Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Higher lipoprotein (a) levels in atherothrombotic than lacunar ischemic cerebrovascular disease

Abstract—To investigate the role of plasma lipid abnormalities in ischemic cerebrovascular disease related to primary vessel disease, the authors assess lipid profiles in a hospital-based cohort of 202 consecutive patients with atherothrombotic or lacunar stroke subtypes. Lipoprotein (a) was the unique lipid parameter that differs between these two subtypes being its value twofold higher in patients with atherothrombotic than in lacunar stroke. This suggests that lipoprotein (a) promotes large vessel atheromatosis rather than small vessel arteriolosclerosis and favors thrombosis on atheromatous plaques by suppressing local fibrinolysis.
Ovarian follicular activity during the luteal phase in gilts.

Summary The aim of this investigation on 9 crossbred gilts was to study the morphology of ovarian follicles (≥ 1 mm in diameter) and to correlate the follicular activity with the peripheral plasma level of oestradiol-17β on the day of slaughter. Peripheral plasma levels of progesterone, oestradiol-17β and LH were measured during the second oestrous cycle from day 3 until slaughter. The gilts were slaughtered at different days, from day 6 to day 14. The ovaries were prepared, serially sectioned, photographed and examined microscopically. Follicles ≥ 1 mm in diameter were counted, measured and classified as normal or atretic. There was a marked difference in the total number of follicles between the gilts. A majority of the follicles was found in sizegroup 1.00–1.99 mm in diameter, but large (6.00–6.99 mm in diameter) follicles were also present and a tendency towards a growth wave was observed. The incidence of atresia was approximately 50% in follicles ≤ 2.99 mm and 37% in follicles 3.00–3.99 mm in diameter. No atresia was seen in follicles ≥ 4 mm. The peripheral plasma level of oestradiol-17β was low and no rise was found concomitantly with large ovarian follicles during the luteal phase. Zusammenfassung Follikel-Aktivitat des Ovars bei Jungsauen wahrend der Lutealphase: Ziel der an 9 Kreuzungs-Sauen durchgefuhrten Untersuchungen war es, die Morphologie der Ovar-Follikel (Durchmesser ≥ 1 mm) zu erfassen und die Follikelaktivitat am Tag der Schlachtung mit dem Ostradiol-17β-Plasmaspiegel zu korrelieren. Die Plasma-Progesteron-, Ostradiol-17β- und LH-Spiegel wurden im Verlauf des zweiten Brunstzyklus vom Tag 3 bis zur Schlachtung gemessen. Die Sauen wurden an verschiedenen Tagen, und zwar vom Tag 6 bis zum Tag 14, geschlachtet. Die Ovarien wurden freiprapariert, anschliesend wurden Serien von Schnitten angefertigt, Photographien und mikroskopisch untersucht. Follikel mit einem Durchmesser ≥ 1 mm wurden gezahlt, gemessen und als normal oder atretisch klassifiziert. Zwischen den einzelnen Jungsauen ergaben sich dabei deutliche Unterschiede in der Gesamtzahl der Follikel. Die Mehrzahl der Follikel wies einen Durchmesser von 1,00–1,99 mm auf. Jedoch waren auch grose Follikel (Durchmesser 6,00–6,99 mm) vorhanden. Ferner war die Tendenz zu schubartigem Wachstum erkennbar. Die Atresie-Haufigkeit betrug bei Follikeln ≤ 2,99 mm etwa 50%, bei Follikeln mit einem Durchmesser von 3,00–3,99 mm 37%. Bei Follikeln 64 mm wurde keine Atresie beobachtet. Der Plasma-Ostradiol-17β-Spiegel in der Peripherie war niedrig. Ferner wurde wahrend der Lutealphase bei Vorhandensein groser Follikel keine Erhohung des Ostradiol-17β-Spiegels gefunden.
PORE FRACTION ANALYSIS: A NEW TOOL FOR SUBSTRATE TESTING

Pore sizes have traditionally been divided into macropores and micropores with the division between the two being arbitrary. Since most mixes used in container production are ≥ 80% pores by volume, a more detailed pore-fraction analysis seems warranted. Taking into account hydraulic properties and irrigation parameters, pore-size distribution curves were separated into four ranges. Macropores were selected as pore sizes > 416 μ. Pore sizes within the macropore range cannot hold water under tension induced by gravity when allowed to drain after saturation. Mesopores were selected as being in the pore size range of ≤ 416 to ≥ 10 μ. Micropores were categorized into the pore-size range of 0.2 to 10 μ. This would be equivalent to volumes of water held between 30 kPa and 1.5 MPa. The water in these pores may be viewed as a type of water stress “buffer” not commonly used under normal irrigations but extracted by plant roots when suctions exceed 30 kPa. Ultramicropores hold water at suctions > 1.5 MPa and would be found in pores with effective pore diameters < 0.2 μ. This water would be considered unavailable to plants. Data derived from this analysis were in good agreement with traditional measures of pore space and particle size distributions for peat-based, bark-based, and soilbased substrates.
Long-term adherence to a physical activity intervention: The role of telephone-assisted vs. self-administered coping plans and strategy use

