Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of the target-specific oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: the real-life evidence

The aim of our article is to provide a concise review for clinicians entailing the main studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of target-specific oral anticoagulants (TSOAs) for thromboembolic stroke prevention in the real-world setting. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias that requires anticoagulation therapy to prevent stroke and systemic embolism. TSOAs, dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban have become available as an alternative to warfarin anticoagulation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Randomized clinical trials showed non-inferior or superior results in efficacy and safety of the TSOAs compared with warfarin for stroke prevention in NVAF patients. For this reason, the 2012 update to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of AF recommends TSOAs as broadly preferable to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the vast majority of patients with NVAF [Camm et al. 2012]. Although the clinical trial results and the guideline’s indications, there is a need for safety and efficacy data from unselected patients in everyday clinical practice. Recently, a large number of studies testing the efficacy and the safety of TSOAs in clinical practice have been published. The aim of our article is to provide a concise review for clinicians, outlining the main studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of TSOAs for thromboembolic stroke prevention in the real-world setting.
Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate Degradation in Rhizobium (Sinorhizobium) meliloti: Isolation and Characterization of a Gene Encoding 3-Hydroxybutyrate Dehydrogenase

ABSTRACT We have cloned and sequenced the 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase-encoding gene (bdhA) from Rhizobium (Sinorhizobium) meliloti. The gene has an open reading frame of 777 bp that encodes a polypeptide of 258 amino acid residues (molecular weight 27,177, pI 6.07). The R. meliloti Bdh protein exhibits features common to members of the short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase superfamily. bdhA is the first gene transcribed in an operon that also includes xdhA, encoding xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase. Transcriptional start site analysis by primer extension identified two transcription starts. S1, a minor start site, was located 46 to 47 nucleotides upstream of the predicted ATG start codon, while S2, the major start site, was mapped 148 nucleotides from the start codon. Analysis of the sequence immediately upstream of either S1 or S2 failed to reveal the presence of any known consensus promoter sequences. Although a ς54 consensus sequence was identified in the region between S1 and S2, a corresponding transcript was not detected, and a rpoN mutant of R. meliloti was able to utilize 3-hydroxybutyrate as a sole carbon source. The R. meliloti bdhA gene is able to confer uponEscherichia coli the ability to utilize 3-hydroxybutyrate as a sole carbon source. An R. meliloti bdhA mutant accumulates poly-3-hydroxybutyrate to the same extent as the wild type and shows no symbiotic defects. Studies with a strain carrying alacZ transcriptional fusion to bdhAdemonstrated that gene expression is growth phase associated.
Detection of epithelial ovarian cancer using 1H‐NMR‐based metabonomics

Currently available serum biomarkers are insufficiently reliable to distinguish patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) from healthy individuals. Metabonomics, the study of metabolic processes in biologic systems, is based on the use of 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistics for biochemical data generation and interpretation and may provide a characteristic fingerprint in disease. In an effort to examine the utility of the metabonomic approach for discriminating sera from women with EOC from healthy controls, we performed 1H‐NMR spectroscopic analysis on preoperative serum specimens obtained from 38 patients with EOC, 12 patients with benign ovarian cysts and 53 healthy women. After data reduction, we applied both unsupervised Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and supervised Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) for pattern recognition. The sensitivity and specificity tradeoffs were summarized for each variable using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve. In addition, we analyzed the regions of NMR spectra that most strongly influence separation of sera of EOC patients from healthy controls. PCA analysis allowed correct separation of all serum specimens from 38 patients with EOC (100%) from all of the 21 premenopausal normal samples (100%) and from all the sera from patients with benign ovarian disease (100%). In addition, it was possible to correctly separate 37 of 38 (97.4%) cancer specimens from 31 of 32 (97%) postmenopausal control sera. SIMCA analysis using the Cooman's plot demonstrated that sera classes from patients with EOC, benign ovarian cysts and the postmenopausal healthy controls did not share multivariate space, providing validation for the class separation. ROC analysis indicated that the sera from patients with and without disease could be identified with 100% sensitivity and specificity at the 1H‐NMR regions 2.77 parts per million (ppm) and 2.04 ppm from the origin (AUC of ROC curve = 1.0). In addition, the regression coefficients most influential for the EOC samples compared to postmenopausal controls lie around δ3. 7 ppm (due mainly to sugar hydrogens). Other loadings most influential for the EOC samples lie around δ2. 25 ppm and δ1. 18 ppm. These findings indicate that 1H‐NMR metabonomic analysis of serum achieves complete separation of EOC patients from healthy controls. The metabonomic approach deserves further evaluation as a potential novel strategy for the early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Complex mutual regulation of facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) subunits on both mRNA and protein levels in human cells

Facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) is a chromatin remodeling complex with two subunits: SSRP1 and SPT16. Mechanisms controlling FACT levels are of interest, since the complex is not expressed in most differentiated cells, but is frequently upregulated in cancer, particularly in poorly differentiated, aggressive tumors. Moreover, inhibition of FACT expression or function in tumor cells interferes with their survival. Here we demonstrate that SSRP1 and SPT16 protein levels decline upon induction of cellular differentiation or senescence in vitro and that similar declines in protein levels for both SSRP1 and SPT16 occur upon RNAi-mediated knockdown of either SSRP1 or SPT16. The interdependence of SSRP1 and SPT16 protein levels was found to be due to their association with SSRP1 and SPT16 mRNAs, which stabilizes the proteins. In particular, presence of SSRP1 mRNA is critical for SPT16 protein stability. In addition, binding of SSRP1 and SPT16 mRNAs to the FACT complex increases the stability and efficiency of translation of the mRNAs. These data support a model in which the FACT complex is stable when SSRP1 mRNA is present, but quickly degrades when SSRP1 mRNA levels drop. In the absence of FACT complex, SSRP1 and SPT16 mRNAs are unstable and inefficiently translated, making reactivation of FACT function unlikely in normal cells. Thus, we have described a complex and unusual mode of regulation controlling cellular FACT levels that results in amplified and stringent control of FACT activity. The FACT dependence of tumor cells suggests that mechanisms controlling FACT levels could be targeted for anticancer therapy.
Disconnect Switch Induced Transients and Trapped Charge in Gas-Insulated Substations

Field tests have been carried out which permitted direct measurement of disconnect switch operation induced transients in an operating 500 kV substation. These measurements indicate that transients do not exceed 2 pu at the point of measurement and that the trapped charge left on the load side is less than 0.3 pu. Further study of the way in which disconnect switches operate indicates that the trapped charge left during disconnect switch opening depends on the detailed design of the switch.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Contributes to Docetaxel Resistance in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is an aggressive malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy has always been the principal treatment measure, but its acquired resistance becomes a critical problem. In the current study, we established a new docetaxel-resistant human non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line A549/Docetaxel. The resistance index (RI) of A549/Docetaxel cells and A549 induced by TGF-β to docetaxel were 8.91 and 11.5, respectively. Compared to the parental A549 cells, the multiplication time of A549/Docetaxel was prolonged, the proportion of the cell cycle in the S phase decreased while that in the G1 phase increased, and apoptotic rate was much lower. The morphology of the resistant cells eventuated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which was confirmed by the higher expression of fibronectin, vimentin (mesenchymal markers), and lower expression of E-cadherin (epithelial marker) at mRNA and proteins levels. Furthermore, the representative markers for docetaxel resistance were examined, including ABCB1 (MDR1), Bcl-2, Bax, and tubulin, to figure out the mechanisms of the resistance of A549/Docetaxel. In summary, we have established a typical docetaxel-resistant human NSCLC cell line A549/Docetaxel, and it was suggested that the multidrug resistance of A549/Docetaxel was related to EMT.
Effects of Heart Rate Changes on Arterial Distensibility in Humans

Abstract—In rats, an increase in heart rate by pacing is accompanied by progressive large-artery stiffening. Whether this is also the case in humans is unknown. We enrolled 20 patients who were chronically implanted with a pacemaker because of atrioventricular block or sick sinus syndrome. Arterial distensibility was measured by an echo-tracking device. In 10 patients, the evaluation was performed on the radial artery by using continuous finger blood pressure measurements, whereas in the remaining 10 patients, the common carotid artery was studied with a semiautomatic measure of brachial artery blood pressure. Diastolic diameter, systodiastolic diameter change, and distensibility were obtained at baseline (heart rate 63±2 beats/min) and after atrial and ventricular sequential pacing at a heart rate of 90 and 110 beats/min. At baseline, the diameter was 7.8±0.3 mm in the carotid artery and 2.4±0.1 mm in the radial artery; the respective systodiastolic diameter change values were 375.4±31.0 and 55.9±9.0 (&mgr;m) and the distensibility values were 1.4±0.1 and 0.7±0.1 (1/mm Hg 10−3). Blood pressure and diameter were not significantly modified by increasing heart rate, which markedly modified systodiastolic diameter change and distensibility. In the radial artery, distensibility was reduced by 47% (P <0.05) at a heart rate of 90 beats/min with no further reduction at 110 beats/min. In the carotid artery, distensibility was reduced by 20% at a heart rate of 90 beats/min (P <0.05) with a further reduction at 110 beats/min (45%, P <0.05). These data provide the first evidence in humans that acute increases in heart rate markedly affect arterial distensibility and that this occurs in both large- and middle-size muscle arteries within the range of “normal” heart rate values.
Two measures of organizational flexibility

