Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health related quality of life amongst people affected by leprosy in South Ghana: a needs assessment.

AIM This study examined Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) among leprosy-affected elderly people at three leprosoria located in South Ghana. METHODS Seventy elderly people who have been cured of leprosy but were undergoing socio-economic rehabilitation at three selected Leprosaria in the southern part of Ghana, were involved in this study. They comprised 31 female and 39 male adults with leprosy-related residual impairment and disability. The main outcome measure was a standardised HRQOL questionaire which comprised physical functioning, role functioning, social functioning, cognitive functioning, health perception and pain. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to summarize the data whilst relationships and comparisons among and between the variables were evaluated using linear regression analysis and independent t-test respectively. Alpha level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 59.7 +/- 13-5 years. The overall mean score of the subjects (40.9 +/- 7.6) on the six domains of the questionnaire was below average. The highest and lowest mean scores were obtained in social functioning (56.9 +/- 20.1) and physical functioning (15.0 +/- 25.1) domains respectively. All the domains were significantly and positively correlated (P < 0.05) with the overall HRQOL scores. Age had no significant relationship (P > 0.05) on any of the domains and the overall HRQOL scores. Male participants scored signicantly higher (P < 0.05) than their female peer on cognitive functioning and HRQOL. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION This study demonstrated low QOL among the sampled elderly people affected by leprosy at the selected leprosoria, thus stressing the need for measures that could improve their health and socio-economic status within the settlements.
High expression of leptin receptor leads to temozolomide resistance with exhibiting stem/progenitor cell features in gliobalastoma

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive malignant disease with notable resistance to chemotherapy. In this study, we found that leptin receptor (ObR)-positive glioblastoma cells were resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), and TMZ-resistant cells exhibited high expression of ObR. ObR can serve as a marker to enrich glioblastoma cells with some stem/progenitor cell traits, which explained the reason for TMZ resistance of ObR+ cells. STAT3-mediated SOX2/OCT4 signaling axis maintained the stem/progenitor cell properties of ObR+ cells, which indirectly regulated glioblastoma TMZ resistance. These findings gain insight into the molecular link between obesity and glioblastoma, and better understanding of this drug-resistant population may lead to the development of more effective therapeutic interventions for glioblastoma.
The Role of Biofilm Structure in the Mechanism of Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin Antibiotic Resistance in P . aeruginosa PAO 1 Biofilms

Biofilms of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa are implicated in the pathology of numerous infections. These biofilms are resistant to multiple antibiotics, and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. This study investigated whether the resistance of P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin can be explained by the inability of these antibiotics to penetrate the extrapolymeric substances (EPS) layer of the biofilm. Disrupted and undisrupted biofilms were treated with antibiotic or Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) media for four hours. Disrupted samples were prepared by subjecting biofilms to tissue homogenization prior to antibiotic treatment in order to model complete antibiotic penetration, whereas undisrupted samples were prepared by simply leaving biofilms intact. In addition, qualitative pellet size observations were made of undisrupted, treated biofilms. Results indicated that 1and 5-day old disrupted biofilms had similar cell concentrations to their respective undisrupted counterparts. We also observed that gentamicin effectively reduced cell concentrations in 1and 5-day old biofilms, while ciprofloxacin was only effective against 5-day old biofilms. Antibiotics appeared to reduce overall biofilm size. We conclude that resistance of P. aeruginosa biofilm cells to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin after four hours of incubation cannot be explained solely by an inability of the antibiotics to penetrate the EPS layer, and that other resistance mechanisms must also be contributing.
Ultrastructural analysis of glutamate‐, GABA‐, and glycine‐immunopositive boutons from supratrigeminal premotoneurons in the rat trigeminal motor nucleus

