Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adalimumab added to a treat-to-target strategy with methotrexate and intra-articular triamcinolone in early rheumatoid arthritis increased remission rates, function and quality of life. The OPERA Study: an investigator-initiated, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial

Objectives An investigator-initiated, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, treat-to-target protocol (Clinical Trials:NCT00660647) studied whether adalimumab added to methotrexate and intra-articular triamcinolone as first-line treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) increased the frequency of low disease activity (DAS28CRP<3.2) at 12 months. Methods In 14 Danish hospital-based clinics, 180 disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD)-naïve ERA patients (<6 months duration) received methotrexate 7.5 mg/week (increased to 20 mg/week within 2 months) plus adalimumab 40 mg every other week (adalimumab-group, n=89) or methotrexate+placebo-adalimumab (placebo-group, n=91). At all visits, triamcinolone was injected into swollen joints (max. four joints/visit). If low disease activity was not achieved, sulfasalazine 2 g/day and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day were added after 3 months, and open-label biologics after 6–9 months. Efficacy was assessed primarily on the proportion of patients who reached treatment target (DAS28CRP<3.2). Secondary endpoints included DAS28CRP, remission, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), EQ-5D and SF-12. Analysis was by intention-to-treat with last observation carried forward. Results Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. In the adalimumab group/placebo group the 12-month cumulative triamcinolone doses were 5.4/7.0 ml (p=0.08). Triple therapy was applied in 18/27 patients (p=0.17). At 12 months, DAS28CRP<3.2 was reached in 80%/76% (p=0.65) and DAS28CRP was 2.0 (1.7–5.2) (medians (5th/95th percentile ranges)), versus 2.6 (1.7–4.7) (p=0.009). Remission rates were: DAS28CRP<2.6: 74%/49%, Clinical Disease Activity Index≤2.8: 61%/41%, Simplified Disease Activity Index<3.3: 57%/37%, European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology Boolean: 48%/30% (0.0008<p<0.014, number-needed-to-treat: 4.0–5.4). Twelve months HAQ, SF12PCS and EQ-5D improvements were most pronounced in the adalimumab group. Treatments were well tolerated. Conclusions Adalimumab added to methotrexate and intra-articular triamcinolone as first-line treatment did not increase the proportion of patients who reached the DAS28CRP<3.2 treatment target, but improved DAS28CRP, remission rates, function and quality of life in DMARD-naïve ERA.
An ATP‐ and hsc70‐dependent oligomerization of nascent heat‐shock factor (HSF) polypeptide suggests that HSF itself could be a “sensor” for the cellular stress response

Virtually all cells respond to a heat-shock stress by inducing the synthesis of a small set of heat-shock proteins (hsps), which act to protect the cell from irreversible damage and facilitate the stressed cell’s ability to return to a normal metabolic state once the stress has been removed (Pelham, 1990; Schlesinger, 1990; Welch, 1990; Anget al., 1991). In most eukaryotic cells, activation of the genes encoding hsps occurs when a protein, called the heat-shock factor (HSF), occupies arrays of pentadeoxyoligonucleotide sequences located upstream from the transcriptional start site of the heat-shock gene (Xiao & Liss, 1988; Wu et al., 1990; Sorger, 1991; Morimoto et al., 1992). A number of studies show that HSF is present constitutively in normal cells: it can be isolated from the cytoplasm in an inactive form, but after treatment with strong protein denaturants, this HSF is converted to a conformation that binds to the heat-shock promoters (Zimarino & Wu, 1987; Larson et al., 1988; Mosser et al., 1988, 1990; Zimarino et al., 1990). In addition, in vitro translation of mRNAs encoding HSFs or expression in bacterial systems of plasmids containing HSF cDNAs can yield either active DNAbinding products or inactive forms, depending on incubation temperatures, type of expression system, and source of the HSF cDNA (Clos et aI., 1990; Rabindran et al., 1991; Sarge et al., 1991; Schuetz et al., 1991; Westwood et al., 1991). From these data, it has been postulated that heat-shock gene expression is regulated by HSF complexed with a “negative regulatory element,” specifically a form of the hsp70 that acts as the sensor or “thermometer” of the cell stress response (Craig & Gross, 1991; Abravaya et al., 1992; Beckmann et al., 1992).
Mobility function of a prosthetic knee joint with an automatic stance phase lock

