Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of age and sex on the relationship between body fat area and kidney events in patients with chronic kidney disease

We examined the effects of age and sex on the relationship between body fat area and kidney events. We included 367 chronic kidney disease patients between 2011 and 2017. Patients' median age was 73.0 years; 262 (71.4%) patients were male. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 20.2 mL/min/1.73 m2. During the observation period, 187 patients developed kidney events. In males aged <75 years, high subcutaneous fat area was a risk factor for kidney events (hazard ratio: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02‐1.11). In females aged <75 years, high visceral fat area reduced kidney events (hazard ratio: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71‐0.97). In males and females ≥75 years, visceral fat area and subcutaneous fat area were not associated with kidney events. Body fat area was not a risk factor for chronic kidney disease progression in elderly patients. Opposite effects, in sex‐related body fat and kidney events, were shown in young patients.
Phosphotidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Signals Underlie Receptor-Specific Gq/11-Mediated Modulation of N-Type Ca2+ Channels

Modulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels via G-protein-coupled receptors is a prime mechanism regulating neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Despite extensive studies, the molecular mechanism underlying Gq/11-mediated modulation remains unclear. We found cloned and native N-type Ca2+ channels to be regulated by phosphotidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). In inside-out oocyte patches, PIP2 greatly attenuated or reversed the observed rundown of expressed channels. In sympathetic neurons, muscarinic M1 ACh receptor suppression of the Ca2+ current (ICa) was temporally correlated with PIP2 hydrolysis, blunted by PIP2 in whole-cell pipettes, attenuated by expression of PIP2-sequestering proteins, and became irreversible when PIP2 synthesis was blocked. We also probed mechanisms of receptor specificity. Although bradykinin also induced PIP2 hydrolysis, it did not inhibit ICa. However, bradykinin receptors became nearly as effective as M1 receptors when PIP2 synthesis, IP3 receptors, or the activity of neuronal Ca2+ sensor-1 were blocked, suggesting that bradykinin receptor-induced intracellular Ca2+ increases stimulate PIP2 synthesis, compensating for PIP2 hydrolysis. We suggest that differential use of PIP2 signals underlies specificity of Gq/11-coupled receptor actions on the channels.
Characterizing correlations among disease severity measures in osteochondral tissues from osteoarthritic knees

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease with biologic, biomechanical, and clinical heterogeneity among patients. Relationships among OA tissue metabolism, histopathology, and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition have not been well characterized. It was hypothesized that moderate (r = .4‐.69) to strong (r > .7) correlations exist among these different measures of disease severity in osteochondral tissues from OA knees. Joint surfaces were obtained from patients (n = 6) undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Osteochondral explants (n = 136) were created and cultured for 3 days. Culture media were collected for biomarker analyses, and tissue was assessed for viability, histological scoring, and ECM composition. Correlations among media biomarker concentrations, histological scoring, ECM composition, and viability were determined using a Spearman correlation. GRO‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 showed strong positive correlations to each other, and moderate positive correlations to NO, PGE2, and MMP‐2. Total MMP activity, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 had strong positive correlations to each other, and moderate positive correlations to MMP‐1. MMP‐2 had a moderate to strong positive correlations to histological scores (total and cartilage structure) and collagen content. MMP‐2, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 had moderate negative correlations, and MMP‐9 had a moderate positive correlation, to viability. GRO‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and MCP‐1 had moderate positive correlations to collagen content. MMP‐9, MMP‐13, and total MMP activity had moderate negative correlations to tissue GAG. The data suggest links among proinflammatory and degradative pathways are present in OA osteochondral tissues. Further characterization of these links have the potential to delineate mechanisms of disease and diagnostic and therapeutic targets for knee OA.
Left bundle branch pacing: A comprehensive review

Cardiac pacing is the only effective therapy for patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmia. Traditional right ventricular apical pacing causes electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony resulting in left ventricular dysfunction, recurrent heart failure, and atrial arrhythmias. Physiological pacing activates the normal cardiac conduction, thereby providing synchronized contraction of ventricles. Though His bundle pacing (HBP) acts as an ideal physiological pacing modality, it is technically challenging and associated with troubleshooting issues during follow‐up. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) has been suggested as an effective alternative to overcome the limitations of HBP as it provides low and stable pacing threshold, lead stability, and correction of distal conduction system disease. This paper will focus on the implantation technique, troubleshooting, clinical implications, and a review of published literature of LBBP.
Factors affecting invasion of Varroa jacobsoni (Acari: Varroidae) into honeybee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), brood cells

