Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rheumatic Diseases in Chihuahua, México: A COPCORD Survey

BackgroundRheumatic diseases (RDs) represent a global problem for health care systems and patients. Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) is a low-cost screening tool for detecting musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and RDs. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the pattern of MSK pain and RDs in clinic population in Chihuahua City, Mexico. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 primary health clinics using the COPCORD methodology in subjects older than 18 years. People with MSK pain not induced by trauma (positive cases) were evaluated by primary care physicians and rheumatologists. ResultsThe study included 1006 individuals with a mean age of 46.0 (SD, 15.8) years; 751 (74.7%) were women. Musculoskeletal pain in the previous 7 days was reported by 571 individuals (56.75%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 53.8%–60.1%), and 356 cases (35.4%; 95% CI, 32.5%–38.4%) were COPCORD positive. The mean pain intensity in visual analog scale was 6.62 (SD, 2.4). The most common painful joint was the knee (54.7%; 95% CI, 51.1%–59.0%). Two hundred eighty subjects with MSK pain (49.0%) previously sought medical attention, and 375 (65.7%) were under treatment. Functional impairment was reported by 69.8% of the COPCORD-positive subjects. The prevalence of RDs was 21.4% (95% CI, 18.9%–23.8%). The most prevalent disease was osteoarthritis (10.3%; 95% CI, 8.6%–12.4%), followed by regional pain syndromes (5.5%; 95% CI, 4.1%–7.0%), rheumatoid arthritis (1.4%; 95% CI, 0.8%–2.2%), and mechanical low-back pain (1.4%; 95% CI, 0.7%–2.2%). ConclusionsMusculoskeletal pain is an important problem that affects our community. The data provided in this study will be presented to the local authorities to help in the development of prevention strategies.
Prevention of pancreatic cancer in a hamster model by cAMP decrease

Smoking and alcoholism are risk factors for the development of pancreatitis-associated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We have previously shown that these cancers overexpressed stress neurotransmitters and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) while the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was suppressed. Using a hamster model, the current study has tested the hypothesis that cAMP decrease by GABA supplementation in the drinking water prevents the development of pancreatitis-associated PDAC. Our data reveal strong preventive effects of GABA supplementation on the development of PDAC and pancreatic intraductal neoplasia (PanIN). ELISA assays and immunohistochemistry revealed significant decreases in the levels of cAMP and interleukin 6 accompanied by reductions in the expression of several cancer stem cell markers and phosphorylated signaling proteins, which stimulate cell proliferation, and migration in pancreatic exocrine cells of GABA treated animals. We conclude that cAMP decrease by GABA supplementation inhibits multiple cancer stimulating pathways in cancer stem cells, differentiated cancer cells and the immune system, identifying this approach as promising novel tool for the prevention of PDAC in individuals with a history of smoking and alcoholism.
Curves of fixed points of trace maps

We study curves of fixed points for certain diffeomorphisms of ${\mathbb{R}}^3$ that are induced by automorphisms of a trace algebra. We classify these curves. There is a function $E$ which is invariant under all such trace maps and the level surfaces $E_t: E=t$ are invariant; a point of $E_t$ will be said to have level $t$. The surface $E_1$ is significant. Then most fixed points on $E_1$ are actually on a curve $\gamma$ of fixed points interior to $E_1$. We describe the possibilities for the other end of $\gamma$ on $E_1$.
A Review of Intravascular Ultrasound-based Multimodal Intravascular Imaging

Catheter-based intravascular imaging modalities are being developed to visualize pathologies in coronary arteries, such as high-risk vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques known as thin-cap fibroatheroma, to guide therapeutic strategy at preventing heart attacks. Mounting evidences have shown three distinctive histopathological features—the presence of a thin fibrous cap, a lipid-rich necrotic core, and numerous infiltrating macrophages—are key markers of increased vulnerability in atherosclerotic plaques. To visualize these changes, the majority of catheter-based imaging modalities used intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as the technical foundation and integrated emerging intravascular imaging techniques to enhance the characterization of vulnerable plaques. However, no current imaging technology is the unequivocal “gold standard” for the diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Each intravascular imaging technology possesses its own unique features that yield valuable information although encumbered by inherent limitations not seen in other modalities. In this context, the aim of this review is to discuss current scientific innovations, technical challenges, and prospective strategies in the development of IVUS-based multi-modality intravascular imaging systems aimed at assessing atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.
Filifactor alocis modulates human neutrophil antimicrobial functional responses