Objective: This study investigated the role of coping plans and the use of selection, optimisation and compensation (SOC) strategies within an experimental evaluation of a 26-week physical exercise intervention. Methods: Older women (N = 86, M age = 73.7 years) were randomly assigned to a telephone-assisted or a self-administered coping planning intervention after 6 weeks’ participation in an exercise programme. The number of different coping plans formulated, exercise-specific SOC strategy use and their interaction were used to predict objectively measured long-term adherence to the intervention. Results: The number of coping plans formulated (β = 0.28) and goal-pursuit strategies reported (sum score of optimisation and compensation strategies, β = 0.39) predicted adherence to the exercise programme over 20 weeks. The predictive strength of coping plans increased with decreasing numbers of goal-pursuit strategies (β = −0.21). Women supported via telephone reported significantly more coping plans than did women in the self-administered coping planning group, F(1,80) = 9.47, p = 0.003. Conclusion: Coping plans have a buffering effect on adherence levels when use of SOC strategies is low. Older women's adherence to physical activities may be improved if they are given direct support in generating coping plans involving strategies of selection, optimisation and compensation.
CHEK2:1100delC and female breast cancer in the United States

Lutécia H. MATEUS PEREIRA, Alice J. SIGURDSON, Michele M. DOODY, Marbin A. PINEDA, Bruce H. ALEXANDER, Mark H. GREENE and Jeffery P. STRUEWING Laboratory of Population Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA Radiation Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Clinical Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
Three-Dimensional Versus Two-Dimensional Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Is Surgeon Experience Relevant?

BACKGROUND A prospective randomized comparison of three-dimensional (3D) versus two-dimensional (2D) imaging during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), both performed separately by an advanced laparoscopic surgeon and by a surgeon experienced in open surgical procedures but a novice at laparoscopic procedures, was designed to address the issue of whether 3D systems offer real operative time advantages to this laparoscopic procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighty patients were randomized the day of surgery by random computer-generated allocation list to receive either a 3D or 2D high-definition imaging system LC by two surgeons with differing experience. After the insertion of the access ports the surgical procedure was divided in two component tasks. Operative times of the two component tasks and the entire procedure were recorded. RESULTS The execution times for the two component tasks and the entire procedure were not significantly different between the 2D and 3D groups for the experienced laparoscopic surgeon. However, the execution times for the two component tasks and the entire procedure were significantly faster during 3D compared with 2D for the novice surgeon. Both surgeons experienced better depth perception with the 3D system and subjectively reported less strain using 3D rather than 2D vision. CONCLUSIONS 3D imaging seems not to influence the performance time of LC by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Less experienced laparoscopic surgeons could benefit from shorter performance time with 3D imaging due to no need to adapt to 2D vision. Further comparative studies are necessary to verify on great numbers of cases whether 3D can reduce intraoperative complications such as biliary lesions.
Information behaviour of women: theoretical perspectives on gender

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether there is a need to consider gender or sex differences as variables in information behaviour research and, if so, how? Design/methodology/approach – A metasynthesis approach is used. A preliminary framework to categorise information behaviour research on women is developed by integrating main themes from feminist research and information behaviour research. Within each category, studies are compared and contrasted, to identify similar and divergent themes. Themes are then compared across categories, to synthesise the main concepts.Findings – The categorisation works for most studies, apart from a group of studies on health information use, communicating risk and decision making. The meta‐synthesis indicates the importance of concepts such as situation (as mesh), intermediaries (as node with connections), and connecting behaviour. Gender‐related or, rather gender‐ascribed, constructs, such as concern for others, not gender alone are likely to be impor.
Increased risk of posterior glenoid labrum tears in football players.

OBJECTIVE This study was designed to test our hypothesis that football players with shoulder pain, shoulder instability, or both requiring MR arthrography for evaluation are at an increased likelihood relative to non-football players for having a tear of the posterior glenoid labrum. CONCLUSION We conclude that posterior glenoid labrum tears are more prevalent in football players than in non-football players.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and oxidative stress

Relatively little progress has been made in developing therapies for mitochondrial diseases in modern medicine as a result of the exquisite complexity of the structural proteins and pathways associated with mitochondrial functions and our incomplete understanding of pathophysiology (1). Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), in particular, provides a unique model for understanding molecular mechanism and testing promising treatments as a result of its characteristic sequential bilateral involvement and accessibility of retina as the target tissue within the eye. Lin et al. report the establishment of an Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) mouse model by introducing a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation (2).
Thermal protein unfolding by differential scanning calorimetry and circular dichroism spectroscopy Two-state model versus sequential unfolding

