Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Behavior and Psychological Functioning of People at High Risk of Diabetes-Related Foot Complications

PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to propose a model that describes the influences on the behavior and psychological functioning of people at risk for diabetes-related foot complications. METHODS A literature search was conducted in Medline (1950-2005), CINAHL (1982-2005), and PsycInfo (1967-2005) databases and in reference lists of journal articles and relevant books. The search focused on published literature in the English language that was related to concepts such as diabetes-related foot complications, behavior, and psychology. RESULTS The literature reviewed was arranged to reflect the reciprocal relationship between the personal, environmental, and behavioral factors of people at risk of diabetes-related foot complications. The model proposed uses the concept of reciprocal determinism to illustrate how these factors interact and influence the development of diabetes-related foot complications. CONCLUSION The concept of reciprocal determinism may be useful when developing further investigation into educational and behavioral interventions in this clinical population.
Management of atherosclerosis risk factors for patients at high cardiovascular risk in real-world practice: a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a global health burden. However, there are heterogeneities among countries or regions in the risk factors and clinical manifestations of atherosclerotic diseases as well as management patterns. METHODS We collected data from 25 centres in Thailand. Patients with documented coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease or peripheral arterial disease, or with at least three atherosclerosis risk factors were enrolled between April 2011 and March 2014. Data on demographics, atherosclerosis risk factors and the management pattern of risk factors, including laboratory findings, were recorded. RESULTS In total, 9,390 patients, including 4,861 patients with established atherosclerotic disease and 4,529 patients with multiple risk factors, were enrolled. The modifiable risk factors, other than current smoking habit (5.3%), were common: hypertension (83.8%), dyslipidaemia (85.9%) and diabetes mellitus (57.4%). A majority of patients with hypertension (96.3%), dyslipidaemia (93.8%) and diabetes mellitus (78.5%) received medications for their conditions. Antiplatelet agents were given to 73.9% of patients. The undertreatment rate of cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, haemoglobin A1c and smoking status, was 35.8%, 59.0%, 45.3% and 5.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION Conventional atherosclerosis risk factors were common among Thai patients with established atherosclerotic disease. Even though most of the patients received recommended treatments according to established guidelines, a significant proportion of them were undertreated for atherosclerosis risk factors.
Strategies for dealing with derived demand

In this article, we present the results from an exploratory investigation of the derived demand phenomenon as it is experienced by 14 suppliers near the beginning of the supply chain. We present derived demand as an information problem, i.e. a problem concerned with both obtaining information about downstream markets and providing information to them. Our findings suggest that the appropriate way to deal with derived demand issues depends on two underlying factors: (1) the value of the product to downstream customers and (2) the firm’s ability to target downstream customers. We discuss a number of approaches to deal with derived demand issues and their implications for managers.
Overexpression of the base excision repair NTHL1 glycosylase causes genomic instability and early cellular hallmarks of cancer

Abstract Base excision repair (BER), which is initiated by DNA N-glycosylase proteins, is the frontline for repairing potentially mutagenic DNA base damage. The NTHL1 glycosylase, which excises DNA base damage caused by reactive oxygen species, is thought to be a tumor suppressor. However, in addition to NTHL1 loss-of-function mutations, our analysis of cancer genomic datasets reveals that NTHL1 frequently undergoes amplification or upregulation in some cancers. Whether NTHL1 overexpression could contribute to cancer phenotypes has not yet been explored. To address the functional consequences of NTHL1 overexpression, we employed transient overexpression. Both NTHL1 and a catalytically-dead NTHL1 (CATmut) induce DNA damage and genomic instability in non-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) when overexpressed. Strikingly, overexpression of either NTHL1 or CATmut causes replication stress signaling and a decrease in homologous recombination (HR). HBEC cells that overexpress NTHL1 or CATmut acquire the ability to grow in soft agar and exhibit loss of contact inhibition, suggesting that a mechanism independent of NTHL1 catalytic activity contributes to acquisition of cancer-related cellular phenotypes. We provide evidence that NTHL1 interacts with the multifunctional DNA repair protein XPG suggesting that interference with HR is a possible mechanism that contributes to acquisition of early cellular hallmarks of cancer.
Patients’ preferences for adjuvant sorafenib after resection of renal cell carcinoma in the SORCE trial: what makes it worthwhile?

