Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor increases donor mesenchymal stem cells in bone marrow and their mobilization into peripheral circulation but does not repair dystrophic heart after bone marrow transplantation.

BACKGROUND Hereditary disordered cardiac muscle could be replaced with intact cardiomyocytes derived from genetically intact bone marrow (BM)-derived stem cells. METHODS AND RESULTS Cardiomyopathic mice with targeted mutation of delta-sarcoglycan gene underwent intra-BM-BM transplantation (IBM-BMT) from transgenic mice expressing green fluorescence protein. The host BM and the peripheral blood were completely reconstituted by donor-derived hematopoietic cells by IBM-BMT. Treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) markedly increased donor-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the BM and their mobilization into the peripheral blood after IBM-BMT. Treatment with isoproterenol (iso) for 7 days caused myocardial damage and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in the cardiomyopathic mice. Co-treatment with iso and G-CSF increased donor BM cell recruitment to the heart and temporarily improved LV function in the cardiomyopathic mice with or without IBM-BMT. However, the cardiac muscle was not replaced with donor BM-derived cardiomyocytes in the cardiomyopathic mice with or without IBM-BMT, and this was associated with no improvement of LV function of mice aged 20 weeks. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that G-CSF enhances engraftment of donor MSC in the BM and their mobilization into the peripheral circulation after IBM-BMT but MSC recruited to the heart do not differentiate into cardiomyocytes and do not repair the dystrophic heart.
The Diabetic Neuropathies

Background:Diabetes remains the most common cause of neuropathy in the United States and is a significant source of morbidity and mortality, accounting for substantial suffering and billions of dollars in health care expenditures each year. Review Summary:Our insight into the pathophysiology of the diabetic neuropathies has increased considerably over the last decade, aided by advances in the basic science of diabetes itself. A wide variety of potential mechanisms for nerve injury in diabetes has been identified, including the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism, oxidative nerve injury, the deposition of advanced glycosylation end products within the nerve and the effects of vascular insufficiency, among others. Diabetic neuropathy may take variety of clinical forms beyond the well-know distal symmetric neuropathy, many of which are often misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely, sometimes with serious consequences for the patient. Proper therapy after diagnosis is also critical and may include not only primary management, but also treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy through an expanding repertoire of increasingly effective pharmacologic agents. Though primary treatment trials have not yet provided effective therapies, ongoing and future trials offer continuing promise. Conclusions:The diabetic neuropathies are exceedingly common, but often improperly diagnosed and incompletely treated. A proper understanding of the mechanisms underlying these diseases and the clinical recognition of their various forms is highly important as appropriate primary and symptomatic management can substantially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these disorders.
The C Terminus of ς32 Is Not Essential for Degradation by FtsH

ABSTRACT A key step in the regulation of heat shock genes inEscherichia coli is the stress-dependent degradation of the heat shock promoter-specific ς32 subunit of RNA polymerase by the AAA protease, FtsH. Previous studies implicated the C termini of protein substrates, including ς32, as degradation signals for AAA proteases. We investigated the role of the C terminus of ς32 in FtsH-dependent degradation by analysis of C-terminally truncated ς32 mutant proteins. Deletion of the 5, 11, 15, and 21 C-terminal residues of ς32 did not affect degradation in vivo or in vitro. Furthermore, a peptide comprising the C-terminal 21 residues of ς32 was not degraded by FtsH in vitro and thus did not serve as a recognition sequence for the protease, while an unrelated peptide of similar length was efficiently degraded. The truncated ς32 mutant proteins remained capable of associating with DnaK and DnaJ in vitro but showed intermediate (5-amino-acid deletion) and strong (11-, 15-, and 21-amino-acid deletions) defects in association with RNA polymerase in vitro and biological activity in vivo. These results indicate an important role for the C terminus of ς32 in RNA polymerase binding but no essential role for FtsH-dependent degradation and association of chaperones.
Theoretical Stoichiometry of Biological Denitrifications

