Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Associations between four types of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in PLA2G7 gene and clinical atherosclerosis: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Previous studies suggested that some types of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PLA2G7 genes, encoding Lp-PLA2 have been reported to yield an antiatherogenic effect, but other studies mentioned otherwise. Thus, a comprehensive study to explore the effect of SNPs in PLA2G7 genes (V279F, A379V, R92H, I198T) toward clinical atherosclerosis is needed. METHODS We searched eligible studies from PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Science Direct, Springer, and Cochrane databases for case-control studies to assess the between four types of SNPs in PLA2G7 gene with risk of clinical atherosclerosis (CVD = cardiovascular disease, CAD = coronary artery disease, PAD = peripheral artery disease, ischemic stroke). All studies were assessed under Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, an additive model. This meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 to provide pooled estimate for odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS Fourteen clinical studies met our inclusion criteria. Those included 12,432 patients with clinical atherosclerosis and 10,171 were controls. We found that ORs of two variants SNPs (V279F, R92H) were associated with clinical atherosclerosis {V279F, OR = 0.88 (95% CI, 0.81-0.95); p = 0.0007, I2 = 40%}, {R92H, OR = 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09-1.53); p = 0.003, I2 = 73%}. Meanwhile, there was no significant associations between the other two, A379V {OR = 1.08 (95% CI, 0.93-1.26); p = 0.31, I2 = 78%} and I198T {OR = 1.12 (95% CI = 0.79-1.59); p = 0.53, I2 = 81%}. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that V279F polymorphism in PLA2G7 gene has a protective effect for clinical atherosclerosis, whereas R92H polymorphism might contribute toward increased risk of clinical atherosclerosis.
Effects of a resistance training program in multiple sclerosis Spanish patients: a pilot study.

CONTEXT Physical exercise is regarded as a useful tool in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Generally, physical rehabilitation have been based on the prescription of aerobic exercises, while fewer programs have been aimed at developing muscular strength. OBJECTIVE To establish whether the physical fitness of MS sufferers can be improved by a training program for developing muscular strength. DESIGN Before and after study SETTING University multipurpose room PARTICIPANTS 36 patients, all able to walk, belonging to the Leon Multiple Sclerosis Association. INTERVENTIONS The physical exercise programme consisted in resistance training sessions, based mainly on callisthenic, or bodyweight, exercises, during six weeks.
Endomedullary Screw Fixation for First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results in a group of patients who underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw fixation technique (MPA-E). Methods: Between 2003 and 2009, 101 metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis were performed in 76 patients. There were 64 women and 12 men with an average age of 68 years. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis with severe pain and functional limitation. Patients were evaluated radiologically and with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) at an average follow-up of 32 months (range, 24-92 months). Results: The success rate was 93%, with an increase of the average preoperative AOFAS from 38.5 points to 85.5 points postoperatively (P < .0001). The consolidation rate after radiological evaluation was 90.1%; there were 5 cases (5.0%) with asymptomatic nonunion and 5 cases (5.0%) with poor results because of symptomatic nonunion. Screw removal was needed in 4 feet (4.0%), and 2 feet (2.0%) had acute postoperative superficial infection. No implant cutout was observed. Conclusion: The MPA-E technique provided consistent and high functional outcomes. This valid and effective alternative should be considered as an option for hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Diseño y validación de una escala de percepción de la velocidad para monitorizar la intensidad en el entrenamiento de la fuerza

El enfoque de la presente tesis doctoral se tiene que entender desde el punto de vista de la cuantificacion y monitorizacion de la intensidad en ejercicios con resistencias externas. El principal hallazgo de esta investigacion ha sido el desarrollo y la validez de una nueva escala para monitorizar la intensidad en el ejercicio del press de banca (estudio III). El objetivo del resto de estudios presentados es guiar en el proceso por el cual se ha desarrollado la nueva escala de percepcion de la velocidad. En una primera instancia (Estudio I), se compararon dos marcadores de intensidad externos, como son la velocidad de ejecucion y la escala OMNI-RES. Los resultados de este estudio nos mostraron que aunque la escala OMNI-RES es un buen indicativo de la intensidad con la que se realiza un ejercicio, si acompanamos estos valores con los datos de la velocidad media de ejecucion, el proceso de monitorizacion sera mas completo. La relacion entre la escala OMNI-RES y la velocidad media de ejecucion se analizaron en el Estudio II. Se elaboro una formula de prediccion por la cual, mediante la utilizacion de los valores de la escala OMNI-RES, se podia estimar los valores de velocidad ejecutados. De esta forma, podemos calcular la velocidad media de ejecucion sin necesidad de utilizar un dispositivo de desplazamiento lineal. De los resultados de este estudio observamos que la velocidad media explica el 64% de la varianza de las puntuaciones de la escala OMNI-RES. Por lo tanto, nos planteamos si era posible percibir subjetivamente la velocidad media de ejecucion. De esta forma, se diseno y testo (Estudio III) la nueva escala de percepcion de la velocidad. Los resultados obtenidos nos mostraron que la nueva escala de percepcion de la velocidad es valida para tal fin. Con lo cual, utilizando dicha escala en nuestro entrenamiento habitual, podemos cuantificar la intensidad del ejercicio sin necesidad de utilizar un dispositivo de desplazamiento lineal para tal fin.
Influences of Feed Additives on in vitro Volatile Fatty Acid Production

