Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteocalcin is associated with testosterone in the general population and selected patients with bone disorders

Research in the last decade has revealed that bone is not only a target tissue for numerous circulating hormones but functions as an endocrine organ itself. As a recent study demonstrated a stimulatory effect of the osteoblast‐derived hormone osteocalcin (OCN) on testosterone production in mice, we investigated whether such an association can be replicated in humans. We used data from 1338 men (25–86 years) in the population‐based epidemiological Study of Health in Pomerania and from 110 male outpatients with bone disorders (18–85 years) for the study. We analysed cross‐sectional associations between OCN and total testosterone serum concentrations (TT), as well as associations between further markers of bone turnover [bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), serum C‐terminal telopeptides of Type I collagen (CTX), urinary deoxypyridinoline] and TT using ordinary least square (OLS) regression models. Multivariable OLS models revealed a positive association between OCN and TT in the population‐based (β coefficients for a one standard deviation increase, 0.590; standard error (SE), 0.175; p‐value, <0.01) and patient‐based (β coefficient, 0.575; SE, 0.132; p‐value, <0.01) samples even after adjustment for age and body mass index (both samples), and time of blood sampling (population‐based sample only). Furthermore, we observed positive associations between BAP and TT (β coefficient, 0.403; SE, 0.170; p‐value, 0.02) as well as between CTX and TT (β coefficient, 0.733; SE, 0.172; p‐value, <0.01) in men from the general population. The present investigation shows that OCN is associated with TT in the general population and in patients with bone disorders, and may thus indicate general male health status. Additional longitudinal observational studies are warranted to confirm our findings and future experimental research is necessary to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations.
Clarithromycin overcomes resistance to lenalidomide and dexamethasone in multiple myeloma

The combination of clarithromycin, lenalidomide and dexamethasone (BiRd) has led to highly durable responses in newly diagnosed myeloma. However, the ability of clarithromycin to overcome resistance to lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) is not known. To study this, we performed a retrospective analysis of 24 patients with myeloma for which clarithromycin was added to Rd at the time of progression on Rd. The median number of prior therapies was 3 (range 1–8). The best response was complete response (CR) in one (4.2%), very good partial response (VGPR) in one (4.2%) and partial response in eight (33.3%) patients. Ten patients, 41.7% (95% CI: 22.1, 63.4), achieved ≥PR. The median time to response was 4.4 months (range 1–13.6 months) and the median duration of response was 6.9 months (range 3–52.2 months). The clinical benefit rate (CR + VGPR + PR + MR) was 45.8% (95% CI 25.6, 67.2). The median progression‐free survival was 4 months. Median overall survival was 25 months with a median follow‐up of 27.5 months. The regimen was well tolerated and only 2 patients needed a clarithromycin dose reduction. Addition of clarithromycin to Rd can overcome resistance to Rd in a subset of patients and lead to durable clinical responses. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E116–E120, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of a CT-3D fluoroscopy matching navigation system to the pelvic and femoral regions

Objective: The aim of this study was to find the proper location of the fluoroscopic imaging center in order to apply a CT-based 3D fluoroscopy matching navigation system in the pelvic and femoral regions. Materials and methods: To simulate surgeries around the hip joint, a dry human pelvis and femur were used. A total of 16 fiducial markers, each consisting of a metal ball 1.5 mm in diameter, were fixed to the pelvis and femur. For the pelvis, the pubic symphysis, the acetabular fossa, and a site on the ilium 3 cm above the acetabular roof were selected as fluoroscopic imaging centers. For the proximal femur, the base of the femoral neck, the femoral shaft at the level of the lesser trochanter, and the inferior border of the great trochanter were selected as fluoroscopic imaging centers. Results: Target registration error (TRE) differed significantly among the selected fluoroscopic imaging centers. The best mean TRE for the pelvis was 0.8 mm (range: 0.2 to 1.6 mm) with the imaging center on the ilium (3 cm above the acetabular roof). The best mean TRE for the proximal femur was 1.1 mm (range: 0.2 to 2.0 mm) with the imaging center on the femoral shaft at the lesser trochanter level. Conclusion: Fluoroscopic imaging center location had a significant effect on the accuracy of the CT-based 3D fluoroscopy matching navigation system in the pelvic and femoral regions. The proper fluoroscopic imaging centers for CT-3D fluoroscopic matching were, for the pelvis, a site on the ilium 3 cm above the acetabular roof, and for the proximal femur, the femoral shaft at the level of the lesser trochanter.
Stereoscopic depth refinement by mid-level hypothesis

