Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The predictive value of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and magnetic resonance imaging in acute isolated syndromes for subsequent development of multiple sclerosis

The intrathecal synthesis of IgM in patients presenting with acute monosymptomatic syndromes may be relevant in predicting eventual progression to multiple sclerosis but has not been previously evaluated. We undertook a prospective 18‐month combined clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and magnetic resonance imaging study of 45 patients who had presented with acute isolated lesions of brainstem and spinal cord to evaluate the predicive value of intrathecal synthesis of IgM and IgG (through the detection of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands) and magnetic resonance imaging brain lesions at presentation, for the subsequent progression to multiple sclerosis. Results indicate that the highest risk of developing multiple sclerosis is seen in patients who are positive for oligoclonal IgM and IgG bands and who have disseminated cerebral white matter magnetic resonance imaging lesions at the initial presentation. Oligoclonal IgM bands predict progression to multiple sclerosis more frequently than oligoclonal IgG or magnetic resonance imaging alone. Our results confirm and further extend previous reports, and indicate that detection of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal IgM bands at presentation is a valuable prognostic indicator in patients presenting with acute isolated brainstem or spinal cord syndromes.
The sense of effort and two models of single-joint motor control.

Two sets of experiments were carried out. In the first set, human subjects were asked to make the same effort with the elbow flexors at different joint angles under isometric conditions. In some experiments, the subjects were standing with the arm in a vertical (parasagittal) plane; in others, they were seated with the arm in a horizontal (transverse) plane. When muscular torque at a given effort level (ordinate) was plotted as a function of elbow joint angle (abscissa), the resulting isoeffort torque-angle profiles tended to be flat or negatively sloping over a range from 45 degrees to 135 degrees, and they were often nonmonotonic. Increases in effort up to near-maximal levels caused the isoeffort torque-angle profiles to shift upward with little alteration in shape. In the second set of experiments, seated subjects with the arm horizontal resisted baseline torques produced by a motor that acted to extend the elbow joint. Unexpected increases and decreases in torque were superimposed on the baseline torque. The subjects either were instructed to intervene and return the elbow to the initial (90 degree) position, or were told, "Do not intervene voluntarily; let the motor move your arm. " Effort was reported both under baseline conditions and after the changes in torque. It was found that changes in effort were a function of the changes in torque opposed by the elbow flexors, and were similar whether the subject had repositioned the arm or allowed it to be moved by the motor. In the latter case, the arm came to rest after displacements that were a function of the size and direction of the torque change. For individual subjects, the largest angular displacements ranged from +/- 10 degrees to +/- 20 degrees for changes in torque of +/- 10 N.m. There was no evidence for any angular dependence of the effort judgements at a given torque over this angular range. Depending on whether effort is primarily an efferent perception proportional to voluntary motor activity or also has a significant afferent (involuntary) component, different models of motor control are supported by these data.
A comparative study of pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer: Risk factors, presentation, characteristics and management

Objective: Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide and is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Indian women. This study evaluates the differences between pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer women regarding risk factors, nature of disease presentation, tumor characteristics, and management. Methods: This is a prospective observational study, conducted in the Oncology Department of St. Ann's Cancer Hospital, for a period of 6 months from January to August 2012. Data on basic demography, clinical and pathological tumor profile, and treatment details were collected prospectively for each patient based on patient interviews and medical records. Findings: Among 100 female patients taken up for the study, 48 were premenopausal and 52 had reached menopause. The mean age of presentation for breast carcinoma was a decade earlier in these patients compared with western patients. The risk factors for both pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer were found similar other than late menopause in postmenopausal patients. Having dense breast tissue was a predominant risk factor among all women. Late presentation was the common phenomenon in almost all patients. The treatment given was not based on any standard guidelines due to inadequate public health policies. Conclusion: Late stage at presentation of breast cancer is the main problem and possesses a challenge to the health care community. In order to reduce the burden of breast cancer, a multi-sectorial approach and evidence-based strategies aiming at early detection and effective management of the disease are required.
Environmental education in Kosovo: current state and future developments

In 2009, all official textbooks and the national curriculum in Kosovo were scrutinized. It was investigated how many and which environmental topics they included, in which subjects and grades they were taught, and how they were approached. Only 15 out of 130 books, most of them for biology teaching, included environmental topics or even whole chapters on environmental issues. Environmental topics were most prominent in textbooks for grade 8, 10 and 12, whereas they were almost lacking at the primaryschool level. Most environmental teaching units provided pupils with mere environmental / ecological information (91%); only 9% had a different approach. They aimed to raise pupils’ awareness of environmental values, critically reflected links between the natural, social and cultural environment, and demonstrated the importance of a healthy environment for human health, quality of life and sustainable development. They were most prominent in textbooks for civic education. However, no environmental teaching unit aimed at promoting pupils’ action competence.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) HDL cholesterol : atherosclerosis and beyond

