Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC ABNORMALITIES AMONG MEXICAN AMERICANS: CORRELATIONS WITH DIABETES, OBESITY, AND THE METABOLIC SYNDROME.

BACKGROUND Resting ischemic electrocardiographic abnormalities have been associated with cardiovascular mortality. Simple markers of abnormal autonomic tone have also been associated with diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome in some populations. Data on these electrocardiographic abnormalities and correlations with coronary risk factors are lacking among Mexican Americans wherein these conditions are prevalent. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the prevalent resting electrocardiographic abnormalities among community-dwelling Mexican Americans, and correlate these findings with coronary risk factors, particularly diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. METHODS Study subjects (n=1280) were drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort comprised of community-dwelling Mexican Americans living in Brownsville, Texas at the United States-Mexico border. Ischemic electrocardiographic abnormalities were defined as presence of ST/T wave abnormalities suggestive of ischemia, abnormal Q waves, and left bundle branch block. Parameters that reflect autonomic tone, such as heart rate-corrected QT interval and resting heart rate, were also measured. RESULTS Ischemic electrocardiographic abnormalities were more prevalent among older persons and those with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. Subjects in the highest quartiles of QTc interval and resting heart rate were also more likely to be diabetic, hypertensive, obese, or have the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Among Mexican Americans, persons with diabetes, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome were more likely to have ischemic electrocardiographic abnormalities, longer QTc intervals, and higher resting heart rates. A resting electrocardiogram can play a complementary role in the comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular risk in this minority population.
Alternative Approaches to Model Withdrawals from the Labour Market – A Literature Review

The paper reviews large literature on retirement, keeping in mind the goal of finding a suitable model to the labour market of the older workers in Sweden. The review is divided into six sections. The first section explains the problems of defining retirement. The second section deals with a multitude of labour market exit channels. Specific features of modelling old-age retirement, disability, sick leave, and unemployment of the aged are explained. The third section is concerned with economic and non-economic incentives. Different definitions of economic incentives are described, and the importance of a correct health measure is discussed. The fourth section is concerned with the spousal decision-making, and the fifth with the labour demand effects on retirement. The final chapter goes through strengths and weaknesses of structural and reduced-form models.
THE THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT OF THE AUDIBLE RELEASE ASSOCIATED WITH SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY

Objective: To review the available literature pertaining to the therapeutic benefits of the audible release associated with spinal manipulative therapy. A critical appraisal of the scientific literature, empirical evidence and theories relating to this aspect of manipulation is presented. Data Source: A broad based search of the English language literature was conducted utilising the databases Medline (1966-1998), Mantis (Health Index) (1880-1998) and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) (1982-1998), using the key words crack/ing, cavitation, audible release, gapping, sound/s, noise/s, vibration, biomechanics, coupled with joint, articular, manipulation, spinal manipulation and spinal manipulative therapy. A manual search was also conducted of non-indexed journals and text books relating to manual therapy of the library of RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria as well as a broad based Internet search. Results: There is a paucity of scientific research relating to this specific aspect of spinal manipulative therapy. Although there is ample empirical evidence to support some therapeutic benefit from the audible release, only one scientific study specifically relating to this topic was uncovered. Conclusion: Currently there is little scientific evidence to support any therapeutic benefit derived from the audible release and in fact, it appears the available evidence tends to refute many of the alleged beneficial effects. Given that many practitioners and patients alike place an importance on this aspect of manipulation further research is required in order to fully investigate this phenomenon.
A New Glucocerebrosidase Chaperone Reduces α-Synuclein and Glycolipid Levels in iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons from Patients with Gaucher Disease and Parkinsonism

