Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Levels of Thyroid Hormones, Insulin, and Glucose, and Lower Body Core Temperature in the Growth Hormone Receptor/Binding Protein Knockout Mouse

The mechanisms that are responsible for the extension of lifespan in the mouse with targeted disruption (knockout [KO]) of the growth hormone (GH) receptor/binding protein (GHR-KO) are unknown. However, in the long-living Ames dwarf mouse, blood glucose and body core temperature (Tco) are consistently lower than in normal mice. In addition, insulin levels are reduced and corticosterone levels are elevated in male dwarfs. These functional alterations, similar to those seen in animals under caloric restriction, have not been proven to be causally related to the extension of lifespan, but they do provide some insight into what traits may be necessary for long life. Therefore, to investigate which of these parameters are similarly affected in two genetically unrelated, yet similarly long-living mouse models, we measured Tco, thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine [T4]), and insulin, in addition to morning and afternoon levels of glucose and corticosterone, in young adult male and/or female GHR-KO mice and their normal siblings. Tco in GHR-KO mice was numerically reduced throughout the 24-hr period; however, these differences were only significant 4 hr prior to lights-off (14:00 hr), immediately after lights-off (18:00 hr), and during the 3 hr preceding lights on (03:00 to 06:00 hr). GHR-KO mice had significantly reduced levels of T3 and T4, while the ratio of these hormones was similar to that in normal mice. Insulin levels in GHR-KO mice were lower than in normal mice; levels in male GHR-KO mice were below the detectable limits of the assay used. Glucose levels in GHR-KO mice (male and females) were lower than in normal mice in measurements taken in both morning and afternoon; however, these differences arose from consistent reductions in males, as morning glucose levels in GHR-KO females were similar to those of normal mice. Corticosterone levels measured in blood plasma collected under basal (nonstressed) conditions showed sex-related alterations. Basal corticosterone levels in female GHR-KO mice were similar to normal females, while those in male GHR-KO mice were higher than in normal males in the afternoon. Corticosterone levels in stressed GHR-KO females were similar to those measured in stressed normal females. These data show that the long-living GHR-KO mouse shares a reduction in glucose, insulin, thyroid hormones, and Tco with the Ames dwarf mouse. Reductions in these parameters may be important to the underlying mechanisms of delayed aging in these animals.
Sensitivity of Non-Performing Loan to Macroeconomic Variables: Empirical Evidence from Banking Industry of Bangladesh

This paper attempts to examine the potential effect of macroeconomic variables on the downfall of loans. The data used in this study range from 2005 to 2014 and cover 22 commercial banks operating in Bangladesh. Failure of credit policy is measured with the rate of nonperforming loan (NPL) which indicates vulnerability of credit system in banking and financial industry. Several researches have been conducted in many countries where mix pattern of relationships has been found. In this research paper, four macroeconomic variables named GDP growth rate, inflation rate, interest rate spread of banking sector and rate of unemployment are tested with NPL ratio in order to ascertain significant relationship for commercial banks of Bangladesh. The result of econometric analysis revealed that NPL is negatively sensitive to inflation rate and interest rate spread and positively sensitive to GDP and unemployment rate.
Macrophage Internalization of Fungal β-Glucans Is Not Necessary for Initiation of Related Inflammatory Responses