Background We sought to determine the survival benefits that patients judged sufficient to warrant adjuvant therapy with sorafenib for 1 year, or for 3 years after resection of renal cell carcinoma in the SORCE trial. Methods SORCE participants from all sites in Australia and New Zealand, and selected sites in the UK, completed a validated preferences questionnaire at months 0, 3, 15, and 42 to elicit the minimum survival benefits they judged sufficient to warrant adjuvant sorafenib for 1 year (versus observation), or for 3 years (versus 1 year). The questionnaires used reference survival times of 5 and 15 years; and reference survival rates at 5 years of 65% and 85%. Results The 233 participants had a median age of 57 years (range 29-78) and 71% were male. For 1 year of sorafenib versus no adjuvant therapy, the median benefits in survival times judged sufficient to warrant treatment were an extra 9 months beyond 5 years and an extra 1 year beyond 15 years; the median benefit in survival rates were an extra 4% beyond 65% and an extra 3% beyond 85% at 5 years. For 3 years of sorafenib versus 1 year of sorafenib, the median benefit in survival time judged sufficient to warrant extended treatment was an extra 1 year beyond both 5 and 15 years. Participants randomly allocated to treatment with sorafenib judged larger benefits necessary than those allocated to placebo. Participants' preferences were not associated with their baseline characteristics or the interval from randomisation. Conclusion Most participants judged an extra year of survival necessary to warrant 1 year of adjuvant sorafenib worthwhile, and an additional year of survival to warrant extending the duration of sorafenib from 1 to 3 years. Patients' preferences are important in shared decision making. SORCE trial clinical trials number NCT00492258.
The potential role of incorporating real-time PCR and DNA sequencing for amplification and detection of 16S rRNA gene signatures in neonatal sepsis

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether 16S rRNA gene amplification by real time PCR and sequencing could serve as genetic-based methods in rapid and accurate diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Patients and methods: This case control study was conducted on 40 neonates suffering from sepsis like manifestations recruited from the neonatal intensive care unit of Menoufia university hospital over a period of 6 months. Their blood samples were used for paired analysis of bacterial growth using BACTEC 9050 instrument and real time PCR assay with subsequent DNA sequencing for bacterial species identification. Results: The detection rate of culture proven sepsis was 70%. By using real time 16S r RNA PCR amplification method, the detection of bacteria was improved to 80%. Real time PCR revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of [100%, 66.7%, 87.5% and 100%] respectively. Compared to culture, the 16S rRNA real time PCR demonstrated a high negative value for ruling out neonatal sepsis. There was significant statistical difference between the PCR positive and negative cases as regards the hematological sepsis score. The results demonstrated the ability of DNA sequencing to recognize 4 pathogens which were negative by blood culture. The time consumed to detect sepsis using blood culture was up to 5 days while it took up to 16 h only by PCR and sequencing methods. Conclusion: 16S rRNA gene amplification by real time PCR and sequence analysis could be served as ideal and reliable genetic-based methods to diagnose and rule out sepsis with provision of additional data that cannot be obtained by routine laboratory tests with a shorter turnaround time than those with culture-based protocols.
miRnalyze: an interactive database linking tool to unlock intuitive microRNA regulation of cell signaling pathways