Among the known genetic risk factors for Parkinson disease, mutations in GBA1, the gene responsible for the lysosomal disorder Gaucher disease, are the most common. This genetic link has directed attention to the role of the lysosome in the pathogenesis of parkinsonism. To study how glucocerebrosidase impacts parkinsonism and to evaluate new therapeutics, we generated induced human pluripotent stem cells from four patients with Type 1 (non-neuronopathic) Gaucher disease, two with and two without parkinsonism, and one patient with Type 2 (acute neuronopathic) Gaucher disease, and differentiated them into macrophages and dopaminergic neurons. These cells exhibited decreased glucocerebrosidase activity and stored the glycolipid substrates glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine, demonstrating their similarity to patients with Gaucher disease. Dopaminergic neurons from patients with Type 2 and Type 1 Gaucher disease with parkinsonism had reduced dopamine storage and dopamine transporter reuptake. Levels of α-synuclein, a protein present as aggregates in Parkinson disease and related synucleinopathies, were selectively elevated in neurons from the patients with parkinsonism or Type 2 Gaucher disease. The cells were then treated with NCGC607, a small-molecule noninhibitory chaperone of glucocerebrosidase identified by high-throughput screening and medicinal chemistry structure optimization. This compound successfully chaperoned the mutant enzyme, restored glucocerebrosidase activity and protein levels, and reduced glycolipid storage in both iPSC-derived macrophages and dopaminergic neurons, indicating its potential for treating neuronopathic Gaucher disease. In addition, NCGC607 reduced α-synuclein levels in dopaminergic neurons from the patients with parkinsonism, suggesting that noninhibitory small-molecule chaperones of glucocerebrosidase may prove useful for the treatment of Parkinson disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Because GBA1 mutations are the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson disease, dopaminergic neurons were generated from iPSC lines derived from patients with Gaucher disease with and without parkinsonism. These cells exhibit deficient enzymatic activity, reduced lysosomal glucocerebrosidase levels, and storage of glucosylceramide and glucosylsphingosine. Lines generated from the patients with parkinsonism demonstrated elevated levels of α-synuclein. To reverse the observed phenotype, the neurons were treated with a novel noninhibitory glucocerebrosidase chaperone, which successfully restored glucocerebrosidase activity and protein levels and reduced glycolipid storage. In addition, the small-molecule chaperone reduced α-synuclein levels in dopaminergic neurons, indicating that chaperoning glucocerebrosidase to the lysosome may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for both Parkinson disease and neuronopathic forms of Gaucher disease.
Factors Predicting Discordant Virological and Immunological Responses to Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-1 Clade C Infected Zulu/Xhosa in South Africa

Factors predicting suboptimal CD4 cell recovery have been studied in HIV clade-B infected US and European populations. It is, however, uncertain to what extent these results are applicable to HIV clade-C infected African populations. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression and longitudinal analyses using mixed models were employed to assess the impact of age, gender, baseline CD4 cell count, hemoglobin, body mass index (BMI), tuberculosis and other opportunistic co-infections, and frequencies of regimen change on CD4 cell recovery at 12 and 30 months and on overtime change in CD4 cells among 442 virologically suppressed South Africans. Despite adequate virological response 37% (95% CI:32%–42%) and 83% (95% CI:79%–86%) of patients on antiretroviral therapy failed to restore CD4 cell counts ≥200 cells/mm3 after 12 and ≥500 cells/mm3 after 30 months, respectively, in this South African cohort. Critical risk factors for inadequate recovery were older age (p = 0.001) and nadir CD4 cell count at ART initiation (p<0.0001), while concurrent TB co-infection, BMI, baseline hemoglobin, gender and antiretroviral regimen were not significant risk factors. These data suggest that greater efforts are needed to identify and treat HAART-eligible patients prior to severe CD4 cell decline or achievement of advanced age.
Stimulatory Effects of Protein Kinase C and Calmodulin Kinase II on N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate Receptor/Channels in the Postsynaptic Density of Rat Brain

