Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adiponectin as a Biomarker of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived peptide that acts as a hormone with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. Lower serum levels of adiponectin have been consistently associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in numerous prospective studies of diverse nationalities. However, few studies among Filipinos were documented. The objective of this study is to identify if adiponectin could serve as a biomarker of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Filipino respondents by determining the association of its levels with the presence of impaired fasting blood glucose, type 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and other anthropometric parameters. This study, conducted in University of Santo Tomas Hospital-Out Patient Department, compared the levels of adiponectin in normal, prediabetic and diabetic groups, with each having 28 randomly selected samples and equivalent gender ratio. Blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin and adiponectin. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also computed. Adiponectin and insulin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Adiponectin was significantly decreased (p<0.001) in diabetic (23.6 ± 10.5 ug/ml) and pre-diabetic (67.6 ± 10.6 ug/ml) groups compared to the normal group (143.9 ± 11.6 ug/ml). It was also found to have a significant inverse correlation with FBS (rxy.z= -.370, p= 0.001), and HOMA-IR (rxy.z= -.326, p= 0.003) in all of the subjects. Serum adiponectin was also significantly decreased in insulin-resistant (HOMA-IR > 3) compared to insulin-sensitive (HOMA-IR < 3) subjects (57.1 ± 11.2 ug/ml vs. 95.1 ± 9.9 ug/ml; p= 0.014). The researchers conclude that lower adiponectin level is associated with insulin resistance and development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Oral Nystatin Versus Intravenous Fluconazole as Neonatal Antifungal Prophylaxis: Non-inferiority Trial

Background: Fluconazole has shown to be effective in reducing both colonization and invasive Candida infection (ICI) in ELBW neonates; we conducted a randomized trial to compare oral nystatin with intravenous fluconazole for prophylaxis against invasive Candidiasis in high risk neonates. Materials and Methods: By using SPSS, preterm less than 30 weeks gestation and/or birth weight 1200 grams or less assigned to receive either intravenous Fluconazole (6 mg/kg q72 hr for 1st week then q48 h for 6 wks) or oral Nystatin (100,000 unit q8 hr for 6 wks). The medications commenced at one week of age after obtaining the base line investigations and check for Candida colonization by urine culture and rectal swab; subsequently all lab work and the clinical data were monitered regularly. Risk factors were assessed. The data collected prospectively looking for primary end point the invasive Candida infection (ICI) and 2 ndry outcomes include medication safety, tolerance and cost. Results: 65 neonate randomly assigned however only 57 neonates comleted the study 33/57 (57%) to intravenous fluconazole group and 24/57 (42%) to oral nystatin group. No differences in birth weights Nystatin (1.15 Kg) Fluconazole (1.01 Kg), gender males (26/57), female (32/57), Gestational age (29.28 vs l28.22) or risk factors between the two groups. Rectal swab Colonization occurred in 2/24 (8%) in Nystatin group and 4/33 (12%) in the Fluconazole group, but none of the neonates developed ICI or side effects, although in the Fluconazole group transient transaminase elevation 2SD standard deviation above the mean was observed. Central line duration was 2 SD above the mean for fluconazole group, The cost of the Fluconazole treated group (7,581 SAR) 106.4 US/pt double the cost of Nystatin treated group (3,375 SAR) 50 US/pt. Conclusion: Intravenous Fluconazole and oral Nystatin at the prophylactic doses are equally effective and safe in preventing (ICI) in preterm neonates, however oral Nystatin is readily available, easily administered with lower cost per neonate.
GLOBAL MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF HOLARCTIC BREEDING DUNLINS (CALIDRIS ALPINA)

Comparison of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control‐region sequences of 155 dunlins from 15 breeding populations confirmed the existence of five major phylogeographic groups in the circumpolar breeding range of this migratory shorebird species. Time estimates of the origin of groups, based on sequence divergences and a molecular clock for birds, suggest a scenario of repeated fragmentation of populations in isolated tundra refugia during the late Pleistocene. The distribution of about three‐quarters of all detected molecular variance between phylogeographic groups attests to the strongly subdivided genetic population structure in dunlins that is being maintained by natal philopatry. Each mtDNA phylogeographic group can be related to a morphometrically defined subspecies, but several other recognized subspecies are not supported by monophyletic mtDNA lineages within their purported ranges. More detailed analysis of several European populations reveals low amounts of gene flow and the partitioning of a substantial fraction of molecular variance between them. This ongoing evolution of population‐genetic structuring within the European phylogeographic group most likely started with the last retreat of the ice sheets some 10,000 years ago. Dunlins thus provide one of the clearest examples of the linkage between historical and contemporary components of mtDNA phylogeographic structuring in birds.
Blind channel estimation in MIMO-OFDM systems