Abstract The various pathophysiological processes occurring in living systems are known to be orchestrated by delicate interplays and cross-talks between different genes and their regulators. Among the various regulators of genes, there is a class of small non-coding RNA molecules known as microRNAs. Although, the relative simplicity of miRNAs and their ability to modulate cellular processes make them attractive therapeutic candidates, their presence in large numbers make it challenging for experimental researchers to interpret the intricacies of the molecular processes they regulate. Most of the existing bioinformatic tools fail to address these challenges. Here, we present a new web resource ‘miRnalyze’ that has been specifically designed to directly identify the putative regulation of cell signaling pathways by miRNAs. The tool integrates miRNA-target predictions with signaling cascade members by utilizing TargetScanHuman 7.1 miRNA-target prediction tool and the KEGG pathway database, and thus provides researchers with in-depth insights into modulation of signal transduction pathways by miRNAs. miRnalyze is capable of identifying common miRNAs targeting more than one gene in the same signaling pathway—a feature that further increases the probability of modulating the pathway and downstream reactions when using miRNA modulators. Additionally, miRnalyze can sort miRNAs according to the seed-match types and TargetScan Context ++ score, thus providing a hierarchical list of most valuable miRNAs. Furthermore, in order to provide users with comprehensive information regarding miRNAs, genes and pathways, miRnalyze also links to expression data of miRNAs (miRmine) and genes (TiGER) and proteome abundance (PaxDb) data. To validate the capability of the tool, we have documented the correlation of miRnalyze’s prediction with experimental confirmation studies. Database URL: http://www.mirnalyze. in
A panoramic survey method based on gesture recognition

The invention, gesture recognition technology uses cameras to collect images which contains the information of face posture, then identifying then track automatically the posture of face, and control correspondingly the car camera's rotation according to facial gestures, It is convenient and safe. In addition, the invention enhances the practicability of the system itself by adding the image processing technology such as antiglare, defog vision, night vision. Naked eye 3D will also be used in automobiles to observe the surrounding environment.
Glioblastoma‐mesenchymal stem cell communication modulates expression patterns of kinin receptors: Possible involvement of bradykinin in information flow

The most aggressive subtype of brain tumors is glioma WHO grade IV, the glioblastoma (GBM). The present work aims to elucidate the role of kinin receptors in interactions between GBM cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The GBM cell line U87‐MG was stably transfected to express dsRed protein, single cell cloned, expanded, and cultured with MSC, both in the direct co‐cultures (DC) and indirect co‐cultures (IC) at equal cell number ratio for 72 h. Up‐ and down‐regulation of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)−9 expression in U87‐MG and MSC cells, respectively, in direct co‐culture points to possible MSC participation in tumor invasion. MMP9 expression is in line with significantly increased expression of kinin B1 (B1R) and B2 receptor (B2R) in U87‐MG cells and their decreased levels in MSC, as confirmed by quantitative assessment using flow cytometric analysis. Similarly, in indirect cultures (IC), lacking the contact between GBM and MSC cells, an increase of B1 and B2 receptor expression was again noted in U87‐MG cells, and no significant changes in kinin receptors in MSC was observed. Functionality of kinin‐B1 and B2 receptors was evidenced by stimulation of intracellular calcium fluxes by their respective agonists, des‐Arg9‐bradykinin (DBK) and bradykinin (BK). Moreover, BK showed a feedback control on kinin receptor expression in mono‐cultures, direct and indirect co‐cultures. The treatment with BK resulted in down‐regulation of B1 and B2 receptors in MSC, with simultaneous up‐regulation of these receptors in U87‐MG cells, suggesting that functions of BK in information flow between these cells is important for tumor progression and invasion. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Computed tomographic‐lymphography as a complementary technique for lymph node staging in dogs with malignant tumors of various sites

