Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body mass index and mortality in CKD.

BACKGROUND Greater body mass index (BMI) is associated with worse survival in the general population, but appears to confer a survival advantage in patients with kidney failure treated by hemodialysis. Data are limited on the relationship of BMI with mortality in patients in the earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). STUDY DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study examined the effects of dietary protein restriction and blood pressure control on progression of kidney disease. This analysis includes 1,759 subjects. PREDICTOR BMI. OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS Cox models were used to evaluate the relationship of quartiles of BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. RESULTS Mean GFR and BMI were 39 +/- 21 (SD) mL/min/1.73 m(2) and 27.1 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2), respectively. During a mean follow-up of 10 years, there were 453 deaths (26%), including 272 deaths (16%) from CVD. In unadjusted Cox models, quartiles 3 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 1.90) and 4 (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.06) were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with quartile 1. Adjustment for demographic, CVD, and kidney disease risk factors and randomization status attenuated this relationship for quartiles 3 (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.09) and 4 (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.20). In unadjusted Cox models, quartiles 3 (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.36) and 4 (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.33) were associated with increased risk of CVD mortality. Multivariable adjustment attenuated this relationship for quartiles 3 (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.36) and 4 (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.27). LIMITATIONS Primary analyses were based on single measurement of BMI. Because the MDRD Study cohort included relatively young white subjects with predominantly nondiabetic CKD, results may not be generalizable to all patients with CKD. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of subjects with predominantly nondiabetic CKD, BMI does not appear to be an independent predictor of all-cause or CVD mortality.
Multi-modality stacked deep polynomial network based feature learning for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis

Feature representation is the critical factor for the computer-aided Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. Deep polynomial network (DPN) is a novel deep learning algorithm, which can effectively learn feature representation from small samples. In this work, a stacked DPN (S-DPN) algorithm is proposed to further improve feature representation. We then propose a multi-modality S-DPN (MM-S-DPN) algorithm to fuse multi-modality neuroimaging data and learn more discriminative and robust feature representation for AD classification. Experiments are performed on ADNI dataset with MRI and PET images as multi-modality data. The results indicate that S-DPN is superior to DPN and stacked auto-encoder algorithms. Moreover, MM-S-DPN achieves best performance compared with single-modality S-DPN and other multi-modality feature learning based algorithms.
Bileaflet mechanical valve replacement: an assessment of outcomes with 30 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVES Heart valve replacement with a bileaflet mechanical valve is a well-established procedure. However, the long-term results of valve replacement using the bileaflet mechanical valve remain unclear, especially for follow-up periods over 30 years. Additionally, it is important to identify predictors of long-term mortality and valve-related events. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 2727 patients (mean ± standard deviation age, 52.8 ± 1.6 years) who underwent valve replacement with a St. Jude Medical valve at our institute from 1978 to 2012. Data were collected using a questionnaire and chart review or physician contact. The cohort included 950 aortic valve replacements (AVRs), 1255 mitral valve replacements (MVRs) and 522 double valve replacements (DVRs). Follow-up was 91% complete, and the analysis included a total of 39 187 patient-years. RESULTS Operative mortality rates were 2.3% for AVR, 2.2% for MVR and 3.6% for DVR. The 30-year survival rate (actuarial method) was 38.0% (AVR, 44.5%; MVR, 34.9%; and DVR, 37.5%). The 30-year rates of freedom from valve-related mortality, thromboembolic events and bleeding events were 86.3% (AVR, 88.6%; MVR, 85.4%; and DVR, 84.3%), 83.5% (AVR, 89.8%; MVR, 80.0%; and DVR, 81.4%) and 91.5% (AVR, 94.4%; MVR, 90.1%; and DVR, 90.2%), respectively. The incidence rates of valve-related morbidity, thromboembolic events and bleeding events were significantly higher among patients with MVR and DVR than among those with AVR. Significant risk factors for late death and other late events included male sex, age >65 years and atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS Low late mortality and a low incidence of valve-related events can be achieved for at least 30 years using mechanical bileaflet valve replacement. Persistent atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality.
How network position interacts with the relation between creativity and innovation in clustered firms

ABSTRACT Several previous studies have investigated different ways to stimulate creativity, since it enhances innovation. However, although creativity can be considered the main input of innovation, it is not enough by itself. In this paper, we study the effects of the cluster on the firm’s levels of creativity and innovation. How does the position of a firm in a cluster affect its outcome of innovation? Is it better to be in a central position or to be isolated? Based on the creativity, innovation and social network analysis literature, a conceptual model has been developed to explain the interaction between creativity and network centrality, and tested in the ceramic industrial cluster in Spain. Empirical findings support interaction effects between creativity and network centrality that moderate the results of innovation. The implication of these results in relation to creativity and innovation theory and practices are discussed.
The Conserved Carboxyl Terminus and Zinc Finger-like Domain of the Co-chaperone Ydj1 Assist Hsp70 in Protein Folding*

