Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regression-Based Norms Improve the Sensitivity of the National MS Society Consensus Neuropsychological Battery for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (NBPMS)

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Consensus Neuropsychological Battery for Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (NBPMS) was designed to detect cognitive impairment in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis. One weakness of the battery is the reliance on published manual-based normative samples varying in size and quality. These primary sources base interpretation on discrete age bands, a practice which may be particularly problematic during periods of rapid development in childhood and adolescence. A further impediment to valid NBPMS interpretation is the lack of control for demographic factors other than age. We endeavored to develop regression-based norms for the NBPMS by gathering a demographically balanced sample of 102 healthy control children and using their performance to derive normalization, controlling for multiple demographic variables (i.e., age, age2, gender, parent education). The regression-based normative equations were applied to the performance of 51 children with MS. For many of the major test scores, the regression-based norms more readily detected impairment. As in the case of adult MS, these results indicate that regression-based norms offer interpretive benefits over their manual-based counterparts.
Importance of the bioradar signal preprocessing in fall detection

This paper describes results of fall detection study with a non-contact bioradiolo-cation method. The exploration of the impact of the accuracy of determining event length on classification is discussed. In order to investigate this question an analysis including the machine learning classification was performed. We compare performance of two machine learning algorithms: the support vector machines and “K-nearest neighbors” method. The results demonstrated that inaccuracy in determination of length of event has a minor influence on the final classification performance.
INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE AND POLICY CHANGE: PENSION REFORMS IN BELGIUM, FRANCE, SWEDEN, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.

This dissertation seeks to answer the question: what impedes/drives policy change? This objective is sought by analyzing the policy process behind recent pension reforms in four European countries (Belgium, France, Sweden and the UK). Despite similar pressures, policy responses have been quite varied. The UK and, to a lesser extent, Sweden have introduced substantial changes to their pension system (programmatic reforms) while France and Belgium have resorted to altering existing parameters (parametric reforms) to resolve the same issue. The dissertation offers an institutional model, comprised of two ordering principles, to explain this divergence. The first ordering principle states that the type of administrative structure associated with public pension schemes defines the strength and legitimacy of actors in the reform process. More specifically, the presence of social partners in the reform process, as a result of their management and financial roles, constrains governments to adopt parametric reforms while their absence is more conducive to a reform that can overhaul the pension system. The second ordering principle claims that the higher the number of veto players (political parties) required to pass a legislation the less likely programmatic reforms are to occur. Based on these two ordering principles, a typology of policy change is created. It is argued that a high number of veto players can still result in a substantial change if the political parties are able to carry legislation without external influence, but will likely result in policies near the status quo if social partners are involved.
In vitro interaction of a novel neutrophil growth factor with human liver microsomal cytochromes P450 and the contribution of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases to its metabolism

Neutrophil growth factors (NGFs) stimulate neutrophil growth and survival. The first synthetic cytokinin-derived NGF was recently discovered and is a prospective drug owing to its potential use in anti-inflammatory therapy. The metabolism of some cytokinin-derived drugs (e.g. R-roscovitine, olomoucine II) has already been studied and it has been shown that they may give rise to drug-drug interactions. In this in vitro study, the interactions of the novel neutrophil growth factor NGF1568 with two of the main classes of human drug-metabolizing enzymes, cytochromes P450 (CYPs) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), were tested. Of the CYPs evaluated, NGF1568 was found to inhibit only CYP2C9, by an uncompetitive mechanism and with a Ki value of 349 μM. Formation of a glucuronide of NGF1568 was detected by LC/MS/MS analysis after it was incubated with human liver microsomes and UDP-glucuronic acid. The human recombinant UGT1A9 enzyme (major liver expression) and UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A10 enzymes (expressed in gastrointestinal tract instead of liver) were found to be responsible for NGF1568 glucuronidation. These results show that interaction of NGF1568 with CYPs is not as important as it is in the case of the cytokinin CDK inhibitors R-roscovitine and olomoucine II, but the conjugation enzymes (UGTs) play a major role in its metabolism. Thus, possible interference of NGF1568 with metabolism of other coadministered drugs at least on level of liver, kidney or intestinal UGTs should be thoroughly considered.
Changing the culture of neurodisability through language and sensitivity of providers: Creating a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people.