Biological denitrification is a phenomenon widely present in soil, water, and wastewater treatment ecosystems. Based on McCarty's half-reaction theory, taking the fraction (fs) of electron donor coupled to cells (CαHβOεNδ) synthesis as the basic parameter, we developed new stoichiometric equations for biological denitrifications. These denitrifications are complete denitrifications of nitrate with, respectively, nitrate and ammonia as the nitrogen source, complete denitrification of nitrite and reduction of nitrate to nitrite with various kinds of organic carbon sources. Taking the concept that all electron donors in stoichiometric equations are equivalent to 1/4 moles of COD, we discussed the stoichiometric equations and relationships of biological denitrifications. Some COD-independent stoichiometric relationships and parameters for biological denitrifications are discovered. The generalized stoichiometric equations and stoichiometric relationships are discussed in detail by citing the example of CαHβOεNδ = C5H7O2N. Some empirical values of fs from previous reports are calculated by using the theoretical stoichiometric coefficients and relationships. The effects of COD/N-NO3 on the denitrification behavior and the cell yield coefficient Yx/c are also discussed here. Based on this method, the parameter of fs and the balance of electron flow besides the mass balance appear very important for the stoichiometry of bioprocesses. The new method for the stoichiometric analysis of bioprocesses may be termed electronic stoichiometry.
Reinforcement learning design for cancer clinical trials

We develop reinforcement learning trials for discovering individualized treatment regimens for life‐threatening diseases such as cancer. A temporal‐difference learning method called Q‐learning is utilized that involves learning an optimal policy from a single training set of finite longitudinal patient trajectories. Approximating the Q‐function with time‐indexed parameters can be achieved by using support vector regression or extremely randomized trees. Within this framework, we demonstrate that the procedure can extract optimal strategies directly from clinical data without relying on the identification of any accurate mathematical models, unlike approaches based on adaptive design. We show that reinforcement learning has tremendous potential in clinical research because it can select actions that improve outcomes by taking into account delayed effects even when the relationship between actions and outcomes is not fully known. To support our claims, the methodology's practical utility is illustrated in a simulation analysis. In the immediate future, we will apply this general strategy to studying and identifying new treatments for advanced metastatic stage IIIB/IV non‐small cell lung cancer, which usually includes multiple lines of chemotherapy treatment. Moreover, there is significant potential of the proposed methodology for developing personalized treatment strategies in other cancers, in cystic fibrosis, and in other life‐threatening diseases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinico-demographic profile of type 2 diabetes patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, the reason for which is not completely understood. Aim: To study the clinico-demographic profile of type 2 diabetes patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN). Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study involving 100 patients attending the diabetic clinic of a tertiary care hospital. Demographic data was collected and autonomic function testing was done with Ewing and Clark’s tests. Results: The prevalence of CAN was 58 %. CAN had statistically significant association with increasing duration of diabetes (p < 0.00001), increasing values of HbA1c (p < 0.00001), and with combined use of insulin and oral medications (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CAN in the diabetic population providing a large pool of patients awaiting effective interventions.
Increased carbon monoxide production in patients with cirrhosis with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Carbon monoxide, a product of the heme‐oxygenase (HO) pathway, is an important endogenous vasoactive substance. Production of CO has not been assessed in human cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess production of CO in patients with cirrhosis with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). CO concentration in the exhaled air and blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels, as estimates of total HO activity, were determined in 16 healthy subjects, 32 noninfected cirrhotic patients (20 with ascites), and 19 patients with SBP, all nonsmokers. Noninfected cirrhotic patients had a CO concentration in the exhaled air and COHb levels significantly higher compared with values of healthy subjects (2.3 ± 0.2 ppm vs. 0.7 ± 0.1 ppm and 1.0% ± 0.1% vs. 0.6% ± 0.1%, respectively; P < .05 for both). Patients with ascites had the highest values. Both CO concentration in the exhaled air and COHb levels were very high in patients with SBP (5.6 ± 0.6 ppm and 1.9% ± 0.2%; P < .01 vs. the other 2 groups) and decreased slowly after resolution of the infection, reaching values similar to those of noninfected patients 1 month after SBP. In patients with SBP, there was a significantly direct correlation between CO and plasma renin activity (PRA) (r = 0.71, P < .001). In conclusion, these results support the existence of increased CO production in human cirrhosis, which further increases in the setting of SBP. Increased CO production may participate in the disturbance of circulatory function that occurs during severe bacterial infections in cirrhosis.
Ground Contact Angle in Bipedal Locomotion towards Passive Dynamic Walking and Running

In this paper, we present the role of ground contact angle in passive dynamic walking and running with analysis by two limb models from an energetic view. First, a massless limb model is proposed which introduces locomotion cost of running as a function of speed, limb length, ground contact angle and excursion angle. Furthermore, a mass-added limb model is created taking the limb mass into account during walking and running to estimate the energetic cost of limb swing. Our models indicate that ground contact angle is relevant to the force production which is necessary to swing the limb. To estimate the importance of ground contact angle in bipedal locomotion during walking and running, we create a bipedal robot with the wheel chair pushing task. Only one motor is used to drive each limb to perform two dimensional movements. Passive movements of the foot and knee rely on gravity and on the elasticity of springs on the limbs. The relationship between ground contact angle and energetic cost in bipedal locomotion is justified by experiments in different gaits.
Self-assembled, aptamer-tethered DNA nanotrains for targeted transport of molecular drugs in cancer theranostics