MIMO-OFDM is one of the promising scheme for achieving high data rate and large system capacity over wireless networks. In this paper, we investigate the blind channel estimation in MIMO-OFDM systems based on the noise subspace method. We exploit the cyclostationarity induced by OFDM with cyclic prefix. The sufficient identifiability conditions were established, and the noise subspace algorithm was developed for MIMO-OFDM channel estimation. The algorithm only requires knowledge of the upper bound on the channel length, it does not impose restrictions on channel zeros and it exhibits low sensitivity to stationary noise. Finally, we demonstrate validity of the algorithm presented in this paper by Monte Carlo simulations.
Nerve conduction and excitability studies in peripheral nerve disorders

Purpose of reviewThe review is aimed at providing information about the role of nerve excitability studies in peripheral nerve disorders. It has been known for many years that the insight into peripheral nerve pathophysiology provided by conventional nerve conduction studies is limited. Nerve excitability studies are relatively novel but are acquiring an increasingly important role in the study of peripheral nerves. Recent findingsBy measuring responses in nerve that are related to nodal function (strength–duration time constant, rheobase and recovery cycle) and internodal function (threshold electrotonus, current–threshold (I/V) relationship) it is possible to assess the function of transient and persistent Na+, fast and slow K+ and HCN inward rectifying channels as well as ion pumps. This has allowed insight into normal axon physiology and normal fluctuations of electrolyte concentrations. Studies of different metabolic neuropathies have assessed the influence of uremia, diabetes and ischemia, and the use of these methods in toxic neuropathies has allowed pinpointing damaging factors. Various mutations in ion channels associated with central nervous system disorders have been shown to have counterparts in the peripheral nervous system, in some instances without peripheral nervous system symptoms. Both hereditary and acquired demyelinating neuropathies have been studied and the effects on nerve pathophysiology have been compared with degeneration and regeneration of axons. SummaryExcitability testing holds promise for further understanding of peripheral nerve pathophysiology but is as yet not universally available. Interpretation may be challenging as changes in parameters may have different explanations, and modeling has been helpful in the use of the methods in clinical neurophysiology.
The Mouse Murr1 Gene Is Imprinted in the Adult Brain, Presumably Due to Transcriptional Interference by the Antisense-Oriented U2af1-rs1 Gene

ABSTRACT The mouse Murr1 gene contains an imprinted gene, U2af1-rs1, in its first intron. U2af1-rs1 shows paternal allele-specific expression and is transcribed in the direction opposite to that of the Murr1 gene. In contrast to a previous report of biallelic expression of Murr1 in neonatal mice, we have found that the maternal allele is expressed predominantly in the adult brain and also preferentially in other adult tissues. This maternal-predominant expression is not observed in embryonic and neonatal brains. In situ hybridization experiments that used the adult brain indicated that Murr1 gene was maternally expressed in neuronal cells in all regions of the brain. We analyzed the developmental change in the expression levels of both Murr1 and U2af1-rs1 in the brain and liver, and we propose that the maternal-predominant expression of Murr1 results from transcriptional interference of the gene by U2af1-rs1 through the Murr1 promoter region.
Virology and epidemiology analyses of global adenovirus-associated conjunctivitis outbreaks, 1953–2013

SUMMARY This study aimed to compare the virology and epidemiology of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) and acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) outbreaks worldwide caused by the human adenovirus (HAdV) from 1953 to 2013. Eighty-three hexon sequences from 76 conjunctivitis outbreaks were analysed and subtyped using Mega 5.05, Clustal X and SimPlot software. Epidemiology was performed for the area, age and seasonal distribution. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the isolates could be divided into three subgenetic lineages, without a common ancestor. The major causes of the outbreaks were Ad8, Ad7 and Ad2 co-infection with enterovirus 70 (EV70) in EKC, PCF and AHC, respectively. The epidemiological findings suggested that EKC and AHC were circulating predominantly in Asia during the early winter and spring, whereas PCF was circulating mainly in China, Australia and the United States during the summer. This study suggests that EKC, AHC and PCF outbreaks have different circulating patterns throughout the world and are caused by different adenovirus serotypes. A global surveillance system should be established to monitor conjunctivitis outbreaks in the future.
Morbidity and Mortality in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus During a 10-Year Period: A Comparison of Early and Late Manifestations in a Cohort of 1,000 Patients

