Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Antiphospholipid Antibodies to Thromboembolic Events in Pediatric Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to determine 1) the incidence of thrombosis, 2) the incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies, and 3) whether there is an association between the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and thrombosis. We performed a cross-sectional cohort study in 59 consecutive SLE patients who had been managed at rheumatology clinics in two pediatric hospitals. A history, questionnaire, and chart review were completed by the study nurse blinded to laboratory results. Only the thrombotic events that could be substantiated by review of radiographic tests were accepted. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies was determined by prospective analysis for a lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies on two separate occasions at least 3 mo apart. Patients were considered to be positive if one or more tests were positive on both occasions. Thirteen thrombotic events occurred in 10 of the 59 patients(17%). Fourteen patients (24%) were classified as positive for lupus anticoagulant, and 19 patients (27%) were classified as positive for anticardiolipin antibodies. A significant relationship between the presence of a lupus anticoagulant and a thrombotic event was shown: odds ratio 28.7(95% confidence interval 4.03-138.2, p < 0.001). A nonsignificant trend was seen for the presence of an anticardiolipin antibody and a thrombotic event: odds ratio 2.12 (95% confidence interval 0.71-22.8,p = 0.08). We conclude that in pediatric patients with SLE:1) a significant proportion of patients have thrombotic events,2) a significant proportion of patients have antiphospholipid antibodies, and 3) there is a significant relationship between the presence of a lupus anticoagulant and thrombotic events.
Speaking of Writing and Writing of Speaking

The distinction between speech and writing is traditionally felt to be fundamental to any discussion about language. Indeed, many would find the difference so basic and obvious that they might question the need to devote any space to it at all. The distinction is transparent, they might say. Speech uses the transmitting medium of 'phonic substance', typically air-pressure movements produced by the vocal organs, whereas writing uses the transmitting medium of 'graphic substance', typically marks on a surface made by a hand using an implement. It is simply a physical thing. The study of sounds is one dimension; the study of symbols is another; and that is that apart from the nuisance of having to bring the two dimensions together when getting to grips with spelling.
Relationship between sarcopenia and physical activity in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Physical activity (PA) has been identified as beneficial for many diseases and health disorders, including sarcopenia. The positive influence of PA interventions on sarcopenia has been described previously on many occasions. Current reviews on the topic include studies with varied PA interventions for sarcopenia; nevertheless, no systematic review exploring the effects of PA in general on sarcopenia has been published. The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between PA and sarcopenia in older people on the basis of cross-sectional and cohort studies. We searched PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and ScienceDirect for articles addressing the relationship between PA and sarcopenia. Twenty-five articles were ultimately included in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses. A statistically significant association between PA and sarcopenia was documented in most of the studies, as well as the protective role of PA against sarcopenia development. Furthermore, the meta-analysis indicated that PA reduces the odds of acquiring sarcopenia in later life (odds ratio [OR] =0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.55). The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis confirm the beneficial influence of PA in general for the prevention of sarcopenia.
NEMA NU 4-2008 Comparison of Preclinical PET Imaging Systems

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standard NU 4-2008 for performance measurements of small-animal tomographs was recently published. Before this standard, there were no standard testing procedures for preclinical PET systems, and manufacturers could not provide clear specifications similar to those available for clinical systems under NEMA NU 2-1994 and 2-2001. Consequently, performance evaluation papers used methods that were modified ad hoc from the clinical PET NEMA standard, thus making comparisons between systems difficult. Methods: We acquired NEMA NU 4-2008 performance data for a collection of commercial animal PET systems manufactured since 2000: microPET P4, microPET R4, microPET Focus 120, microPET Focus 220, Inveon, ClearPET, Mosaic HP, Argus (formerly eXplore Vista), VrPET, LabPET 8, and LabPET 12. The data included spatial resolution, counting-rate performance, scatter fraction, sensitivity, and image quality and were acquired using settings for routine PET. Results: The data showed a steady improvement in system performance for newer systems as compared with first-generation systems, with notable improvements in spatial resolution and sensitivity. Conclusion: Variation in system design makes direct comparisons between systems from different vendors difficult. When considering the results from NEMA testing, one must also consider the suitability of the PET system for the specific imaging task at hand.
Evaluating the effectiveness of combination therapy to prevent COPD exacerbations: the value of NNT analysis

The effective prevention of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has the potential to improve patients' health‐related quality of life, reduce rates of hospitalisation and mortality and lower healthcare costs. Several pharmacological agents, including inhaled corticosteroid/long‐acting β2‐agonist combination therapies, have demonstrated beneficial effects on COPD exacerbations. The number needed to treat (NNT) analysis is a simple, concise method that allows physicians to quantify directly the benefits that alternative treatment options have on disease outcomes in terms of the number of patients who need to be treated before a benefit is observed. This review evaluates the applicability and clinical relevance of NNT analysis for determining the effectiveness of combination therapies against COPD exacerbations, focusing on budesonide/ formoterol in the same inhaler. Physicians are encouraged to consider NNT data within the context of their limitations and in conjunction with other analytical methods when selecting treatments for patients with COPD.
Alteration of the adrenal antioxidant defense system during aging in rats.