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Young ischemic stroke in Tunisia: a multicentric study

Purpose: There is wanting data regarding young ischemic stroke in developing countries, especially in Tunisia. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors and etiologies of young ischemic stroke in Tunisian and make a comparison with previous reports. Materials and methods: A total of 102 young ischemic stroke patients (15–45 years old) were admitted, between January 1996 and August 2007, to 11 departments of internal medicine in different Tunisian hospitals. The risk factors for stroke were documented and assessed. Diagnosis workup consisted of anamnesis, complete physical examination and extensive laboratory, radiologic, immunologic, neurologic and cardiologic examination. Stroke etiologies were classified according the Trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment. Results: There were 42 men (41.2%) and 60 women (58.89%) with a mean age at onset of 35.7 years. As regards stroke subtype, large-artery atherosclerosis was diagnosed in 6.9% of cases, cardioembolism in 11.8%, small-vessel occlusion in 8.8%, other determined etiology in 37.3% and undetermined etiology in 35.3%. Concerning the traditional risk factors, smoking (31.4%), hypertension and diabetes mellitus (12.7% for each one) and a family history of stroke (10.8%) were the most common. The mean follow-up period was 30.5 months. Conclusions: In our study, traditional risk factors were not-so-uncommon in young adults with ischemic stroke suggesting that prevention can go through controlling these factors. Stroke of other determined etiology was the most common among our patients, so that a broad and detailed diagnostic workup is crucial to puzzle out the etiology for more and better stroke prevention.
Mechanoreceptors of the Proximal Stomach and Perception of Gastric Distension

OBJECTIVES:To assess the role of tension receptors in gastric perception by pharmacologically modifying gastric contractile activity during isovolumetric distensions of the proximal stomach with the hypothesis that relaxation decreased perception and contraction increased it.METHODS:Fourteen healthy subjects underwent two 30-min isovolumetric (75% of the threshold volume for discomfort) distensions using a barostat. During the second distension, either gastric relaxation was induced by intravenous (i.v.) glucagon 4.8 μg/kg bolus plus 9.6 μg/kg per h or contraction by i.v. erythromycin 3 mg/kg. Hunger and fullness were assessed with a 100-mm analog scale before and at 15 and 30 min during each distension.RESULTS:Glucagon decreased baseline intrabag pressure (8.4 ± 1.0 vs 10.7 ± 1.3 mmHg; p < 0.05) and abolished the pressure waves (0 vs 16.7 ± 2.3) when compared with placebo, whereas erythromycin increased baseline pressure (13.2 ± 1.0 vs 11.9 ± 0.9 mmHg; p < 0.05) and the rate of pressure waves (31.7 ± 5.4 vs 20.5 ± 3.1; p < 0.05). Fullness increased (p < 0.05) during distension, but it was unaffected by either of the drugs: Δ score (i.e., score during distension− baseline score) of 38 ± 10 mm (glucagon) versus 22 ± 10 (placebo) and 24 ± 17 mm (erythromycin) versus 36 ± 14 (placebo) at 15 min. Similar observation were made at 30 min. Hunger was influenced neither by distension nor by any of the two drugs consistently.CONCLUSIONS:Our data do not support a prominent role of tension receptors of the proximal stomach on perception of fullness, suggesting that stretch, that is, volume, is the more relevant stimulus.
Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Environmental Stress Cause p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Activation by Dual Phosphorylation on Tyrosine and Threonine (*)

Protein kinases activated by dual phosphorylation on Tyr and Thr (MAP kinases) can be grouped into two major classes: ERK and JNK. The ERK group regulates multiple targets in response to growth factors via a Ras-dependent mechanism. In contrast, JNK activates the transcription factor c-Jun in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines and exposure of cells to several forms of environmental stress. Recently, a novel mammalian protein kinase (p38) that shares sequence similarity with mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases was identified. Here, we demonstrate that p38, like JNK, is activated by treatment of cells with pro-inflammatory cytokines and environmental stress. The mechanism of p38 activation is mediated by dual phosphorylation on Thr-180 and Tyr-182. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that p38 MAP kinase is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of activated cells. Together, these data establish that p38 is a member of the mammalian MAP kinase group.
Self-Regulation of Higher Secondary Students in Relation to Achievement in Mathematics.