The supratrigeminal region (Vsup) is important for coordination of smooth jaw movement. However, little is known about the synaptic connections of the Vsup premotoneurons with the trigeminal motor neurons. In the present study, we examined axon terminals of Vsup premotoneurons in the contralateral trigeminal motor nucleus (Vmo) by a combination of anterograde tracing with cholera toxin B–horseradish peroxidase (CTB‐HRP), postembedding immunohistochemistry for the amino acid transmitters glutamate, GABA, and glycine, and electron microscopy. Tracer injections resulted in anterograde labeling of axon terminals of the Vsup premotoneurons in the motor trigeminal nucleus (Vmo). The labeled boutons in Vmo exhibited immunoreactivity for glutamate, GABA, or glycine: glutamate‐immunopositive boutons (69%) were more frequently observed than GABA‐ or glycine‐immunopositive boutons (19% and 12%, respectively). Although most labeled boutons (97%) made synaptic contacts with a single postsynaptic dendrite, a few glutamate‐immunopositive boutons (3%) showed synaptic contact with two dendrites. No labeled boutons participated in axoaxonic synaptic contacts. Most labeled boutons (78%) were presynaptic to dendritic shafts, and the remaining 22% were presynaptic to somata or primary dendrites. A large proportion of GABA‐ or glycine‐immunopositive boutons (40%) were presynaptic to somata or primary dendrites, whereas most glutamate‐immunopositive boutons (86%) were presynaptic to dendritic shafts. These results indicate that axon terminals of Vsup premotoneurons show simple synaptic connection with Vmo neurons. This may provide the anatomical basis for the neural information processing responsible for jaw movement control. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicative value of preoperative C-reactive protein for postoperative adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: The occurrence of adverse cardiac events always disturbs the successful recovery, personal and economic life of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. This study aimed to gain further insight into potential predicators for adverse cardiac events after major abdominal surgery. Methods: 246 patients who scheduled to undergo selective major abdominal surgery were eligible to enter this study. The clinical data, preoperative laboratory tests, the characteristics before the surgery, comorbidities and operation-related information were all recorded in details. The study end-point was defined as the occurrence of adverse cardiac events within 30 postoperative days. Results: Of all the 246 enrolled patients, 51 (51/246, 20.7%) were diagnosed with adverse cardiac events within 30 days after the operation. The univariate analysis and multiple logistic regress analysis suggested that C-reactive protein (CRP) level was the only preoperative predicator for postoperative adverse cardiac events after major abdominal surgery (OR: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.82-8.57, P=0.011). The sensitivity and specificity of CRP for the adverse cardiac events predication were respectively 72.0% and 72.5% with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.766 (95% CI: 0.690-0.843, P<0.001) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Conclusions: The preoperative CRP concentration was an independent predicative factor for adverse cardiac events after major abdominal surgery.
A Literature Survey on Proposed African Monetary Unions

This study provides a survey of recent advances in the literature on proposed African monetary unions. The survey comprises about 60 empirical papers published during the past fifteen years. Four main strands are discussed individually and collectively, notably, the proposed: West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), East African Monetary Union (EAMU), Southern African Monetary Union (SAMU) and African Monetary Union (AMU). We observe a number of issues with establishing the feasibility and/or desirability of potential monetary unions, inter alia, variations in: choice of variables, empirical strategies, sampled countries and considered periodicities. We address this ambiguity by reviewing studies with scenarios that are consistent with Hegelian dialectics and establish selective expansion as the predominant mode of monetary integration. Some proponents make cases for strong pegs and institutions as viable alternatives to currency unions. Using cluster analysis, disaggregating panels into sub-samples and distinguishing shocks from responses in the examination of business cycle synchronisation provide more subtle policy implications. We caution that for inquiries using the same theoretical underpinnings, variables and methods just by modifying the scope/context and periodicity may only contribute to increasing the number of conflicting findings. Authors should place more emphasis on new perspectives and approaches based on caveats of, and lessons from the European Monetary Union (EMU) and CFA zones.
Certolizumab pegol in the treatment of Crohn's disease

Introduction: The introduction of antibodies directed against tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) has dramatically changed the concept of treating patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Unfortunately, the long-term efficacy of anti-TNF agents may be hampered by immunogenicity. The availability of more anti-TNF agents in the therapeutic armamentarium would therefore be of great benefit in patients loosing response to another anti-TNF. In this review, the authors will focus on the efficacy of certolizumab pegol (CZP). Areas covered: A literature search to January 2013 was performed to identify all trials studying CZP in patients with CD. The authors first focused on the mechanism of action of CZP. Second, they evaluated the efficacy of an induction and maintenance therapy with CZP and the impact of CZP on mucosal healing and fistula closure. Next, they explored the influence of previous anti-TNF exposure and baseline C-reactive protein levels. Finally, they analysed the safety data on CZP, including the development of antibodies against CZP and the use of CZP during pregnancy. Expert opinion: Based on the provided literature, CZP could be a good alternative in patients with moderate-to-severe CD failing another anti-TNF agent. More data are required to conclude on its impact on the long-term outcome of CD.
A Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase–PCR Assay for the Genotyping of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Viruses

Abstract Infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs) in Taiwan have been divided into two genogroups, Taiwan group I (TW-I) and Taiwan group II (TW-II). Heterologous Mass-type strains are widely used as vaccines in the field. This work reports on a rapid and reliable multiplex reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (mRT-PCR) assay for the genotyping of IBVs. Multiplex primer sets were designed to amplify the region covering hypervariable regions 1 and 2 of the S1 glycoprotein gene. Several local strains and commercially available vaccines were used for evaluating the viral genotyping assay, and a number of field isolates were examined for clinical application. The results showed that all of the examined IBVs were accurately genotyped by identifying the corresponding bands on agarose gels (TW-I: 322 bp, TW-II: 161 bp, Mass type: 256 bp) after the mRT-PCR, in agreement with the viral genome sequence data. The mRT-PCR assay was able to detect viral RNA copies as low as 103, 105, and 103 for the TW-I, TW-II, and Mass-type strains, respectively. The mRT-PCR assay accurately detected and discriminated vaccine viruses from wild-type strains in the field. This assay may be beneficial for virus identification and differentiation in routine disease surveillance.
Partial dissociation of molecular and behavioral measures of song habituation in adult zebra finches