BACKGROUND There is an increasing interest in sexual and gender diversity in neurorehabilitation. Healthcare professionals wanting to improve their practice know the importance of understanding the needs and expectations of specific communities. OBJECTIVE To critically review the literature about neurological disorders in people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and people with other sexual orientations and forms of gender expression (LGBTQIA+). METHODS Systematic search in electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science) and identification of relevant studies. RESULTS Quantitative and qualitative findings are summarized and reported by neurological disorders: a) neurodisability/epilepsy (17.7%), b) intellectual disability/autism spectrum disorders (19.6%), c) dementia/HIV-related dementia (39.2%), d) spinal cord injury (7.8%), and e) traumatic brain injury/stroke (15.7%). CONCLUSIONS LGBTQIA+ people with neurodisabilities and their partners/families of choice can conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity for fear of diminished quality of care. Their invisibility translates into health disparities, lack of policies and services that meet their unique needs. Dementia is the most common neurodisability documented in LGBTQIA+ people. We provide recommendations to increase LGBTQIA+ cultural competency for clinical practice, research, and policy to help different stakeholders to promote a positive change in the culture of neurodisability.
Female Infertility Related to Thyroid Autoimmunity: The Ovarian Follicle Hypothesis

Citation Monteleone P, Parrini D, Faviana P, Carletti E, Casarosa E, Uccelli A, Cela V, Genazzani AR, Artini PG. Female infertility related to thyroid autoimmunity: the ovarian follicle hypothesis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 108–114
Transforming Growth Factor-β1/Activin Receptor-like Kinase 5-Mediated Cell Migration is Dependent on the Protein Proteinase-Activated Receptor 2 but not on Proteinase-Activated Receptor 2-Stimulated Gq-Calcium Signaling

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), serine proteinases such as trypsin, and proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) promote tumor development by stimulating invasion and metastasis. Previously, we found that in cancer cells derived from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) PAR2 protein is necessary for TGF-β1-dependent cell motility. Here, we show in the same cells that, conversely, the type I TGF-β receptor activin receptor-like kinase 5 is dispensable for trypsin and PAR2 activating peptide (PAR2-AP)-induced migration. To reveal whether Gq-calcium signaling is a prerequisite for PAR2 to enhance TGF-β signaling, we investigated the effects of PAR2-APs, PAR2 mutation and PAR2 inhibitors on TGF-β1-induced migration, reporter gene activity, and Smad activation. Stimulation of cells with PAR2-AP alone failed to enhance basal or TGF-β1-induced C-terminal phosphorylation of Smad3, Smad-dependent activity of a luciferase reporter gene, and cell migration. Consistently, in complementary loss of function studies, abrogation of the PAR2-Gq-calcium signaling arm failed to suppress TGF-β1-induced cell migration, reporter gene activity, and Smad3 activation. Together, our findings suggest that the calcium-regulating motif is not required for PAR2 to synergize with TGF-β1 to promote cell motility. Additional experiments in PDAC cells revealed that PAR2 and TGF-β1 synergy may involve TGF-β1 induction of enzymes that cause autocrine cleavage/activation of PAR2, possibly through a biased signaling function. Our results suggest that although reducing PAR2 protein expression may potentially block TGF-β’s prooncogenic function, inhibiting PAR2-Gq-calcium signaling alone would not be sufficient to achieve this effect.
Apparent competition and insect community structure: towards a spatial perspective

Competition has been widely discussed as a process that may structure communities of plants and animals. Its role in insect communities is less clear, especially as many insect species do not appear to compete for resources. However, such communities could still be structured by "apparent competition" where the species interact through shared natural enemies. We explore recent attempts to assess whether apparent competition may structure herbivorous insect communities. Communities can be described by quantitative food webs from which the potential for apparent competition can be inferred. We illustrate both the construction of a diverse quantitative food web and a field experimental test of apparent competition using our work on leaf-miner communities in Belize. We consider how a spatial perspective may be incorporated into our leaf-miner community research, and speculate about the shape of apparent competition kernels and their relevance for the structure of herbivorous insect communities.
Caffeine Adsorption by Fique Bagasse Biochar Produced at Various Pyrolysis Temperatures

Biochar obtained from agricultural residues is ever more recognized as a multifunctional porous solid for multiples applications. In this study, fique bagasse biochars were produced at different temperatures and their corresponding deashing. These materials were investigated about physicochemical properties and adsorption capability of caffeine. The pH solution was an influential parameter, and it was determined that a pH =2.0 for washed biochar and pH= 6.0 for not washed biochar were the best conditions for adsorption. Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherms models provided a good fit for the experimental data, indicating a surface and multi-layer adsorption. From the adsorption capacity at equilibrium of fique bagasse biochars it was concluded that pH-dependent interactions, hydrogen bonding and π- π stacking interaction were found to be responsible for caffeine adsorption. The results allow to visualize the biochar obtained from fique bagasse as a sustainable alternative for the waste derived from the production of the cabuya.
Dynamical correlation functions for linear spin systems