This study investigated effects of the feed additives nitrate and fumarate alone or in combination on in vitro Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) production. Rumen fluid was collected from Holstein-Friesian cattle averaging 650 kg in BW (body weight) offered 11.4 kg d-1 per animal of concentrate diet containing equal amounts of soybean meal, whole cottonseed and ground corn once a day with free access to grass hay. The feed additives used were nitrate, fumarate and a nitrate-fumarate combination. Concentrations of VFAs were measured using Gas Chromatography. The results of the study revealed that nitrate decreased (p
O ct 2 00 5 Shock Waves and Cosmological Matrix Models

We find the shock wave solutions in a class of cosmological backgrounds with a null singularity, each of these backgrounds admits a matrix description. A shock wave solution breaks all supersymmetry meanwhile indicates that the interaction between two static D0branes cancel, thus provides basic evidence for the matrix description. The probe action of a D0-brane in the background of another suggests that the usual perturbative expansion of matrix model breaks down.
The role of teat skin contamination in the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infections

Knowledge of the epidemiological pattern and the potential sources of infections is important to control Staphylococcus aureus in dairy herds. This paper reports the results of a study applying both pulse field gel electrophoresis (PGFE) and the assessment of a selected number of virulence genes to investigate the role of teat skin on Staph. aureus transmission among cows and on the contamination of milk. Overall 61 isolates were considered, 23 from teat skin, 33 from milk samples and 5 from curd samples. Teat swabs were taken in five herds, but in only three of them could Staph. aureus be isolated. Curd was sampled in three herds, but Staph. aureus could be isolated in only two herds. The distribution of isolates among herds confirmed the presence of herd-specific Staph. aureus strain in most of the herds. The same pattern was observed in teat skin samples, in quarter milk samples, and in the curd samples. Our findings are consistent with other studies showing the role of teat skin as a potential reservoir. Moreover, Staph. aureus was isolated from teat skin of confirmed Staph. aureus-negative cows that were segregated from infected ones. Our findings also suggest that some strains have higher chances to survive on teat skin and therefore to increase the risk for contamination of milk and milk products due to the persistence of intramammary infections.
A Comparison of the Efficacy of Dry Needling, Lidocaine Injection, and Oral Flurbiprofen Treatments in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Double-Blind (For Injection, Groups Only), Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the efficiency of dry needling, lidocaine injection and oral flurbiprofen treatments in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) involving the neck and back region. Patients and methods: A total of 60 patients (7 males, 53 females; mean age 33.7 years; range 18 to 50 years) were included in this prospective study. The patients were divided into three groups by block randomization. Each group was assigned to dry needling for trigger points, lidocaine injection (double blind) or oral flurbiprofen 200 mg/day over seven days. All patients were also prescribed a standardized home exercise program based on stretching of the affected muscles. Before treatment and on the third and 14 days after treatment, pain severity was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), degree of tenderness at the trigger points by algometry, active joint range of motion of the neck and shoulders by goniometry, and the quality of life by Nottingham Health Profile. Results: There was a significant improvement in pain severity, trigger point tenderness, joint range of motion, and quality of life in all three groups on the third and 14(th) days of treatment. No significant difference was found in treatment efficiency among the groups. Conclusion: Treatments with dry needling, lidocain injection and oral flurbiprofen along with home exercises are all effective in the management of MPS.
Measurements of strain and the optical indices in the ferroelectric Ba0.4Sr0.6Nb2O6: Polarization effects.

We report accurate temperature-dependent measurements of the optic index of refraction, the birefringence, and the strain in the ferroelectric, tungsten-bronze crystal ${\mathrm{Ba}}_{0.4}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.6}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6}$. This composition congruently melts, so large homogeneous high-quality crystals can be grown. From the experimental data, it appears that far above the ferroelectric phase transition temperature (${T}_{c}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}88 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C), up to a temperature ${T}_{d}$ (\ensuremath{\approxeq}300 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C), the crystals appear to possess a local, randomly oriented (up or down), polarization ${P}_{d}$. The values of ${T}_{d}$ obtained from the index and completely independent strain measurements are in very good agreement with each other, as are the values of ${P}_{d}$. Various aspects of our understanding of the polarization behavior and other effects in this ferroelectric system are discussed.
Combined effect of glycation and sodium carbonate-bicarbonate buffer concentration on IgG binding, IgE binding and conformation of ovalbumin.