Locoregional lymph nodes are routinely examined in order to define the spatial extent of neoplastic disease. As draining patterns of certain tumor types can be divergent from expected anatomical distribution, it is critical to sample the lymph nodes truly representing the draining area. The aim of this bicenter prospective pilot study was to describe the technique of computed tomographic (CT)-lymphography for primary draining lymph node mapping in tumor staging in dogs. Forty-five dogs with macro- or microscopic tumors in specified localizations were evaluated. Depending on body weight, 0.8-2 ml contrast agent (iohexol) was injected into four quadrants around the tumor, and CT-images were obtained at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 minutes post-injection. Attenuation of chosen regions of interest (Hounsfield units (HU)) and patterns of enhancement were assessed for 284 lymph nodes in the precontrast study with median HUs of 31.1 (Interquartile range (IQR) = 18.4) and for 275 in the intravenous postcontrast study with 104.3 HU (IQR = 31.2) (paired Wilcoxon test, P < 0.001). In the CT-lymphography study, 45 primary draining lymph nodes with a significantly higher median HU value of 348.5 (IQR = 591.4) (one-sample t-test, P < 0.001) were identified. Primary draining lymph nodes were found to be clearly visible after 1-3 minutes after local injection, often concurrent with a good visibility of the lymphatic vessel system. The herein described technique of peritumorally injected CT-contrast agent followed by subsequent CT-lymphography for primary draining lymph node mapping works well in a majority of cases in all investigated sites and warrants further validation for different tumor entities.
Thermodynamic Simulation Calculation of Precipitation Phase in a New-type Ni-based Superalloy

Using a thermodynamic Thermo-Calc software and relevant Ni-based superalloy database,equilibrium precipitation phases in a new-type Ni-based superalloy and the effect of the chemical compositions on the precipitation regulation are studied.The calculation results provid the theoretic basis for utilizing the structure potential and improving the use perfermance of this alloy.
Local Residual Stress Depth Distribution in the Inner Gearing of a Case Hardened Sliding Collar

With respect to residual stress analysis the inner gearing of an automotive sliding collar is a component with a challenging, complex geometry. The accessibility of the tooth root does not exist for conventional measuring approaches. However, the process steps like e.g. broaching and case hardening induce characteristic residual stress distributions, which must be known for the valuation of the mechanical integrity of the parts. For lab X-ray stress analysis approaches according to the sin2ψ-method [1] the ring like structure must be sectioned, which affects the process induced residual stress state. The tooth root is rather small, which further leads to shadowing effects during tilting of the sample. Standard mechanical approaches like incremental hole drilling can be excluded due to the narrow tooth root. Local neutron diffraction residual stress analysis in the tooth root by means of neutron through surface strain scanning at the STRESS-SPEC instrument at the research reactor FRM II, Garching (Germany) was successfully carried out for the inner gearing. A measuring and evaluation strategy is proposed, where special attention is paid to the compensation of the surface effect due to the incomplete immersion of the nominal gauge volume during through surface scanning and to the local variation of the D0-value as a consequence of the case hardening process.
BioM2MetDisease: a manually curated database for associations between microRNAs, metabolites, small molecules and metabolic diseases

Abstract BioM2MetDisease is a manually curated database that aims to provide a comprehensive and experimentally supported resource of associations between metabolic diseases and various biomolecules. Recently, metabolic diseases such as diabetes have become one of the leading threats to people’s health. Metabolic disease associated with alterations of multiple types of biomolecules such as miRNAs and metabolites. An integrated and high-quality data source that collection of metabolic disease associated biomolecules is essential for exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms and discovering novel therapeutics. Here, we developed the BioM2MetDisease database, which currently documents 2681 entries of relationships between 1147 biomolecules (miRNAs, metabolites and small molecules/drugs) and 78 metabolic diseases across 14 species. Each entry includes biomolecule category, species, biomolecule name, disease name, dysregulation pattern, experimental technique, a brief description of metabolic disease-biomolecule relationships, the reference, additional annotation information etc. BioM2MetDisease provides a user-friendly interface to explore and retrieve all data conveniently. A submission page was also offered for researchers to submit new associations between biomolecules and metabolic diseases. BioM2MetDisease provides a comprehensive resource for studying biology molecules act in metabolic diseases, and it is helpful for understanding the molecular mechanisms and developing novel therapeutics for metabolic diseases. Database URL: http://www.bio-bigdata.com/BioM2MetDisease/
A Model Reference Based 2-DOF Robust Observer-Controller Design Methodology

