Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
VERIFICATION OF SPECTRAL REDUCTION FACTORS FOR SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF BRIDGES

SUMMARY Within a nonlinear static analysis procedure perspective for the assessment of structures, one of the key issues is the employment of a demand spectrum that takes also into account, through an adequate reduction of its spectral ordinates, the hysteretic energy dissipation capacity of the structure being assessed. There are certainly a relatively large number of past parametric studies dedicated to the validation of different approaches to translate such structural energy dissipation capacity into spectral reduction factors, however such studies have focused mainly, if not exclusively, on single-degree-offreedom (SDOF) systems. It seems, therefore, that verification on full structural systems, such as complete bridges, is conspicuously needed in order to verify the adequacy of using existing SDOFderived relationships in the assessment of multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems. In this work, eleven different spectral reduction proposals, involving diverse combinations of previously proposed equivalent damping and spectral reduction equations, are evaluated, for various intensity levels, using a preliminarily validated nonlinear static procedure. A wide set of bridges, covering regular and irregular configurations as well as distinct support conditions, is used. The accuracy of the results is checked by direct comparison with Time-History Analyses performed with ten real ground motion records. Overall conclusions are then presented with the purpose of providing practitioners and researchers with indications on the most adequate spectral reduction schemes to be employed in nonlinear static analysis of bridges.
EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Malnutrition is a common problem among hemodialysis patients. This factor leads to increased morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the nutritional status of patients on dialysis and analyses the various parameters used for assessing malnutrition. It is a cross-sectional study of 35 patients aged 18 years and up who have undergone dialysis three days a week for more than a year. The following were analysed: overall subjective assessment technique, Body Mass Index, anthropometric data and biological parameters (serum albumin, serum cholesterol, rate of alkaline reserves and C-reactive protein levels) with a dietary three-day survey. Analysis of food survey data was performed using the software Bilnut. The patients’ average age was 46.7 years with a sex ratio of 1.18. Average waist size was 92.7±16.68 cm. Average arm circumference was 27.2±5.6 cm and average calf circumference was 32.03±5.87 cm. Malnutrition was found in 48% of cases according to SGA. Average BMI was 24.4 kg/m2. It was less than 23 Kg/m2 in 48% of cases. Average serum albumin concentration was 33.6 g/l and average CRP level was 6.16 mg/l. The average energy intake (Kcal/Kg/day) was 30.87±11.92 the day of dialysis, 27.98±9.31 on a resting day and 29.93±9.42 on another day and the average protein intake (g/kg/day) was 1.02±0.44 the day of dialysis, 0.94±0.36 a resting day and 1.04±0.36 on the other day. Malnutrition was frequent among our patients. The assessment of nutritional status in patients on dialysis requires simultaneous combination of several clinical, biologic and dietetic markers. Dietary management is mainly based on food survey regularly established.
Tivantinib: critical review with a focus on hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Sorafenib is the only approved agent for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor that blocks several receptors involved in tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The hepatocyte-growth factor/mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) factor pathway represents another emerging target in HCC. Tivantinib (ARQ 197) is an oral, selective small MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antitumor activity, especially in MET-high patients. Recent clinical data exhibit promising activity in HCC. Areas covered: This article reviews the preclinical and clinical data of tivantinib (published and ongoing trials), focusing on development in advanced HCC. Comments regarding the failure of trials with nonspecific drugs reported in the past 2 years are also included. Expert opinion: A randomized Phase II trial in second-line HCC showed a significant improvement in time to progression with tivantinib treatment in MET-high patients. Tivantinib remains in clinical development and has not yet been approved for any indication. A Phase III study in MET-high HCC is ongoing in a second-line setting, after sorafenib failure. In case of a survival benefit, tivantinib might become the first treatment for selected patients, based on MET status as a predictor. Therefore, there is a need for identifying HCC molecular subclasses and for developing a trial design based on molecular biomarkers.
Clinical and radiological outcomes of 1- versus 2-stage implant placement: 1-year results of a randomised clinical trial.

AIM To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of 1- versus 2-stage implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-seven patients were randomly allocated to 1- or 2-stage treatment groups immediately after implant placement. Twenty-nine patients received 38 1-stage early loaded implants and 18 patients received 51 2-stage early loaded implants. Outcome measures were failures of implants and/or prosthesis, complications, pain score, amount of analgesic consumption and periimplant bone level changes at implant loading (12 weeks) and at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS After 1 year, no dropout occurred. In the 1-stage group, 2 implants (1 patient) failed to osseointegrate and the implant-supported prosthesis could not be placed, versus none in the 2-stage group. Two complications were reported in the 1-stage group versus only one in the 2-stage group. Pain score measurements, analgesic consumption and peri-implant bone level did not show any significant difference between the two groups. All patients would undergo the same procedures again. CONCLUSIONS The submerged technique is not a prerequisite for osseointegration, though 1-stage implant placement might be at a slightly higher risk for early failures.
Characterization of human retinal fascin gene (FSCN2) at 17q25: close physical linkage of fascin and cytoplasmic actin genes.

