Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The clinical utility of bone turnover markers in the evaluation of bone disease in patients with haemophilia A and B

Haemophilia A and B have been associated with increased prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD). However, the utility of bone turnover markers (BTM) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone metabolism in men with haemophilia and to investigate associations between BTM and bone disease. Serum N‐ (NTX‐I), C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX‐I) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase band‐5b (TRAP‐5b), as bone resorption markers, and osteocalcin (OC) and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (b‐ALP), as bone formation markers, were assessed. Seventy men with haemophilia A (n = 59) or B (n = 11) were studied. Patients with low BMD had significantly higher b‐ALP concentrations compared with those with normal BMD (12.8 ± 1.60 vs. 9.72 ± 0.58 μg/L, P = 0.009), without any differences in the other BTM. NTX‐I and CTX‐I concentrations were negatively associated with oestradiol levels and hip BMD and positively with human immunodeficiency virus infection, number of affected joints and arthropathy scores. B‐ALP and OC concentrations were negatively associated with hip BMD, severity of haemophilia and fracture history, and positively with the number of affected joints and testosterone concentrations. After multivariate analysis, NTX‐I levels remained negatively associated with oestradiol levels, whereas b‐ALP concentrations negatively correlated with the level of physical activity and positively with the number of affected joints. Increased bone metabolism exists in men with haemophilia and low BMD. Increased b‐ALP levels may identify patients at high risk for fracture. Increased number of target joints, low physical activity and low oestradiol concentrations are independently associated with increased bone metabolism.
Antigenic composition, not the degree of polymerization, determines the requirement for thymus-derived cells in immune responses to Salmonella flagellar proteins.

Two flagellar proteins, prepared from either SW1338 or SL167 strains of Salmonella, have a differential requirement for thymus-derived (T) cells in producing a primary IgM response in mice. By using two methods for T cell depletion, the SW1338 flagellar protein, in both monomeric and polymeric forms, induced an IgM response that was essentially the same as that found in normal mice. In contrast, the SL167-derived antigen failed to initiate the appearance of antibody-forming cells in T cell-deprived mice. These findings add a further dimension to the consideration of mechanisms which underlie the collaboration between T and B cells, namely the role of epitope composition. In view of a failure to demonstrate differences between monomeric and polymeric forms of the antigen, it is argued that the arrangement of epitopes is not an essential requirement for T cell-independent IgM responses in vivo.
The Myostatin Gene

Myostatin is an important negative regulator of muscle growth. Natural mutations and knockouts in animals produce a “double-muscled” phenotype the basis of which is a dramatic increase in muscle mass. Therapeutics that target myostatin are currently in development. There are almost no documented side effects of suppression, and early research suggests that myostatin inhibition can restore function in cases of muscular dystrophy. Clinical trials are currently underway, although myostatin research has not taken advantage of some techniques like RNA interference. With the development of myostatin therapies and advances in gene therapy, the social and ethical implications of using these as performance enhancement strategies raise interesting questions about athleticism in general.
Outcomes of Kawasaki Disease

Objectives: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. Coronary artery lesions (CAL) develop in 15% to 20% of untreated cases. Our objective was to evaluate demographic, clinical, and laboratory features and short-intermediate coronary artery outcomes of children with KD. Patients and Methods: Medical records of patients with KD were retrospectively identified. Clinical information and echocardiography, laboratory, and angiographic results were noted using a standardized form. Results: The study included 44 patients with a mean age of the 29.72 ± 21 months (ranging from 1 month to 9.5 years). There were 28 male and 16 female patients; 20 patients were diagnosed as having had incomplete KD. Four cases with atypical presentation were significantly older than children with complete and incomplete KD; 17 patients (38.6 %) had coronary artery aneurysm (CAA), which declined to 6.8% after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Time between fever and diagnosis and abnormal levels of hemoglobin and platelets were all associated with CAA. The children were followed up for a mean of 36.39 ± 19 months (with a maximum of 16 years). Angiographic evolution and regression of CALs have been observed in 14 (82.3%) patients. Three patients in whom CALs persisted did not receive IVIG therapy because of delayed diagnosis. Conclusions: Awareness of KD in children has led to an increase in the number of cases. Utility of IVIG treatment to reduce the coronary artery involvement in patients with delayed diagnoses should be discussed and considered. Long-term results are required to assess whether the KD represents a risk factor for coronary artery diseases seen during adulthood.
Promoter Region of the Escherichia coli O7-Specific Lipopolysaccharide Gene Cluster: Structural and Functional Characterization of an Upstream Untranslated mRNA Sequence

