Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Concept of Extremes in Vascular Aging.

With advancing age, changes in the arterial wall contribute to what has been called vascular aging, and in some prematurely affected subjects even early vascular aging (EVA). 1–5 Several years ago,1 we listed various components of EVA, including arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, and excess vasoconstriction, with their clinical expression: arterial stiffening and increased central pulse pressure, carotid intima media thickening and endothelial dysfunction, and increased total peripheral resistance, respectively. In this review, we focus on arteriosclerosis, ie, arterial stiffening, for several reasons: this is the most characteristic clinical feature of the aging process of the arterial system,6 its measurement has been well standardized and referenced,7,8 and an increasing number of epidemiological studies have analyzed its independent determinants.9–11 Increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the established hallmark of arterial stiffening and is suggested to be one of the best biomarkers available to calculate the prospective cardiovascular risk and mortality risk of an individual.9,10,12,13 EVA can be diagnosed in subjects who present an abnormally high arterial stiffness for their age and sex.In the present review, we propose the concept of supernormal vascular aging (SUPERNOVA). SUPERNOVA can be diagnosed in subjects who present an exceptionally low arterial stiffness for their age and sex. We address the issue of the metrics and definition of EVA and SUPERNOVA as 2 extremes of the distribution of vascular aging. We discuss the concept of extremes in cardiometabolic research. Further, we review the molecular basis and mechanobiology of EVA and SUPERNOVA, in parallel with their epidemiological, genetic, and epigenetic determinants. Finally, we suggest therapeutic options and insist on the need for discovering novel molecular targets for slowing arterial aging and protecting against cardiovascular complications. By choosing the wording SUPERNOVA, we referred to the life of a supernova—a large explosion that takes place at the end of a star’s life cycle. The relationship between supernova and black hole is not firmly established, but physics theory states that in a black hole, time is slowed…like aging of arteries in SUPERNOVA subjects.
Minorities and Endogenous Segregation

A theoretical analysis is proposed of segregation as an equilibrium phenomenon in a random-matching model of the marriage market. Otherwise identical partners possess a pay-off-irrelevant characteristic, colour. We derive the set of colour-blind equilibria and show that they are generically constrained inefficient. Equilibrium segregation strategies are strategies that condition actions on the type of match. It is shown that distributions of types exist such that segregation equilibrium pay-offs Pareto dominate colour-blind pay-offs. For other distributions, segregation also generates conflict, where the majority unambiguously gains, while the minority group may lose. Giving preferential treatment, that is, minority bias, can increase overall welfare. Copyright 2006, Wiley-Blackwell.
In-vitro Tests to Determine the Efficacy of Plant Extracts, BAU-Biofungicide and Fungicides on the Inhibitory Effects on Some Important Rice Pathogen