Abstract: To clarify the regulatory mechanism of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor/channel by several protein kinases, we examined the effects of purified type II of protein kinase C (PKC‐II), endogenous Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK‐II), and purified cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase on NMDA receptor/ channel activity in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of rat brain. Purified PKC‐II and endogenous CaMK‐II catalyzed the phosphorylation of 80–200‐kDa proteins in the PSD and l‐glutamate‐(or NMDA)‐induced increase of (+)‐5‐[3H]methyl‐10, 11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[a, d]cyclohepten‐5, 10‐imine maleate ([3H]MK‐801; open channel blocker for NMDA receptor/channel) binding activity was significantly enhanced. However, the pretreatment of PKC‐II‐and CaMK‐II‐catalyzed phosphorylation did not change the binding activity of l‐[3H]glutamate, cis‐4‐[3H](phospho‐nomethyl)piperidine‐2‐carboxylate ([3H]CGS‐19755; competitive NMDA receptor antagonist), [3H]glycine, α‐[3H]‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐isoxazole‐4‐propionate, or [3H]‐kainate in the PSD. Pretreatment with PKC‐II‐and CaMK‐II‐catalyzed phosphorylation enhanced l‐glutamate‐induced increase of [3H]MK‐801 binding additionally, although purified cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase did not change l‐glutamate‐induced [3H]MK‐801 binding. From these results, it is suggested that PKC‐II and/or CaMK‐II appears to induce the phosphorylation of the channel domain of the NMDA receptor/channel in the PSD and then cause an enhancement of Ca2+ influx through the channel.
Molecular Specification and Patterning of Progenitor Cells in the Lateral and Medial Ganglionic Eminences

We characterized intrinsic and extrinsic specification of progenitors in the lateral and medial ganglionic eminences (LGE and MGE). We identified seven genes whose expression is enriched or restricted in either the LGE [biregional cell adhesion molecule-related/downregulated by oncogenes binding protein (Boc), Frizzled homolog 8 (Fzd8), Ankrd43 (ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 43), and Ikzf1 (Ikaros family zinc finger 1)] or MGE [Map3k12 binding inhibitory protein 1 (Mbip); zinc-finger, SWIM domain containing 5 (Zswim5); and Adamts5 [a disintegrin-like and metallopeptidase (reprolysin type) with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 5]]. Boc, Fzd8, Mbip, and Zswim5 are apparently expressed in LGE or MGE progenitors, whereas the remaining three are seen in the postmitotic mantle zone. Relative expression levels are altered and regional distinctions are lost for each gene in LGE or MGE cells propagated as neurospheres, indicating that these newly identified molecular characteristics of LGE or MGE progenitors depend on forebrain signals not available in the neurosphere assay. Analyses of Pax6Sey/Sey, Shh−/−, and Gli3XtJ/XtJ mutants suggests that LGE and MGE progenitor identity does not rely exclusively on previously established forebrain-intrinsic patterning mechanisms. Among a limited number of additional potential patterning mechanisms, we found that extrinsic signals from the frontonasal mesenchyme are essential for Shh- and Fgf8-dependent regulation of LGE and MGE genes. Thus, extrinsic and intrinsic forebrain patterning mechanisms cooperate to establish LGE and MGE progenitor identity, and presumably their capacities to generate distinct classes of neuronal progeny.
L'avantage concurrentiel dans un marché faiblement compétitif

Cet article analyse l’origine de l’avantage concurrentiel des entreprises dans le contexte particulier d’un pays en developpement en mesurant simultanement l’impact relatif des facteurs de l’industrie et des facteurs internes sur l’innovation et la performance des entreprises. Le secteur des entreprises agroalimentaires emergentes (privees) en Algerie constitue le cadre empirique de la recherche. A partir d’un modele conceptuel composite integrant la methode statistique Partial Least Square, les auteurs montrent que l’origine de l’avantage concurrentiel des entreprises evoluant sur un marche emergent est influencee principalement par les facteurs externes et les ressources tangibles.
Risk and Uncertainty in Assessment: exploring the contribution of economics to identifying and analysing the social dynamic in grading