Initial playback of recorded birdsong triggers a number of responses in zebra finches, including overt listening behavior and ERK pathway‐dependent activation of zenk gene transcription in the auditory lobule of the forebrain. Repetition of one song stimulus leads to persistent habituation of these responses, as measured by subsequent presentations 1 day later. In this study, we examined the causal relationships between behavioral and molecular (ERK/zenk) habituation. In a within‐subject comparison, we found a strong correlation with the level of prior training for both responses (duration of behavioral listening and magnitude of zenk expression), but little correlation between these responses for birds within the same treatment group. We then tested the hypothesis that ERK/zenk activation during training is necessary for the development of habituation measured 1 day later. Cannula‐directed infusion of a pharmacological inhibitor of ERK activation (U0126) immediately before training blocked the development of habituation of the zenk gene response. However, measurement of the effect on behavioral habituation was confounded because birds that were infused with a non‐active drug analogue (U0124) showed a decreased response 1 day later, even to novel songs. We conclude that the behavioral response to song stimulation is strongly influenced by factors other than song familiarity, whereas the zenk response in the forebrain may be a more accurate indicator of actual experience hearing a particular song.
Voltage uprating of overhead transmission lines

In recent years, uprating of existing overhead power line has become a popular option for electric utilities to address increasing demand for power. Uprating overhead line by increasing voltage allows considerable increase in power transfer capability. This paper initially examines technical issues and conventional methods of uprating the voltage of overhead transmission lines. It then considers a case of existing 275kV line in L3 tower to analyse these issues and propose appropriate process for its possible uprating to 400kV system. In this case, phase-to-earth clearance was found to be a key issue for voltage uprating. Application of line surge arresters along the line was proposed for controlling overvoltage thereby reducing the minimum required clearance for 400kV system.
Responsiveness of the Visual System in Childhood Migraine Studied by Means of VEPs

We have tried to ascertain whether the increased visual evoked potential (VEP) amplitude found in adult migraineurs is present also in children with migraine. We investigated 43 children, 26 male and 17 female, with a mean age of 11.4 years, 24 with common and 19 with classic migraine, and compared them with a control group of 20 children, 11 male and 9 female, with a mean age of 9.7 years. Flash and pattern reversal VEPs were recorded in both groups, and the study was carried out in the pain-free interval between attacks. The children with migraine showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase in VEP amplitude on flash stimulation but not on pattern reversal. There were no differences between classic and common migraine. The abnormal responsiveness of the visual system seems to be related to variations in light intensity rather than to spatial contrasts.
Telmisartan prevents cardiovascular events in a broad group of at-risk patients

The ONgoing Telmisartan Alone and in combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET™) was a 25,620 patient study program comparing telmisartan with ramipril or the combination thereof in patients at increased cardiovascular risk. Ramipril had previously been proven to prevent cardiovascular events in a similar population within the HOPE-trial. However, ramipril and other ACE inhibitors (ACE-Is) may have limited tolerability that might restrict their use in patients requiring secondary prevention, whereas angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are suggested to be better tolerated. However, no ARB had been compared with the standard treatment, ramipril, in these cardiovascular patients at increased risk. ONTARGET showed that telmisartan was as effective as ramipril in preventing cardiovascular events, but was better tolerated. The combination of ramipril and telmisartan was not superior to either monotherapy. Taken together, ONTARGET demonstrated that telmisartan is as effective as ramipril in a broad cardiovascular increased-risk population in the middle of the cardiovascular continuum. In these patients who are intolerant to ACE-Is or who do not achieve blood pressure control, the ARB with the best evidence for secondary prevention is telmisartan according to the results of the ONTARGET trial.
Non-destructive and precise studies of the growth of individual potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) under field conditions.

