the United States. A GARCH risk decomposition model is developed to reflect the time-varying market integration. The primary findings of this study are as follows. First, the AEC is more integrated with the regional stock market than with the global stock market. Second, the movement in the AEC stock market is mainly driven by domestic economic situations. Third, external shocks only affect the level of integration of the AEC temporarily. Finally, international investors are able to significantly reduce unsystematic risk by adding an AEC market portfolio into their existing portfolios.
A naturalistic study of predictors and risks of atypical antipsychotic use in an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder clinic.

OBJECTIVE This was an exploratory study to examine the use of atypical antipsychotics in an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) clinic. METHOD A total of 194 patients was examined to compare those receiving atypical or second-generation antipsychotics (atypicals) from those who were not. A sample of 27 children on atypicals received laboratory investigation for indicators of possible metabolic effects. RESULTS In all, 19.1% of the patients in the clinic were receiving atypicals with a mean duration of 313 days; 36 of 37 patients on atypicals had received risperidone, with a mean dose of 0.62 mg. Children receiving atypicals were statistically more likely to have a severe co-morbid disorder, a lower Children's Global Assessment Scale score, a greater total score on the teacher Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and greater difficulty with parent-rated symptoms of being touchy, worried, rages, and explosive outbursts. There were no differences found in measures of functioning, adaptive skills, quality of life, or ADHD symptoms. In the subset of children studied for potential metabolic effects, 68.0% had a waist circumference > or =90(th) percentile that was independent of weight gain, 18.5% had impaired fasting glucose, 12.5% had elevated blood pressure, 11.1% had elevated triglycerides, and 16.7% met full criteria for metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION Clinical implementation of the efficacy studies of risperidone for disruptive behavior disorders has led to a significant change in practice. Almost 1 in 5 patients are now receiving atypical neuroleptics, typically to treat severe co-morbid disorders and symptoms other than ADHD per se. Despite these children receiving low doses, concomitant stimulants, and low body mass index z-scores, a significant proportion of children demonstrated either one or more components or the full criteria for metabolic syndrome.
Investigating the causal link between a management improvement technique and organizational performance: The case of the HPO framework

Purpose An important question in contemporary research is: do certain management practices cause better performance or do better performing organizations find it easier to adopt certain management practices? This question is also of importance when applying the high performance organization (HPO) framework, which is a scientifically validated technique designed to achieve and sustain a high level of performance. Many research studies correlate the HPO framework with improved organizational performance. There are, however, no studies which explicitly look at the causal relationship. This paper aims to provide empirical evidence of causality. Design/methodology/approach Longitudinal research was conducted at two companies. An HPO diagnosis was conducted at each company, after which management implemented the HPO framework. Two units at each company were selected as case studies. Data were collected, using a questionnaire and interviews, at the beginning and after 18 months, when the diagnoses were repeated. A linear regression analysis was performed to interpret the data. Findings Despite exposure to the same HPO framework techniques, organizational units achieved significantly different outcomes. In each company, one unit achieved a higher HPO score and higher organizational results, while the other unit had no change, or a lower HPO score and lower organizational results. The key factor was the manner in which unit managers applied the HPO framework. Practical implications Optimal effectiveness for the HPO framework occurs when management incorporates the HPO factors into the workplace and strives diligently to improve performance. Originality/value This research responds to the question “Do certain management practices cause better performance or do better performing organizations find it easier to adopt certain management practices? ”
Unicystig ameloblastoma. A prognostically distinct entity

The occurrence of unicystic ameloblastoma has been studied in 20 patients presenting with unilocular cystic lesions whose clinical, radiographic and gross features were those of non‐neoplastic cysts. In the majority of these, the lesion mimicked dentigerous cyst. The rate of recurrence for this group of lesions as determined by long term follow‐up observation available for the majority of patients was distinctly lower than that associated with multicystic and solid ameloblastoma. This, coupled with preservation of the unicystic character of the lesion throughout its course, is indicative of a much less aggressive variety of neoplasm. The adequacy of simple enucleation as a modality of treatment in the majority of patients with this type of lesion is suggested. It was not possible to answer the question whether or not the ameloblastoma began in antecedent non‐neoplastic cyst.
Primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency and the brain

Our findings in 19 new patients with cerebellar ataxia establish the existence of an ataxic syndrome due to primary CoQ10 deficiency and responsive to CoQ10 therapy. As all patients presented cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar atrophy, this suggests a selective vulnerability of the cerebellum to CoQ10 deficiency. We investigated the regional distribution of coenzyme Q10 in the brain of adult rats and in the brain of one human subject. We also evaluated the levels of coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9) and CoQ10 in different brain regions and in visceral tissues of rats before and after oral administration of CoQ10. Our results show that in rats, amongst the seven brain regions studied, cerebellum contains the lowest level of CoQ. However, the relative proportion of CoQ10 was the same (about 30% of total CoQ) in all regions studied. The level of CoQ10 is much higher in brain than in blood or visceral tissue, such as liver, heart, or kidney. Daily oral administration of CoQ10 led to substantial increases of CoQ10 concentrations only in blood and liver. Of the four regions of one human brain studied, cerebellum again had the lowest CoQ10y concentration.
Identification of volatile compounds associated with the aroma of white strawberries (Fragaria chiloensis).

BACKGROUND Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill spp. chiloensis form chiloensis, is a strawberry that produces white fruits with unique aromas. This species, endemic to Chile, is one of the progenitors of Fragaria x ananassa Duch. In order to identify the volatile compounds that might be responsible for aroma, these were extracted, and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and compared with sensory analyses. RESULTS Three methods of extraction were used: solvent-assisted evaporation (SAFE), headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). Ninety-nine volatile compounds were identified by GC-MS, of which 75 showed odor activity using GC-O. Based on the highest dilution factor (FD = 1000) and GC-O intensity ≥2, we determined 20 major compounds in white strawberry fruit that contribute to its aroma. We chose 51 compounds to be tested against their commercial standards. The identities were confirmed by comparison of their linear retention indices against the commercial standards. The aroma of white strawberry fruits was reconstituted with a synthetic mixture of most of these compounds. CONCLUSION The volatile profile of white strawberry fruit described as fruity, green-fresh, floral, caramel, sweet, nutty and woody will be a useful reference for future strawberry breeding programs.