ABSTRACT Cell wall β-glucans are highly conserved structural components of fungi that potently trigger inflammatory responses in an infected host. Identification of molecular mechanisms responsible for internalization and signaling of fungal β-glucans should enhance our understanding of innate immune responses to fungi. In this study, we demonstrated that internalization of fungal β-glucan particles requires actin polymerization but not participation of components of caveolar uptake mechanisms. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observed that uptake of 5-([4,6-dichlorotriazin-2-yl] amino)-fluorescein hydrochloride-Celite complex-labeled Saccharomyces cerevisiae β-glucan by RAW macrophages was substantially reduced in the presence of cytochalasin D, which antagonizes actin-mediated internalization pathways, but not by treatment with nystatin, which blocks caveolar uptake. Interestingly, β-glucan-induced NF-κB translocation, which is necessary for inflammatory activation, and tumor necrosis factor alpha production were both normal in the presence of cytochalasin D, despite defective internalization of β-glucan particles following actin disruption. Dectin-1, a major β-glucan receptor on macrophages, colocalized to phagocytic cups on macrophages and exhibited tyrosine phosphorylation after challenge with β-glucan particles. Dectin-1 localization and other membrane markers were not affected by treatment with cytochalasin D. Furthermore, dectin-1 receptors rather than Toll-like receptor 2 receptors were shown to be necessary for both efficient internalization of β-glucan particles and cytokine release in response to the fungal cell wall component.
Survival and risk of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. A population-based study.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was introduced in the early 1970s, making a more reliable diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) possible. Since then decreased survival and increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma have been reported. However, no population-based studies have quantified these outcomes. METHODS A population-based cohort of 125 patients with a verified PSC diagnosis was followed up through linkage to the Swedish Death Registry and the Swedish Cancer Registry for occurrence of death and cholangiocarcinoma. RESULTS The diagnosis of PSC was associated with a substantially decreased survival, with an overall 10-year survival of 68.8%. Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had a somewhat better prognosis, 71.8%, compared with 60% for patients without. Fourteen subsequent cholangiocarcinomas yielded a cumulative risk of 11.2% 10 years after diagnosis. Sex, duration of IBD, and colectomy influenced neither the survival nor the cholangiocarcinoma risk. CONCLUSION Patients with PSC have a substantially decreased survival, which is most pronounced among patients without IBD.
Cause-specific mortality in adults with unprovoked seizures. A population-based incidence cohort study.

PURPOSE To determine the cause-specific mortality relative to that expected in a population-based incidence cohort of people with unprovoked seizures. METHODS The cohort comprises 224 inhabitants of Iceland first diagnosed as suffering from unprovoked seizures during a 5-year period from 1960 to 1964. The expected number of deaths was calculated by multiplying person-years of observation within 5-year age categories for each year from diagnosis through 1995 by cause-specific and sex-specific national death rates for those aged 20 years and above. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS All-cause mortality was increased among men (SMR 2.25, 95% CI 1.56-3.14) but not women (SMR 0.79, 95% CI 0.38-1.46). Among men, there were 8 deaths from accidents, poisoning and violence observed versus 2.82 expected (SMR 2.84, 95% CI 1.22-5.59) and 4 deaths from suicide versus 0.69 expected (SMR 5.80, 95% CI 1.56-14.84). All-cause mortality for men was still elevated after restriction of analysis to those with seizures of unknown etiology (SMR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05-2.67) with the excess deaths attributable to suicide (SMR 5.26, 95% CI 1.06-15.38). Both males and females with remote symptomatic unprovoked seizures had an increase in all-cause mortality due to excess mortality from all cancers, cerebrovascular disease and accidents. CONCLUSION When compared with the age-, time-period- and gender-specific mortality in the general population, there is excess mortality in men but not women. The increased mortality for men is partly attributable to excess mortality from accidents and suicides.
Identification of Salt Tolerance-related microRNAs and Their Targets in Maize (Zea mays L.) Using High-throughput Sequencing and Degradome Analysis

To identify the known and novel microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets that are involved in the response and adaptation of maize (Zea mays) to salt stress, miRNAs and their targets were identified by a combined analysis of the deep sequencing of small RNAs (sRNA) and degradome libraries. The identities were confirmed by a quantitative expression analysis with over 100 million raw reads of sRNA and degradome sequences. A total of 1040 previously known miRNAs were identified from four maize libraries, with 762 and 726 miRNAs derived from leaves and roots, respectively, and 448 miRNAs that were common between the leaves and roots. A total of 37 potential new miRNAs were selected based on the same criteria in response to salt stress. In addition to known miR167 and miR164 species, novel putative miR167 and miR164 species were also identified. Deep sequencing of miRNAs and the degradome [with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses of their targets] showed that more than one species of novel miRNA may play key roles in the response to salinity in maize. Furthermore, the interaction between miRNAs and their targets may play various roles in different parts of maize in response to salinity.
Teaching and learning experince with Learning Management Systems: An adapted IS success model in LMS context