In the present study, we assessed the frequency and characteristics of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during a 10-year period and compared the frequency of early manifestations with those that appeared later in the evolution of the disease. In 1990, we started a multicenter study of 1,000 patients from 7 European countries. All had medical histories documented and underwent medical interview and routine general physical examination when entered in the study, and all were followed prospectively by the same physicians during the ensuing 10 years (1990–2000). A total of 481 (48.1%) patients presented 1 or more episodes of arthritis at any time during the 10 years, 311 (31.1%) patients had malar rash, 279 (27.9%) active nephropathy, 194 (19.4%) neurologic involvement, 166 (16.6%) fever, 163 (16.3%) Raynaud phenomenon, 160 (16.0%) serositis (pleuritis and/or pericarditis), 134 (13.4%) thrombocytopenia, and 92 (9.2%) thrombosis. When the prevalences of the clinical manifestations during the initial 5 years of follow-up (1990–1995) were compared with those during the ensuing 5 years (1995–2000), most manifestations were found to be more frequent during the initial 5 years. Of the 1,000 patients, 360 (36%) presented infections, 169 (16.9%) hypertension, 121 (12.1%) osteoporosis, and 81 (8.1%) cytopenia due to immunosuppressive agents. Twenty-three (2.3%) patients developed malignancies; the most frequent primary localizations were the uterus and the breast.Sixty-eight (6.8%) patients died, and the most frequent causes of death were similarly divided between active SLE (26.5%), thromboses (26.5%), and infections (25%). A survival probability of 92% at 10 years was found. A lower survival probability was detected in those patients who presented at the beginning of the study with nephropathy (88% versus 94% in patients without nephropathy, p = 0.045). When the causes of death during the initial 5 years of follow-up (1990–1995) were compared with those during the ensuing 5 years (1995–2000), active SLE and infections (28.9% each) appeared to be the most common causes during the initial 5 years, while thromboses (26.1%) became the most common cause of death during the last 5 years.In conclusion, most of the SLE inflammatory manifestations appear to be less common after a long-term evolution of the disease, probably reflecting the effect of therapy as well as the progressive remission of the disease in many patients. Meanwhile, a more prominent role of thrombotic events is becoming evident, affecting both morbidity and mortality in SLE.
An Integrated Approach to Assess the Role of Chemical Exposure in Obesity

The evidence that developmental exposure of humans to chemicals plays a role in onset of obesity is convincing, yet controversial as it challenges traditional views on the etiology of obesity. OBELIX, one of the largest pan‐European studies researching the obesogen hypothesis, is accruing experimental and epidemiologic data on major classes of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in both laboratory animal and prospective human cohort studies. Though still underway, this integrated and multidisciplinary project is adding new insights to the weight of evidence for effects of EDCs on obesity. Animal studies indicate divergent sex‐specific effects of perinatal exposure on the development of overweight. In vitro mechanistic studies have shown that EDCs enhance murine adipocyte differentiation, an effect that is accompanied by global DNA demethylation. Epidemiological studies have revealed an inverse relationship between prenatal polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and birth weight, and suggest differences in pre‐ and postnatal exposure on growth trajectories in children.
THE INFLUENCE OF HYPOPHYSECTOMY ON THE INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN CASES OF PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

It is commonly known that hemorrhagic glaucoma occurs very frequently in long-term diabetics in connexion with rubeosis iridis (Ohrt 1967). A few authors have shown that primary glaucoma also has an increased incidence in patients with diabetes mellitus. Hence, in 393 diabetics Armstrong, Daily, Dobson and Girard (1960) found 4.1 O / O with primary non-congestive glaucoma and 1.8 O / O with secondary glaucoma. W a i t e and Beetham (1935) found clinical signs of glaucoma in 0 . 50 /0 of 2002 dilabetics, but in 60/0 of the eyes examined, the tension exceeded 25 mm Hg. On the contrary, Palomar (1956) found no increase in the frequency of glaucoma in his 416 patients. Cristiansson (1961) showed that the rise in pressure followed the degree of the diabetic retinopathy up to the proliferative stage, after which stage the pressure showed a decreasing tendency. Armaly and Baloglou (1967) found lower pressures in adult diabetics than in healthy individuals. Only few studies into the pressure conditions in the eye after hypophysectomy are available. Vannas and Tarkkanen (1960) found 2 cases of simple glaucoma, but no case of hemorrhagic glaucoma among 1 I hypophysectomized diabetics. They emphasized the peculiar feature that open-angle glaucoma occurred in hypophysectomized patients, contrary to the hemorrhagic glaucoma found in non-operated persons. Cristiansson (1961) found fairly low intraocular pressure, but increased resistance to outflow in 3 hypophysectomized patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. After hypophyseal stalk section, Lee and Field (1966) observed a non-significant fall in pressure. Their material comprised no case of primiary open-angle glaucoma. Post-operatively, in 3 patients
The Effect Of Annealing On