Abstract Thermally-induced protein unfolding is commonly described with the two-state model. This model assumes only two types of protein molecules in solution, the native (N) and the denatured, unfolded (U) protein. In reality, protein unfolding is a multistep process, even if intermediate states are only sparsely populated. As an alternative approach we explore the Zimm–Bragg theory, originally developed for the α-helix-to-random coil transition of synthetic polypeptides. The theory includes intermediate structures with concentrations determined by the cooperativity of the unfolding reaction. We illustrate the differences between the two-state model and the Zimm–Bragg theory with measurements of apolipoprotein A-1 and lysozyme by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and CD spectroscopy. Nine further protein examples are taken from the literature. The Zimm–Bragg theory provides a perfect fit of the calorimetric unfolding transitions for all proteins investigated. In contrast, the transition curves and enthalpies predicted by the two-state model differ considerably from the experimental results. Apolipoprotein A-1 is ~50% α-helical at ambient temperature and its unfolding follows the classical α-helix-to-random coil equilibrium. The unfolding of proteins with little α-helix content, such as lysozyme, can also be analyzed with the Zimm–Bragg theory by introducing the concept of ‘folded’ and ‘unfolded’ peptide units assuming an average unfolding enthalpy per peptide unit. DSC is the method of choice to measure the unfolding enthalpy, $\Delta H_{\rm exp} ^0 $, but CD spectroscopy in combination with the two-state model is often used to deduce the unfolding enthalpy. This can lead to erroneous result. Not only are different enthalpies required to describe the CD and DSC transition curves but these values deviate distinctly from the experimental result. In contrast, the Zimm–Bragg theory predicts the DSC and CD unfolding transitions with the same set of parameters.
Angiotensinogen T174M and M235T variants, sodium intake and hypertension among non‐drinking, lean Japanese men and women

Objective To examine the interaction of sodium intake with genetic variations of the angiotensinogen gene and hypertension. Design A community-based case-reference study. Setting Two rural Japanese communities. Participants Non-overweight and non-drinking Japanese men and women: 229 hypertensives and 229 age-, sex- and community-matched normotensives aged 32 to 83 years. Methods Polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen gene detected by an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. A priori hypothesis is individuals with 174M (threonine-to-methionine substitution) or 235T (methionine-to-threonine substitution) allelic variations may have an elevated risk of hypertension when they have a high sodium intake, estimated by 24-h urine collection and a dietary questionnaire. Results The genotypic frequency of the haplotype including both the 174M and 235T alleles was higher among hypertensives than among normotensives (23 versus 14%, P = 0.02). The frequency of the 174M allele was specifically higher among hypertensives than normotensives (12 versus 7%, P = 0.01), and the odds ratio of hypertension associated with the 174M (versus 174T) allele was 1.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–3.0, P = 0.01]. The frequency of the 235T allele did not vary between the two groups (80 versus 82%, P = 0.40). The relationship between the 174M allele and hypertension was more evident among persons who had higher urinary sodium excretion (> = 166 mmol/day) than those with lower excretion (< 166 mmol/day): odds ratio 2.5 (95% CI, 1.2–5.2), P = 0.01 versus 1.5 (95% CI, 0.7–3.1), P = 0.31; P for interaction = 0.04, and this trend was primarily observed for early-onset hypertension (< 55 years at onset). A similar but nonsignificant association was observed when stratified using present and past sodium intake scores derived from questionnaires. Conclusion Angiotensinogen genotype may affect the development of early-onset hypertension among Japanese, particularly in those who have a high sodium intake.
Trajectory-based observer for hybrid automata fault diagnosis