Retinal fascin is a newly identified photoreceptor-specific paralog of the actin-bundling protein fascin. Fascins crosslink f-actin into highly ordered bundles within dynamic cell extensions such as neuronal growth cone filopodia. We have isolated cDNA and genomic clones of human retinal fascin and characterized the structure of the human retinal fascin gene (FSCN2). The cDNA predicts a protein of 492 amino acids and molecular mass 55,057 that shows 94% identity to bovine retinal fascin and 56% identity to human fascin. Promoter analysis reveals a consensus retinoic acid response element and several potential binding sites for transcription factors Crx and Nrl, which correlates with the retina-specific expression of FSCN2 mRNA. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis and genomic clone sequencing indicate that the FSCN2 gene lies within 200 kb of the actin gene ACTG1 at 17q25. Database searches revealed that the human fascin gene FSCN1 and actin gene ACTB at 7p22 also coexist within a 200-kb genomic clone. The close physical linkage of these fascin/actin gene pairs suggests that they derive from a common gene duplication event and allows comparison of fascin and actin phylogenetic analyses. Finally, a possible link to the retinitis pigmentosa 17 allele (RP17) at distal 17q was excluded by demonstration of multiple independent segregation events in two RP17 kindreds. Informative FSCN2 polymorphisms were identified and will serve as useful markers in future linkage studies. The likely function of retinal fascin, in light of known fascin roles in other cell types, is to assemble actin microfilaments in support of photoreceptor disk morphogenesis.
Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel‐Group Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of OnabotulinumtoxinA and Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers (24‐mg/mL Smooth, Cohesive Gel) Alone and in Combination for Lower Facial Rejuvenation

BACKGROUND Combination treatment with toxins and fillers is the standard regimen in facial rejuvenation. Systematic studies of botulinum toxin alone and in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA) have not, however, been conducted in the lower face. OBJECTIVE To evaluate safety and effectiveness and compare combination treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA and a 24‐mg/mL smooth, cohesive HA gel filler with either treatment alone for rejuvenation of the perioral area and lower face in female subjects. METHODS Ninety female participants aged 35 to 55 were randomized to one of three groups: 24‐mg/mL cohesive gel alone (n=30), onabotulinumtoxinA alone (n=30), or the combination (n=30). Effectiveness outcomes included perioral, lip fullness, and oral commissure assessments and scores on the Cosmetic Improvement and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scales. Adverse events were monitored throughout. RESULTS For all end points and most time points, subjects treated with onabotulinumtoxinA plus the 24‐mg/mL cohesive gel had greater improvement from baseline than subjects treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or the 24‐mg/mL cohesive gel filler alone. CONCLUSION Based on a range of end points, onabotulinumtoxinA and 24‐mg/mL cohesive HA gel treatments are effective and safe when either alone or in combination to rejuvenate the lower face. Combination therapy is superior to either modality used alone. Drs. Alastair and Jean Carruthers are consultants and investigators and receive honoraria from Allergan, Inc. They are also consultants and investigators for Merz Pharmaceuticals and Solstice Neurosciences. Dr. Gary Monheit is a consultant and clinical investigator for Allergan, Galderma, Medicis, Merz Pharmaceuticals, and Revance Therapeutics.
Common Genetic Variants Influence Circulating Vitamin D Levels in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Background:The accuracy and utility of electronic health record (EHR)–derived phenotypes in replicating genotype–phenotype relationships have been infrequently examined. Low circulating vitamin D levels are associated with severe outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the genetic basis for vitamin D insufficiency in this population has not been examined previously. Methods:We compared the accuracy of physician-assigned phenotypes in a large prospective IBD registry to that identified by an EHR algorithm incorporating codified and structured data. Genotyping for IBD risk alleles was performed on the Immunochip and a genetic risk score calculated and compared between EHR-defined patients and those in the registry. Additionally, 4 vitamin D risk alleles were genotyped and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels compared across genotypes. Results:A total of 1131 patients captured by our EHR algorithm were also included in our prospective registry (656 Crohn's disease, 475 ulcerative colitis). The overall genetic risk score for Crohn's disease (P = 0.13) and ulcerative colitis (P = 0.32) was similar between EHR-defined patients and a prospective registry. Three of the 4 vitamin D risk alleles were associated with low vitamin D levels in patients with IBD and contributed an additional 3% of the variance explained. Vitamin D genetic risk score did not predict normalization of vitamin D levels. Conclusions:EHR cohorts form valuable data sources for examining genotype–phenotype relationships. Vitamin D risk alleles explain 3% of the variance in vitamin D levels in patients with IBD.
Recolonization of Human Tooth Surfaces by Streptococcus mutans after Suppression by Chlorhexidine Treatment