Since the second half of the past century, increasingly flexible organizational forms have been appearing among firms. However, while hierarchies are easily described, too few mathematical tools are available for flexible organizations. In this article, two measures are proposed in order to assess the state and trend of flexible organizations. The first of these measures is based on information waste, which occurs whenever information is classified into categories. The second measure is based on duplication of operations. The underlying idea is that firms have an endogenous drive towards organizational configurations where waste of information and duplication of operations are minimized. However, environmental uncertainty may require some flexibility, which is ensured by cognitive processes that discard some information as well as by parallel undertaking of similar actions.
Algorithmic trading strategy, based on GARCH (1, 1) volatility and volume weighted average price of asset

Algorithmic trading strategies have one of the most significant roles for the new era of financial market. Various Hedge funds, Mutual funds and other investment banks are widely using various algorithmic trading strategies for risk management and future volatility estimation for financial instruments. In this paper, we focus upon one algorithmic approach with the aspect of special case of GARCH model, its ability to deliver volatility forecasts and moving average with multiple weighted price of asset. This model is useful not only for modeling the historical process of volatility but also in giving us multi-period ahead forecasts and helps to give exact entry price.
Genetic Relatedness Influences Plant Biomass Accumulation in Eelgrass (Zostera marina)

In multispecies assemblages, phylogenetic relatedness often predicts total community biomass. In assemblages dominated by a single species, increasing the number of genotypes increases total production, but the role of genetic relatedness is unknown. We used data from three published experiments and a field survey of eelgrass (Zostera marina), a habitat-forming marine angiosperm, to examine the strength and direction of the relationship between genetic relatedness and plant biomass. The genetic relatedness of an assemblage strongly predicted its biomass, more so than the number of genotypes. However, contrary to the pattern observed in multispecies assemblages, maximum biomass occurred in assemblages of more closely related individuals. The mechanisms underlying this pattern remain unclear; however, our data support a role for both trait differentiation and cooperation among kin. Many habitat-forming species interact intensely with conspecifics of varying relatedness; thus, genetic relatedness could influence the functioning of ecosystems dominated by such species.
Experienced Poker Players Are Emotionally Stable

Online poker and poker subcultures have become exceedingly popular. Previous studies assessing experience and skill in poker have revealed that proficiency in emotion regulation is a consequential factor in explaining financial success in the game. We assessed (N=478) the associations between poker players' (recruited from online poker forums) level of poker experience and HEXACO-PI-R personality traits. The results indicate that a predisposition for emotional stability-that is, lower scores on emotionality-is linked to high levels of poker experience. Thus, in order to become a successful and experienced poker player, it helps to be able to "keep cool" under pressure. Further exploratory analyses suggest that players who prefer live play to online play are more likely to be extroverted and open to experiences. The results contribute to the extant literature on individual differences in personality in poker players, and in particular help to fill the interdisciplinary gap between personality and gambling research.
Structuring a model for supplier selection

Purpose - – This paper aims to put forward a group multicriteria supplier selection model to select suppliers adequate to companies needs in food industries. Selecting the right suppliers has become a strategic problem for firms. This decision should take into account several factors,which involve both quantitative and qualitative considerations and,usually,includes many interested parties. Design/methodology/approach - – The proposed model consists of two phases. Initially,a survey of food industries in Brazil was carried out so as to identify the factors that should be considered in the supplier selection decision process. In the second step,a selection model was developed,based on these findings and the factors identified,and an application of the model was conducted. Findings - – This model uses criteria that are important for the food industries in Brazil and,considering this criteria,helps companies to select the adequate suppliers to their needs. Additionally,the model considers the preferences of the managers who actively participate in the process. Originality/value - – The model helps the company in the selection of suppliers,as it is very important for the corporation to have partnerships with suppliers who can adequately meet its needs. Additionally,a group method was applied,which allows all the managers that will be affected by this decision to participate.
FOREIGN MARKET KNOWLEDGE, COUNTRY SALES BREADTH AND INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE OF EMERGING ECONOMY FIRMS

We examine the impact of foreign market knowledge on innovative performance in emerging economy firms. We also study how this relationship is moderated by country sales breadth, i.e., the diversity of countries in which the firm derives sales. We test two competing theoretical perspectives on this relationship: diversity logic suggesting country sales breadth is beneficial to innovative performance, and time compression diseconomies logic suggesting the opposite. Drawing from a sample of 92 Chinese firms, we show that foreign market knowledge has a positive impact on innovative performance, and that this relationship is positively moderated by country sales breadth. Our study suggests that managers in Chinese firms develop effective capabilities in accessing, integrating and utilising foreign market knowledge from a breadth of international sources in their quest for innovation.
Pacific island countries and dollarisation