ABSTRACT The social processes and political economy of grading in British higher education is a neglected topic. The aim of the paper is to stimulate interest in and empirical work about the secret garden of grading course work. In particular, the paper focuses on the contribution which the economics of uncertainty, as a conceptual framework, might make to revealing significant aspects of the real world of grading students’ coursework. Uncertainty, it is argued, is a powerful organising concept because it reveals the weight of obligation which academics may feel which pushes them towards awarding an appropriate grade in the context of public scrutiny of their grading and the anxious anticipation of possibly litigatious students hoping for the highest grade they can tweak out of the system. The paper is tentative and speculative yet the preliminary argument offered suggests that empirical work may now be appropriate.
Cardigan: deploying a distributed routing fabric

SDN is an active area for network research, with many organisations exploring the opportunities provided by the de-coupling of network control from packet forwarding. Previous work has suggested that a hybrid networking model will pave the way for migration towards SDN, through interoperability with legacy devices. However, questions remain over the operation of such systems in production environments. In order to build operational confidence, we built a simple distributed router using OpenFlow and deployed it at a public Internet exchange. This implementation provides insights into the challenges involved with using these technologies, and suggests the viability of mixed device environments despite the limitations of early OpenFlow implementations.
Traffic driven epidemic spreading in weighted networks with different routes

How does traffic processes in weighted networks impact on the dynamics of epidemic spreading have attracted increasing attention. It is of great importance to reduce the epidemic spreading velocity and increase the critical epidemic threshold of those real world networks. In this paper, the traffic driven epidemic spreading behaviour in BBV weighted networks is investigated. Formulas to describe the infected density and the epidemic threshold of weighted networks are derived and validated by simulations. The infected density and the epidemic threshold are found to undergo a corresponding change when packets are forwarded through different routes according to the different tuneable parameter. By simulations, the optimal route is explored which is better to control the epidemic spreading.
A Strategy to Improve Component Testability without Source Code

A software component must be tested every time it is reused, to guarantee the quality of both the component itself and the system in which it is to be integrated. To reduce testing costs, we propose a model to build highly testable components by embedding testing and monitoring mechanisms inside them. The approach is useful to component developers, who can use these builtin test capabilities in the testing phase, as well as to component users, who can verify whether the component fulfills its contract. Our approach proposes the insertion of built-in mechanisms directly into intermediate code, allowing its use even in COTS components.
Real time, video quality monitoring application for digital television services

This paper presents a real-time video quality monitoring application that delivers 24/7 services to the satellite, terrestrial and cable digital television providers. The application monitors the Perceptual Video Quality (PVQ) score (on a scale between 1 to 5 like in the subjective tests), the viewers Quality of Experience score (not including the PVQ score) and the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, so it can detect the cause of possible reduced image quality. Compared to other systems that can monitor the video quality only for one television program at a time, the proposed solution can simultaneously monitor the video quality on several television programs on different satellite transponders, terrestrial or cable television channels. The measurement test results are presented for satellite and terrestrial broadcasting services.
Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Capacity of a Dichloromethane Extract of Dicerocaryum senecioides Leaves

Leseilane J. Mampuru1,*, Pirwana K. Chokoe1, Maphuti C. Madiga1, Annette Theron2, Ronald Anderson2 and Matlou P. Mokgotho1 1Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 2Medical Research Council Unit for Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria and Tshwane Academic Division of the NHLS, Pretoria, South Africa
Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Bisphosphonates: Current Status