Non-destructive and precise studies of the growth of individual potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) under field conditions. Hammad N. Farhan1, G. Sagar2 and E.R. B. Oxley3 Professor at Biology Department, College of Education for Pure Sciences, Al-Anbar University, Iraq (E-mail: drhammad51@yahoo.com). Professor at School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, U.K. Assistant Professor at School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, U.K. ABSTRACT
Failure modes of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in the aortic position.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY Modes of failure of the Perimount bioprostheses have not been characterized. Thus, the study aim was to classify their failure modes, to compare their rates of occurrence, and to relate these to patient age. METHODS Between September 1981 and July 1985, a total of 478 patients received Carpentier-Edwards Perimount aortic valve prostheses as part of a premarket approval cohort. During yearly follow up over 19 years, 95 prostheses were explanted, 70 (74%) for reasons of structural valve deterioration (SVD). Preoperative diagnostic studies, echocardiograms, operative notes and pathology reports were reviewed to classify the primary modes of failure. Hazard function methodology established mode-specific occurrence rates and how these were modulated by patient age at implant. RESULTS The pathophysiology of SVD was pure regurgitation in 23 cases, pure stenosis in 18, mixed in 20, and uncertain in nine. Primary modes of failure were calcification (n = 27; 39%), non-calcific degeneration (n = 21; 30%), fibrosis (n = 5; 7.1%), dehiscence (n = 4; 5.7%), a combination of these (n = 10; 14%), or unknown (n = 3; 4.3%). The failure rate for each mode accelerated with time, was highest and almost equal for calcification and degeneration, and was slower and almost equal for fibrosis and dehiscence. Except for dehiscence, failure modes were age-dependent (p < 0.05), and this was most prominent for degeneration and calcification. CONCLUSION Perimount bioprostheses rarely fail from design-related causes; rather, they fail at almost equal rates from calcific and non-calcific degeneration, both of which occur late and are age-dependent. Further investigation into improved methods for fixation and anti-calcification in preparing these valves is warranted.
Top Management Turnover: An Examination of Portfolio Holdings and Fund Performance

We examine the performance and portfolio characteristics of actively managed equity funds impacted by top management turnover. Utilizing a unique database of monthly portfolio holdings, our study finds that, post-replacement, previously poor performing funds experience improved returns. However, this improved performance is not attributable to superior stock selection skill. We also find these new managers decrease the fund's reliance on momentum strategies and decrease the portfolio's concentration, which then leads to a reduced tracking-error volatility. Prior to the replacement event, underperforming investment managers exhibit preferences for larger, growth-oriented stocks, as well as riding momentum strategies and increasing portfolio turnover.
The Quality of Load Matching in a Direct-Coupling Photovoltaic System

The quality of load matching in a photovoltaic system determines the quality of system performance and the degree of the solar cells utilization. In a matched system, the operation of the load-line is close to the maximum power-line of the solar cell (SC) generator. Some load-lines inherently exhibit a relatively good matching when they are directly connected to the SC generator; for others, the matching is rather poor, and therefore, requires the inclusion of a maximum-power-point-tracker (MPPT) in the system. This present study deals with the performance analysis of six common types of loads that are directly connected to the SC generator, and defines a factor that describes the quality of matching of the load to the solar cells. The results of the study indicate the compatibility of the different loads when powered by solar cells, and will assist the designer of the photovoltaic system in considering whether to include an MPPT. The quality of load matching is defined here as the ratio of the load input power to the SC generator maximum power as a function of the solar insolation, or as a function of the solar time. The six loads are: an ohmic load, a storage battery, an ohmic load and storage battery, a water electrolyzer, a power conditioner--constant power load, and a dc motor driving volumetric and centrifugal pumps.
MicroRNA profiling reveals dysregulated microRNAs and their target gene regulatory networks in cemento‐ossifying fibroma

BACKGROUND Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm of uncertain pathogenesis, and its treatment results in morbidity. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and may represent therapeutic targets. The purpose of the study was to generate a comprehensive miRNA profile of COF compared to normal bone. Additionally, the most relevant pathways and target genes of differentially expressed miRNA were investigated by in silico analysis. METHODS Nine COF and ten normal bone samples were included in the study. miRNA profiling was carried out by using TaqMan® OpenArray® Human microRNA panel containing 754 validated human miRNAs. We identified the most relevant miRNAs target genes through the leader gene approach, using STRING and Cytoscape software. Pathways enrichment analysis was performed using DIANA-miRPath. RESULTS Eleven miRNAs were downregulated (hsa-miR-95-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-31-5p, hsa-miR-944, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-135b-5p, hsa-miR-31-3p, hsa-miR-223-5p and hsa-miR-200c-3p), and five were upregulated (hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-181c-5p, hsa-miR-149-5p, hsa-miR-138-5p and hsa-miR-199a-3p) in COF compared to normal bone. Eighteen common target genes were predicted, and the leader genes approach identified the following genes involved in human COF: EZH2, XIAP, MET and TGFBR1. According to the biology of bone and COF, the most relevant KEGG pathways revealed by enrichment analysis were proteoglycans in cancer, miRNAs in cancer, pathways in cancer, p53-, PI3K-Akt-, FoxO- and TGF-beta signalling pathways, which were previously found to be differentially regulated in bone neoplasms, odontogenic tumours and osteogenesis. CONCLUSION miRNA dysregulation occurs in COF, and EZH2, XIAP, MET and TGFBR1 are potential targets for functional analysis validation.