Extract of garlic ( Allium sativum ), Neem ( Azadirachta indica ), BAU-Biofungicide ( Trichoderma based preparation), Bavistin DF (Carbandazim) and Potent 250 EC (Propiconazole) were studied in in-vitro test to evaluate the efficacy of plant extracts, BAU-Biofungicide and fungicides on the inhibitory effects on some selected rice pathogen. BAU-Biofungicide (2 & 3%) showed significant effect in reducing mycelial growth of Bipolaris oryzae , Cercospora oryzae , Rhizoctonia solani and Ustilaginoidea virens . Potent (0.1%) showed excellent effect in controlling mycelial growth of Ustilaginoidea virens , Sarocladium oryzae , Rhizoctonia solani , Bipolaris oryzae and Cercospora oryzae . Bavistin (0.1%) was found to have better result in inhibiting the mycelial growth of Cercospora oryzae , Sarocladium oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani . Highest increase (16.67%) in seed germination was recorded over control when seeds were treated with BAU-Biofungicide (3%). BAU-Biofungicide (3%) also resulted in higher increase vigour index compared to control.
A Focus on Riociguat in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Current treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) targets three signalling pathways: the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, the endothelin pathway and the prostacyclin pathway. Riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, acting via the NO pathway in a new way: Unlike other common drugs targeting this pathway (e.g. tadalafil and sildenafil), riociguat acts independently of endogenous NO. This MiniReview focuses on PAH treatment with riociguat and on its advantages and disadvantages compared to other drugs targeting the NO pathway. In the PATENT-1 trial (NCT00810693), riociguat improved significantly the 6-minute walking distance in patients suffering from PAH, with a mean difference (MD) of 36 m compared to a placebo group. The results are comparable to those found for its competitors tadalafil (MD of 33 m) and sildenafil (MD of 50 m) in the PHIRST-1 trial (NCT00125918) and the SUPER-1 trial (NCT00644605). No obvious advantages were found regarding pharmacokinetic features and adverse events. In the RESPITE study (NCT02007629), patients with PAH with insufficient response to treatment with tadalafil or sildenafil were switched to riociguat. These results indicate that riociguat might be superior regarding efficacy to PDE-5 inhibitors in a patient group, where endogenous NO production might be insufficient. This finding was further examined in the REPLACE study (NCT02891850). Moreover, riociguat has shown promising anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in animal models. Further investigations are needed to determine if this applies also to humans. Taken together, riociguat induces vasodilation of the pulmonary arteries and leads to an improvement in the ability to carry out physical activity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Deficiency of Adipocyte IKKβ Affects Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability in Obese LDLR Deficient Mice

Background Obesity‐associated chronic inflammation has been known to contribute to atherosclerosis development, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent studies have revealed novel functions of IKKβ (inhibitor of NF‐κB [nuclear factor κB] kinase β), a key coordinator of inflammation through activation of NF‐κB, in atherosclerosis and adipose tissue development. However, it is not clear whether IKKβ signaling in adipocytes can also affect atherogenesis. This study aims to investigate the impact of adipocyte IKKβ expression on atherosclerosis development in lean and obese LDLR (low‐density lipoprotein receptor)–deficient (LDLR −/−) mice. Methods and Results To define the role of adipocyte IKKβ in atherogenesis, we generated adipocyte‐specific IKKβ‐deficient LDLR −/− (IKKβΔAd LDLR −/−) mice. Targeted deletion of IKKβ in adipocytes did not affect adiposity and atherosclerosis in lean LDLR −/− mice when fed a low‐fat diet. In response to high‐fat feeding, however, IKKβΔAd LDLR −/− mice had defective adipose remodeling and increased adipose tissue and systemic inflammation. Deficiency of adipocyte IKKβ did not affect atherosclerotic lesion sizes but resulted in enhanced lesional inflammation and increased plaque vulnerability in obese IKKβΔAd LDLR −/− mice. Conclusions These data demonstrate that adipocyte IKKβ signaling affects the evolution of atherosclerosis plaque vulnerability in obese LDLR −/− mice. This study suggests that the functions of IKKβ signaling in atherogenesis are complex, and IKKβ in different cell types or tissues may have different effects on atherosclerosis development.
The Role of Ultrasound in First Trimester Pregnancy in Prediction of Miscarriages

Objective: This study was aimed to predict the abortion by using transvaginal ultrasonography. Methods: 86 pregnant women at 6th-7th weeks of gestation according to the crown-rump lenght were looked through gestastational sac dimension, fetal heart rate, yolc sac diameter-morphology, decidual reaction dimensin. Pregnant women were followed up to 12th weeks of gestation. Data of normal pregnancy and pregnancy resulting with abortion were prospectively compared by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows 15.0 software. Results: Six (6.97%) of 86 patient were resulted with abortion. Mean gestastational sac dimension, fetal heart rate, yolc sac diameter-morphology, decidual reaction dimensin were respectively 16.58±6.66, 4.69±1.89, 112.5±38.43, 7.48±0.71 in pregnancy resulting with abortion.
Effects of Experience on Maternal Behavior in Belding’s Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi): Older and Wiser?