The goal of this study was to determine to what extent aging affects the antioxidant defense system of the rat adrenal and to evaluate the impact of any change in this system on the recognized age-related decline in steroidogenic capacity of adrenocortical cells. The studies were conducted on young (2-5 mo) and aging (12-27 mo) Sprague-Dawley rats and involved procedures measuring steroidogenesis; oxidative damage to tissue; non enzymatic antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, and glutathione; and tissue antioxidant enzyme (Mn and CuZn superoxide dismutases, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) activity and expression (mRNA, protein mass, and location). Some measurements were made also on rats maintained on vitamin E-deficient diets. The data show that adrenals from young animals are especially well protected against oxidative events; i.e., these adrenals show the least endogenous lipid peroxidation and the highest level of resistance to prooxidant-induced damage (of various tissues measured) and show exceedingly high levels of tissue antioxidants. Aging, on the other hand, results in oxidative changes in adrenal tissue that are generally linked in time to a reduction in efficiency of the normally protective antioxidant defense system and to the decline in corticosterone production. We speculate that these events are causally related, i.e., that the age-related reduction in oxidative mechanisms in adrenal tissues leads to oxidative damage of membrane or cytosolic factors important to cholesterol transport, and, as a consequence of this damage, cholesterol cannot reach appropriate mitochondrial cholesterol side chain cleavage sites, and corticosterone production fails.
Complex Pattern of Resistance-Associated Substitutions of Hepatitis C Virus after Daclatasvir/Asunaprevir Treatment Failure

Backgrounds & Aims We aimed to clarify the characteristics of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) after treatment failure with NS5A inhibitor, daclatasvir (DCV) in combination with NS3/4A inhibitor, asunaprevir (ASV), in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection. Methods This is a nationwide multicenter study conducted by the Japanese Red Cross Liver Study Group. The sera were obtained from 68 patients with virological failure after 24 weeks of DCV/ASV treatment. RASs in NS5A and NS3 were determined by population sequencing. Results The frequency of signature RASs at position D168 of NS3 was 68%, and at positions L31 and Y93 of NS5A was 79 and 76%, respectively. The frequency of dual signature RASs in NS5A (L31-RAS and Y93-RAS) was 63%. RASs at L28, R30, P32, Q54, P58, and A92 in addition to dual signature RAS were detected in 5, 5, 1, 22, 2, and 0 patients, respectively. In total, triple, quadruple, and quintuple RASs in combination with dual signature RAS were detected in 35, 10, and 1.5% patients, respectively. These RASs were detected in patients without baseline RASs or who prematurely discontinued therapy. Co-existence of D168 RAS in NS3 and L31 and/or Y93 RAS in NS5A was observed in 62% of patients. Conclusion Treatment-emergent RASs after failure with DCV/ASV combination therapy are highly complex in more than 50% of the patients. The identification of complex RAS patterns, which may indicate high levels of resistance to NS5A inhibitors, highlights the need for RAS sequencing when considering re-treatment with regimens including NS5A inhibitors.
Unsupervised Name Ambiguity Resolution Using A Generative Model

Resolving ambiguity associated with names found on the Web, Wikipedia or medical texts is a very challenging task, which has been of great interest to the research community. We propose a novel approach to disambiguating names using Latent Dirichlet Allocation, where the learned topics represent the underlying senses of the ambiguous name. We conduct a detailed evaluation on multiple data sets containing ambiguous person, location and organization names and for multiple languages such as English, Spanish, Romanian and Bulgarian. We conduct comparative studies with existing approaches and show a substantial improvement of 15 to 35% in task accuracy.
Recent advances and future trends in low power wireless systems for medical applications

This paper describes current state-of-the-art research on low power wireless systems for medical applications. Distinct design criteria and challenges in this area are addressed. A study of existing wireless technologies and their key applications are presented. A brief assessment of future trends for wireless medicine with a focus on emerging technologies is provided. Finally, a number of different energy-scavenging techniques for the future development of autonomous wireless nodes are reviewed.
Molecular characterization of an improved vector for evaluation of the tumor suppressor versus oncogene abilities of the androgen receptor