This survey study aims to find out the self-regulation of higher secondary students in relation to achievement in mathematics. A sample of 300 first year higher secondary students studying during the academic year 2018–19 was selected by using simple random sampling technique from Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected with the help of Self-Regulation Scale constructed by Saileela (2013). The five point Likert scale consisting of 42 (38 positive and 4 negative) items was designed to assess students ’Self-Regulation in learning mathematics. The research tools were distributed to the students with proper instructions as to get the exact data for this study. For analyzing the data, percentile analysis, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test and Pearson's product moment correlation were employed and the analyzed data were interpreted accordingly. The finding shows that there is a positive relationship between self-regulation and achievement in mathematics of higher secondary students.
Thrombin induces apoptotic events through the generation of reactive oxygen species in human platelets

Summary. Background: Thrombin is a major physiological platelet agonist that activates a number of cell functions including aggregation. Platelet stimulation with thrombin has been shown to result in the development of apoptotic events, including activation of caspases‐3 and ‐9, cytochrome c release and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure; however, the mechanism underlying the activation of apoptosis remains unclear. Objectives: In the present study, we aim to investigate whether endogenously generated reactive oxygen species upon thrombin stimulation is required for the activation of apoptosis in human platelets. Methods: Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential were registered using the dye JC‐1; caspase‐3 and ‐9 activity was determined from the cleavage of their respective specific fluorogenic substrates; PS externalization was estimated using annexin V‐fluorescein isothicyanate and cytochrome c release was detected by Western blotting in samples from the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions. Results: Treatment of platelets with thrombin stimulates mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization and endogenous generation of H2O2. Platelet exposure to exogenous H2O2 results in cytochrome c release and activation of caspases‐9. In addition, H2O2 induces the activation of caspase‐3 and PS exposure by a mechanism dependent on cytochrome c release and caspase‐9 activation. Finally, thrombin‐evoked development of apoptotic events was impaired by treatment with catalase. Conclusion: Our results indicate that thrombin‐induced apoptosis is likely mediated by endogenous generation of H2O2 in human platelets.
A role for division‐site‐selection protein MinD in regulation of internucleoid jumping of Soj (ParA) protein in Bacillus subtilis

The Bacillus subtilis soj‐spo0J locus encodes two proteins belonging to a family of proteins (the ParAB proteins) with dual roles in plasmid or chromosome segregation and transcriptional regulation. Soj protein was previously shown to be capable of abrupt subcellular relocation. The movement was highly co‐operative and at any moment, most of the Soj in any cell formed a single large ‘patch’ covering all or part of one nucleoid. Movement, and co‐operativity, in the sense of formation of a single patch, was dependent on Spo0J. Movement, but not co‐operativity, was also shown to be dependent, directly or indirectly, on FtsZ protein. We now report that the ftsZ effect arises because jumping onto a nucleoid is promoted by proximity to a cell pole. Studies of other mutants affected in cell division suggest that the attraction to the cell pole is mediated by the division‐site‐selection protein, MinD (which localizes at the cell poles). It does not require MinC, the main effector of the division site selection system. A mutant form of Soj, putatively locked in the ATP form of the protein, interacts with the cell pole (dependent on MinD) but not with the nucleoid. These results identify a novel function for MinD and demonstrate an intriguing link between proteins involved in the cell division and chromosome segregation machineries.
Commitment Intensity in Public Organizations

Individuals with high levels of Public Service Motivation (PSM) are assumed to be a good fit for public organizations due to their commitment to service-orientated values. However, public organizations vary in terms of performance, leadership, and other qualities, and some organizations may be a better fit for PSM-driven employees than others. This study examines whether organizational characteristics influence the relationship between PSM and affective organizational commitment. The findings indicate that perception of organizational performance and transformational leadership strengthen the relationship between PSM and commitment. On the other hand, climate for innovation is shown to have a strong direct influence on organizational commitment for all employees regardless of their PSM level. A number of theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Corn protein-based thermoplastic resins: effect of some polar and amphiphilic plasticizers.