Filifactor alocis is a newly appreciated pathogen in periodontal diseases. Neutrophils are the predominant innate immune cell in the gingival crevice. In this study, we examined modulation of human neutrophil antimicrobial functions by F. alocis. Both non‐opsonised and serum‐opsonised F. alocis were engulfed by neutrophils but were not efficiently eliminated. Challenge of neutrophils with either non‐opsonised or serum‐opsonised F. alocis induced a minimal intracellular as well as extracellular respiratory burst response compared to opsonised Staphylococcus aureus and fMLF, respectively. However, pretreatment or simultaneous challenge of neutrophils with F. alocis did not affect the subsequent oxidative response to a particulate stimulus, suggesting that the inability to trigger the respiratory response was only localised to F. alocis phagosomes. In addition, although neutrophils engulfed live or heat‐killed F. alocis with the same efficiency, heat‐killed F. alocis elicited a higher intracellular respiratory burst response compared to viable organisms, along with decreased surface expression of CD35, a marker of secretory vesicles. F. alocis phagosomes remained immature by delayed and reduced recruitment of specific and azurophil granules, respectively. These results suggest that F. alocis withstands neutrophil antimicrobial responses by preventing intracellular ROS production, along with specific and azurophil granule recruitment to the bacterial phagosome.
Prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 ( HHV 8 ) and hepatitis C virus ( HCV ) in a rural community with high risk for blood borne infections in central China

Former illegal blood donation in the past decade has caused HIV outbreaks in some rural areas in China. Other HIV associated virus infections, such as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) in such areas are still not well defined. In order to explore HHV8 and HCV seroprevalence and potential risk factors in such areas, a cross-sectional study with 305 HIV positive and 315 HIV negative subjects recruited from a rural county in Shanxi province was conducted, where illegal blood collection was reported. Interview questionnaires and serum testing were carried out with these participants. HCV and HHV8 seroprevalence were found to be higher in HIV positive than negative group (76.4% vs. 2.5%; 15.4% vs. 4.8% respectively), while the difference in HBV seroprevalence was not significant. Co-infection with HCV and HHV8 was also more prevalent in the HIV positive group. HIV status (odds ratio [OR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–6.30) and HBV status (OR, 2.56; 95%CI: 1.14–5.75) were independently associated with HHV8 infection. HIV status (OR, 23.03; 95%CI: 9.95–53.27) and blood/plasma selling history (OR, 14.57; 95%CI: 7.49–28.23) were strongly associated with HCV infection. These findings demonstrate that both HHV8 and HCV infections are prevalent in this community. HIV infection is an important risk factor for both HHV8 and HCV infection. HBV infection is associated with HHV8 infection but not with HCV infection. It is possible that HHV8 and HBV, but not HCV, may have similar mode of transmission in this population.
Preparation of Vaterite Calcium Carbonate in the Form of Spherical Nano-size Particles with the Aid of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer as a Capping Agent

Vaterite is an important biomedical material due to its properties such as high specific surface area, high solubility, high dispersion, and small specific gravity. In this study, spherical vaterite composed of nanoparticles are synthesized by precipitation route assisted by Polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PSS). The calcium carbonate was prepared by reacting a mixed solution of Na2CO3 with a CaCl2 solution at an ambient temperature, 25 °C, in the presence of polycarboxylate superplasticizer as a stabilizer. The effects of PSS on the morphology and polymorph of precipitated CaCO3 are investigated with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is supposed that the core-shell structured microspheres with the nanoparticles are attributed to the adsorption of PSS on the faces of calcium carbonate crystals. The results revealed that polycarboxylate superplasticizer can use in preparation of vaterite calcium carbonate from aqueous solutions. The prepared vaterite calcium carbonate has nanoparticles with the average particle size ranging from 15 to 26 nm as estimated using TEM.
Characterization of nonderivatized plant cell walls using high‐resolution solution‐state NMR spectroscopy