Effects of Experience on Maternal Behavior in Belding’s Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi): Older and Wiser? By Mikael D. Langner Maternal behavior is an important behavior because it influences whether or not raising one’s offspring is successful. Maternal experience is positively correlated with successful maternal behavior. This association is evident when comparing first time mothers with mothers who have prior experience raising young. Life experience not related to raising young can also positively influence maternal behavior. In this work, the hypothesis that is tested is whether or not maternal experience enhances the ability of a female to assess the threat level of a situation. The model species used to conduct the study is the Belding ground squirrel (Spermophilus beldingi), and the study is conducted in an alpine meadow near Yosemite’s Tioga Lake, which is the native habitat of the model species. To test the hypothesis, the research team conducts intruder tests in which an unfamiliar male in a cage is placed in a female’s maternal territory. Responses to the intruder male are recorded for multiparous adult, primiparous adults, and primiparous yearling females. As the breeding season progresses, all three female types learn to respond appropriately, but in the early breeding season, the primiparous yearling females do not show appropriate cautionary activity toward the intruder. Instead, they are passive, and they only observe the intruder male. However, primiparous adults do also show appropriate activity early in the breeding season, which indicates that maternal experience can also be learned through life experience.
A Three-dimensional Multilayered Spherical Dynamic Interface Dynamo Using the Malkus-Proctor Formulation

We investigate a fully three-dimensional and multilayered spherical dynamic interface dynamo using a finite-element method based on the three-dimensional tetrahedralization of the whole spherical system. The dynamic interface dynamo model consists of four magnetically coupled zones: an electrically conducting and uniformly rotating core, a thin differentially rotating tachocline, a turbulent convection envelope, and a nearly insulating exterior. In the thin tachocline at the base of the convection zone, a differential rotation, similar to that of the observed solar differential rotation, is imposed. In the convection zone, the Malkus-Proctor formulation with a prescribed α-effect is employed while the fully three-dimensional dynamic feedback of Lorentz forces is taken into account. Our numerical simulations of the dynamic interface dynamo are focused on the Taylor number Ta = 105 with a unity magnetic Prandtl number. It is shown that the dynamic interface dynamo, depending on the size of the magnetic Reynolds number Rem based on the differential rotation, can be either nonaxisymmetric or axisymmetric. When Rem is small or moderate, the dynamic dynamo is characterized by quasi-periodic and nonaxisymmetric azimuthally traveling waves. When Rem is sufficiently large, the dynamo is characterized by a strong toroidal magnetic field, axisymmetric or nearly axisymmetric, that selects dipolar symmetry and propagates equatorward. Implications of our dynamic interface dynamo for the solar dynamo are also discussed.
Long-term effects and complications of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a single-centre experience

Abstract Background and aims: Accurate estimates of the long-term risks of adverse outcomes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) treatment are needed. The aim of this cohort study was to estimate the risks of stent dysfunction, variceal bleeding, refractory ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and death after TIPS treatment. Methods: We extracted data from electronic medical records of 104 consecutive TIPS patients. Gore® Viatorr® TIPS endoprostheses were used in all patients. We conducted competing risks analysis of the risk of stent dysfunction and variceal bleeding, and Kaplan–Meier estimation of overall survival. Results: The overall 1-year survival after TIPS insertion was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73–88%), and the 1-year risk of stent dysfunction was 15% (95% CI: 9–22%). In patients who had a TIPS for variceal bleeding, the 1-year risk of rebleeding was 23% (95% CI: 13–35%). In patients who had a TIPS for refractory ascites, the risk of having an unsuccessful ascites outcome 1 year after TIPS for refractory ascites was 35% (95% CI: 21–52%). Overall, the 1-year risk of overt HE was 38% (95% CI: 32–43%). The risk of experiencing any of the defined complications during the first year was 56% (95% CI: 45–66%). Conclusion: TIPS is an effective treatment for variceal bleeding and refractory ascites in most cases, but more than half of the patients experience either death, stent dysfunction, recurrence of symptoms, or overt HE within the first year after the procedure.
Associations between overweight and obesity and asthma outcomes in urban adolescents