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are adopted widely in higher education organizations in the last decade. However, research into the ramifications of LMS, specifically the pedagogical issue, is still in its infancy. As LMS are designed particular to support a number of teaching and learning activities, the success of LMS is largely depends on the benefits received from teachers and students. Based on the study of LMS and Information System (IS) success, this paper adapted a well-developed IS success model in LMS context, and proposed an adapted LMS success model. The model is described and analyzed, and a number of gaps are identified in this study. To apply this model to examine LMS, suggestions on future research are made to bridge those gaps.
The Hemodynamic Abnormalities in Short-Term Insulin Deficiency: The Role of Prostaglandin Inhibition

It has been suggested that the hemodynamic derangements present in diabetic ketoacidosis are the results not only of profound volume depletion but also of the effects of increased production of vasodilating prostaglandins (PGs), principally PGI2, released by adipose tissue. In animal and in vitro models, prostaglandin synthesis is increased during insulin deficiency. We assessed the effects of short-term ketosis on the metabolic and hemodynamic variables of 10 IDDM patients free from long-term complications and of 9 normal control subjects after a 7-day randomized double-blind indomethacin (INDO) (50 mg q.i.d.) or placebo treatment period. Calf blood flow (CBF), postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH), and recovery half-time (an index of overall perfusion) after PORH were measured by plethysmography. Left ventricular and myocardial functions were also studied in each different condition during placebo and INDO treatment in IDDM patients. During placebo treatment, the increase in CBF during ketosis was higher (1.75 ± 0.29 ml · min−1 · 100 ml muscle−1) than during INDO (0.85 ± 0.17 ml · min−1 · 100 ml muscle−1; P = 0.007). PORH was similar in baseline conditions, during ketosis, and in recovery in both the placebo and INDO arms. Recovery half-time significantly increased during placebo (10 ± 2; 200%; P < 0.01) but not during INDO (1 ± 1; 106%; NS) treatment. In normal control subjects, insulin deficiency did not induce any significant effect on hemodynamic variables. In IDDM patients, during placebo treatment, ketosis increased both the cardiac index (from 3.4 ± 0.7 to 4.1 ± 0.8 1 · min−1 · m−2; P < 0.01) and the stroke index (from 42 ± 8 to 49 ± 7 ml/m2; P < 0.01) without changes in left ventricular ejection fraction but with a significant increase in both left and right ventricular end-diastolic volumes. Metabolic recovery induced a normalization of these parameters. INDO treatment significantly blunted these alterations. In summary, we showed that during acute insulin deficiency, INDO-sensitive mechanisms mediate vascular disturbances. Moreover, INDO treatment was capable of completely preventing the cardiac venous return and the left ventricular alterations. INDO does not interfere with the overall ketogenetic process or with insulin-induced metabolic recovery.
Use of a multi-objective fitness function to improve cartesian genetic programming circuits