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that the function of the ligand‐occupied androgen receptor (AR) within the nuclei of normal prostatic epithelial cells acts as a tumor suppressor gene. This is in contrast to the well‐documented ability of the AR within prostate cancer cells to function as an oncogene. Thus, many groups are attempting to understand the biochemistry and signaling cascade differences involved in the switching of AR from a tumor suppressor to an oncogene.
The RIPE3b1 Activator of the Insulin Gene Is Composed of a Protein(s) of Approximately 43 kDa, Whose DNA Binding Activity Is Inhibited by Protein Phosphatase Treatment*

Glucose-stimulated and pancreatic islet β cell-specific expression of the insulin gene is mediated in part by the C1 DNA-element binding complex, termed RIPE3b1. In this report, we define the molecular weight range of the protein(s) that compose this β cell-enriched activator complex and show that protein phosphatase treatment inhibits RIPE3b1 DNA binding activity. Fractionation of β cell nuclear extracts by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that RIPE3b1 binding was mediated by a protein(s) within the 37–49-kDa ranges. Direct analysis of the proteins within the RIPE3b1 complex by ultraviolet light cross-linking analysis identified three binding species of approximately 51, 45, and 38 kDa. Incubating β cell nuclear extracts with either calf alkaline phosphatase or a rat brain phosphatase preparation dramatically reduced RIPE3b1 DNA complex formation. Phosphatase inhibition of RIPE3b1 binding was prevented by sodium pyrophosphate, a general phosphatase inhibitor. We discuss how changes in the phosphorylation status of the RIPE3b1 activator may influence its DNA binding activity.
Detergent Effects of Sodium Deoxycholate Are a Major Feature of an Injectable Phosphatidylcholine Formulation Used for Localized Fat Dissolution

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylcholine injections are becoming an increasingly popular technique to treat localized fat accumulation. This formula is composed primarily of phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate, a bile salt used to solubilize the natural phospholipid in water. The mechanism through which this injectable phosphatidylcholine formulation causes localized fat reduction is unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the active component and mechanism of action of an injectable phosphatidylcholine formulation in clinical use. METHODS Cell viability and cell membrane lysis assays were performed on cell cultures and porcine skin after treatment with the phosphatidylcholine formula, isolated sodium deoxycholate, or common laboratory detergents Triton-X 100 and Empigen BB. In addition, we described the histologic changes after injection of these substances into porcine tissue. RESULTS A significant and comparable loss of cell viability, cell membrane lysis, and disruption of fat and muscle architecture was seen in cell cultures and tissue specimens treated with the phosphatidylcholine formula and isolated sodium deoxycholate. These findings were similar to the effects produced after treatment with laboratory detergents. CONCLUSIONS The phosphatidylcholine formula popularly used in subcutaneous injections for fat dissolution works primarily as a detergent causing nonspecific lysis of cell membranes. Our findings suggest that sodium deoxycholate is the major active component responsible for cell lysis. Detergent substances may have a role in eliminating unwanted adipose tissue. It is advised that physicians use caution until adequate safety data are available.
Evidence for modulation of insulin action and degradation independently of insulin binding.

The interrelationships between insulin binding, action, and degradation were investigated in isolated hepatocytes with the aid of an insulin-receptor antibody (IRA) preparation that does not affect insulin binding. These IRA have insulin-like effects as determined by their ability to stimulate [14C]acetate incorporation into lipids. However, this effect is less than that of insulin; and in the presence of insulin and IRA, the effects of insulin are partially inhibited. The IRA have no effect on lipogenesis stimulated by postreceptor insulin "mimickers. " The IRA also significantly inhibit insulin degradation. However, they do not affect insulin degradation in the presence of a large excess of unlabeled hormone. Taken together these data demonstrate that insulin action and degradation can be modulated independently of binding and suggest that the IRA partially inhibit insulin action and degradation through a portion of the insulin receptor that is not a determinant of insulin binding. It is possible, however, that there exist in the antiserum heterogeneous antibodies that bind to nonreceptor sites on the plasma membrane and mediate some of the phenomena observed.
Flowering Time Genes Heading date 1 and Early heading date 1 Together Control Panicle Development in Rice