Dynamical spin correlation functions in (q, omega )-space are calculated numerically for linear quantum-mechanical Heisenberg systems containing up to ten spins with s=1/2 and s=1. The authors consider ferro- and antiferromagnets including single-site and exchange anisotropies. They compare their results with various other theoretical treatments and draw conclusions for the dynamics of infinite chains. In the case of the s=1 planar Heisenberg ferromagnet direct comparison is made with inelastic neutron scattering cross sections of CsNiF3. The theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement.
Assessment of the trend and risk factors of under-five diarrhea morbidity and mortality in two selected communities in the West-Mamprusi District

Diarrhea episodes among children under five years with its devastating consequences have been a concern to stakeholders in child survival strategy programs. Mothers are key in the prevention of diarrhea among children since they are the care givers. The main aim of this paper is to assess the trend and risk factors of under-five diarrheal disease in the study areas. Descriptive research design was employed for the study. A snowball sampling method was used to select 60 respondents for these study (this include 30 respondents each from a study area) and 19 health professionals were also contacted for the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel and presented descriptively. The findings showed the causes of diarrhea as; contaminated food and poor food hygiene practices (96.7%), lack of personal hygiene (93.3%), poor sanitation (91.7%), and lack of maternal care (86.3%). Findings from expert’s survey showed that; lack of personal hygiene practices, poor food hygiene practices, contaminated food, and poor sanitation with each representing 100% respectively were some of the common determinants for the diarrheal morbidity and mortality. It is recommended that, the District Health Administration initiate health promotion and education programs to sensitize mothers’ on food hygiene practices. Key words: Diarrhea episode, children under-five morbidity and mortality.
Historical perspectives on accounting for M&A

This paper attempts to tease out some of the reasons why the history of M&A accounting has been so fraught. It compares the different M&A accounting regimes which have been tried over time in UK, US and international standards. It illustrates the quantitative impact of alternative accounting regimes on financial statements. It asks whether the resulting numbers make any difference to decisions and behaviour. It charts the rising scale of M&A expenditures which have accompanied the different accounting regimes. And it suggests that a number of historical developments have intensified the challenges posed by accounting for M&A – developments in firms’ investment choice between M&A or new tangibles, in the role of intangibles, in means of payment for M&A, in stock market price movements, in the synergies created by M&A, and in ‘creative accounting’.
Differential associations for menopause and age in measures of vitamin K, osteocalcin, and bone density: a cross-sectional exploratory study in healthy volunteers

Objective: To distinguish the effects of midlife aging from early postmenopause on vitamin K measures, bone formation biomarkers, and bone density. Design: Cycling older volunteers (CO; 40-52 years, n = 19) were compared to cycling young (CY; 20-30 years, n = 21) and untreated, age-matched women in the early postmenopause years (EPM; 40-52 years, mean years PM = 2.8 ± 0.5, n = 19). We assessed sex steroids, vitamin status (phylloquinone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, retinol), osteocalcin (OC), percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (%ucOC), and bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and hip with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: CO women had similar estradiol and vitamin status as CY women, but lower OC (0.64 ± 0.04 vs 0.97 ± 0.08 nmol/L, P = 0.01) and BMD at the total hip (1.0038 ± 0.032 vs 1.1126 ± 0.030g/cm2, P = 0.02). In the two older groups, BMD was similar at all sites, but OC was elevated in the EPM women (1.10 ± 0.10 vs 0.64 ± 0.04 nmol/L, EPM vs CO, P = 0.001). Although phylloquinone was highest in the EPM women, %ucOC was also higher when compared with all cycling women (21.9 ± 1.7% vs 17.4 ± 0.9%, n = 40; P = 0.02). Conclusions: Premenopausal women show reduced BMD despite normal estrogen profiles. %ucOC may be a specific bone marker of the early postmenopause in healthy women.
Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ Exchanger 1 Transporter Is Involved in Reduced Susceptibility to Quinine

ABSTRACT Polymorphisms in the Plasmodium falciparum crt (Pfcrt), Pfmdr1, and Pfmrp genes were not significantly associated with quinine (QN) 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) in 23 strains of Plasmodium falciparum. An increased number of DNNND repeats in Pfnhe-1 microsatellite ms4760 was associated with an increased IC50 of QN (P = 0.0007). Strains with only one DNNND repeat were more susceptible to QN (mean IC50 of 154 nM). Strains with two DNNND repeats had intermediate susceptibility to QN (mean IC50 of 548 nM). Strains with three DNNND repeats had reduced susceptibility to QN (mean IC50 of 764 nM). Increased numbers of NHNDNHNNDDD repeats were associated with a decreased IC50 of QN (P = 0.0020). Strains with profile 7 for Pfnhe-1 ms4760 (ms4760-7) were significantly associated with reduced QN susceptibility (mean IC50 of 764 nM). The determination of DNNND and NHNDNHNNDDD repeats in Pfnhe-1 ms4760 could be a good marker of QN resistance and provide an attractive surveillance method to monitor temporal trends in P. falciparum susceptibility to QN. The validity of the markers should be further supported by analyzing more isolates.
Endobronchial Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Lung Cancer: A Practical Review and Cost Analysis for the Practicing Pulmonologist