Nanotechnology has allowed the construction of various nanostructures for applications, including biomedicine. However, a simple target-specific, economical, and biocompatible drug delivery platform with high maximum tolerated doses is still in demand. Here, we report aptamer-tethered DNA nanotrains (aptNTrs) as carriers for targeted drug transport in cancer therapy. Long aptNTrs were self-assembled from only two short DNA upon initiation by modified aptamers, which worked like locomotives guiding nanotrains toward target cancer cells. Meanwhile, tandem “boxcars” served as carriers with high payload capacity of drugs that were transported to target cells and induced selective cytotoxicity. aptNTrs enhanced maximum tolerated dose in nontarget cells. Potent antitumor efficacy and reduced side effects of drugs delivered by biocompatible aptNTrs were demonstrated in a mouse xenograft tumor model. Moreover, fluorophores on nanotrains and drug fluorescence dequenching upon release allowed intracellular signaling of nanotrains and drugs. These results make aptNTrs a promising targeted drug transport platform for cancer theranostics.
Patient goals in post-acute geriatric rehabilitation--goal attainment is an indicator for improved functioning.

OBJECTIVE To identify goals of older patients in geriatric rehabilitation and to measure their improvement in overall functioning. DESIGN A prospective multi-centre cohort study. METHODS A semi-structured questionnaire was used to identify patient goals and to assess improvement in overall functioning from patients' and health professionals' perspectives. Patients' goals were linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Using a residualized change score, we identified patients who improved more than statistically expected. RESULTS A total of 209 patients gave 476 statements. Of these, 346 (72.7%) statements were linked to 58 different ICF categories. More than 90% of the ICF categories were part of the comprehensive geriatric ICF Core Set. "Walking", "getting rid of pain", "autonomy" and "returning home" were the most frequently reported goals. Multivariable analysis identified shorter length of inpatient stay and goal attainment to be significant predictors for an improvement in overall functioning from the patients' perspective. CONCLUSION The ICF can be used to identify and structure patients' goals in geriatric rehabilitation. The association between goal attainment and improved overall functioning underlines the necessity of considering the patients' perspective in the rehabilitation process.
Deliberate self-harm is associated with allelic variation in the tryptophan hydroxylase gene (TPH A779C), but not with polymorphisms in five other serotonergic genes

Background. There is a heritable component to suicidal behaviour, encouraging the search for the associated risk alleles. Given the putative role of the 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin) system in suicidal behaviour, serotonergic genes are leading candidates. In particular, several studies have reported an association with variants in the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene. Method. We studied six serotonergic gene polymorphisms in a well-characterized sample of 129 deliberate self-harm subjects and 329 comparison subjects. The polymorphisms were TPH (A779C), 5-HT transporter (5-HTT, LPR S/L), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA G941T), 5-HT1B receptor (HTR1B G861C), 5-HT2A receptor (HTR2A T102C), and 5-HT2C receptor (HTR2C Cys23Ser). Genotyping was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays. The primary analyses compared allele and genotype frequencies between cases and controls. There were a limited number of planned secondary analyses within the deliberate self-harm group. Results. The TPH A779 allele was more common in deliberate self-harm subjects than in controls (OR 1·38, 95% CI 1·02–1·88; P=0·03). None of the other polymorphisms was associated with deliberate self-harm. Within the deliberate self-harm group there were no associations with impulsivity, suicide risk, lifetime history of depression, or family history of deliberate self-harm. Conclusions. Our data extend the evidence that allelic variation in the TPH gene is a risk factor for deliberate self-harm. No evidence was found to implicate the other polymorphisms.
Comparison of Tc-99m GSA scintigraphy and CT volumetry for evaluation in portal vein embolization

