Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current practice of prophylactic anticoagulation in Guillain–Barré syndrome

Objective: To document the incidence of venous thromboembolism in Guillain–Barré syndrome and current practice of anticoagulating these patients. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Acute neurology and rehabilitation wards in a teaching hospital. Subjects: Seventy-three patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital from 1995 to 1999. Results: Out of 73 patients, 50 were anticoagulated (68%) for 5–490 days with mean of 72 days. Anticoagulation was discontinued in 28 patients when they could walk independently and in six who were still wheelchair dependent. Five patients developed clinical deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (7%), three of them had pulmonary emboli. Venous thrombosis occurred in the ”rst two months after onset in four patients. Two patients were not anticoagulated when they developed their DVT and the other three were on enoxaparin; one of these three had a pulmonary embolism and died. Conclusion: Despite prophylactic anticoagulants being used in the majority of patients admitted with major problems of mobility, 6% (3 out of 50) still developed clinically detected DVT and two developed pulmonary embolism. While this incidence is considerably lower than data reported before routine anticoagulation became a standard practice, these data reinforce the need for anticoagulation and suggest that full anticoagulation might be needed to reduce the incidence of thromboembolic complications further.
Transcriptional regulation of CD38 expression by tumor necrosis factor‐α in human airway smooth muscle cells: role of NF‐κB and sensitivity to glucocorticoids

The transmembrane glycoprotein CD38 catalyzes the synthesis of the calcium mobilizing molecule cyclic ADP‐ribose from NAD. In human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells, the expression and function of CD38 are augmented by the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), leading to increased intracellular calcium response to agonists. A glucocorticoid response element in the CD38 gene has been computationally described, providing evidence for transcriptional regulation of its expression. In the present study, we investigated the effects of dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, on CD38 expression and ADP‐ribosyl cyclase activity in HASM cells stimulated with TNF‐α. In HASM cells, TNF‐α augmented CD38 expression and ADP‐ribosyl cyclase activity, which were attenuated by dexamethasone. TNF‐α increased NF‐κB expression and its activation, and dexamethasone partially reversed these effects. TNF‐α increased the expression of IκBα, and dexamethasone increased it further. An inhibitor of NF‐κB activation or transfection of cells with IκB mutants decreased TNF‐α‐induced CD38 expression. The results indicate that TNF‐α‐induced CD38 expression involves NF‐κB expression and its activation and dexamethasone inhibits CD38 expression through NF‐κB‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms. — Kang, B. ‐N. , Tirumurugaan, K. G. , Deshpande, D. A. , Amrani, Y. , Panettieri, R. A. , Walseth, T. F. , Kannan, M. S. Transcriptional regulation of CD38 expression by tumor necrosis factor‐α in human airway smooth muscle cells: role of NF‐κB and sensitivity to glucocorticoids. FASEB J. 20, E170–E179 (2006)
Sigma and Beta Convergence in Revenues and Expenditure across Indian States

Applying the idea of convergence in economics to revenues and expenditures of state governments (sub-national governments), the paper examines fiscal convergence across states in India. Using panel and cross-section regressions, the study finds evidence of convergence in revenues and expenditures. Among the fiscal indicators used in the paper, the speed of beta convergence was found to be highest in capital outlay. We contribute to the existing literature by examining the process of fiscal convergence for pre and post fiscal rules period. The comparison of convergence process before and after implementation of fiscal rules revealed that, the convergence was more pronounced in the post-FRBM period. Evidence of the favourable impact of fiscal rules on indicators such as capital outlay suggest that states should follow fiscal rules for fiscal consolidation without compromising on the quality of expenditure.
Potential Predictors of Motor and Functional Outcomes After Distributed Constraint-Induced Therapy for Patients With Stroke

Background. Selection of patients who are most and least likely to benefit from constraint-induced therapy (CIT) for the upper extremity is uncertain. Objective. This study investigated demographic and clinical characteristics that may predict outcomes for a distributed form of CIT. Methods. A group of 57 patients were treated with distributed CIT, and 7 potential predictors were identified, including age, sex, side of stroke, time since stroke, spasticity, neurologic status, and movement performance of the distal part of the upper extremity. Treatment outcome was assessed in terms of motor performance, perceived functional ability of the affected hand, and functional performance of daily activities, measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM), respectively. Results. Motor ability of the distal part of the upper extremity and time since stroke were significantly predictive of outcomes on the FMA (adjusted R 2 = 0.18, P = .002) and the MAL subtest quality of movement (adjusted R 2 = 0.43, P < .0001). Motor ability and age were significant predictors of amount of use measured by the MAL (adjusted R 2 = 0.20, P = .001). None of the variables exhibited a predictive relationship with the FIM. Conclusions. The best predictor for motor outcomes after distributed CIT was greater motor ability of the distal part of the upper extremity, which is consistent with the presence of residual motor pathways that may respond to training. The FMA may be of value in stratifying patients for their likelihood to benefit from distributed CIT protocols.
Secretory Pathway of Trypanosomatid Parasites