Flexible bronchoscopy remains an important tool in the staging, diagnosis, and treatment of primary and metastatic lung malignancies. Endobronchial ultrasound is a new technology utilized with bronchoscopy that has been shown to identify bronchial wall invasion by malignant tumors, aid in the fine needle aspiration of peripheral lung lesions and mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes, and determine the course of treatment in patients with pulmonary carcinoma in situ. The decision to invest both time and money in this technology is determined by several factors such as the cost of the equipment, reimbursement for the procedure, availability of training, the number of bronchoscopies one performs in a year, and access to endoscopic ultrasound and mediastinoscopy. This article reviews the literature to determine the utility of endobronchial ultrasound in the management of patients with lung cancer and to provide information to practicing pulmonologists that may aid in determining whether and where this technology fits into their clinical armamentarium.
Impact of Supported Housing on Clinical Outcomes: Analysis of a Randomized Trial Using Multiple Imputation Technique

In 1992, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established the HUD-VA Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program to provide integrated clinical and housing services to homeless veterans with psychiatric and/or substance abuse disorders at 19 sites. At four sites, 460 subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: (1) HUD-VASH, with both Section 8 vouchers and intensive case management; (2) case management only; and (3) standard VA care. A previous publication found HUD-VASH resulted in superior housing outcomes but yielded no benefits on clinical outcomes. Since many participants missed prescheduled visits during the follow-up period and follow-up rates were quite different across the groups, we reanalyzed these data using multiple imputation statistical methods to account for the missing observations. Significant benefits were found for HUD-VASH in drug and alcohol abuse outcomes that had not previously been identified.
Risks and Benefits of Bisphosphonate Therapies

Bisphosphonates are the mainstay of osteoporosis treatment but also play a fundamental role in treating other bone diseases such as Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Pagets' disease, and in the prevention of adverse skeletal effects in certain cancers such as prostate cancer or multiple myeloma. In the last decades, the refinement of bisphosphonates and an increase in the number of new bisphosphonates commercialized has altered the clinical management of these diseases. Despite differences between randomized controlled trials and observational studies, overall all bisphosphonates licensed have proven to reduce the risk of fracture through the inhibition of bone resorption. Other beneficial effects include pain reduction in bone metastasis and potentially a decrease in mortality. However, the chronic nature of most of these disorders implies long‐term treatments, which can be associated with long‐term adverse effects. Some of the adverse effects identified include an increased risk of atypical femur fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw, gastrointestinal side effects, or atrial fibrillation. The harm/benefit thinking and the constant update regarding these medications are vital in the day‐to‐day decision‐making in clinical practices. The aims of this review are to compile the basic characteristics of these drugs and outline the most important benefits and side effects and provide a clinical context as well as a research agenda to fill the gaps in our knowledge. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 20–28, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decreased Renal Organic Anion Secretion and Plasma Accumulation of Endogenous Organic Anions in OAT1 Knock-out Mice*

The “classical” organic anion secretory pathway of the renal proximal tubule is critical for the renal excretion of the prototypic organic anion, para-aminohippurate, as well as of a large number of commonly prescribed drugs among other significant substrates. Organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), originally identified as NKT (Lopez-Nieto, C. E., You, G., Bush, K. T., Barros, E. J. G., Beier, D. R., and Nigam, S. K. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 6471–6478), has physiological properties consistent with a role in this pathway. However, several other transporters (e.g. OAT2, OAT3, and MRP1) have also been proposed as important PAH transporters on the basis of in vitro studies; therefore, the relative contribution of OAT1 has remained unclear. We have now generated a colony of OAT1 knock-out mice, permitting elucidation of the role of OAT1 in the context of these other potentially functionally redundant transporters. We find that the knock-out mice manifest a profound loss of organic anion transport (e.g. para-aminohippurate) both ex vivo (in isolated renal slices) as well as in vivo (as indicated by loss of renal secretion). In the case of the organic anion, furosemide, loss of renal secretion in the knock-out results in impaired diuretic responsiveness to this drug. These results indicate a critical role for OAT1 in the functioning of the classical pathway. In addition, we have determined the levels of ∼60 endogenous organic anions in the plasma and urine of wild-type and knock-out mice. This has led to identification of several compounds with significantly higher plasma concentrations and/or lower urinary concentrations in knock-out mice, suggesting the involvement of OAT1 in their renal secretion. We have also demonstrated in xenopus oocytes that some of these compounds interact with OAT1 in vitro. Thus, these latter compounds might represent physiological substrates of OAT1.