We have previously discussed the preparation of heteroepitaxial (100) (Fe,,Ta,)N films, the measurement of the crystalline anisotropy constant K,, and the magnetostriction constant h,,, and h,, [ l ] 3 T e results showed that K, decreased by a factor of -2 up to 6%N and that the values of 1 hlMYkd 7 h,,, I relative to pure Fe decreased by a factor of -2 to a minimum of near 2 at % nitrogen and then slowly increased at higher nitrogen content. The saturation magnetostriction hs calculated for a polycrystalline material using the values of h,, and h,,, was negative and relatively independent of nitrogen content. This is in sharp contrast with the published experimental data which shows h, increasing from negative values to large positive values with increasing nitrogen [3]. We believe an explanation for this discrepancy is required to properly understand the soft properties of the FeXN systems. Therefore, we have initiated an extensive structural investigation using both x-ray and TEM analysis and an effort to grow (1 10) oriented films, the preferred orientation in polycrystalline films of this composition. Here, we report on our results to determine the location of the nitrogen in the lattice and further its thermal stability.
The Patterns of Uveitis Presenting at a Tertiary Care Facility in Imphal, Manipur

The term uveitis, derived from uva, the Latin word for grape, encompasses a broad range of disease processes involving the uveal tract and its associated ocular structures. This study was done to find the patterns of uveitis among the patients attending a tertiary care facility in Imphal, Manipur during the period from September 2012 to August 2014. Patients were grouped according to the anatomical classification of uveitis based on the International Uveitis study group classification system. Ophthalmological work-up were done after obtaining prior informed consent. A tailored laboratory approach as described by Nojik was adopted. Three hundred and eighty seven new cases of uveitis amounting to 0.8% of all new ophthalmic patients were examined in this period. Anterior uveitis was the most common anatomic type of uveitis encountered (232 cases, 60%), followed by posterior uveitis(119 cases,30.7%), intermediate uveitis(19 cases, 5%), and panuveitis (17 cases, 4.3%). The tailored laboratory investigations enabled specific diagnosis in 40.8% of the cases. Specific diagnosis was possible more in posterior uveitis than in other anatomic types of uveitis.
Effectiveness of once-weekly gym-based exercise programmes for older adults post discharge from day rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial

Objective To determine whether high-intensity, progressive gym-based exercise performed once a week is as effective as twice weekly for maintaining both subjective and objective outcomes in older adults post discharge from a metropolitan day rehabilitation centre (DRC). Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Community-based exercise centre for older adults, located in Metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Participants 21 men and 85 women who completed the DRC programme were assessed and randomly allocated to a study group. Intervention The two experimental interventions were gym-based exercise programmes (including resistance, aerobic, flexibility and balance training) varying only in frequency of delivery: either once or twice a week, directly compared with usual care (control). Main outcome measures Lower limb strength (one-repetition maximum), balance (Berg Balance Scale), physical function (gait speed, 30-s chair stand test, timed up and go test (primary outcome) and 6-min walk test), self-reported pain (Glasgow Pain Questionnaire), activities of daily living (Barthel Index and Older Americans Resources and Services Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire), perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise (Exercise Benefits Barriers Scale), quality of life (Assessment of Quality of Life Questionnaire) and exercise frequency preference. Results Most of the outcomes (69%, 11/16) were maintained over the intervention period with no significant group effects detected between the two intervention groups or compared to the control group. Physical activity levels recorded in the control group showed a significant proportion of participants were actively exercising once weekly. A per-protocol analysis was undertaken to take this potential contamination effect into account. This showed that the control group participants, who did not exercise, did not maintain outcomes to the extent of the intervention groups, with significant group-by-time effects detected between the two intervention groups and the control group. Most of all participants (66%, 62/94) nominated once a week as their preferred exercise frequency. Conclusions The overall finding of no significant differences between the two intervention groups for all outcomes measured gives support to the effectiveness of once-a-week exercise in maintaining outcomes at 3 months post rehabilitation. Further research is warranted given the once-a-week exercise intervention should cost less, had higher compliance and was nominated as the preferred exercise frequency by most of the participants.