In this paper we propose a new technique for refinement of depth maps. The technique exploits a stereoscopic pair of images and full-pixel precision disparity map in order to produce the output disparity map with sub-pixel precision. The technique employs view synthesis for verification of hypotheses on disparity values, which are formed to iteratively improve the disparity map. Results of experiments, presented for still images and video sequences, show that proposed technique increases quality of depth and has low computational cost. Applications of the proposed technique can be found in future real-time 3D video broadcasting systems which require fast and robust disparity estimation algorithm with high precision.
Improved stability of 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate during storage of hexokinase‐overloaded erythrocytes

Human red blood cells were overloaded with homogeneous human hexokinase using a procedure of encapsulation based on hypotonic hemolysis and isotonic resealing and reannealing to achieve a final activity that was 15 times higher than that in control cells. Storage for 5 weeks at 4 degrees C of hexokinase‐overloaded erythrocytes shows that these cells undergo small K+ leakage and mean cell volume increase compared with control cells. Furthermore, after these 5 weeks of storage the 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerate content was normal while the ATP concentration was slightly reduced. These results and other properties suggest that encapsulation of key glycolytic enzymes in erythrocytes can provide a new way to maintain in vitro functionally active red blood cells for at least 5 weeks.
Experimental Renal Failure and Iron Overload: A Histomorphometric Study in Rat Tibia

Renal failure (RF) is a serious disease of relatively high incidence, known to cause bone alterations. RF patients frequently suffer anemia, which is usually treated with iron. Given that iron overload inhibits bone formation, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of iron on the subchondral bone of rat tibiae, using a model of renal failure. Male Wistar rats were subjected to experimental nephrectomy in order to induce renal failure and to iron overload by daily intraperitoneal injections of 88 mg/kg body weight of iron-dextran for 16 days. Tetracyclines were injected intraperitoneally to evaluate dynamic parameters of bone. Undecalcified histological sections of the tibiae were obtained. Serum urea, creatinine, and paratohormone (PTH) levels were evaluated 30 days after the onset of the experiment. Static and dynamic histomorphometric measurements were performed. Iron overload modified the response of the animals with renal failure: a reduction in bone forming activity compatible with adynamic bone disease and a decrease in peritrabecular fibrosis were observed. Our results suggest that iron is yet one more factor involved in the imbalance in bone metabolism typically found in renal failure patients treated with iron, rendering diagnosis and treatment of bone disease in these patients more complex.
Molecular dynamics simulation study on trapping ions in a nanoscale Paul trap

We found by molecular dynamics simulations that a low energy ion can be trapped effectively in a nanoscale Paul trap in both vacuum and aqueous environment when appropriate AC/DC electric fields are applied to the system. Using the negatively charged chlorine ion as an example, we show that the trapped ion oscillates around the center of the nanotrap with the amplitude dependent on the parameters of the system and applied voltages. Successful trapping of the ion within nanoseconds requires electric bias of GHz frequency, in the range of hundreds of mV. The oscillations are damped in the aqueous environment, but polarization of water molecules requires application of higher voltage biases to reach improved stability of the trapping. Application of a supplemental DC driving field along the trap axis can effectively drive the ion off the trap center and out of the trap, opening a possibility of studying DNA and other charged molecules using embedded probes while achieving a full control of their translocation and localization in the trap. Paul ion trap, whose fabrication becomes a reality (Reed). The detailed modeling could be done to optimize the planar geometry, thus enabling consideration of various electrode configurations. The goal of the present work is to show by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that, if fabricated, such Paul-type nanotrap could be an efficient tool for trapping and filtering of single atomic and molecular ions. Of particular interest is the effect of polarizable aqueous environment that would potentially fill the trap. Such environment might be crucial for supporting the trap functions for bio-molecular ions like DNA. Other effects, emerging from the trap's nanodimensions, could be expected in the presence of the Van der Waals force from the trap walls, in a need for confinement of the ion oscillations to the nano-volumes, in effects of
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Is Required for Rapid Experience-Dependent Regulation of the Potassium Channel Kv3.1b

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates synaptic plasticity by repressing translation of specific mRNAs. We found that FMRP binds mRNA encoding the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.1b in brainstem synaptosomes. To explore the regulation of Kv3.1b by FMRP, we investigated Kv3.1b immunoreactivity and potassium currents in the auditory brainstem sound localization circuit of male mice. The unique features of this circuit allowed us to control neuronal activity in vivo by exposing animals to high-frequency, amplitude-modulated stimuli, which elicit predictable and stereotyped patterns of input to the anterior ventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). In wild-type (WT) animals, Kv3.1b is expressed along a tonotopic gradient in the MNTB, with highest levels in neurons at the medial, high-frequency end. At baseline, Fmr1 −/− mice, which lack FMRP, displayed dramatically flattened tonotopicity in Kv3.1b immunoreactivity and K+ currents relative to WT controls. Moreover, after 30 min of acoustic stimulation, levels of Kv3.1b immunoreactivity were significantly elevated in both the MNTB and AVCN of WT, but not Fmr1 −/−, mice. These results suggest that FMRP is necessary for maintenance of the gradient in Kv3.1b protein levels across the tonotopic axis of the MNTB, and are consistent with a role for FMRP as a repressor of protein translation. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate that Kv3.1b tonotopicity may be required for accurate encoding of stimulus features such as modulation rate, and that disruption of this gradient, as occurs in Fmr1 −/− animals, degrades processing of this information.
Evaluation of left ventricular mass measured by 3D echocardiography using magnetic resonance imaging as gold standard