Pacific Economic Bulletin Volume 19 Number 3 2004 © Asia Pacific Press Recent discussions in Australia have suggested that Pacific island countries should ‘dollarise’ to the Australian dollar. This is seen as a way to stabilise the economies of the region, which have been fraught with political and economic uncertainty. Standard currency analysis techniques indicate that dollarisation to the US dollar may be preferable. With Asia likely to overtake Australia as a dominant trading partner of major Pacific island economies, a discussion of currency reform in the Pacific should at least consider US dollarisation. Chakriya Bowman is an AusAID Post-doctoral Fellow with the Asia Pacific School of Economics and Government, The Australian National University. Pacific island countries and dollarisation
Introducing pharmacogenetic testing with clinical decision support into primary care: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND Inappropriate prescribing increases patient illness and death owing to adverse drug events. The inclusion of genetic information into primary care medication practices is one solution. Our aim was to assess the ability to obtain and genotype saliva samples and to determine the levels of use of a decision support tool that creates medication options adjusted for patient characteristics, drug-drug interactions and pharmacogenetics. METHODS We conducted a cohort study in 6 primary care settings (5 family practices and 1 pharmacy), enrolling 191 adults with at least 1 of 10 common diseases. Saliva samples were obtained in the physician's office or pharmacy and sent to our laboratory, where DNA was extracted and genotyped and reports were generated. The reports were sent directly to the family physician/pharmacist and linked to an evidence-based prescribing decision support system. The primary outcome was ability to obtain and genotype samples. The secondary outcomes were yield and purity of DNA samples, ability to link results to decision support software and use of the decision support software. RESULTS Genotyping resulted in linking of 189 patients (99%) with pharmacogenetic reports to the decision support program. A total of 96.8% of samples had at least 1 actionable genotype for medications included in the decision support system. The medication support system was used by the physicians and pharmacists 236 times over 3 months. INTERPRETATION Physicians and pharmacists can collect saliva samples of sufficient quantity and quality for DNA extraction, purification and genotyping. A clinical decision support system with integrated data from pharmacogenetic tests may enable personalized prescribing within primary care. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02383290.
Niche point-of-care endocrine testing – Reviews of intraoperative parathyroid hormone and cortisol monitoring

Abstract Point-of-care (POC) testing, which provides quick test results in near-patient settings with easy-to-use devices, has grown continually in recent decades. Among near-patient and on-site tests, rapid intraoperative and intra-procedural assays are used to quickly deliver critical information and thereby improve patient outcomes. Rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) monitoring measures postoperative reduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) to predict surgical outcome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, and therefore contributes to the change of parathyroidectomy to a minimally invasive procedure. In this review, recent progress in applying ioPTH monitoring to patients with secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism and other testing areas is discussed. In-suite cortisol monitoring facilitates the use of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) for the differential diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome. In clinical and psychological research settings, POC testing is also useful for rapidly assessing cortisol in plasma and saliva samples as a biomarker of stress. Careful resource utilization and coordination among stakeholders help to determine the best approach for implementing cost-effective POC testing. Technical advances in integrating appropriate biosensors with microfluidics-based devices hold promise for future real-time POC cortisol monitoring.
Occupational allergy to wheat flour. Nasal response to specific inhalative challenge in asthma and rhinitis vs. isolated rhinitis: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of the study was to compare cytological and biochemical changes in nasal lavage fluid induced by wheat flour inhalatory challenge in bakers with allergic rhinitis and with asthma accompanied by rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in 64 bakers with allergic rhinitis (n = 17), bronchial asthma and rhinitis (n = 24) and without occupational allergy (n = 23). Nasal washings were examined before, 30 min, 4 and 24 h after the specific provocation, wheras non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity (PC20) before and after 24 h. RESULTS A significant decrease in PC20 after the challenge test was observed only in patients with asthma and rhinitis. Eosinophil count and percentage, basophil count and the permeability index induced by specific provocation were significantly increased in both rhinitis patients and asthmatics. Moreover, the increase especially in total count and proportion of eosinophils as well as in the permeability index was more pronounced in subjects suffering from asthma and rhinitis than in those with rhinitis alone, although the changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the applicability of the "nasal pool" technique as a simple diagnostic procedure in flour-induced airway allergy. However, the evaluation of nasal lavage fluid, although a very sensitive and specific method of diagnosing respiratory allergic disease, cannot be used to distinguish patients with upper and lower airway allergy.