Ydj1 is a member of the Hsp40 (DnaJ-related) chaperone family that facilitates cellular protein folding by regulating Hsp70 ATPase activity and binding unfolded polypeptides. Ydj1 contains four conserved subdomains that appear to represent functional units. To define the action of these regions, protease-resistant Ydj1 fragments and Ydj1 mutants were analyzed for activities exhibited by the unmodified protein. The Ydj1 mutant proteins analyzed were unable to support growth of yeast at elevated temperatures and were found to have alterations in the J-domain (Ydj1 H34Q), zinc finger-like region (Ydj1 C159T), and conserved carboxyl terminus (Ydj1 G315D). Fragment Ydj1 (1–90) contains the J-domain and a small portion of the G/F-rich region and could regulate Hsp70 ATPase activity but could not suppress the aggregation of the model protein rhodanese. Ydj1 H34Q could not regulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 but could bind unfolded polypeptides. The J-domain functions independently and was sufficient to regulate Hsp70 ATPase activity. Fragment Ydj1 (179–384) could suppress rhodanese aggregation but was unable to regulate Hsp70. Ydj1 (179–384) contains the conserved carboxyl terminus of DnaJ but is missing the J-domain, G/F-rich region, and a major portion of the zinc finger-like region. Ydj1 G315D exhibited severe defects in its ability to suppress rhodanese aggregation and form complexes with unfolded luciferase. The conserved carboxyl terminus of Ydj1 appeared to participate in the binding of unfolded polypeptides. Ydj1 C159T could form stable complexes with unfolded proteins and suppress protein aggregation but was inefficient at refolding denatured luciferase. The zinc finger-like region of Ydj1 appeared to function in conjunction with the conserved carboxyl terminus to fold proteins. However, Ydj1 does not require an intact zinc finger-like region to bind unfolded polypeptides. These data suggest that the combined functions of the J-domain, zinc finger-like region, and the conserved carboxyl terminus are required for Ydj1 to cooperate with Hsp70 and facilitate protein folding in the cell.
JC virus excreted by multiple sclerosis patients and paired controls from Hungary

JC virus (JCV), a human polyomavirus, is the agent of the demyelinating disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). JCV exists in four main genotypes in the USA. Type 1, including subtypes Type 1A and Type 1B, makes up about 64% of strains in the USA and is thought to be of European origin. Type 2 is found in Asia, and Type 3 in Africa. A fourth type is found only in the USA. In general, these genotypes differ in 1-2.5% of their DNA sequence. Thirty MS patients and 30 paired controls from Budapest were studied. The clinical course of MS was mainly secondary progressive, and patients were stable at the time of testing. Most of the controls were relatives of the probands: a spouse, parent, or child. Overall, 25 of 60 (42%) of the urines tested positive for JCV by PCR. These included 13 of 30 MS patients, and 12 of 30 controls. Genotyping in the VP1 gene showed all 25 JCV strains to be Type 1. Among the MS patients, seven were Type 1A and six were Type 1B. Among the controls, nine were Type 1A and three were Type 1B. In five pairs of MS patients and controls, both were positive for JCV by PCR. Two of these were husband/wife pairs of which one pair was matched for subtype (both Type 1A), and the other was not. Two of them were mother/daughter pairs, and both were matched for subtype (both Type 1B). These findings demonstrate that JCV Type 1 predominates among Hungarians, and suggest that parent/child pairs can be used to trace JCV transmission within the MS family.
Ricardian equivalence and the public and private saving nexus in India

ABSTRACT This study tests the Ricardian equivalence theorem (RET) and examines the responsiveness of private saving to public saving in India. Most estimators do not provide support for the empirical validity of RET and long-run cointegration between public and private saving. The increases in household saving (HHS) seem to have been engendered by the provision of saving incentives, institution of saving schemes, self-driven motivation to save, and the precautionary accumulations induced by uncovered uncertainties in incomes, rather than by Ricardian behaviour of households. The self-imposed aversion to debt and debt bequest, borrowing and liquidity constraints, and the intertemporal smoothing of consumption have been the added catalysts that contributed to the increases in HHS. The households with binding borrowing constraints, inadequate or no insurance and uncovered uncertainties in incomes seem to have been saving more to pay for higher inflation-tax. The fiscal consolidation and generation of public saving are essential to reduce the tax burden (both explicit through fiscal taxes and implicit through inflation-tax), minimize the likelihoods of economic and financial crises, and maintain the internal and external value of domestic currency.
Conformation of 4 . 5 S RNA in the signal recognition particle and on the 30 S ribosomal subunit