ABSTRACT We report the identification of the promoter region of theEscherichia coli O7-specific lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gene cluster (wbEcO7). Typical −10 and −35 sequences were found to be located in the intervening region betweengalF and rlmB, the first gene of thewbEcO7 cluster. Data from RNase protection experiments revealed the existence of an untranslated leader mRNA segment of 173 bp, including the JUMPStart and two opssequences. We characterized the structure of this leader mRNA by using the program Mfold and a combination of nested and internal deletions transcriptionally fused to a promoterless lac operon. Our results indicated that the leader mRNA may fold into a series of complex stem-loop structures, one of which includes the JUMPStart element. We have also found that one of the ops sequences resides on the predicted stem and the other resides on the loop region, and we confirmed that these sequences are essential for the RfaH-mediated regulation of the O polysaccharide cluster. A very similar stem-loop structure could be predicted in the promoter region of the LPS core operon encoding the waaQGPSBIJYZK genes. We observed another predicted stem-loop, located immediately downstream from the wbEcO7 transcription initiation site, which appeared to be involved in premature termination of transcription. This putative stem-loop is common to many other O polysaccharide gene clusters but is not present in core oligosaccharide genes. wbEcO7-lac transcriptional fusions in single copy numbers were also used to determine the effects of various environmental cues in the transcriptional regulation of O polysaccharide synthesis. No effects were detected with temperature, osmolarity, Mg2+ concentration, and drugs inducing changes in DNA supercoiling. We therefore conclude that thewbEcO7 promoter activity may be constitutive and that regulation takes place at the level of elongation of the mRNA in a RfaH-mediated manner.
The Effect of Cost-share Programs on Ground Water Exploitation and Nonpoint-source Pollution under Endogenous Technical Change

Empirical studies suggest that cost-share programs are unlikely to reduce exploitation of ground water and nonpoint-source pollution. By introducing an induced irrigation technology in our model, we find theoretically that the optimal amount of irrigation water and nitrogen fertilizer increases (decreases) when the increased rate of the marginal net economic benefits from their use with an induced irrigation technology exceeds (is less than) an increase in the rate of irrigation efficiency. Our results suggest that producers should use relatively more irrigation water and fertilizer when greater quantities of high-value crops are grown because producers will adopt improved irrigation technologies for such crops.
Lipid profile of patients having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as per ultrasound findings in north Indian population: A retrospective observational study -

Received 01 March 2013 Revised 21 July 2013 Accepted 22 July 2013 Early online 25 July 2013 Print 31 August 2013 A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) of the patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in north Indian population. A total of 385 ultrasound proven NAFLD patients were included in the study. The demographic and lipid profile such as total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, serum HDL, serum LDL and serum VLDL were recorded. The mean age of the patients was 46.65±15.06 years. The mean BMI was 29.50±3.34. Increased lipid levels were observed. Majority of the patients were in Grade 0 (83.4%) followed by Grade I (11.7%), Grade II (3.1%) and Grade III (1.8%). The total cholesterol level was significantly (p<0.0001) higher among fatty liver Grade III (300.57±167.98) than Grade 0 (128.79±70.42), Grade I (181.89±55.22) and Grade II (221.09±97.73). Similarly, triglyceride level was also higher among the fatty liver Grade III (431.61±48.76) patients as compared to Grade 0 (121.60±61.11), Grade I (203.81±33.55) and Grade II (278.34±70.41) and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.0001). Similar observations were found for HDL and VLDL. However, LDL was almost similar among all the grades of the patients. There was no significant difference in the lipid levels with respect to gender. No association was found between fatty liver grade and sex and BMI. We found abnormal level of lipid profile amongst patients with fatty liver. A case-control study is recommended to find better understanding of lipid levels among NAFLD subjects. Corresponding author
Stature Lengthening Using the PRECICE Intramedullary Lengthening Nail