In eight subjects who were initially highly colonized with Streptococcus mutans and who used a 1% chlorhexidine gel, the numbers of this organism were suppressed in both plaque and saliva. Bacterial plaque samples were obtained from all tooth surfaces, and the recolonization pattern of S. mutans was studied over a 26-week period. At baseline, 83% of all surfaces harbored S. mutans with buccal surfaces colonized in higher frequency than the others. After chlorhexidine treatment, the proportion of tooth surfaces colonized by S. mutans was reduced to a low level. Re-appearance was slow. S. mutans was first recovered from the most posterior teeth in the mouth, the molar surfaces were recolonized earlier than were those of pre-molars and anterior teeth, and the buccal surfaces were recolonized more readily than were the other tooth surfaces. The data show that there is a specific recolonization pattern of S. mutans after chlorhexidine treatment, and that the re-emergence of S. mutans is most probably due to regrowth of bacteria which have not been eradicated.
Diverse interneuron populations have highly specific interconnectivity in the rat piriform cortex

Previous studies have suggested that the patterns of innervation and high interconnectivity of the piriform cortex (PC) provide for strong olfactory hippocampal memory; however, these same attributes may create high seizurogenic tendencies. Thus, understanding this wiring is important from a physiological and pathophysiological perspective. Distinct interneurons expressing differing calcium binding proteins (CBPs), parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR), have been shown to exist in PC. However, a comprehensive examination of the distribution and innervation patterns of these neurons has not been done. Thus the purpose of this study was to combine the analysis of the CBP cell localization with analysis of their innervation patterns. Each type was differentially localized in the three layers of the PC. Only CR‐positive neurons were found in layer 1. PV and CB are coexpressed in layers 2–3, most expressing both PV and CB. A morphological estimate of the dendritic extent for each subtype showed that PV and PV/CB cells demonstrated equally wide, horizontal and vertical arborizations, whereas CB cells had wide horizontal and restricted vertical arborizations. CR cells had restricted horizontal and very long vertical arborizations. Postsynaptic morphological targeting was also found to be specific, namely, PV+ and PV/CB+ nerve terminals (NTs) innervate perisomatic regions of principal cells. CR+ NTs innervate only dendrites of principal cells, and CB+ NTs innervate both somata and dendrites of principal cells. These data show highly complex innervation patterns for all of the CBP interneurons of the PC and form a basis for further studies in the plasticity of this region. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1570–1588, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Promoter hypermethylation and loss of CD133 gene expression in colorectal cancers.

AIM To understand CD133 promoter hypermethylation and expression in 32 colorectal cancer cell lines. METHODS Nucleic acid was isolated from 32 colorectal cancer cell lines and CD133 expression levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. Promoter methylation status of the CD133 gene was analyzed with a methylation-specific PCR after sodium-bisulfite modification and by clonal sequencing analysis. The correlation between expression and promoter methylation of CD133 gene was confirmed with treatment of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. RESULTS We measured CD133 expression levels in 32 colorectal cancer cell lines. RT-PCR analysis showed undetectable or low levels of CD133 expression in 34.4% of cell lines. To verify the relation between CD133 expression and methylation status of the CD133 gene promoter in colorectal carcinogenesis, CD133 gene promoter hypermethylation was analyzed in 32 cancer cell lines. Promoter hypermethylation was detected in 13 (40.6%) of the cell lines using methylation specific-PCR and confirmed by bisulfite sequencing analysis. Treatment of 11 of the cell lines with the demethylation agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine recovered CD133 expression in most of them. CONCLUSION Transcriptional repression of CD133 is caused by promoter hypermethylation of the CD133 CpG islands in some of colorectal cancer cell lines. The study may contribute to the understanding of the role of CD133 inactivation in the progression of colorectal cancers.
Reverse Genetic Analysis of the Transcription Regulatory Sequence of the Coronavirus Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus

ABSTRACT Coronavirus discontinuous transcription uses a highly conserved sequence (CS) in the joining of leader and body RNAs. Using a full-length infectious construct of transmissable gastroenteritis virus, the present study demonstrates that subgenomic transcription is heavily influenced by upstream flanking sequences and supports a mechanism of transcription attenuation that is regulated in part by a larger domain composed of primarily upstream flanking sequences which select appropriately positioned CS elements for synthesis of subgenomic RNAs.
Effect Of Financial Literacy On Voluntary Retirement Planning Among Employees Of State Corporations Under The Ministry Of Health In Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose - The study sought to determine the effect of financial literacy on voluntary retirement planning among employees of state corporations under the Ministry of Health in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology – This study adopted a descriptive study design and uses primary data collected using a questionnaire with a five point Likert scale on the parameters of each variable. The study applied simple random sampling technique to select respondents to participate in the study. Data is analysed using means, percentages and frequencies. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between financial literacy and voluntary retirement planning. Findings – Financial literacy was found to influence the level of voluntary retirement planning among the employees since they are able to make key decisions that involve money in such a way that there is minimal risk to them. The study also established that financial literacy has a positive impact on voluntary retirement planning, however the results indicate that other factors such as income levels, age, marital status and level of education are also strongly related to retirement planning. Implications – To boost the voluntary retirement planning process, the eventuality of retirement should be made obvious for all the employees in the Kenyan economy so as to influence peoples’ attitude and receptiveness to the process. There is therefore need to develop financial education programs that focus particularly on important financial planning aspects for employees that will help them strike a balance between consumption and saving. Value – The findings of this study would also be valuable to the Retirement Benefits Authority and the Government of Kenya in development of policies and regulations governing retirement plans in Kenya in order to encourage more individuals to top up their retirement plan contributions voluntarily.
The effects of hypohydration on central venous pressure and splenic volume in adult horses.

BACKGROUND Central venous pressure (CVP) is used in many species to monitor right-sided intravascular volume status, especially in critical care medicine. HYPOTHESIS That hypohydration in adult horses is associated with a proportional reduction in CVP. ANIMALS Ten healthy adult horses from the university teaching herd. METHODS In this experimental study, horses underwent central venous catheter placement and CVP readings were obtained by water manometry. The horses were then deprived of water and administered furosemide (1 mg/kg IV q6h) for up to 36 hours. Weight, CVP, vital signs, PCV, total protein (TP), and serum lactate were monitored at baseline and every 6 hours until a target of 5% decrease in body weight loss was achieved. The spleen volume was estimated sonographically at baseline and peak volume depletion. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association of CVP and other clinical parameters with degree of body weight loss over time. RESULTS There was a significant association between CVP and decline in body weight (P < .001), with a decrease in CVP of 2.2 cmH(2)O for every percentage point decrease in body weight. Other significant associations between volume depletion and parameters measured included increased TP (P = .007), increased serum lactate concentration (P = .048), and decreased splenic volume (P = .046). There was no significant association between CVP and vital signs or PCV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE These findings suggest that CVP monitoring might be a useful addition to the clinical evaluation of hydration status in adult horses.
Dermatological non‐disease: a common and potentially fatal disturbance of cutaneous body image

A group of patients presenting with dermatological complaints but with no significant objective dermatological pathology on examination are described. Twenty‐eight patients, twelve male and sixteen female, age range 16–76 years, mean 46 years, were seen. Symptomatology was confined to three main body areas: the face‐eight patients; scalp‐nine patients; perineum‐eight patients. The complaints related to the face were burning, intense itching and hirsutes. Scalp symptoms included excessive hair loss and intense irritation. Genital symptoms included itching, excessive redness, burning and discomfort, which in three instances prevented the patient sitting.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Quality of Life in Obese Patients. Results from a Case-Control Study

Objective: The authors sought to evaluate psychiatric comorbidity, subjective quality of life, and impact of psychopathology on quality of life measures in a clinical sample of patients attending a center for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity compared to a matched sample of non-obese subjects. Methods: Two hundred ninety-three consecutive obese patients (48 males, 245 females, mean age 45.41 α 13.55 yrs; mean BMI 35.60 α 6.20) were compared with a control group made of 293 non obese subjects (48 males, 245 females, mean age 45.66 α 13.86 yrs; mean BMI 21.8 α 2.06); all subjects were interviewed by means of SCID I and SCID II and completed the WHO-QoL-Bref, a self-administered instrument for evaluation of subjective quality of life. Results: Obesity was associated with a significant lifetime major risk both for axis I (OR = 3.47, p = 0.000) and axis II disorders (OR = 2.27, p = 0.000); obesity was also associated with significantly lower measures of subjective quality of life on physical, social, and psychological domains; comorbidity with axis I/II disorders was associated with lower QoL measures on WHO-QoL-Bref, in particular among obese patients. Conclusions: Obesity is significantly associated with a significant major risk of psychiatric comorbidity and poor quality of life; comorbid mental disorders play a significant role in worsening quality of life of obese patients; a multimodal approach to the treatment of obesity, including psychiatric evaluation and intervention, is needed to improve quality of life of patients.