The signal recognition particle (SRP) from Escherichia coli consists of 4.5S RNA and protein Ffh. It is essential for targeting ribosomes that are translating integral membrane proteins to the translocation pore in the plasma membrane. Independently of Ffh, 4.5S RNA also interacts with elongation factor G (EF-G) and the 30S ribosomal subunit. Here we use a cross-linking approach to probe the conformation of 4.5S RNA in SRP and in the complex with the 30S ribosomal subunit and to map the binding site. The UV-activatable cross-linker p-azidophenacyl bromide (AzP) was attached to positions 1, 21, and 54 of wildtype or modified 4.5S RNA. In SRP, cross-links to Ffh were formed from AzP in all three positions in 4.5S RNA, indicating a strongly bent conformation in which the 50 end (position 1) and the tetraloop region (including position 54) of the molecule are close to one another and to Ffh. In ribosomal complexes of 4.5S RNA, AzP in both positions 1 and 54 formed cross-links to the 30S ribosomal subunit, independently of the presence of Ffh. The major cross-linking target on the ribosome was protein S7; minor cross-links were formed to S2, S18, and S21. There were no cross-links from 4.5S RNA to the 50S subunit, where the primary binding site of SRP is located close to the peptide exit. The functional role of 4.5S RNA binding to the 30S subunit is unclear, as the RNA had no effect on translation or tRNA translocation on the ribosome.
A comparison between the isovolume and the end‐inflation occlusion methods for measurement of lung mechanics in rats

The isovolume method is one of the most used techniques to assess the mechanical properties of the lungs in ordinary challenge tests and in toxicological studies. It has been considered that isovolume lung resistance (RL) could assess central airway calibre in such tests, whereas dynamic elastance (EL,dyn) would reflect the elastic properties of lung parenchyma. However, peripheral phenomena, such as Pendelluft and stress relaxation, can interfere with RL measurements, especially in disease. In order to investigate the contribution of such phenomena to isovolume RL and EL,dyn, we compared the results provided by isovolume technique with those given by the end‐inflation occlusion method (EIOM) in 12 normal Wistar rats. We found similar values for total lung resistance (RL,max) and isovolume RL. Homogeneous resistance (RL,min), which describes airway calibre, comprised about 30% of RL in the tidal volume range. Values of EL,dyn calculated by the EIOM were approximately 20% greater than the corresponding value measured during spontaneous breathing. Our data indicate that isovolume RL is significantly affected by tissue forces and cannot be interpreted as a pure index of airway size.
Functional outcomes during inpatient rehabilitation for American Indian and Alaska Native children with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people have the highest traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related mortality in the United States, but little is known about AI/AN children who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study compares function and factors associated with discharge function between AI/AN and White children with TBI during inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS Retrospective national cohort study of 114 AI/AN and 7,267 White children aged 6 months-18 years who received inpatient TBI rehabilitation between 2002-2012 at facilities utilizing the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation\scriptsize®. The outcome measure was developmental functional quotients (DFQ is the FIM\scriptsize® or WeeFIM\scriptsize® score divided by age norms x 100) at discharge. RESULTS AI/AN race was not associated with motor (regression coefficient (β) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.39, 2.76) or cognitive (β -1.54, 95% CI -3.75, 0.67) function. Among a subgroup with loss of consciousness > 24 hours (AI/AN n= 13, White n= 643), AI/AN race was associated with lower motor DFQ (β -12.83, 95% CI -25.39, -0.34). CONCLUSIONS Overall, AI/AN race was not associated with inpatient rehabilitation function for children with TBI, but providers should not assume AI/ANs with more severe injuries have equitable outcomes.
Exploiting the Dynamics of S-Phase Tracers in Developing Brain: Interkinetic Nuclear Migration for Cells Entering versus Leavingthe S-Phase

Two S-phase markers for in vivo studies of cell proliferation in the developing central nervous system, tritiated thymidine (3H-TdR) and bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR), were compared using double-labeling techniques in the developing mouse cortex at embryonic day 14 (E14). The labeling efficiencies and detectability of the two tracers were approximately equivalent, and there was no evidence of significant tracer interactions that depend on order of administration. For both tracers, the loading time needed to label an S-phase cell to detectability is estimated at <0.2 h shortly after the injection of the label, but, as the concentration of the label falls, it increases to ∼0.65 h after about 30 min. Thereafter, cells that enter the S-phase continue to become detectably labeled for ∼5–6 h. The approximate equivalence of these two tracers was exploited to observe directly the numbers and positions of nuclei entering (labeled with the second tracer only) and leaving (labeled with the first tracer only) the S-phase. As expected, the numbers of nuclei entering and leaving the S-phase both increased as the interval between the two injections lengthened. Also, nuclei leaving the S-phase rapidly move towards the ventricular surface during G2, but, unexpectedly, the distribution of the entering nuclei does not differ significantly from the distribution of the nuclei in the S-phase. This indicates that: (1) the extent and rate of abventricular nuclear movement during G1 is variable, such that not all nuclei traverse the entire width of the ventricular zone, and (2) interkinetic nuclear movements are minimal during S-phase.
Melatonin improves the reprogramming efficiency of murine‐induced pluripotent stem cells using a secondary inducible system