SUMMARY The Trypanosomatidae comprise a large group of parasitic protozoa, some of which cause important diseases in humans. These include Trypanosoma brucei (the causative agent of African sleeping sickness and nagana in cattle), Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative agent of Chagas' disease in Central and South America), and Leishmania spp. (the causative agent of visceral and [muco]cutaneous leishmaniasis throughout the tropics and subtropics). The cell surfaces of these parasites are covered in complex protein- or carbohydrate-rich coats that are required for parasite survival and infectivity in their respective insect vectors and mammalian hosts. These molecules are assembled in the secretory pathway. Recent advances in the genetic manipulation of these parasites as well as progress with the parasite genome projects has greatly advanced our understanding of processes that underlie secretory transport in trypanosomatids. This article provides an overview of the organization of the trypanosomatid secretory pathway and connections that exist with endocytic organelles and multiple lytic and storage vacuoles. A number of the molecular components that are required for vesicular transport have been identified, as have some of the sorting signals that direct proteins to the cell surface or organelles in the endosome-vacuole system. Finally, the subcellular organization of the major glycosylation pathways in these parasites is reviewed. Studies on these highly divergent eukaryotes provide important insights into the molecular processes underlying secretory transport that arose very early in eukaryotic evolution. They also reveal unusual or novel aspects of secretory transport and protein glycosylation that may be exploited in developing new antiparasite drugs.
Moral Injury, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Suicidal Behavior Among National Guard Personnel

Objective: To empirically examine similarities and differences in the signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury and to determine if the combination of these 2 constructs is associated with increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in a sample of U.S. National Guard personnel. Method: 930 National Guard personnel from the states of Utah and Idaho completed an anonymous online survey. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to test a measurement model of PTSD and moral injury. A structural model was next constructed to test the interactive effects of PTSD and moral injury on history of suicide ideation and attempts. Results: Results of the ESEM confirmed that PTSD and moral injury were distinct constructs characterized by unique symptoms, although depressed mood loaded onto both PTSD and moral injury. The interaction of PTSD and moral injury was associated with significantly increased risk for suicide ideation and attempts. A sensitivity analysis indicated the interaction remained a statistically significant predictor of suicide attempt even among the subgroup of participants with a history of suicide ideation. Conclusion: PTSD and moral injury represent separate constructs with unique signs and symptoms. The combination of PTSD and moral injury confers increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and differentiates between military personnel who have attempted suicide and those who have only thought about suicide.
Modeling and simulation of the microalgae derived hydrogen process in compact photobioreactors

A general transient mathematical model for managing microalgae derived hydrogen production, with temperature dependence of the cultivation medium is developed. For that, the simplified physical model combines principles of classical thermodynamics, mass, species and heat transfer, resulting in a system of differential equations which are discretized in space using a three-dimensional cell-centered finite volume scheme. A Michaelis-Menten type expression is proposed for modeling the rate of H2 production with dependence on O2 inhibition. Tridimensional simulations are performed in order to determine the mass fractions distributions inside a compact photobioreactor (PBR), under different operating conditions. A relatively coarse mesh was used (6048 volume elements) to obtain converged results for a large compact PBR computational domain (5m × 2m × 8m). The largest computational time required for obtaining results was 560 s, i.e., less than 10 min. The numerical results for microalgal growth are validated by direct comparison to experimental measurements. Hydrogen production simulations are conducted to demonstrate PBR intermittent operation (aerobic and anaerobic stages) feasibility and adequate species evolution trends in an indirect biophotolysis approach. Therefore, after experimental validation for a particular H2 production system, it is reasonable to state that the model could be used as an efficient tool for PBR systems thermal design, control and optimization for maximum H2 production.
A model to investigate postoperative ileus with strain gauge transducers in awake rats.

BACKGROUND Postoperative ileus influences patients well-being, hospital stay, and health cost, and postoperative inhibition of colonic motility is a major contributor to postoperative ileus. Experimental models for investigating postoperative ileus are needed. In particular, recording of postoperative colonic motility in awake rats has not been described yet. MATERIAL AND METHODS Gastric, small intestinal, and colonic motility were recorded with strain gauge transducers in awake rats, and the effects of anesthesia and abdominal surgery on gastrointestinal motility were investigated. RESULTS Ether anesthesia increased gastric motility and inhibited small intestinal motility, while enflurane anesthesia had only minor effects on gastrointestinal motility. Abdominal surgery inhibited gastric, small intestinal, and colonic motility, and a detailed analysis of gastrointestinal motility in our postoperative ileus model is given. CONCLUSIONS We established a model to record gastric, small intestinal, and colonic motility in awake rats postoperatively. We could demonstrate that enflurane anesthesia had little effect on gastrointestinal motility, while laparotomy and short manipulation of the cecum produced a prolonged inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. Our model could be used to investigate postoperative ileus, particularly of the colon, in awake rats.
Pricing Correlation Options: from the P. Carr And D. Madan Approach to the New Method Based on the Fourier Transform