Purpose: Bisphosphonates are currently the most important class of antiresorptive agents used in the treatment of metabolic bone diseases, including tumor-associated osteolysis and hypercalcemia. These compounds have high affinity for calcium ions and therefore target bone mineral, where they are internalized by bone-resorbing osteoclasts and inhibit osteoclast function. Experimental Design: This article reviews the pharmacology of bisphosphonates and the relationship between chemical structure and antiresorptive potency. We also describe new insights into their intracellular molecular mechanisms of action, methods for assessing the effects of bisphosphonates on protein prenylation, and their potential as direct antitumor agents. Results: Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates act intracellularly by inhibiting farnesyl diphosphate synthase, an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, thereby preventing prenylation of small GTPase signaling proteins required for normal cellular function. Inhibition of farnesyl diphosphate synthase also seems to account for their antitumor effects observed in vitro and for the activation of γ,δ T cells, a feature of the acute-phase response to bisphosphonate treatment in humans. Bisphosphonates that lack a nitrogen in the chemical structure do not inhibit protein prenylation and have a different mode of action that seems to involve primarily the formation of cytotoxic metabolites in osteoclasts. Conclusions: Bisphosphonates are highly effective inhibitors of bone resorption that selectively affect osteoclasts in vivo but could also have direct effects on other cell types, such as tumor cells. After >30 years of clinical use, their molecular mechanisms of action on osteoclasts are finally becoming clear but their exact antitumor properties remain to be clarified.
Randomized Clinical Trial of Clinic-Integrated, Low-Intensity Treatment to Prevent Deterioration of Disease Care in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of two office-based treatments designed to prevent deterioration in glycemic control in young adolescents with type 1 diabetes in a randomized clinical trial. An individualized, more intensive family teamwork Coping skills program was compared with a diabetes Education treatment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A baseline assessment was followed by four brief treatment sessions and immediate posttesting over the course of 1.5 years. Families of 226 early adolescents (ages 11–14) were randomized to receive either individualized coping skills education or diabetes education as adjunctive treatment to quarterly medical appointments. Continued follow-up occurred at 3.5-month intervals for a long-term follow-up of up to 3 years. A post hoc Usual Care group facilitated comparisons of glycemic control. RESULTS Growth curve analysis showed that both treatment groups successfully prevented deterioration in adolescent disease care and simultaneously improved adolescent and parent quality of life that included indicators of more effective communication and reduced adherence barriers—without a concomitant increase in diabetes-related or general family conflict. However, contrary to expectation, the Education group was more efficacious than the Coping group in improvement of disease adherence and glycemic control over a 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Low-intensity office-based quarterly treatment can maintain or improve disease care adherence in early adolescence when provided to adolescent/parent dyads. Better outcomes are achieved when treatment goals and techniques match the needs of the targeted population.
Immediate loading of 2 (all-on-2) flapless-placed mandibular implants supporting cross-arch fixed prostheses: interim data from a 1-year follow-up prospective single cohort study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical outcome of 2 implants placed flapless in fully edentulous mandibles and immediately restored with a metal-resin screw-retained cross-arch prosthesis 1 year after loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty consecutive patients were recruited. To be immediately loaded, implants had to be inserted with a minimum torque of 80 Ncm. Outcome measures, evaluated by two independent assessors, were prosthesis and implant failures, complications, marginal bone level changes, implant stability quotient (ISQ) values and patient satisfaction. RESULTS Flaps were raised in 7 patients. Twelve implants in 7 patients did not reach the planned insertion torque. Four implants in 3 patients were immediately replaced by larger diameter implants and achieved the desired torque, whereas the remaining implants were immediately loaded anyway. Two implants failed early in 2 patients, but were successfully replaced and their prostheses remade. One month after loading, 72 (90%) patients declared to be completely satisfied with the therapy, 7 (9%) partially satisfied and 1 (1%) unsatisfied. One year after loading, all prostheses were in function, though one patient did not attend the 1-year control. Eight (10%) complications occurred, all successfully treated. After 1 year, the mean marginal bone loss was 0.3 mm and mean ISQ values decreased from 75.4 to 72.4. CONCLUSIONS These short-term results at 1 year after loading suggest that immediately loaded mandibular cross-arch fixed prostheses can be supported by only 2 dental implants. Longer follow-ups (around 10 years) are needed to know the prognosis of this treatment modality.