Abstract To study the rate of invasion into brood cells, a group of varroa mites, Varroa jacobsoni Oudemans, was introduced into honeybee colonies, Apis mellifera Linnaeus. For each experiment one or two otherwise comparable colonies was treated, and the effect on the rate of invasion was assessed. The results showed that the rate of invasion increases with the number of available brood cells, and decreases with the size of the honeybee population. This is expected when the rate of invasion is limited because the bees have to carry the mites close to a brood cell for invasion to occur, and only alimited number of honeybees can come close enough to a brood cell simultaneously. In addition, the rate of invasion decreased when young brood was present. This counterintuitive result may arise because the mites prefer young honeybees, young honeybees are likely to stay in the brood nest area, and young honeybees in the brood nest are divided over areas with brood cells that are suitable for invasion and over areas with brood cells that are unsuitable for invasion by mites. Hence, an increase in the amount of young brood, which is not yet suitable for invasion by mites, may decrease the invasion rate. Differences in the period during which brood cells suitable for mite invasion were available to the mites, appeared not to affect the rate of invasion.
Circular RNA circVEGFC accelerates high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cells apoptosis through miR-338-3p/HIF-1α/VEGFA axis

More and more findings illustrate the critical roles of circular RNA (circRNA) in diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. A major pathological characteristic for DM is the apoptosis of endothelial cells (ECs) induced by high glucose (HG), however, the function of circRNA in the ECs’ phenotypes is still elusive. Here, this study identified an up-regulated circRNA (circVEGFC) in the HG-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Functionally, knockdown of circVEGFC alleviated the apoptosis and recovered the proliferation in HUVECs induced by HG administration. Mechanistically, circVEGFC functioned as the sponge of miR-338-3p, and miR-338-3p was found to target the 3’-Untranslated Regions (3’-UTR) of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). HIF-1α, a critical transcription factor in DM, could activate the transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and promote its protein product. In conclusion, these findings reveal the promotion of circVEGFC/miR-338-3p/HIF-1α/VEGFA axis in the HG-induced ECs’ apoptosis, providing a potential treatment strategy for ECs’ damage in DM.
Betula platyphylla BpHOX2 transcription factor binds to different cis-acting elements and confers osmotic tolerance.

The homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) proteins play crucial roles in plant developmental and environmental responses. However, how they mediate gene expression to facilitate abiotic stress tolerance remains unknown. In the present study, we characterized BpHOX2 (encoding a HD-Zip I family protein) from birch (Betula platyphylla). BpHOX2 is predominately expressed in mature stems and leaves, but expressed at a low level in apical buds and roots, suggesting that it has tissue-specific characteristics. BpHOX2 expression was highly induced by osmotic and salt, but only slightly induced by abscisic acid (ABA). Overexpression of BpHOX2 markedly improved osmotic tolerance, while knockdown of BpHOX2 increased sensitivity to osmotic stress. BpHOX2 could induce the expression of pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes to improve proline levels and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capability. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing combined with RNA sequencing showed that BpHOX2 could bind to at least 4 cis-acting elements, including dehydration-responsive element "RCCGAC", Myb-p binding box "CCWACC", and two novel cis-acting elements with the sequences of "AAGAAG" and "TACGTG" (termed HBS1 and HBS2, respectively) to regulate gene expression. Our results suggested that BpHOX2 is a transcription factor that binds to different cis-acting elements to regulate gene expression, ultimately improving osmotic tolerance in birch. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Identification of the unique and common genes for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case-control study in Kazakhstan

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are lung inflammatory diseases characterized by bronchial obstruction, which is often the cause of difficulties in conducting differential diagnosis between them. They belong to the polygenic diseases, which arise in a result of the geneenvironment interactions. Identification of the unique and common genes for these diseases facilitates understanding of their complicated pathogenesis, and provides possible markers for their diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (-1082 A/G IL-10 and His161Arg IL17F) with asthma and COPD in Kazakh population. The study groups consisted of 72 COPD patients, 71 asthmatics and 70 control individuals. Genotyping was performed on purified DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction with specific primers and probes. Results revealed that the G allele and GG genotype frequencies of -1082 A/G IL-10 polymorphism were significantly different between the COPD patients and the controls. Furthermore, the G allele and GG genotype of His161Arg IL17F were significantly more common in the COPD patients than among the control individuals (p<0.05). No significant associations were observed for any of these examined SNPs with asthma. These data suggest that the -1082 A/G IL-10 and the His161Arg IL-17F polymorphisms are associated with COPD susceptibility in the Kazakh population, and may be considered as potential biomarkers of this disease.
Dispersers with logarithmic entropy loss

Fixing an error in the proof of [TS02] and improving upon the results therein, we construct dispersers over 2 n vertices for any min-entropy k + O (cid:0) log 3 kε (cid:1) where k ≥ c log nε (for some constant c ) of degree poly n ε and O (cid:0) log kε (cid:1) entropy loss
Charles Darwin University Views of young people in rural Australia on SPARX, a fantasy world developed for New Zealand youth with depression Cheek,