A recently described plant cell wall dissolution system has been modified to use perdeuterated solvents to allow direct in‐NMR‐tube dissolution and high‐resolution solution‐state NMR of the whole cell wall without derivatization. Finely ground cell wall material dissolves in a solvent system containing dimethylsulfoxide‐d6 and 1‐methylimidazole‐d6 in a ratio of 4:1 (v/v), keeping wood component structures mainly intact in their near‐native state. Two‐dimensional NMR experiments, using gradient‐HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence) 1‐bond 13C1H correlation spectroscopy, on nonderivatized cell wall material from a representative gymnosperm pinus taeda (loblolly pine), an angiosperm Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and a herbaceous plant Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) demonstrate the efficacy of the system. We describe a method to synthesize 1‐methylimidazole‐d6 with a high degree of perdeuteration, thus allowing cell wall dissolution and NMR characterization of nonderivatized plant cell wall structures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive power requirements for cascaded H-Bridge photovoltaic systems

Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) multilevel converters provide a number of attractive features for photovoltaic (PV) power systems. They have high quality output waveforms, high efficiency and the ability to incorporate multiple Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) schemes. This paper investigates the ability of the CHB PV system to export maximum power for different configurations of PV arrays among the H-Bridges. It is shown that there is a minimum number of H-Bridges required to have PV arrays to ensure the maximum power is extracted without reactive power compensation. Reactive power must be injected or absorbed to extract maximum power when the minimum number is not reached. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the investigation.
Effect of testosterone supplementation on nitroso‐redox imbalance, cardiac metabolism markers, and S100 proteins expression in the heart of castrated male rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of castration and testosterone supplementation on nitroso‐redox status, cardiac metabolism markers, and S100 proteins expression in the heart of male rats. 50 male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups with ten animals each: group 1: control intact (CON); group 2: sham operated (Sh‐O); group 3: sesame oil‐treated rats (S‐oil); group 4: gonadoectomized (GDX); and group 5: gonadoectomized rats treated with testosterone (GDX‐T) for 8 weeks. Our results showed myofibrillar weaving, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis (as reflected by increased activity of MMP 9 and MMP 2) in the heart of gonadoectomized rats. Testosterone supplementation restored the normal structure of the heart. In addition, a state of nitroso‐redox imbalance was observed in the heart of castrated rats with increased NO (425.1 ± 322.8 vs. 208 ± 67.06, p ˂ 0.05) and MDA (33.18 ± 9.45 vs. 22.04 ± 7.13, p ˂ 0.05) and decreased GSH levels (0.71 ± 0.13 vs. 1.09 ± 0.19, p = 0.001). Testosterone treatment leads to a re‐establish of only NO levels (425.1 ± 322.8 vs. 210.4 ± 114.3, p > 0.05). Markers of cardiac metabolism showed an enhancement of LDH activity (12725 ± 4604 vs. 5381 ± 3122, p ˂ 0.05) in the heart of castrated rats. This was inversed by testosterone replacement (12725 ± 4604 vs. 5781 ± 5187, p ˂ 0.05). Furthermore, castration induced heart's accumulation of triglycerides (37.24 ± 6.17 vs. 27.88 ± 6.47, p ˂ 0.05) and total cholesterol (61.44 ± 3.59 vs. 54.11 ± 7.55, p ˂ 0.05), which were significantly reduced by testosterone supplementation (29.03 ± 2.47 vs. 37.24 ± 6.17, p ˂ 0.05) and (47.9 ± 4.15 vs. 61.44 ± 3.59, p ˂ 0.001). Cardiomyocytes of castrated rats showed a decreased immunoexpression of S100 proteins compared to control animals. A restoration of S100 proteins immunostaining in cardiomyocyte cytoplasm was observed after testosterone supplementation. These findings confirm the deleterious effects of testosterone deficiency on cardiac function and highlight the involvement of nitric oxide, metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and S100 proteins.
Influence of Maxillary Sinus Width on New Bone Formation After Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation: A Proof-of-Concept Prospective Cohort Study