BACKGROUND Ovalbumin (OVA) is a major allergen in hen egg. During thermal processing, reducing sugars contained in the hen egg white might easily undergo glycation with OVA, but few studies have been conducted on its corresponding immunoreactivity changes. The aim of the present study was to assess changes of the antigenicity, potential allergenicity and conformation of OVA after glycation in a wet-thermal processing system under different concentrations of sodium carbonate-bicarbonate buffer. RESULTS IgE binding of the glycated OVA was increased after glycation, and the higher the sodium carbonate-bicarbonate buffer concentration, the higher the IgE binding capacity. The increase in IgE binding of OVA corresponded well with the disruption of the disulfide bond, which exposed the epitopes initially buried. Antigenicity of the glycated OVA was increased, and the amount of the increase varied among samples treated under different buffer concentrations. CONCLUSION Glycation increased the allergenic potential for OVA, with the amount of increase varying with different sodium carbonate-bicarbonate buffer concentrations.
Hydrodynamics of Pilot Plant Scale Airlift Reactor in Presence of Alcohols

Abstract The overall gas hold-up of a pilot plant scale internal loop airlift reactor was studied in presence of different alcohols in varied concentration. It has been observed that these simple alcohols can enhance overall gas hold-up of the airlift assembly possibly due to formation of protective thin layer over smaller gas bubbles thereby reducing chance of their coalescence. As the alcohols can be used as food source for the micro organisms present in the system, this green and environment friendly process have potential to replace usage of hazardous surfactants often used for enhancing overall hold-up in order to obtain desired mass transfer characteristics. An empirical relationship encompassing overall gas hold-up of the reactor as a function of superficial gas velocity and alcohol concentration is also developed.
Managing Urinary Incontinence in Older Patients

rinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread and often debilitating condition in the geriatric population. Its physical impact on individuals is substantial. UI is associated with pressure sores, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, falls, and fractures. It also impairs quality of life, as it can lead to anxiety, frustration, decreased social and sexual activity, loss of self-esteem, and increased caregiver burden. UI is responsible in part for up to 50% of nursing home admissions, which are estimated to account for 14% of the staggering cost of UI in the United States. In 1995-dollars, the direct cost of UI in the United States is estimated to have been about $16.3 billion to $26.3 billion. To put this into perspective, the direct cost of diabetes in the United States in 1997 was $44 billion. As with many genitourinary problems, patients often do not volunteer information about UI because of embarrassment or the mistaken notion that these symptoms are a normal Managing Urinary Incontinence in Older Patients
Role of imiquimod and parenteral meglumine antimoniate in the initial treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem in the developing world. The main therapeutic agent--pentavalent antimony, developed >50 years ago--is expensive, often accompanied by severe adverse effects, and complicated by the emergence of drug resistance. Better therapies are urgently needed. In the present pilot study, we compared the use of imiquimod, an immunomodulatory molecule, to the use of meglumine antimoniate alone and in combination for the initial treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed cutaneous leishmaniasis were enrolled from a single referral center in Lima, Peru, from August 2005 through October 2005. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups and received either imiquimod 7.5% cream administered topically every other day for 20 days, intravenous meglumine antimoniate administered at a dosage of 20 mg/kg per day every day for 20 days, or combination therapy with both intravenous meglumine antimoniate and imiquimod 7.5% cream. Patients were evaluated weekly and at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Patients who had healed lesions at 3 months were considered to be clinically cured. RESULTS Although several patients showed initial resolution of symptoms with imiquimod treatment alone, all of these patients experienced relapse after treatment discontinuation. Four (57%) of 7 patients treated with meglumine antimoniate alone and 7 (100%) of 7 patients treated with combination therapy were cured. Combination therapy was not only more effective than the other 2 treatments (P<.05) but also led to faster healing and better cosmetic results. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with imiquimod and meglumine antimoniate is a promising regimen for the initial treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis that warrants additional larger studies.
Supporting the transparent execution of high performance applications on grids

This paper presents the MidHPC project (standing for middleware for high performance computing project), which aims at providing support to the execution of multithreaded applications on heterogeneous environments, such as Grids. MidHPC is composed of three main modules: an extractor, a load balancer and a distributed shared memory. Basically, it automatically converts threads into processes, and optimally (by using application and environment knowledge) distributes them on grids, through migrations, by using a transparent support for process communication over networks.
Calycosin and Genistein Induce Apoptosis by Inactivation of HOTAIR/p-Akt Signaling Pathway in Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells

Background: Calycosin and genistein are the two main components of isoflavones. Previously, we reported that these compounds display antitumor activities in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of action of calycosin and genistein, and their respective efficacies as potential therapies for the treatment of breast carcinoma in the clinic. Methods: MCF-7 cells were treated with calycosin or genistein. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using CCK8 assay and Hoechst 33258. The expression level of phosphorylated Akt protein was determined by western blotting. Expression level of HOTAIR was quantified by real-time PCR. Results: Both calycosin and genistein inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, especially after treatment with calycosin. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with calycosin or genistein resulted in decreased phosphorylation of Akt, and decreased expression of its downstream target, HOTAIR. Conclusion: Calycosin is more effective in inhibiting breast cancer growth in comparison with genistein, through its regulation of Akt signaling pathways and HOTAIR expression.
IMMUNE EFFECTS OF RESUSCITATION WITH HBOC-201, A HEMOGLOBIN-BASED OXYGEN CARRIER, IN SWINE WITH MODERATELY SEVERE HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK FROM CONTROLLED HEMORRHAGE

HBOC-201, a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, improved physiologic parameters and survival in hemorrhagic shock (HS) animal models. However, resuscitation from HS and the properties of different fluids influence immune responses. The aim of this study was to determine if HBOC-201 significantly alters immune function in traumatic HS. Anesthetized pigs underwent soft tissue injury, controlled hemorrhage of 40% of blood volume, and resuscitation with HBOC-201 or Hextend, or no resuscitation. Sequential whole-blood samples were collected for analyses of leukocyte differential (hematology analyzer), T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) (FACS), lymphocyte adhesion marker CD49d (α4-integrin) expression (FACS), plasma cytokines-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10-(ELISA), and lymphocyte apoptosis (annexin-V/propidium iodide staining) (FACS). Statistical analyses were performed by the mixed procedure. Total WBC counts decreased posthemorrhage in both resuscitation groups. Lymphocyte percentages decreased and PMN percentages increased around 4 h posthemorrhage in all groups. CD3 cells decreased in all groups, but CD4 and CD8 cells decreased only in the resuscitation groups. TNF-α levels were not detectable in any groups. IL-6 levels were similar across treatment groups (P > 0.05); however, IL-10 levels were higher in the HBOC group, as early as 1 h posthemorrhage (P = 0.04). Increases in lymphocytic CD49d expression levels and apoptosis occurred only in nonresuscitation and Hextend groups, respectively (P ≤ 0.01). In comparison with Hextend, HBOC-201 had no significant adverse or beneficial effects on immune function in this model of moderately severe HS in swine, suggesting that it may be safe as a resuscitation fluid in HS patients.
Epithelial-mesenchymal transformations in early avian heart development.

Cardiac morphogenesis proceeds from a sequential series of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions which begins by establishing bipotential heart-forming cells and later their segregation into endocardial and myocardial lineages. Cells within each lineage integrate to form two concentric epithelia which inductively interact to transform cells of the inner epithelium, the endocardium, into mesenchymal or 'cushion' cells. Noncardiogenic epithelia (dorsal mesocardium, epicardium, neural ectoderm and coelomic mesothelium) undergo transition into populations of extracardiac mesenchyme that combine over time with cushion tissue to remodel the simple tubular heart into a four-chambered organ. Model systems are described for studying the mechanisms of cardiac-related transformations including primary cultures of precardiac epithelia and a differentiation-inducible, avian stem cell line called QCE-6. Focus is centered on the molecular mechanism by which endocardial epithelium transforms into cushion mesenchyme. Experimental findings are reviewed and interpreted in the context of a hypothetical model that seeks to answer why only some cells within an epithelium transform and whether the transformation process is regulated by intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms. The model proposes that epithelial cells competent to transform to mesenchyme express characteristic markers including receptors for extrinsic signals secreted by stimulator cells (e.g. myocardium). Candidate extrinsic signals include multicomponent complexes called adherons. If applied directly to cultured endocardium, myocardial adherons but not those secreted by L6 myoblasts, induce changes in gene expression within target endocardial cells for proteases and cell:cell and cell:matrix adhesion molecules that accompanied transformation to mesenchyme. A main component of myocardial adherons has been identified as ES antigens, one of which, ES/130, has been cloned, found to have a novel sequence and in culture assays shown to be required for endocardium to transform to mesenchyme. The spatiotemporal pattern of ES protein expression within the embryo suggests that common mechanisms may exist for embryonic epithelial-mesenchymal transformations.