Objective. Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) and presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but can be reversed with proper treatment of the underlying cause. Therefore accurate as well as reproducible methods for diagnosis and follow‐up are needed. We evaluated different modalities by which to measure LVM in patients with no known LVH using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard: ECG using the formulae proposed by Sokolow‐Lyon and Cornell, 2D echocardiography and 3D echocardiography. Methods. 34 subjects were included in the study; 17 had a history of myocardial infarction, 7 had pulmonary hypertension and 10 were healthy. All patients and controls had a standard 12‐lead ECG, a transthoracic 2D and 3D echocardiographic study and a cardiac MRI. Results. ECG estimates of LVM correlated poorly with LVM by MRI (r = 0.18, NS and 0.16, NS for Sokolow‐Lyon and Cornell, respectively), whereas a moderate correlation between 2D and 3D echocardiography and MRI was observed (r = 0.63, p<0.001 and r = 0.74, p<0.001, respectively). All methods were reproducible with no significant bias. Conclusion. LVM measured by 3D echocardiography is highly accurate compared to LVM measured by MRI. LVM calculated from 2D echocardiography also proved useful, whereas estimates of LVM by ECG are inaccurate in a non‐hypertrophic population.
A continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction microchip with regional velocity control

This paper presents a continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microchip with a serpentine microchannel of varying width for "regional velocity control. " Varying the channel width by incorporating expanding and contracting conduits made it possible to control DNA sample velocities for the optimization of the exposure times of the sample to each temperature phase while minimizing the transitional periods during temperature transitions. A finite element analysis (FEA) and semi-analytical heat transfer model was used to determine the distances between the three heating assemblies that are responsible for creating the denaturation (96/spl deg/C), hybridization (60/spl deg/C), and extension (72/spl deg/C) temperature zones within the microchip. Predictions from the thermal FEA and semi-analytical model were compared with temperature measurements obtained from an infrared (IR) camera. Flow-field FEAs were also performed to predict the velocity distributions in the regions of the expanding and contracting conduits to study the effects of the microchannel geometry on flow recirculation and bubble nucleation. The flow fields were empirically studied using micro particle image velocimetry (/spl mu/-PIV) to validate the flow-field FEA's and to determine experimental velocities in each of the regions of different width. Successful amplification of a 90 base pair (bp) bacillus anthracis DNA fragment was achieved.
Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACT Objectives: The prevalence of diabetes has increased in the recent decades and optimum glycemic control is required to reduce morbidity and mortality. We meta-analyzed randomized controlled trials in order to assess the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin compared to placebo in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: We included double-blind, placebo controlled trials of empagliflozin that evaluated glycemic efficacy and safety (10 mg or 25 mg) either as monotherapy or as add-on to existing diabetes pharmacotherapy. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in HbA1c (SMD −0.929%, 95 % CI −1.064 to −0.793, for 10 mg and −1.064%, 95 % CI −1.184 to −0.944, for 25 mg) and FPG (SMD −0.929%, 95 % CI −1.064 to −0.793, for 10 mg and −1.064%, 95 % CI −1.184 to −0.944, for 25 mg) with empagliflozin monotherapy (n = 609) compared to placebo. Significant improvements in HbA1c [SMD −1.582%, 95% CI −2.164 to −1.000, for 10 mg (n = 1079) and −1.668%, 95% CI −2.260 to −1.077, for 25 mg (n = 1070)] and FPG [SMD −0.865 mmol/L, 95 % CI −1.309 to −0.420, for 10 mg (n = 854) and −0.996 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.456 to −0.536, for 25 mg (n = 854)] were also observed in empagliflozin add-on therapy trials. Reductions in blood pressure and body weight were also seen in both monotherapy and add-on therapy. Empagliflozin was associated with increased risk of hypoglycemia, genital and urinary tract infections (OR 1.043, 2.814, 1.119 respectively). Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows empagliflozin is safe and effective for the treatment of T2DM along with existing diabetes pharmacotherapy.
Heterologous Expression of the CYP51 Gene of the Obligate Fungus Blumeria graminis in the Necrotrophic Fungus Botrytis cinerea