Abstract Objective: To examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban adolescents with asthma and to investigate the relationships between anthropometric measures and asthma outcomes including quality of life, asthma control and lung function. Methods: Adolescents with an asthma diagnosis, 12–20 years-old, were recruited from three urban communities in the United States. Spirometry and anthropometric data including height, weight and waist circumferences were collected along with questionnaire data measuring quality of life, asthma control, and medication adherence. Body mass index (BMI) and waist–height ratio (WHtR) were computed. Results: The sample (N = 294) included 48% female and 80% African American. About 50% of the sample were either overweight or obese, and 41% had central obesity. No significant gender interactions with either BMI or WHtR on asthma outcomes were found. Neither BMI nor WHtR predicted quality of life, asthma control or medication adherence, while females had poorer quality of life and asthma control regardless of weight status (p < 0.001). Higher BMI or WHtR predicted higher spirometry values. Regardless of weight status, females had greater percent predicted spirometry values, while raw values (L) were significantly greater in males. Conclusions: High BMI is a common comorbidity among poor, primarily African American, urban adolescents with asthma. The negative impact of being overweight or obese on quality of life or asthma control is yet to be manifested in adolescents. The findings underscore adolescence as an ideal period to safely intervene to reduce excessive body weight, which can prevent the potentially harmful effects of obesity on future asthma outcomes.
The ISO Short Wavelength Spectrometer calibration and the ISO-SWS post-helium atlas of near-infrared stellar spectra

We present an atlas of near-infrared spectra (2.36m-4.1m) of300 stars at moderate resolution (/ 1500- 2000). The spectra were recorded using the Short-Wavelength Spectrometer aboard the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO-SWS). The bulk of the observations were performed during a dedicated observation campaign after the liquid helium depletion of the ISO satellite, the so-called post-helium programme. This programme was aimed at extending the MK-classification to the near- infrared. Therefore the programme covers a large range of spectral types and luminosity classes. The 2.36m-4.05 mr egion is a valuable spectral probe for both hot and cool stars. H I lines (Bracket, Pfund and Humphreys series), He I and He II lines, atomic lines and molecular lines (CO, H2O, NH, OH, SiO, HCN, C2H2, .) are sensitive to temperature, gravity and/or the nature of the outer layers of the stellar atmosphere (outflows, hot circumstellar discs, etc.). Another objective of the programme was to construct a homogeneous dataset of near-infrared stellar spectra that can be used for population synthesis studies of galaxies. At near-infrared wavelengths these objects emit the integrated light of all stars in the system. In this paper we present the dataset of post-helium spectra completed with observations obtained during the nominal operations of the ISO-SWS. We discuss the calibration of the SWS data obtained after the liquid helium boil-o and the data reduction. We also give a first qualitative overview of how the spectral features in this wavelength range change with spectral type. The dataset is scrutinised in two papers on the quantitative classification of near-infrared spectra of early-type stars (Lenorzer et al. 2002) and late-type stars (Vandenbussche et al., in prep).
New insights into sperm with total globozoospermia: Increased fatty acid oxidation and centrin1 alteration