This study focused on the effect of melatonin on reprogramming with specific regard to the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Here, a secondary inducible system, which is more accurate and suitable for studying the involvement of chemicals in reprogramming efficiency, was used to evaluate the effect of melatonin on mouse iPSC generation. Secondary fibroblasts collected from all‐iPSC mice through tetraploid complementation were cultured in induction medium supplemented with melatonin at different concentrations (0, 10−6, 10−7, 10−8, 10−9, or 10−10 m) or with vitamin C (50 μg/mL) as a positive control. Compared with untreated group (0.22 ± 0.04% efficiency), 10−8 (0.81 ± 0.04%), and 10−9 m (0.83 ± 0.08%) melatonin supplementation significantly improved reprogramming efficiency (P < 0.05). Moreover, we verified that the iPSCs induced by melatonin treatment (MiPSCs) had the same characteristics as typical embryonic stem cells (ESCs), including expression of the pluripotency markers Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog, the ability to form teratomas and all three germ layers of the embryo, as well as produce chimeric mice with contribution to the germ line. Interestingly, only the melatonin receptor MT2 was detected in secondary fibroblasts, while MiPSCs and ESCs expressed MT1 and MT2 receptors. Furthermore, during the early stage of reprogramming, expression of the apoptosis‐related genes p53 and p21 was lower in the group treated with 10−9 m melatonin compared with the untreated controls. In conclusion, melatonin supplementation enhances the efficiency of murine iPSC generation. These beneficial effects may be associated with inhibition of the p53‐mediated apoptotic pathway.
Early complications in bariatric surgery: incidence, diagnosis and treatment.

CONTEXT Bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective method of treating severe obesity. Nevertheless, the acceptance of bariatric surgery is still questioned. The surgical complications observed in the early postoperative period following surgeries performed to treat severe obesity are similar to those associated with other major surgeries of the gastrointestinal tract. However, given the more frequent occurrence of medical comorbidities, these patients require special attention in the early postoperative follow-up. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these complications are directly associated with a greater probability of control. METHOD The medical records of 538 morbidly obese patients who underwent surgical treatment (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery) were reviewed. Ninety-three (17.2%) patients were male and 445 (82.8%) were female. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 70 years (average = 46), and their body mass indices ranged from 34.6 to 77 kg/m2. RESULTS Early complications occurred in 9.6% and were distributed as follows: 2.6% presented bleeding, intestinal obstruction occurred in 1.1%, peritoneal infections occurred in 3.2%, and 2.2% developed abdominal wall infections that required hospitalization. Three (0.5%) patients experienced pulmonary thromboembolism. The mortality rate was 0,55%. CONCLUSION The incidence of early complications was low. The diagnosis of these complications was mostly clinical, based on the presence of signs and symptoms. The value of the clinical signs and early treatment, specially in cases of sepsis, were essential to the favorable surgical outcome. The mortality was mainly related to thromboembolism and advanced age, over 65 years.
Health-related quality of life in patients with Chagas disease.

INTRODUCTION Chagas disease (ChD) is a chronic illness related to significant morbidity and mortality that can affect the quality of life (QoL) of infected patients. However, there are few studies regarding QoL in ChD. The objectives of this study are to construct a health-related QoL (HRQoL) profile of ChD patients and compare this with a non-ChD (NChD) group to identify factors associated with the worst HRQoL scores in ChD patients. METHODS HRQoL was investigated in 125 patients with ChD and 21 NChD individuals using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form (SF-36) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ). Patients were submitted to a standard protocol that included clinical examination, ECG, Holter monitoring, Doppler echocardiogram and autonomic function tests. RESULTS HRQoL scores were significantly worse among the ChD group compared to the NChD group in the SF-36 domains of physical functioning and role-emotional and in the MLWHFQ scale. For the ChD group, univariate analysis showed that HRQoL score quartiles were associated with level of education, sex, marital status, use of medication, functional classification and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, female sex, fewer years of education, single status, worst functional classification, presence of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms, associated illnesses, Doppler echocardiographic abnormalities and ventricular arrhythmia detected during Holter monitoring were predictors of lower HRQoL scores. CONCLUSIONS ChD patients showed worse HRQoL scores compared to NChD. For the ChD group, sociodemographic and clinical variables were associated with worst scores.