Background: There is a need for a prosthetic knee joint design that is technologically and functionally appropriate for use in developing countries. Objectives: To develop and clinically evaluate a new type of stance phase controlled prosthetic knee joint that provides stance phase stability without inhibiting swing phase flexion. Study design: A crossover repeated measures study design comparing the new knee joint to the participant's conventional low- or high-end prosthetic knee joint. Methods: The new knee joint was fitted to fourteen individuals aged 15 to 67 years with unilateral lower limb amputations. Walk tests were performed to measure walking speed. Energy expenditure was estimated using the physiological cost index (PCI). Results: Walking speeds with the new knee joint were on average 0.14 m/s faster than conventional low-end knees (p < 0.0001), but 0.07 m/s slower than conventional high-end prosthetic knees (p = 0.008). The PCI was similar across all three knee joint technologies (p = 0.276). Conclusions: Mobility function with the new knee joint, in terms of walking speed, was more closely matched to high-end than low-end prosthetic knee joints. Therefore, given its relatively simple design, the new stance phase control mechanism may offer a functional and cost effective solution for active transfemoral amputees. Clinical relevance This paper describes a new type of prosthetic knee joint mechanism that is intended to be cost-effective while providing high-level stance phase function to active individuals with a transfemoral amputation. Initial clinical testing suggests that the new knee joint may have some functional advantages over existing technologies in this category.
Wideband dual polarized antenna fed by L- and M-probe

Two wideband feeding approaches are employed in the design of a dual polarized patch antenna. The antenna is fed by two pairs of twin-L probes for +45° polarization and a wide meandering probe for -45° polarization. Over 50% bandwidth for SWR<;2 was achieved for both ports. It operates at UMTS band from 1.71GHz to 2.69GHz, which supports a wide range of wireless technology, such as DCS, PCS, 3G, 4G LTE.
Non‐invasive antidromic neurostimulation: A simple effective method for improving bladder storage

Patients with intractably diminished bladder storage function are encountered frequently by neurourologists, occasionally requiring reconstructive surgery for appropriate resolution. Although sacral neuromodulation is a recognized effective therapeutic modality, present techniques are technically demanding, invasive, and expensive. This study investigated the effect of non‐invasive third sacral nerve (S3) stimulation on bladder activity during filling cystometry. One hundred forty‐six patients underwent standard urodynamic filling cystometry that was then immmediately repeated. Patients in the study group (n = 74) received antidromic transcutaneous sacral neurostimulation during the second fill and the control group (n = 72) underwent a second fill without neurostimulation. A statistically significant increase in bladder storage capacity without a corresponding rise in detrusor pressure was observed in the neurostimulated patients. This improvement in functional capacity is an encouraging finding that further supports the use of this non‐invasive treatment modality in clinical practice. Neurourol. Urodynam. 20:73–84, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systematic review of physical activity and exercise interventions on body mass indices, subsequent physical activity and psychological symptoms in overweight and obese adolescents.

AIMS To examine the effects of physical activity and exercise interventions on body mass index, subsequent physical activity and psychological symptoms for overweight and obese adolescents (12-18 years). BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity have increased among adolescents globally and physical activity has decreased. Healthcare systems face challenges promoting physical activity and in treating obesity. Promotion of physical activity must be effective and school nurses should be equipped with the information and resources required to implement counselling for overweight and obese adolescents. DESIGN A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted according to procedures by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and the Joanna Briggs Institute. DATA SOURCES Research studies published between 1950-2013 were identified from the following databases. CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid) and PsycINFO. REVIEW METHODS Selected studies were reviewed for quality and a risk-of-bias assessment was conducted for the included studies. A narrative synthesis was used to report results, while a fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to analyse the interventions effects on physical activity and body mass index. RESULTS Fourteen published studies were included to this review. Supervised exercise interventions most affected adolescents' body mass index. The interventions effect on adolescents' physical activity was small and heterogeneous. Two interventions positively affected psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION Interventions were complex, with more than one component and the aspect that effectively promotes physical activity in obese adolescents was not clear. However, it seems that exercise interventions affect the body mass index of overweight or obese adolescents. Interventions that include a component for promoting physical activity with or without supervised exercise can affect subsequent physical activity and body mass index.
The Modern Cochlear Implant: A Triumph of Biomedical Engineering and the First Substantial Restoration of Human Sense Using a Medical Intervention

Even as recently as the mid-1980s, many experts in otology and auditory science thought that restoration of useful hearing with crude and pervasive electrical stimulation of the cochlea was a fool's dream. The esteemed Prof. Rainer Klinke from Frankfurt (Figure 1) was among the chorus of critics, asserting in 1978 that "from a physiological point of view, cochlear implants will not work. " Many others made similar categorical statements.
Genome and metagenome sequencing: Using the human methyl-binding domain to partition genomic DNA derived from plant tissues