A method for constructing state observers for hybrid automata is proposed. The approach is trajectory-based. So it does not require the system to be fully observable. The discrete and continuous states of the system can be estimated constantly. We present implementation of the observer, and its application to fault diagnosis problem of hybrid automata.
Measurements of serum free cortisol in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND Because more than 90 percent of circulating cortisol in human serum is protein-bound, changes in the binding proteins can alter measured serum total cortisol concentrations without influencing free concentrations of this hormone. We investigated the effect of decreased amounts of cortisol-binding proteins on serum total and free cortisol concentrations during critical illness, when glucocorticoid secretion is maximally stimulated. METHODS Base-line serum total cortisol, cosyntropin-stimulated serum total cortisol, aldosterone, and free cortisol concentrations were measured in 66 critically ill patients and 33 healthy volunteers in groups that were similar with regard to sex and age. Of the 66 patients, 36 had hypoproteinemia (albumin concentration, 2.5 g per deciliter or less), and 30 had near-normal serum albumin concentrations (above 2.5 g per deciliter). RESULTS Base-line and cosyntropin-stimulated serum total cortisol concentrations were lower in the patients with hypoproteinemia than in those with near-normal serum albumin concentrations (P<0.001). However, the mean (+/-SD) base-line serum free cortisol concentrations were similar in the two groups of patients (5.1+/-4.1 and 5.2+/-3.5 microg per deciliter [140.7+/-113.1 and 143.5+/-96.6 nmol per liter]) and were several times higher than the values in controls (0.6+/-0.3 microg per deciliter [16.6+/-8.3 nmol per liter], P<0.001 for both comparisons). Cosyntropin-stimulated serum total cortisol concentrations were subnormal (18.5 microg per deciliter [510.4 nmol per liter] or less) in 14 of the patients, all of whom had hypoproteinemia. In all 66 patients, including these 14 who had hypoproteinemia, the base-line and cosyntropin-stimulated serum free cortisol concentrations were high-normal or elevated. CONCLUSIONS During critical illness, glucocorticoid secretion markedly increases, but the increase is not discernible when only the serum total cortisol concentration is measured. In this study, nearly 40 percent of critically ill patients with hypoproteinemia had subnormal serum total cortisol concentrations, even though their adrenal function was normal. Measuring serum free cortisol concentrations in critically ill patients with hypoproteinemia may help prevent the unnecessary use of glucocorticoid therapy.
EFFECTS OF DIETARY FLAVONOIDS INTAKE IN SAUDI PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the dietary intake of flavonoids and their effect on serum lipid levels in Saudi patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methodology: A cross-sectional study with a sample of 50 CHD patients and 50 controls. A 24-hour recall method was used to collect data on the dietary intake of macronutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidant vitamins. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect data on habitual consumption during the year preceding the interview. Baseline data collection included medical history, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, and smoking status. Results: CHD patients showed significantly less intake of fruits and vegetables compared to the controls. Serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were found to be significantly higher in CHD patients than in the controls. The main sources of flavonoids in a typical Saudi diet are tea, fruits (apples), vegetables (onions), and chocolate. The intake of flavonoids and antioxidant vitamins was significantly lower in CHD patients compared to the controls. A negative correlation between the dietary intake of different flavonoids and serum LDL was observed in CHD patients. Significant correlation was found between the intake of flavonol and waist to hip ratio Conclusions: The findings of the study support a potential protective effect of dietary flavonoids in relation to CHD. The study showed that consuming more Flavonoids may have positive effect on lowering blood lipids.
Field calibration and validation of Radarsat-2

The sensor calibration accuracy is an important indicator of SAR satellite system's performance and data quality. Towards geometric and radiometric calibration of Radarsat- 2 satellite (RS2), this paper researched the procedure and key techniques of space-borne SAR field calibration, including corner reflectors' (CRs) design, CRs' arrangement in the field, acquirement of CRs' peak RCS value and the surveying scheme. Besides, RS2's calibration accuracy was validated, giving reference for its quantitative application.
Circulating Pro- and Counterinflammatory Cytokine Levels and Severity in Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Objectives. To evaluate the relationship between the severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and circulating concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 and counterinflammatory cytokines IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and IL-10. These cytokines have been associated with bowel injury or inflammation and may be released more slowly or later than previously examined cytokines. Also, to determine if any one of these cytokines will predict the eventual severity of NEC when measured at symptom onset. Method. Serial blood samples at onset, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours were obtained from newborn infants with predefined signs and symptoms of NEC. Normal levels were defined from weight-, gestation-, and age-matched controls. Concentrations of the four cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared throughout the time period by stage of NEC, using sepsis as a co-factor. Mean concentrations of each cytokine at onset were compared with the controls. Threshold values were obtained with the best combination of high sensitivity and high specificity for defining stage 1 NEC or for diagnosing stage 3 NEC at onset. Results. There were 12 cases of stage 1, 18 cases of stage 2, and 6 cases of stage 3 NEC included in the study, as well as 20 control infants. Concentrations of IL-8 and IL-10 were significantly higher in infants with stage 3 NEC from onset through 24 hours compared with infants with less severe NEC. At onset, concentrations of all four cytokines were significantly higher in stage 3 NEC. To identify, at onset, the infants with a final diagnosis of stage 3 NEC, an IL-1ra concentration of >130 000 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 92%. At 8 hours, an IL-10 concentration of >250 pg/mL had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90% in identifying stage 3 NEC in infants with symptoms suggestive of NEC at onset. Conclusions. The severity of NEC and its systemic signs and symptoms are not due to a deficiency of counterregulatory cytokines. In fact, mean concentrations of IL-1ra in NEC are higher than what has been reported in other populations. The cytokines IL-8, IL-1ra, and IL-10 are released later or more slowly after a stimulus and may be more useful in identifying, within hours of symptom onset, which infant will develop significant NEC.