Homogeneous blends of corn gluten meal (CGM) and "polar" plasticizers (water, glycerol) or "amphiphilic" plasticizers [octanoic and palmitic acids, dibutyl tartrate and phthalate, and diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono-diglycerides (DATEM)] were obtained by a hot-mixing procedure. The glass transition temperature (T(g)) of the blends was measured by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, as a function of plasticizer type and content (0-30%, dwb). The plasticizing efficiency (i.e., decrease of T(g)) at equal molar content was found to be proportional to the molecular weight and inversely proportional to the percent of hydrophilic groups of the plasticizer. The migration rate of the plasticizers in the polymer was related to their physicochemical characteristics. It was assumed that polar substances interacted with readily accessible polar amino acids, whereas amphiphilic ones interacted with nonpolar zones, which are buried and accessible with difficulty. The temperature at which a thermoplastic resin of plasticized CGM could be formed was closely connected to the T(g) of the blend.
Second renal transplantations. Ethical issues clarified by outcome; outcome enhanced by a reliable crossmatch.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the appropriate use of scarce donor resources has been accomplished by renal retransplantation by reviewing the initial and long-term outcomes of second-renal transplant recipients at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. PATIENTS AND RESULTS With a mean follow-up of nearly 5 years following transplantation, 54 (68%) of 80 second-transplant recipients had functioning allografts (allograft failure was defined by patient death or a return to dialysis). Rejection was the most common cause of failure (14 [54%] of 26 patients). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year actuarial allograft survival rates were 86%, 78%, and 69%, respectively, which were not significantly different from the survival rates of primary allografts at this center. These results support the continued approach of providing both cadaver-donor and living-donor renal allografts for recipients whose primary renal allograft has failed. The antiglobulin crossmatch may have contributed to the successful outcome by accurately determining compatibility and by averting early rejection failures. CONCLUSIONS Health care policy reviewers should clearly distinguish the prospects for successful second renal transplants from the outcomes of extrarenal retransplantation. Moreover, because excellent second-renal allograft survival is attainable and comparable to primary-renal allograft survival and because the costs are comparable, restricting suitable patients to subsequent lifelong dialysis becomes unethical.
Isolation and Characterization of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen from the Dinoflagellate Pfiesteria piscicida

ABSTRACT. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a co‐factor of DNA polymerases δ and ɛ, is essential for DNA replication and repair. Understanding the structure and expression characteristics of this gene in dinoflagellates would enable us to gain insights into how the cell cycle in these enigmatic eukaryotes is regulated and whether this gene can be a growth marker of these ecologically important organisms. We analyzed pcna and its encoded protein from Pfiesteria piscicida (Ppi_PCNA). Using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and RNA ligase mediated‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RLM‐RACE) methods, Ppi_pcna cDNA was isolated; it contained a coding region for 258 amino acid residues (aa) preceded by various 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated ends. The deduced protein length was similar to that of typical vertebrate and plant PCNA. PCR using genomic DNA as the template yielded multiple products whose sequences revealed multiple copies of pcna in tandem repeats separated by an unknown sequence. Using real‐time PCR, we estimated 41±7 copies of this gene in each P. piscicida cell. Reverse transcription real‐time PCR indicated a similar pcna mRNA level between the exponential and the stationary growth phases. Western blot analysis revealed a slightly higher PCNA level (<2‐fold) in the exponential than in the stationary growth phases. We conclude that (1) P. piscicida possesses a typical eukaryote PCNA; (2) unlike in other eukaryotes, pcna in P. piscicida occurs in multiple copies arranged in tandem; and (3) regulation of P. piscicida PCNA probably lies in post‐translational modification.
Core Self-Evaluations and Individual Strategies of Coping with Unemployment among Displaced Spanish Workers

Abstract Unemployment has negative but also positive effects on mental health and general well-being depending on which coping strategies the individual use. Our aim was to determine the contribution of core self-evaluations in explaining the coping strategies of job search and job devaluation, as well as to test the potential moderation effect of job search and mediation effect of job devaluation on the relationship between self core-evaluations and both positive and negative experience of unemployment. One hundred seventy-eight individuals who lost their jobs involuntarily for a longer period than one month completed a questionnaire while attending to employment office. Results show that there is a significant relation between core-self evaluations and job devaluation (.37**). Furthermore, core-self evaluations were positively related to positive experience of unemployment (r = .31; p < .01) and negatively related to negative experience of unemployment (r = .60; p < .01). Moreover, self-core evaluations predicted both coping with unemployment strategies (job devaluation; β = .26; p < .01 and job search β = .19; p < .05). However, job search did not moderate the relationship between core self-evaluations and experience of unemployment. But, individuals with a longer duration of the current period of unemployment and higher core self-evaluations had a more positive experience of unemployment, and job devaluation partially mediated this relation (SE = .002; p = .038). These results imply that programs interventions should include the improvement of core self-evaluations and the positive experience of unemployed people.