Background: A randomized control trial demonstrated that a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy (cCBT) program (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts [SPARX]) was an appealing and efficacious treatment for depression for adolescents in New Zealand. Little is known about the acceptability of computerized therapy programs for rural Australians and the suitability of computerized programs developed in one cultural context when used in another country. Issues such as accents and local differences in health care access might mean adjustments to programs are required. Objective: This study sought to explore the acceptability of SPARX by youth in rural Australia and to explore whether and how young people would wish to access such a program. Methods: Focus groups and semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 young people attending two youth-focused community services in a small, rural Tasmanian town. An inductive data-driven approach was used to identify themes using the interview transcripts as the primary data source. Interpretation was supported by demographic data, observer notes, and content analysis. Results: Participants reported that young people want help for mental health issues but they have an even stronger need for controlling how they access services. In particular, they considered protecting their privacy in their small community to be paramount. Participants thought computerized therapy was a promising way to increase access to treatment for youth in rural and remote areas if offered with or without therapist support and via settings other than school. The design features of SPARX that were perceived to be useful, included the narrative structure of the program, the use of different characters, the personalization of an avatar, “socialization” with the Guide character, optional journaling, and the use of encouraging feedback. Participants did not consider (New Zealand) accents off-putting. Young people believed the SPARX program would appeal to those who play computer games generally, but may be less appealing for those who do not. Conclusions: The findings suggest that computerized therapy offered in ways that support privacy and choice can improve access to treatment for rural youth. Foreign accents and style may not be off-putting to teenage users when the program uses a playful fantasy genre, as it is consistent with their expectation of fantasy worlds, and it is in a medium with which they already JMIR Serious Games 2014 | vol. 2 | iss. 1 | e3 | p.1 http://games.jmir. org/2014/1/e3/ (page number not for citation purposes) Cheek et al JMIR SERIOUS GAMES
Effects of Mobile Health Interventions on Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Effects of Mobile Health Interventions on Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review ABSTRACT Rebecca Kartje, MD, MBA, MSHI A systematic review was carried out to critically appraise and consolidate evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions on glycemic control (HbA1c) in diabetes self-management. Comprehensive searches conducted on four databases to identify relevant studies published between January 1996 and February 2016 yielded 2855 articles. 19 RCTs (2790 patients) that fulfilled inclusion criteria were included in the review. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed on 18 studies using a random-effects model. Quality of the evidence was determined by the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing ROB. Subgroup analyses were conducted and funnel plots used to examine publication bias. The mean reduction in HbA1c in participants using an mHealth intervention involving clinical feedback compared with a control was 0.45% (95% CI -0.66, -0.24) with a moderate quality of evidence. Data were heterogeneous (I2 = 66%). Subgroup analysis indicated that mHealth interventions are more effective for type 2 diabetes than for type 1 diabetes, and studies of type 2 diabetes with shorter follow-up yielded larger effect sizes compared to studies with six months or more of follow-up. Reductions in HbA1c were found to be more pronounced in interventions that used automatic versus manual data entry. Studies with weekly provider feedback were found to have the largest effect on HbA1c but feedback on as needed basis also saw a significant effect. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether mHealth interventions based on behavioral change theories are more effective. Visual inspection of funnel plots suggested a publication bias. These findings are consistent with clinically relevant improvements and demonstrate that mHealth interventions may be an effective strategy to help control HbA1c, particularly with respect to type 2 diabetics. While the functionality and use of this technology needs to be standardized, mHealth represents a promising approach to the self-management of diabetes.
Biodiversity of insects at a microsite, 'Evolution Canyon', Nahal Oren, Mt. Carmel, Israel. Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae

Abstract Spatial microscale adaptive divergence was demonstrated in darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) between the south-facing slope (SFS) and north-facing slope (NFS) at Lower Nahal Oren, Mt. Carmel, Israel. Both slopes share the same geology and macroclimate, but dramatically differ in microclimate. We identified 42 species and 34 genera of darkling beetles from a microsite. Species, genera richness and abundance were significantly higher on the warmer, drier, climatically more fluctuating and biotically more heterogeneous SFS. The data indicate that the species on the more xeric SFS have on average a smaller range than those on the more temperate NFS, as predicted by Rapoport’s rule. Coptright 1997 Academic Press Limited
Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica and Emblica officinalis against Enterococcus faecalis and Their Smear Layer Removal Ability When Used as Endodontic Irrigants: an In-Vitro Study