Purpose: Graft maturation in the maxillary sinus requires adequate angiogenesis and osteoprogenitor cells migration from the surrounding bony walls: the aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between sinus cavity dimensions and new bone formation after transcrestal sinus floor elevation (tSFE). Methods: Patients needing maxillary sinus augmentation (residual crest height ⩽ 4 mm) were treated with tSFE using xenogeneic granules. Six months later, bone-core biopsies were retrieved for histological analysis in the implant insertion sites. Buccopalatal sinus width (SW) was evaluated on cone beam computed tomography, and correlations between histomorphometric and anatomical parameters were quantified by means of linear regression analysis. Results: Eight consecutive patients underwent tSFE procedures: at 6 months, average percentage of newly formed bone resulted 24.2% ± 7.9%. Statistical analysis showed a strong inverse correlation between SW and new bone formation (R2 = 0.88), and a strong direct correlation between the number of exposed bone walls and new bone formation (R2 = 0.82). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this proof-of-concept study, in which a restricted number of patients were analyzed, tSFE showed more predictable results in narrow than in large sinuses, in terms of new bone formation.
SOME ASPECTS CONCERNING THE MICRO INDENTATION TESTING OF ULTRAMID PLASTIC MATERIALS

The Microindentation analysis is a very important tool for the materials engineer, but it must be used with care and full understanding of potential problems. From this point of view a Universal UMT-2 (CETR-Center of Tribology, INC. USA) device was used for the microindentation tests. It was used a 2kg sensor and applied a maximum forceof 10N. Also was used diamond tip Rockwell indenter with a radius of 200µm. The capacitive sensor used measured the vertical indenter displacement. As materials were used two types of ultramid plastic materials such as: A3EG5 and A3EG6. The research will be focus on the load diagrams dependent on the vertical indenter displacement. The software package we used enabled us to read both the micro hardness values, and the reduced indentation modulus and Young's modulus. Also will be included the displacement and recovery values of the studied materials. The research was conducted on three test samples of each material.The fiber orientation was in three directions, such as: 0 o , 45 o and 90 o . The micro indentation analysis was done for samples with above angle of fiber orientation presented. The software package used enabled to read the micro hardness values, the reduced indentation modulus and Young's modulus. Also the results are focus on displacement and material recovery.
Energy-efficient power allocation and mode selection in hybrid multi-cell architecture with limited backhaul capacity

This study addresses the problem of power allocation and mode selection in a hybrid coordinated multi-cell transmission system with limited backhaul capacity. The power consumption is considered as the extra expense due to data exchange via backhaul links. A novel hybrid multi-cell scheme is presented, in which each mobile station (MS) can dynamically select either interference channel or multi-cell multi-input and multi-output cooperation mode. To maximise energy efficiency (EE), the optimal power allocation scheme with low complexity is proposed. Moreover, the authors propose an energy-efficient mode selection metric for each MS, which reflects both benefits and extra expense brought by the selected cooperation mode. Based on the proposed metric, the optimal mode selection strategy maximising EE is obtained. Numerical results show that the hybrid multi-cell scheme outperforms the traditional single cooperation mode scheme in terms of EE.
Turner Optimizes the Allocation of Audience Deficiency Units