Disregarding the sign, the reference r and the disturbance d have the same effect on the error e . Therefore, if r and d vary in a similar manner the controller K can be chosen to minimize e in some sense. Otherwise, if r and d have different nature, the controller has to be chosen to provide a good trade-off between the command tracking and the disturbance rejection responses. This compromise is inherent to the nature of 1-DOF control schemes. To allow independent controller adjustments for both r and d , additional controller blocks have to be introduced into the system as in figure 2. Two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) compensators are characterized by allowing a separate processing of the reference inputs and the controlled outputs and may be characterized by means of two stable Youla parameters. The 2-DOF compensators present the advantage of a complete separation between feedback and reference tracking properties (Youla & Bongiorno, 1985): the feedback properties of the controlled system are assured by a feedback Source: New Approaches in Automation and Robotics, Book edited by: Harald Aschemann, ISBN 978-3-902613-26-4, pp. 392, May 2008, I-Tech Education and Publishing, Vienna, Austria O pe n A cc es s D at ab as e w w w . in te hw eb . c om
Antibodies Against Hypocretin Receptor 2 Are Rare in Narcolepsy

Study Objectives: Recently, antibodies to the hypocretin receptor 2 (HCRTR2‐Abs) were reported in a high proportion of narcolepsy patients who developed the disease following Pandemrix® vaccination. We tested a group of narcolepsy patients for the HCRTR2‐Abs using a newly established cell‐based assay. Methods: Sera from 50 narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and 11 narcolepsy type 2 (NT2) patients, 22 patients with other sleep disorders, 15 healthy controls, and 93 disease controls were studied. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSFs) from three narcoleptic patients were subsequently included. Human embryonic kidney cells were transiently transfected with human HCRTR2, incubated with patients' sera for 1 hr at 1:20 dilution and then fixed. Binding of antibodies was detected by fluorescently labeled secondary antibodies to human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the different IgG subclasses. A nonlinear visual scoring system was used from 0 to 4; samples scoring ≥1 were considered positive. Results: Only 3 (5%) of 61 patients showed a score ≥1, one with IgG1‐ and two with IgG3‐antibodies, but titers were low (1:40‐1:100). CSFs from these patients were negative. The three positive patients included one NT1 case with associated psychotic features, one NT2 patient, and an NT1 patient with normal hypocretin CSF levels. Conclusions: Low levels of IgG1 or IgG3 antibodies against HCRTR2 were found in 3 of 61 patients with narcolepsy, although only 1 presented with full‐blown NT1. HCRTR2‐Abs are not common in narcolepsy unrelated to vaccination.
The Cognitive Estimation Task Is Nonunitary: Evidence for Multiple Magnitude Representation Mechanisms Among Normative and ADHD College Students

There is a current debate on whether the cognitive system has a shared representation for all magnitudes or whether there are unique representations. To investigate this question, we used the Biber cognitive estimation task. In this task, participants were asked to provide estimates for questions such as, “How many sticks of spaghetti are in a package? ” The task uses different estimation categories (e.g., time, numerical quantity, distance, and weight) to look at real-life magnitude representations. Experiment 1 assessed (N = 95) a Hebrew version of the Biber Cognitive Estimation Task and found that different estimation categories had different relations, for example, weight, time, and distance shared variance, but numerical estimation did not. We suggest that numerical estimation does not require the use of measurement in units, hence, it represents a more “pure” numerical estimation. Experiment 2 found that different factors explain individual abilities in different estimation categories. For example, numerical estimation was predicted by preverbal innate quantity understanding (approximate number sense) and working memory, whereas time estimations were supported by IQ. These results demonstrate that cognitive estimation is not a unified construct.