Premise of the study: Variation in the distribution of methylated CpG (methyl-CpG) in genomic DNA (gDNA) across the tree of life is biologically interesting and useful in genomic studies. We illustrate the use of human methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD2) to fractionate angiosperm DNA into eukaryotic nuclear (methyl-CpG-rich) vs. organellar and prokaryotic (methyl-CpG-poor) elements for genomic and metagenomic sequencing projects. Methods: MBD2 has been used to enrich prokaryotic DNA in animal systems. Using gDNA from five model angiosperm species, we apply a similar approach to identify whether MBD2 can fractionate plant gDNA into methyl-CpG-depleted vs. enriched methyl-CpG elements. For each sample, three gDNA libraries were sequenced: (1) untreated gDNA, (2) a methyl-CpG-depleted fraction, and (3) a methyl-CpG-enriched fraction. Results: Relative to untreated gDNA, the methyl-depleted libraries showed a 3.2–11.2-fold and 3.4–11.3-fold increase in chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), respectively. Methyl-enriched fractions showed a 1.8–31.3-fold and 1.3–29.0-fold decrease in cpDNA and mtDNA, respectively. Discussion: The application of MBD2 enabled fractionation of plant gDNA. The effectiveness was particularly striking for monocot gDNA (Poaceae). When sufficiently effective on a sample, this approach can increase the cost efficiency of sequencing plant genomes as well as prokaryotes living in or on plant tissues.
Why are women more likely than men to develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction?

Purpose of review Women are approximately two times more likely than men to develop heart failure in the setting of preserved left ventricular ejection fraction [i.e. heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF)], but the reasons for this disparity are unknown. Recent findings HFpEF is caused by changes in ventricular–vascular properties that are associated with aging and hypertensive cardiac remodeling. These changes lead to diastolic and systolic dysfunction and impaired reserve capacity. Many of the cardiovascular alterations seen in HFpEF are also noted to greater extent in women compared with men. Women demonstrate more concentric left ventricular remodeling and less ventricular dilatation in response to arterial hypertension. Ventricular and arterial stiffness increases with age in both sexes, but the increase is more dramatic in women. Recently, age–sex interactions have also been observed in the manner in which left ventricular function changes across the lifespan, wherein systolic and diastolic function and functional reserve become more compromised in women as compared with men in the postmenopausal years, despite similar or enhanced function in women during youth. Summary The prevalence of HFpEF is increasing and women outnumber men by a 2 : 1 ratio. Recent data have identified striking parallels between structure–function alterations observed in HFpEF and sex differences in cardiovascular function across the adult lifespan. These data suggest that sex-specific maladaptations to hypertensive aging in women may underlie greater risk of HFpEF.
DEFAULT PROBABILITIES IN CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT: ESTIMATION, MODEL CALIBRATION, AND BACKTESTING

This doctoral thesis is devoted to estimation and examination of default probabilities (PDs) within credit risk management and comprises three various studies. In the first study, we introduce a structural credit risk model based on stable non-Gaussian processes in order to overcome distributional drawbacks of the classical Merton model. Following the Moody’s KMV estimation methodology, we conduct an empirical comparison between the results obtained from the Merton model and the stable Paretian one. Our results suggest that PDs are generally underestimated by the Merton model and that the stable Levy model is substantially more sensitive to the periods of financial crises. The second study is devoted to examination of the performance of static and multi-period credit-scoring models for determining PDs of financial institutions. Using an extensive sample of U.S. commercial banks provided by the FFIEC, we focus on evaluating the performance of the considered scoring techniques. We find that our models provide a high predictive accuracy in distinguishing between default and non-default financial institutions. Despite the difficulty of predicting defaults in the financial sector, the proposed models perform very well also in comparison to results on scoring techniques for the corporate sector. Finally, in the third study, we examine the relationship between distress risk and returns of U.S. renewable energy companies. Using the Expected Default Frequency (EDF) measure obtained from Moody’s KMV, we demonstrate that there is a positive cross-sectional relationship between returns and evidence for a distress risk premium in this sector. The positively priced distress premium is also confirmed by investigating returns corrected for common Fama and French and Carhart risk factors. We further show that raw and risk-adjusted returns of value-weighted portfolios that take a long position in the 20% most distressed stocks and a short position in the 20% safest stocks generally outperforms the S&P 500 index throughout our sample period.
Distributed XPath query processing over large XML data based on MapReduce framework