Each broadcasting quarter, advertisement-based networks face the challenge of allocating make-good units that reduce the liability they have incurred because of fewer people in the audiences they have guaranteed to advertisers. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. has developed an optimization framework that improves the process of allocating make-good units across hundreds of sales plans in a dynamic setting in which priorities change continually and customer relationship management is of paramount importance. This system, called the Liability Efficiency Optimizer (LEO), has significantly simplified the process of allocating audience deficiency units at Turner, reducing it from weeks down to minutes, and has enabled its users to make the most profitable use of the liability airtime inventory while honoring advertiser requirements in terms of selling-title mix and unit distribution across weeks. This system has been deployed to all the domestic networks operated by Turner, and its monetary benefit has been co.
Codominant grasses differ in gene expression under experimental climate extremes in native tallgrass prairie

Extremes in climate, such as heat waves and drought, are expected to become more frequent and intense with forecasted climate change. Plant species will almost certainly differ in their responses to these stressors. We experimentally imposed a heat wave and drought in the tallgrass prairie ecosystem near Manhattan, Kansas, USA to assess transcriptional responses of two ecologically important C4 grass species, Andropogon gerardii and Sorghastrum nutans. Based on previous research, we expected that S. nutans would regulate more genes, particularly those related to stress response, under high heat and drought. Across all treatments, S. nutans showed greater expression of negative regulatory and catabolism genes while A. gerardii upregulated cellular and protein metabolism. As predicted, S. nutans showed greater sensitivity to water stress, particularly with downregulation of non-coding RNAs and upregulation of water stress and catabolism genes. A. gerardii was less sensitive to drought, although A. gerardii tended to respond with upregulation in response to drought versus S. nutans which downregulated more genes under drier conditions. Surprisingly, A. gerardii only showed minimal gene expression response to increased temperature, while S. nutans showed no response. Gene functional annotation suggested that these two species may respond to stress via different mechanisms. Specifically, A. gerardii tends to maintain molecular function while S. nutans prioritizes avoidance. Sorghastrum nutans may strategize abscisic acid response and catabolism to respond rapidly to stress. These results have important implications for success of these two important grass species under a more variable and extreme climate forecast for the future.
The Fallacy of the Theoretical Meaning of Formative Constructs

The gap between advanced statistical approaches and epistemological discussion is certainly one of the most important problems in psychometrics to really improve psychological measures. An important issue in measurement models in social science is the debate about formative measurement models. For some years, the debate has been essentially focused on methodological issues. We aim in this short article to contribute to a critical discussion of formative models based on ontological discussion (theoretical meaning). The mainstream in psychology is based on empirical realism (see: Slaney, 2001; Maraun and, 2013). This position holds that psychological attributes are realities that we seek to characterize independently from the knower, as in physics. Clearly all the discussion about formative measurement models is, more or less consciously, based on this empirical realism epistemology. In opposition to empirical realism, a pragmatist current is emerging and poses that the ontology of psychological attributes is not independent from social praxis (Maul, 2013; Allen and Clough, 2015;Maul et al., 2016; Guyon et al., 2017;Maul andMcCrae, 2017). On the basis of this pragmatism epistemology, we argue that we should stop using formative measurement models, not only because of empirical issues but also for theoretical reasons.
What supervisors and universities can do to enhance doctoral student experience (and how they can help themselves)

Abstract Over the past two decades, there has been a flurry of government papers and policy reports worldwide calling for increased number and diversity of doctoral researchers and a broadening of the curriculum to meet the developing needs of respective national ‘knowledge-driven’ economies. This has been followed by position papers and best practice examples of employability skills development in boundary-crossing doctoral programmes, especially in response to these initiatives. However, there is a disassociation between this ample literature expounding the new doctorate with its broader remit, inclusivity and production of ‘industry-ready’ graduates and the comparatively sparse literature on the doctoral candidates’ experiences of their programmes and career readiness. Within this review, we briefly outline international government initiatives and examples of the responses by Life Science and Biomedical doctoral programmes to address these various challenges. Furthermore, we explore the recent literature on the lived experience of doctoral researchers by examining their perception of the recent changes to the research context to make recommendations for universities and supervisors on how to better support an ever more diverse doctoral population for a wide range of career opportunities. Examples of how doctoral researchers themselves can make the best of currently available opportunities are also provided.