This paper describes an approach of using a multi-objective fitness function to improve the performance of digital circuits evolved using CGP. Circuits are initially evolved for correct functionality using conventional CGP before the NSGA-II algorithm is used to extract circuits which are more efficient in terms of design complexity and delay. This approach is used to evolve typical digital-system building block circuits with results compared to standard-CGP, other evolutionary methods and conventional designs.
Mortality among workers at a talc mining and milling facility.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated mortality among workers at a talc mining and milling facility. METHODS Subjects were white men actively employed between 1948 and 1989 and known to have been alive in or after 1950. Analyses assessed cancer mortality during the period 1950-89 (809 subjects) and non-cancer mortality during 1960-89 (782 subjects). RESULTS Comparisons with regional general population death rates for 1960-89 indicated that the workers had more than expected deaths from all causes combined [209 observed/160 expected, standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 131, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 114-150], due mainly to increased mortality from lung cancer (31/13, SMR = 232, CI = 157-329) and non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) (28/13, SMR = 221, CI = 147-320). The lung cancer excess was concentrated in miners (18/4.6, SMR = 394, CI = 233-622); millers had only a small increase (7/5.5, SMR = 128, CI = 51-263). An excess of NMRD occurred both in miners (10/4.2, SMR = 241, CI = 116-444) and in millers (11/4.8, SMR = 227, CI = 113-407). The median estimated exposure to respirable dust was 511 mg/m(3)-days for all exposed employees, 739 mg/m(3)-days for mine workers and 683 mg/m(3)-days for mill workers. Employees with high, compared with low, estimated exposure to dust had a rate ratio of 0.5 (CI = 0.2-1.3) for lung cancer and of 11.8 (CI = 3.1-44.9) for pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to talc ore dust may not have been responsible for the lung cancer excess among these workers but probably contributed to the elevated rate of NMRD, particularly pulmonary fibrosis.
Signs and symptoms of heart failure: are you asking the right questions?

BACKGROUND Patients may not verbalize common and atypical signs and symptoms of heart failure and may not understand their association with worsening disease and treatments. OBJECTIVES To examine prevalence of signs and symptoms relative to demographics, care setting, and functional class. METHODS A convenience sample of 276 patients (164 ambulatory, 112 hospitalized) with systolic heart failure completed a 1-page checklist of signs and symptoms experienced in the preceding 7 days (ambulatory) or in the 7 days before hospitalization. Demographic and medical history data were collected. RESULTS Mean age was 61.6 (SD, 14.8) years, 65% were male, 58% were white, and 45% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Hospitalized patients reported more sudden weight gain, weight loss, severe cough, low/orthostatic blood pressure, profound fatigue, decreased exercise, restlessness/confusion, irregular pulse, and palpitations (all P < .05). Patients in functional class IV reported more atypical signs and symptoms of heart failure (severe cough, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite, and restlessness, confusion, or fainting, all P <or= .001). Sudden weight gain increased from 5% in functional class I to 37.5% in functional class IV (P < .001). Dyspnea occurred in all functional classes (98%-100%) and both settings (92%-100%). Profound fatigue was associated with worsening functional class (P < .001) and hospital setting (P = .001); paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea was associated with functional class IV (P = .02) and hospital setting (P < .001). CONCLUSION Profound fatigue is more reliable than dyspnea as an indicator of functional class. Nurses must recognize atypical signs and symptoms of worsening functional class to determine clinical status and facilitate patient care decisions.
The Value of Growth: Changes in Profitability and Future Stock Returns

The change in a firm’s profitability, or profitability growth, has incremental power to predict stock returns over current profitability and other well-known cross-sectional determinants. From 1975 to 2014, the Fama and French (2015) five-factor alpha on a long-short strategy based on profitability growth is 1.31% per month. This strategy remains highly profitable after controlling for size, book-to-market, profitability, or earnings surprises. A revised version of the Fama and French (2015) five-factor model that replaces the profitability RMW factor with a profitability-growth factor explains the momentum anomaly at least as well as other prominent factor models.
Analyzing segregation in mature and developing suburbs in the United States