Stature lengthening for short stature, often referred to as cosmetic stature lengthening, is controversial. Previous methods and devices have been fraught with high complications rates. The PRECICE intramedullary lengthening nail offers a superior alternative for these patients due to its minimal incision technique, remote controlled gradual distraction, the rate of which can be accurately modulated and the direction reversed, if necessary. The purpose of this study is to report the results of the PRECICE for short stature lengthening and to compare them to previously reported results with other methods. Another objective of this paper is to discuss the indications for treatment by exploring the motivation, selection, and outcome of such treatment. Fifty-one patients were lengthened for short stature with the PRECICE; 25 with the PRECICE 1 (P1) and 26 with the PRECICE 2 (P2). There were 7 bilateral tibial and 22 bilateral femoral lengthenings in the P1 and 4 bilateral tibial and 25 bilateral femoral lengthenings in the P2 groups. In total there were 58 P1 and 58 P2 bone segments lengthened. Lengthening was up to 6.5 cm for P1 and 8 cm for P2 with an average increase of 5.2 cm for P1 and 6.0 cm for P2. There were 7/58 (12.1%) implant failures for P1 and 1/58 (1.7%) for P2. The P1 failures were due to breakage of the nail through a weld in the nail in 4 cases and the breakage of the mechanism in 3 cases. The P2 failure may be related to too little overlap of the wider nail tube into the distal bone segment combined with potential stress fracture propagation due to small slots at the end of the larger tube of the nail. All nail breakages occurred in patients who did not comply with the weight-bearing restrictions. The new clutched mechanism and 1-piece outer tube construction in the P2, prevented fracture through the nail and mechanism failure in the P2 compared with the P1. Stress propagation by the small slots at the end of the P2 led to redesign with elimination of slots and release of the P2.1. There were 2 cases of suspected fat embolism despite venting and 1 deep vein thrombosis upon stopping anticoagulation, from which the patient recovered without further complication. There was 1 femur fracture through an anteroposterior femoral locking screw and 1 bilateral peroneal nerve stretch injury that fully recovered. All patients consolidated the distraction gap of the femurs and/or tibias without additional surgery. All returned to previous activities including sports. In comparison to previously published methods, the P2 had the lowest complication rate with the best overall reported results.
A cumulant-based adaptive technique for coherent radar detection in a mixture of K-distributed clutter and Gaussian disturbance

In this paper, we consider the problem of radar signal detection in the presence of disturbance, which is assumed to be a mixture of coherent K-distributed and Gaussian distributed clutter. Besides, thermal noise, which is always present in the radar receiver, has been considered. The optimum detector is determined by thresholding an appropriate likelihood ratio test. To properly operate in an interference environment of unknown correlation, the optimum detector needs to adaptively estimate from the data the statistical properties of the interferences. Second-order spectral analysis is unable to separately estimate the correlation structure of K-distributed and Gaussian distributed clutter sources. Their separate estimation can be accomplished only in higher order spectrum domain. To reach this goal, an adaptive algorithm based on second- and higher order cumulants is proposed that removes these drawbacks and is able to operate in an environment of unknown correlation structure. The performance of the adaptive processing scheme has been evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations.
Determinants of the return on equity ratio (ROE) on the example of companies from metallurgy and mining sector in Poland

A. Kijewska, The Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Mining and Geology, Gliwice, Poland The purpose of this article is to present the possibilities of analyzing popular among investors ratio of ROE and identification the determinants of its growth or decline. Traditionally, according to the DuPont formula three indicators are presented as the primary determinants of ROE. The paper shows the possibility of a broader look at the issue and use of the five factors affecting the ROE. This approach reveals that, using various financial and operational strategies one can influence ROE. The analysis was conducted on the example of two Polish companies from mining and metallurgy sector.
Lymphangiogenesis Does Not Occur in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer metastasis predominantly occurs via lymphatic vessels. However, the study of lymphatic vessels and lymphangiogenesis has been hampered by lack of specific markers. Recently, antibodies directed against M2A (D2-40), Podoplanin, and Prox-1 that specifically mark lymphatic vessels in paraffin-embedded sections have become available. These were used to study lymphangiogenesis in archival paraffin sections of normal breast (n = 23), fibrocystic disease (n = 7), ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 32), invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 50), and invasive lobular carcinoma (n = 5). In addition, endothelial proliferation in lymphatic vessels was analyzed by dual-color immunohistochemistry with D2-40 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Expression of D2-40, Prox-1, and Podoplanin was seen in lymphatic vessels but not in blood vessels. Lymphatic vessels were seen in the peritumoral area and as “entrapped” intratumoral vessels adjacent to preexisting normal lobules and ducts. Unlike angiogenesis, there was no increase of lymphatic vessel density in association with neoplastic transformation. On the contrary, a marked reduction in intratumoral lymphatic vessel density was seen in comparison to normal breast tissue, fibrocystic disease, and ductal carcinoma in situ (P = 0.0001). There was an increase in peritumoral lymphatic vessel density as compared with normal breast (P = 0.0001). However, the endothelial cells in the “entrapped” or the peritumoral lymphatic vessels did not show any expression of PCNA indicating minimal or no proliferative activity. This was in contrast to the strong expression seen in adjacent tumor cells and blood vessel endothelial cells. Thus, lymphangiogenesis was not evident when studied by lymphatic vessel density or by lymph vessel endothelial proliferation.
Inactivation of Viruses, Bacteria, Protozoa, and Leukocytes in Platelet Concentrates