Although flowering time is often associated with plant size, little is known about how flowering time genes affect plant architecture. We grew four rice lines having different flowering time genotypes (hd1 ehd1, hd1 Ehd1, Hd1 ehd1 and Hd1 Ehd1) under distinct photoperiod conditions. By using genotype–treatment combinations that resulted in similar flowering times, we were able to compare the effects of flowering time genes on traits related to plant architecture. The results revealed that the combination of Heading-date 1 (Hd1) and Early heading date 1 (Ehd1) can reduce the number of primary branches in a panicle, resulting in smaller spikelet numbers per panicle; this occurs independently of the control of flowering time. In addition, expression of the Hd3a and Rice Flowering-locus T 1 (RFT1) florigen genes was up-regulated in leaves of the Hd1 Ehd1 line at the time of the floral transition. We further revealed that Hd1 and/or Ehd1 caused up-regulation of Terminal Flower 1-like genes and precocious expression of panicle formation-related genes at shoot apical meristems during panicle development. Therefore, two key flowering time genes, Hd1 and Ehd1, can control panicle development in rice; this may affect crop yields in the field through florigen expression in leaf.
Write-field gradient effect on transition width in perpendicular recording media

Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) system using a single-pole writer and a double-layered perpendicular recording medium with a soft underlayer (SUL) is a promising candidate for high recording densities of over 100 Gb/in/sup 2/. The relationships between medium characteristics and recording performance have been studied. In this paper, we have clarified the dependency of the write-field gradient on the transition width using by a micromagnetic modeling. Also, the dependence of medium parameters is also discussed in the paper.
Protection of the distribution lines against lightning overvoltages by surge arrester in the context of distributed generation and smart grids

The new technologies of energy supply and analysis of the operation of electrical systems, brought by the distributed generation and by the smart grid concepts, emphasize even more the importance of conservation of security and reliability of distribution networks. This occurs due to the sensibility of modern equipment being introduced in these networks. At this juncture, the protection of electric power systems against lightning overvoltage has increased its relevance in the search for greater continuity, reliability and quality of the energy supplied. Thus, in this paper it is simulated the performance of a protection system, constituted by the metal-oxide surge arresters, against lightning overvoltage, in the presence of distributed generators and of concepts of smart grids. It is also performed a technical/economic feasibility study through the development of a procedure for the definition of the best sizing, allocation and quantification of the surge arrester to the protection of a distribution line.
Research on robust two-degree-of-freedom for high stiffness electromagnetic suspension unit

For the electromagnetic suspension unit, a robust two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) control strategy based on combining feedforward control and Hinfin control is investigated in this paper. The control scheme solves the conflict between accurate command tracking performance and disturbance rejection of the system. The feedforward controller is designed to ensure that the system implements accurate tracking performance. While Hinfin controller can overcome the influences of the uncertainties of parameter perturbations and external load disturbances, achieve stability and robustness. The simulation results show that the control scheme not only can ensure system strong robustness to parameter uncertainty and load disturbances, but also improve accurate tracking performance.
Diffusion process in a deterministically forced flow

We analyze circumstances under which the microscopic dynamics of particles which are driven by a forced, gradient-type flow can be consistently interpreted as a Markovian diffusion process. Special attention is paid to discriminating between forces that are presumed to act selectively upon diffusing particles, while leaving the random medium statistically at rest (Smoluchowski diffusion processes), and those perturbing the random medium itself and thus creating the nontrivial flows. We focus on the deterministic "stirring" scenarios.
Screening for prostate cancer in Dutch hereditary prostate cancer families

It is common belief that in families with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC), unaffected men should be screened periodically with PSA, but little is known about the effects of such screening. We studied test and tumor characteristics in unaffected 50–75‐year‐old screenees from HPC families. In the Netherlands, 153 verified HPC families are registered; 132 unaffected men in these families were not under surveillance for prostate cancer and gave informed consent for PSA testing by their GP and referral to a urologist in the case of a PSA level ≥ 3.0 ng/ml. Results were compared to published data from the Rotterdam and Göteborg sections of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). A PSA ≥ 3.0 ng/ml was found in 20 men: referral rate, 15.1% (ERSPC Rotterdam: 20.1%; ERSPC Göteborg: 12.0%). Only 3 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in these men: detection rate in the first screening round 2.3% (ERSPC Rotterdam: 5.3%; ERSPC Göteborg: 2.3%). Frequent opportunistic PSA testing made it impossible to estimate the detection rates in subsequent screening rounds. In the first and subsequent PSA screening rounds, 11 cases of cancer were detected. All but 1 had favorable tumor characteristics (cT1c/pT2; Gleason < 7). These results raise the question as to whether men from all HPC families should be considered at high‐risk. We suggest that the same PSA testing guidelines should apply to HPC families and the general population. A more aggressive screening policy in HPC families does not seem to be justified. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.