ABSTRACT Sperm morphology and lipid profile have a relevant role in male fertility. We explore the status of the sperm centriole, essential structure for human fertilization and the role of fatty acid oxidation in globozoospermia, a rare sperm pathology causing infertility. A case of globozoospermia was characterized by light and electron microscopy, sperm immunolocalization was performed for centrin1, 8-iso-PGF2α and peroxisome proliferator γ activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In semen and sperm pellet, F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) levels were determined. Finally, the cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) assessment was carried out in spermatozoa. The experiments were also performed in sperm from three fertile men. The results of electron microscopy analysis showed spermatozoa were round-headed without acrosome and with tail coiled around the nucleus characterized by immature chromatin. Centrin1 was located around the head in globozoospermic sperm, whereas, in sperm of controls, it appears as two spots. The 8-iso-PGF2α was detected around the head and in the cytoplasmic residue; PPARγ was mainly present in the cytoplasmic residue and under the head. The fluorescent signals for all molecules were different in the sperm of fertile men. F2-IsoPs levels, determined both in semen and sperm, were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and sperm cPLA2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the globozoospermic patients versus fertile subjects. In conclusion, sperm with globozoospermia showed an increased susceptibility to non-enzymatic fatty acid oxidation that could be, at least in part, responsible for fertilization failure in intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The opportunity to study a peculiar sperm pathology, as globozoospermia, could provide new insights in the relationship between lipid peroxidation and male infertility. Abbreviations: PPARγ: peroxisome proliferator γ activated receptor gamma; F2-IsoPs: F2-isoprostanes; cPLA2: cytosolic phospholipase A2; ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection; PLCζ: phospholipase C zeta; PUFAs: polyunsaturated fatty acid; AA: arachidonic acid; PLA2: phospholipase A2; SEM: scanning electron microscopy; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; AB: aniline blue; AO: acridine orange; FA: fatty acid; 8-iso-PGF2α: 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α; WHO: World Health Organization; DAPI: 4,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; GC/NICI-MS/MS: gas chromatography/negative-ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry; BHT: butylated hydroxytoluene; PGF2α-d4: tetradeuterated derivative of Prostaglandin F2α; ELISA: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
A comparison of electronic and paper-based clinical skills assessment: Systematic review

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of electronic recording with paper-based recording of clinical skills assessments for entry-level health professional students. Methods: A comprehensive database search was undertaken using AMED, CINAHL, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science on 12–16 June 2017, and updated 9 April 2018. Studies investigating electronic and paper-based recordings of clinical skills assessments of students in entry-level health professional programs were eligible for inclusion. Two independent researchers completed screening of studies for inclusion, quality assessments, and data extraction, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Diagnostic checklist. Results: From 2264 studies identified, five observational cohort studies were included. Published between 2006 and 2016, included studies investigated electronic and paper examinations of clinical skills assessments of students from medical, dentistry, and physical therapy programs. Electronic assessments were reported to be more time efficient than paper-based assessments with an added advantage of no missing data. Quality and quantity of quantitative and qualitative student feedback increased with electronic assessment compared to paper-based assessments. Conclusions: Electronic assessments were used successfully across a range of health professional programs, take significantly less time to complete and provide higher quality feedback to students. Future studies are needed with more robust psychometric testing and cost-effective analysis to inform the increasing uptake of electronic assessment tools in health professional training.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL DEPTH AND CURRENT ACCOUNT DEFICIT IN TURKEY TÜRKİYE

In this study, the relationship between financial depth and current account deficit in Turkey is investigated in the short-run and long-run by using Bounds Test approach developed by Pesaran & Shin (1999) and Pesaran (2001) for the period 1987:01-2014:04. According to the results, there is a long-term relationship between financial depth and the current account deficit, but there is no short-term relationship. In addition, there is a negative relationship between the current account deficit variables and financial depth indicating that the more financial depth increases; there is an improvement in the current account deficit.
Factors Impacting Hospital Financial Performance in Taiwan Following Implementation of National Health Insurance

This research discusses factors influencing hospital performance following the implementation of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance scheme. Regression analysis showed that the out-patient revenue ratio and fixed assets ratio were significantly and positively associated with operating margin and return on fixed assets. Liability conditions and average length of stay were negatively associated with operating margin. Return on fixed assets was positively associated with the use of hi-tech equipment and negatively associated with average length of stay. Implications of findings and recommendations to improve the performance of Taiwan hospitals are discussed.
Management of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a low incidence area: A six-year experience in a university hospital

Abstract We conducted a 6-year retrospective analysis of monitoring of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in a large hospital in a low CPE incidence area, and we evaluated the “search and isolate” strategy implemented. In total, 40 CPE isolates were collected from 32 patients, and only 1.4% of contact patients screened were CPE carriers.