The volume of XML data is tremendous in many areas, especially in data logging and scientific areas. XPath query is the core operation of XML process. It is a challenge to query massive XML data stored in a distributed manner. In this paper, we present an efficient distributed XPath query processing using MapReduce, which simultaneously processes queries for a massive volume of XML data. We first use virtual nodes to split the large scale XML data file into filesplits to the distributed storage system. Then we present the distributed XPath query algorithm to compute different fragments of the document tree in parallel using the MapReduce framework. Furthermore, in order to handle the large XML data efficiently, we build the partitional index and use random access mechanism to perform the query. The experimentation shows that our approach is efficient and scalable on this issue.
Identification and Recombinant Expression of aMycobacterium avium Rhamnosyltransferase Gene (rtfA) Involved in Glycopeptidolipid Biosynthesis

ABSTRACT The Mycobacterium avium complex is a source of disseminated infections in patients with advanced AIDS. This group of mycobacteria is distinguished by the presence of highly antigenic, surface-exposed glycopeptidolipids, and these glycolipids possess variant oligosaccharide structures that are the chemical basis of the 28 distinct serovars of the M. avium complex. We previously described the ser2 gene cluster, encoding the synthesis of the haptenic oligosaccharide (2,3-dimethylfucose-rhamnose-6-deoxytalose-) of the serovar 2-specific glycopeptidolipid, and revealed a locus (ser2A) encoding a putative rhamnosyltransferase. Sequencing of the ser2Alocus demonstrated the presence of three open reading frames, two of which yielded significant homology to several glycosyltransferases, and the deduced amino acid sequences of these two putative glycosyltransferases had 63% identity. These two genes were expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the resulting recombinant glycopeptidolipids were characterized by thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These analyses demonstrated that only one of these genes, termed rtfA, encoded the rhamnosyltransferase responsible for the transfer of rhamnose to 6-deoxytalose. The identification of rtfA will permit further evaluation of glycopeptidolipid biosynthesis and the construction of isogenic mutants of multiple M. aviumcomplex serovars. Moreover, such mutants will help define the role of glycopeptidolipids in the intracellular survival of these bacteria.
Identification of a conserved lipopolysaccharide-plus-interleukin-4-responsive element located at the promoter of germ line epsilon transcripts

Treatment of splenic B lymphocytes and certain B-lineage cell lines with the mitogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the lymphokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) induces expression of germ line immunoglobulin C epsilon transcripts and class switching to the C epsilon gene. We show that LPS-plus-IL-4 induction of germ line epsilon transcripts (termed I epsilon transcripts) occurs at the transcriptional level in an Abelson murine leukemia virus-transformed pre-B-cell line. A 1.1-kb region of DNA surrounding the I epsilon promoter endows inducible transcription to a heterologous reporter gene stably transfected into these cells; such inducible expression depends on combined treatment with LPS and IL-4. Analyses of constructs transiently introduced into a B-cell lymphoma line demonstrated that LPS-plus-IL-4-inducible expression can be conferred by a 179-bp segment of DNA spanning the I epsilon transcriptional initiation site. Mutational analyses demonstrated that this expression depended on DNA sequences within a conserved region directly upstream from the I epsilon transcriptional initiation region. One nuclear protein that is constitutively expressed in normal B cells binds to the downstream end of the conserved sequence; its binding specificity correlates with the functional effect of several mutations. Two additional proteins, which are induced by IL-4 treatment of splenic B cells, bind to the transcription initiation sites of I epsilon. These proteins are indistinguishable in binding assays from proteins previously shown to bind an enhancer region of the class II major histocompatibility complex gene A alpha.
Social support, social adjustment, and recovery status in bulimia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE To examine recovery status in bulimia nervosa (BN) and its relation to social support and social adjustment. METHOD Using a cross-sectional design, we administered the modified Social Support Questionnaire and the Social Adjustment Scale-Self-Report (SAS-SR) to 40 women, each of whom was actively bulimic (ABN), was in remission from BN (RBN), or had no history of eating disturbance (comparison). RESULTS In terms of social support, relative to RBN and comparison subjects, the ABN group had significantly fewer persons in their friendship and kinship networks available to provide emotional support, although the groups were equivalent in number of persons available to provide things and advice. Relative to the comparison group, both bulimic groups were significantly dissatisfied with the quality of emotional support provided by relatives. On the SAS-SR, women in the ABN group displayed the poorest overall social functioning. The RBN group was functioning significantly better than the ABN group, but significantly more poorly than the comparison group. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that the social functioning of RBN women lies between ABN women and non-eating-disordered women, indicating both gains relative to the active phase and residual deficits.