ABSTRACT Over the past several decades, researchers have investigated segregation, differentiating between central cities and suburbs. However, suburbs have become more differentiated. Using Census 2000, Census 2010, and American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2007–2011, this article analyzes segregation in the 100 most populous metropolitan statistical areas in the United States, differentiating between central cities, mature suburbs, and developing suburbs. For each subgeography, we consider the racial and ethnic proportions, the dissimilarity index for each combination of racial and ethnic groups, and the isolation index for each racial and ethnic group. We find that Black–White and Latino–White dissimilarity levels in mature suburbs are closer to the corresponding levels in central cities. From 2000 to 2010, Black–White segregation indices decreased for all subgeographies in all regions and Latino–White segregation indices increased for all subgeographies in Census Region South. The findings for the dissimilarity indices suggest that finer-grained analyses of segregation could yield insights on local-level processes that may influence segregation in the 3 types of places and could suggest policy interventions to address segregation’s persistence.
Graduates’ perception of a Leadership Program for Teachers and Aspiring Leaders in the South Pacific

The postgraduate leadership program (PGLP) offered by the Education Department at The University of Fiji is aimed at immersing teachers and aspiring leaders into a world of educational entrepreneurship. The aim of this study is to explicate the impact of the PGLP on its relevance as perceived by its graduates. A survey using five point Likert type scale and open-ended questions was administered to a cohort of graduates of the PGLP from 2008 to 2013 to explore their perceptions of the PGLP. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach while SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data. All data collected was synthesised according to the mixed methods conventions and findings are discussed according to the research questions and pertinent emerging themes. Results indicate that in general graduates are pleased with the theoretical and practical components of the leadership program. However, findings reveal there is room for improvement in regards to the provision of assessment feedback and student services. The study concludes by elucidating certain recommendations for improvement that in turn can make the leadership program more relevant to the needs of teachers and aspiring leaders in Fiji and beyond.
Reproducibility of retinal mapping using optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE To assess the reproducibility of retinal thickness measurement using commercially available mapping software of optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS Six radial scans, 6 mm long and centered on the fixation point, were performed on 10 eyes of 10 healthy volunteers and 10 eyes of 10 diabetic patients with clinically significant macular edema. Retinal thickness was measured automatically using the mapping software of OCT in the 9 macular Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study areas and in a central area 500 microm in diameter. Measurement reproducibility was tested by means of 3 series of scans performed by 2 different observers on 2 different days. Results were assessed by their repeatability and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS In healthy subjects, intraobserver, interobserver, and intervisit reproducibility of retinal thickness measurements were excellent, with a repeatability coefficient of less than 7 microm and ICCs of greater than 0.89. In diabetic patients, the repeatability coefficient was less than 21 microm in all areas of the macula except one, with an ICC of greater than 0.98. Relative variations in measurements were small in both healthy and diabetic subjects, with reproducibilities of +/- 5% and +/- 6%, respectively. CONCLUSION Retinal mapping software of OCT allows reproducible measurement of retinal thickness in both healthy subjects and diabetic patients with macular edema.
Isolation precautions for antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings

Purpose of review Emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and new or changing infectious pathogens is an important public health problem. Transmission of these pathogens in an acute care setting may occur frequently if proper precautions are not taken. Despite several guidelines and an abundance of literature on the prevention of transmission of epidemiologically important organisms in the healthcare setting, substantial controversy exists. This review focuses on recent data regarding the use of infection control and isolation precautions. Recent findings New data are available, but the conflict surrounding the use of active surveillance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has not been resolved. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria has prompted a greater interest in infection control strategies for prevention of their spread. Outbreaks of Clostridium difficile have responded to broad infection control initiatives, but further research is required to determine whether the best infection control precautions are being utilized. Summary Effective prevention of the transmission of pathogens within the healthcare system requires a multifaceted approach. Existing guidelines should be used to create institutional policies specific to individual patient populations, problem pathogens and the ability to practically implement various infection control procedures. Despite ongoing study, the use of active surveillance to prevent transmission of MRSA continues to be a complex, controversial and challenging issue.
Evaluation of the effect of dipping pattern in hypertensive patients on the left ventricular systolic functions by two‐dimensional strain analysis

Nondipping blood pressure pattern carry a high risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications due to a higher cumulative pressure overload. We aimed to define the role of strain analysis for detecting subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in recently diagnosed nondipper and dipper hypertensive patients with normal left ventricular systolic function.