Abstract Purpose: To determine the correlation of the rate of change of each future remnant liver (FRL) before and after portal vein embolization (PVE), by CT volumetry and Tc-99m galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy (GSA scintigraphy). Material and methods: From December 2007 to July 2012, ten patients underwent PVE before hepatic resection. CT volumetry and GSA scintigraphy were performed before and after PVE. The FRL was divided at Cantlie's line for CT volumetry, and volume change rates before and after PVE were calculated. The maximum removal rate (Rmax) was calculated using a radiopharmacokinetic model in GSA scintigraphy. The FRL Rmax change rates before and after PVE were calculated. The correlation between the volume change rates and the Rmax change rates was analyzed. Results: The FRL volume change rate was 1.28 ± 0.26 (mean ± SD); the FRL hypertrophied in all patients significantly (p = 0.005). The FRL Rmax change rate was 1.66 ± 0.75; excluding one patient, there was significant FRL Rmax increase (p = 0.022). Although both increased significantly, no correlation between the volume change rate and the Rmax change rate was observed. Conclusion: No correlation was observed between the FRL volume rate and the Rmax rate.
Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers.

BACKGROUND Air travel might increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It has been suggested that wearing compression stockings might reduce this risk. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of wearing compression stockings versus not wearing them among people travelling on flights lasting at least four hours. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group's Specialized Register (January 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (in The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (January 1966 to November 2005), EMBASE (January 1980 to December 2005) and several other electronic or grey literature sources, detailed in full in the review. The most recent searches were done in January 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized trials of compression stockings versus no stockings in passengers on flights lasting at least four hours. Trials in which passengers wore a stocking on one leg but not the other, or those comparing stockings and another intervention were also eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two authors independently assessed the quality of each study and extracted data. We sought additional information from trialists. MAIN RESULTS Ten randomized trials (n = 2856) were included; nine (n = 2821) compared wearing stockings on both legs versus not wearing them, and one (n = 35) compared wearing a stocking on one leg for the outbound flight and on the other leg on the return flight. Of the nine trials, seven included people judged to be at low or medium risk (n = 1548) and two included high risk participants (n = 1273). All flights lasted at least seven hours. Fifty of 2637 participants with follow-up data available in the trials of wearing stockings on both legs had a symptomless DVT; three wore stockings, 47 did not (odds ratio 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.25, P < 0.00001). There were no symptomless DVTs in three trials. No deaths, pulmonary emboli or symptomatic DVTs were reported. Wearing stockings had a significant impact in reducing oedema (based on six trials). No significant adverse effects were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Airline passengers similar to those in this review can expect a substantial reduction in the incidence of symptomless DVT and leg oedema if they wear compression stockings. We cannot assess the effect of wearing stockings on death, pulmonary embolus or symptomatic DVT because no such events occurred in these trials. Randomized trials to assess these outcomes would need to include a very large number of people.
Institutional determinants of economic growth in ecowas sub-region

Following neoclassical growth model, people became deeply interested in the factors that lead to economic growth, characterized by diminishing marginal returns, exogenously determined technical progress and substitutability between the factors of production, namely capital and labour. The new or endogenous growth theory enunciated different sets of factors for economic growth as human capital and innovation capacity. New wave of empiricists with the use of cross-sectional and panel econometrics identified the determinants of economic growth with better precision and confidence. The study is aimed at finding the institutional determinants of economic growth in ECOWAS countries. The panel data analysis – using data collected form Quality of Governance (QoG), (1946 – 2012) - suggests that countries are heterogeneous, controls for heterogeneity and collinearity, from whose result shows that for all the countries studied, institutions matter for growth except for political stability. It is also evident from the results that the institutions matter for economic growth, while integration does not among ECOWAS Economies.
Teacher participation in continuing professional development : motivating factors and programme effectiveness

Teachers choose to take up professional development courses for different reasons. This paper reports on the motivations of a small group of Maltese secondary school teachers of mathematics in joining a continuing professional development (CPD) programme aiming to support them in Learning to Teach Mathematics through Inquiry (LTMI). During mathematical inquiry, students assume a central active role – wrestling with ideas, asking questions, exploring and explaining meanings – supported by the teacher as a facilitator. This paper also explores teachers’ understandings and their reported experiences of programme effectiveness. A qualitative design using thematic analysis was used to investigate views, experiences and accounts of LTMI features that teachers believed to be effective for their professional learning. The data reported here was taken from a focus group held with teachers at the end of the CPD programme, and three interviews held with the same teachers before, during and after their participation in CPD. Findings reveal intrinsic factors motivating teacher participation, namely: (1) teachers’ will to develop knowledge about teaching; (2) their beliefs about the benefits of inquiry; and (3) their need to change classroom practice. The key aspects that teachers voiced as effective throughout their CPD experience were learning by being part of a community, active learning and immersion in practice-based understandings.