Context: Phytotherapeutic agents as alternatives for synthetic endodontic irrigants, due to the adverse effects of synthetic agents. Aims: Aim of this in -vitro study is evaluate and compare antibacterial activity against E.faecalis and smear layer removal efficacy of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica and Emblica officinalis distilled water extracts. Methods and Material: Distilled water extracts of the three herbal products were prepared. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined using Broth microdilution method. Agar well diffusion test was performed and zones of inhibition were measured to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Sixty human maxillary incisors were decoronated, divided into six groups (n=10). Group 1: 0.9% normal saline; Group 2: 1% sodium hypochlorite; Group 3: 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Group 4: 6.25% Punica granatum; Group 5: 25% Acacia nilotica; Group 6: 12.5% Emblica officinalis solution. Teeth were split into two halves and observed under scanning electron microscope to analyse the amount of smear layer present. Results: Minimum inhibitory concentrations of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica and Emblica officinalis were recorded as 6.25%, 25% and 12.5% respectively, with mean inhibition zones of 21mm, 18mm and 20mm. Group 4 showed least smear layer scores, followed by Group 6 and Group 3. Conclusions: Punica granatum and Emblica officinalis aqueous extracts showed effective antibacterial activity and smear layer removal efficacy in all parts of root canal.
On motivational tools of gamification in higher education: theoretical aspect

В условиях цифровизации российского образования актуальной является проблема повышения мотивации, вовлеченности и удовольствия учащихся. Это одна из самых сложных проблем, присущих всем формам и уровням образования, особенно в рамках онлайн-обучения. Одним из средств, служащих разрешению этой проблемы, является геймификация. В зарубежной педагогике технологию геймификации, имеющую ряд методических и дидактических преимуществ, активно используют и изучают на протяжении многих лет, однако в России данная перспективная и популярная технология стала развиваться и изучаться только в последнее время. Также следует заметить, что большинство публикаций о геймификации (как отечественных, так и зарубежных) не углубляется в изучение ее мотивационных механизмов, определяющих ее эффективность, ограничиваясь описанием простой схемы ‘стимул-реакция’. Недостаточно развито понимание различий между внешней и внутренней мотивациями и их роли в геймификации для создания долгосрочного и устойчивого эффекта. Наше исследование призвано внести теоретический вклад в эту область. С этой целью мы рассматриваем геймификацию с точки зрения философских и культурологических подходов и анализируем теории мотивации применительно к геймификации. В качестве теоретико-методологической базы будем использовать ключевые понятия философии прагматизма и социальной феноменологии, а также теорию самоопределения, теорию потока и транзактный анализ. Обозначенные нами в качестве теоретико-методологической основы философские идеи, ранее не применяемые для анализа геймификации, составляют научную новизну нашего исследования.
Common fuzzy fixed points of α-fuzzy mappings

The aim of this paper is to obtain the common fuzzy fixed points of α-fuzzy mappings satisfying generalized almost Θ-contraction in the setting of complete metric space. In this way, we generalize several well known recent and classical results. Finally, we provide an example to show the significance of the investigation of this paper.
An Assessment of the Challenges Facing Recruitment, Selection and Retention Process in Small Industries in Mwanza Region

-Theaim of this study is to understand the challenges facing recruitment, selection and retention process in small industries in Mwanza region. Recruitment, selection and retention process in small industries in Mwanza regionTanzania face several challenges that affect their effectiveness.The study was descriptive survey research design comprised a sample size of 149respondents who were the owners of small industries and senior managers. Data collection was done througha face-to-face structured interview. Data analysis was done using percentages and frequencies and the results represented in tables. The findings of the study revealed that small industries in Mwanza region lack effective recruitment, selection and retention process and this is threateningtheir human resource management. The study recommends the need for the government to intervene and come up with effective strategic human resource policy that can support recruitment, selection and retention process in small industries.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF FUZZY CONTROL STRATEGY FOR BOOST AND QUADRATIC BOOST CONVERTER USED IN PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION Rapid growing energy demand makes photovoltaic an alternative source to overcome this issues. The important advantage of renewable energy sources is to mitigate the rising concern about CO emissions 2 and global warming. PV based electricity generation can be exponentially increased by two methods[6,7]. One method is designing new, high efficient, low cost PV cells and modules and other method is by using appropriate power electronics converter topologies and control strategy.
Il Mulino-Rivisteweb

The focus of this article is the fabrication of gangs as a social problem in contemporary Spain. The mobilisation of several agencies during the last ten years to highlight, eradicate, heal this object-problem has created expert officials from different State bureaucracies, as well as models of relationship, career, cooperation and conflict. Using, in an heterodox way, some categories of critical thought and Bourdieu theory, the article explores ethnographically the functioning of this bureaucratic field, observing the policies and the policing of gangs, as well the everyday practices of agents of the right and left hand of the State in defining, constituting, managing, stigmatising these forms of subaltern youth sociability.