Despite the increased safety of blood achieved through continued improvements in donor testing, concern remains about the safety of blood components. Transfusion of cellular components has been implicated in transmission of viral, bacterial, and protozoan diseases[l]. While it is commonly recognized that hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the retroviruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the human lymphotrophic viruses (HTLV) can be transmitted through cellular components, other pathogens are emerging as potentially significant transfusion‐associated infectious agents. For example, transmission of protozoan infections due to trypanosomes[2–4] and babesia have been reported[5]. In addition to viral and protozoal infectious agents, bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates continues to be reported[6, 7]; and may be an under reported transfusion complication[8]. More importantly, new infectious agents may periodically enter the donor population before they can be definitively identified and tested for to maintain consistent safety of the blood supply. The paradigm for this possibility is the HIV pandemic which erupted in 1979. During the past decade a number of methods to inactivate infectious pathogens in blood components, including platelets, have been developed. This technology is now entering the clinical trial phase.
Second language phonology and perceptual assimilation of English sounds by Japanese learners of English

This paper offers a historical background of how critical pedagogy has emerged, and how it has been adopted to the field of language education. The author then provides support for Crooks’ (2010) argument that more practical examples of critical pedagogical EFL literature need to be reported. The paper also gives practical applications of this theory. Theoretical Background History The most prominent educational theory which should be studied in order to understand the historical background of critical pedagogy is progressivism. Darling and Nordenbo (2002) summarize the five main themes of progressivism to be the following: a criticism of traditional education, a new understanding of the conception of knowledge, a new understanding of human nature, a democratic education, and the development of the whole person. "Progressive" educators believe that knowledge should be based on the child’s natural interest and curiosity, and that traditional schooling does not serve the child's needs and interests. Progressive educators see humans as natural learners. This fundamental theory is integrated by identifying a mismatch between what children actually want to learn and what the traditionalists insist that they ought to learn, with the belief that traditional schooling is unsatisfactory. Crooks (2010) explains that Dewey, a well known figure in the evolvement of progressivism, is important in order to recognize and acknowledge regarding the historical tradition and practice of critical pedagogy. Dewey emphasized learning through activities rather than formal curricula, and he opposed authoritarian methods. His left-wing social reconstructionist theories and works are said to be responsible for the change in pedagogy that began in the United States
INFLUENCE OF RAW FIBER CONCENTRATE (VITACEL® 200) ON ZOOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS IN CALF NUTRITION

In modern calf rearing an early development from calf to ruminant plays an important role. A faster rumen development and therefore ability of the digestive tract to ferment roughage and concentrate feed contributes to beneficial growth performance, health and productivity. Some recent studies show that insoluble cellulose and lignin rich fiber in prestarter and starter diet have positive influence on early intestinal development in non-ruminant species. Objective of the trial was to investigate the influence of VITACEL 200 raw fiber concentrate (74% crude fiber, 90 % NDF) given in milk/milk replacer on performance parameters of calves.
Cerebellar Degeneration in Cattle Grazing Solanum Bonariense (“Naranjillo”) in Western Uruguay

Cattle in western Uruguay that were eating Solanum bonariense developed periodic episodes of ataxia, hypermetria, hyperesthesia, head and thoracic limb extension, opisthotonus, nystagmus, and falling to the side or backward. Similar clinical signs were experimentally reproduced in cattle by administration of S. bonariense via rumen cannula at a dose of 1,024 g/kg body mass. No significant gross lesions were observed in field cases or experimentally induced cases. Spontaneous and induced histologic lesions were similar and included vacuolation, degeneration, and loss of Purkinje cells. Axonal spheroids, microcavitations, and other changes of wallerian-type degeneration in cerebellar white matter were also observed. Ultrastructural changes included increased number of electron-dense residual storage bodies in membrane-bound vesicles in affected Purkinje cells, and similar vesicles and mitochondria in axonal spheroids. No histologic lesions were detected in the other examined tissues. The Purkinje-cell swelling and vacuolation with subsequent cerebellar degeneration are suggestive of Purkinje-cell specific toxin that produces abnormal lysosome function and cell specific axonal transport. This is the first report of S. bonariense toxicity.
Structure and Lithium Insertion Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes were obtained by pyrolysis of acetylene or ethylene catalyzed by iron or iron oxide nanoparticles. The morphology, microstructure, and lithium insertion properties of these carbon nanotubes were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements, respectively. The results showed that the structures of the carbon nanotubes play major roles in both specific capacity and cycle life. Slightly graphitized carbon nanotubes showed a specific capacity of 640 mAh/g during the first charge, whereas well-graphitized carbon nanotubes showed a specific capacity of 282 mAh/g during the first charge. After 20 charge/discharge cycles the charge capacity of the slightly graphitized samples degraded to 65.3% of their original charge capacities, but the well-graphitized samples maintained 91.5% of their original charge capacities. The effects of charge-discharge rates and cycling temperature on lithium insertion properties of carbon nanotubes with different extents of graphitization are discussed.