ABSTRACT. As it is extremely difficult to make DNA transformation for the obligate fungus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), we developed a heterologous expression system for characterization of a Bgt gene, CYP51, which encodes 14α‐demethylase. The CYP51 gene from Bgt was transformed into the necrotrophic fungus, Botrytis cinerea. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that the Bgt CYP51 was transcribed in B. cinerea. Green fluorescence was observed in the transformants of B. cinerea carrying the Bgt CYP51‐GFP fusion cassette, suggesting that its translation was successful. Fungicide sensitivity tests revealed that B. cinerea transformed with Bgt CYP51 showed reduced sensitivity to a sterol demethylation inhibitor triadimefon, but not to a benzimidazole fungicide carbendazim. These results indicated that this heterologous expression system can be used for functional analysis of other Bgt genes.
The satisfaction of Latina breast cancer survivors with their healthcare and health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of satisfaction with the cancer care doctor and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) by (1) assessing whether satisfaction would be positively correlated with HRQOL and (2) assessing whether satisfaction would significantly influence HRQOL while controlling for covariates. METHODS The cross-sectional study used self-report data from 117 Latina BCS. Satisfaction was measured with the Hall Satisfaction Index, and HRQOL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). Analyses included calculation of descriptive statistics, t tests, bivariate correlations, analyses of variance (ANOVAs), and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Latina BCS had high satisfaction and generally good HRQOL. The Hall Satisfaction Index total score was positively associated with FACT-G functional well-being (r=0.265, p=0.004). Multivariate analyses showed that the Hall Satisfaction Index total score was a significant predictor of FACT-G functional well-being (p=0.012). Employment status was also a significant predictor, where being employed or retired resulted in better functional well-being than being unemployed. CONCLUSIONS Latina BCS were quite satisfied with their cancer care doctors, and high levels of satisfaction with the cancer care doctor influenced functional well-being when confounding variables were controlled. Despite reportedly high satisfaction, Latina BCS did report barriers to satisfaction that could be considered cultural. Implications are discussed.
Power Doppler angiographic appearance and blood flow velocity waveforms in invasive cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of transvaginal power Doppler angiography in predicting cervical malignancy by detecting intratumoral blood flow and to understand the relationship between squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) serum levels and intratumoral blood flow analysis of invasive cervical carcinoma before treatment. METHODS Thirty-eight patients with cervical carcinoma (35 with stages Ia to IVb invasive carcinoma, 3 with cervical carcinoma in situ) were enrolled for the evaluation of tumor flow using transvaginal ultrasound accompanied with power Doppler angiography before surgery. The pulsatility, resistance index, and vascular index of tumor flow were measured. Thirty patients with proven healthy cervices were used as the control group. Pretreatment SCC serum levels were obtained in 34 women with cervical carcinoma. RESULTS The pulsatility index and resistance index were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.0001). The vascular index was also significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences among patients with SCC type and non-SCC type cervical carcinoma (P > 0.05) among the six parameters. There was no significant correlation between the pretreatment SCC serum levels with any of the six parameters obtained from the intratumoral blood flow analysis in the SCC group. CONCLUSIONS Transvaginal ultrasound with power Doppler angiography is a valuable diagnostic tool for differentiating benign tumors of the cervix from malignant ones. Intratumoral blood flow of the cervix supplied us with practical diagnostic information before surgery and may aid in early prediction and management of cervical carcinoma. The use of transvaginal ultrasound with power Doppler angiography in the grading of vascularity ratio within cervical masses provided more sonographic characteristics among the different subclassifications of cervical cancer and is more useful than color Doppler imaging in the visualization of sonographic morphology.
Efficient Single Phase Transformerless Inverter for Grid-Tied PVG System With Reactive Power Control

There has been an increasing interest in transformerless inverter for grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system due to low cost, high efficiency, light weight, etc. Therefore, many transformerless topologies have been proposed and verified with real power injection only. Recently, almost every international regulation has imposed that a definite amount of reactive power should be handled by the grid-tied PV inverter. According to the standard VDE-AR-N 4105, grid-tied PV inverter of power rating below 3.68KVA, should attain power factor (PF) from 0.95 leading to 0.95 lagging. In this paper, a new high efficiency transformerless topology is proposed for grid-tied PV system with reactive power control. The new topology structure and detail operation principle with reactive power flow is described. The high frequency common-mode (CM) model and the control of the proposed topology are analyzed. The inherent circuit structure of the proposed topology does not lead itself to the reverse recovery issues even when inject reactive power which allow utilizing MOSFET switches to boost the overall efficiency. The CM voltage is kept constant at mid-point of dc input voltage, results low leakage current. Finally, to validate the proposed topology, a 1 kW laboratory prototype is built and tested. The experimental results show that the proposed topology can inject reactive power into the utility grid without any additional current distortion and leakage current. The maximum efficiency and European efficiency of the proposed topology are measured and found to be 98.54% and 98.29%, respectively.