Abstract Pricing of options plays an important role in the financial industry. Investors knowing how to price derivative contracts quickly and accurately can beat the market. On the other hand market participants constructing their investment strategies with the use of options based on techniques that do not assure the highest computational speed and efficiency are doomed to failure. The aim of the article is to extend the existing methodology of pricing correlation options based on the Fourier transform. The article starts with a presentation of Carr and Madan’s concept (Carr & Madan, 1999). Then other methods of pricing options with the use of the Fourier transform are summarized. Finally, a new approach to pricing derivative contracts is derived and then applied to the correlation options.
Body mass index is weakly associated with, and not a helpful predictor of, disease progression in men with clinically localized prostate carcinoma treated with radical prostatectomy

Several studies have recently suggested an association between body mass index (BMI) and disease progression after radical prostatectomy. In the current study, the authors examined this association and that between the reciprocal of BMI (INVBMI, 1/BMI) and progression‐free probability in men treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for clinically localized prostate carcinoma.
CANDIDATE SITES OF ACTION FOR MICRODOSIMETRY ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO EXTREMELY-LOW-FREQUENCY MAGNETIC FIELDS, ELECTRIC FIELDS AND CONTACT CURRENTS

Abstract— Recent advances enable one to apply numerical techniques to anatomically-correct human models to compute current densities and electric fields in tissue due to exposure to electric fields, magnetic fields, or contact currents. These methods have proved to be informative in estimating exceedance of basic restrictions prescribed by exposure guideline organizations. To date, the analyses have been conducted with a resolution on the order of millimeters. However, these techniques have future roles to play at higher levels of resolution at those sites in target tissues suspected of transducing local electric fields into biological responses. Two specific cases in which high resolution “microdosimetry” would yield value involve (a) residential settings and childhood leukemia and (b) worker exposure and cardiovascular disease. Recent research suggests that residential contact currents on the order of microamperes can produce biologically significant dose (expressed as the local electric field) to the bone marrow of a child. Microdosimetry would focus on pluripotent progenitor cells resident in the marrow compartment, as well as anatomic features that distinguish a child’s from an adult’s marrow. Laboratory and epidemiologic research has suggested that magnetic field exposure may affect heart rate variability, a measure reflective of autonomic nervous system control of cardiac activity. Given the physical attributes of the central nervous system and the sites that could serve as substrates for field interactions, future microdosimetry addressing heart rate variability effects may be well-advised to focus on the electrically excitable dendritic arborizations of neurons. In both cases, microdosimetry will help shed light on primary interactions in tissue.
Determinants of Bank Efficiency during Financial Restructuring Period: Indonesian Case

The banking sector in Indonesia had been through many challenges aftermath the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The restructuring programs aimed to strengthen and improve the performance of the banking system. Empirical researches around the world, however, present various result with regard to the effect of the policy on bank efficiency. We investigated the determinants of the relative efficiency of the Indonesian banking industry. Using panel data of 101 Indonesian commercial banks, this study employs a non-parametric frontier method, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), to measure the efficiency score. In the second stage, the Tobit regression model used to analyse the factors that potentially determine the variation of efficiency score. The finding indicated the bank was technically inefficient particularly during financial restructuring. The improvement was evident toward the end of the period. Bank size, macroeconomic factors, and three bank groups were strongly associated with bank efficiency level. There was no strong evident that merger, which typically the form of restructuring policy output, positively associated with bank efficiency. JEL Classification : G21, G28, G34, C14 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26905/jkdp.v22i3. 2094
Erythroid-cell-specific properties of transcription factor GATA-1 revealed by phenotypic rescue of a gene-targeted cell line

The zinc finger transcription factor GATA-1 is essential for erythropoiesis. In its absence, committed erythroid precursors arrest at the proerythroblast stage of development and undergo apoptosis. To study the function of GATA-1 in an erythroid cell environment, we generated an erythroid cell line from in vitro-differentiated GATA-1- murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. These cells, termed G1E for GATA-1- erythroid, proliferate as immature erythroblasts yet complete differentiation upon restoration of GATA-1 function. We used rescue of terminal erythroid maturation in G1E cells as a stringent cellular assay system in which to evaluate the functional relevance of domains of GATA-1 previously characterized in nonhematopoietic cells. At least two major differences were established between domains required in G1E cells and those required in nonhematopoietic cells. First, an obligatory transactivation domain defined in conventional nonhematopoietic cell transfection assays is dispensable for terminal erythroid maturation. Second, the amino (N) zinc finger, which is nonessential for binding to the vast majority of GATA DNA motifs, is strictly required for GATA-1-mediated erythroid differentiation. Our data lead us to propose a model in which a nuclear cofactor(s) interacting with the N-finger facilitates transcriptional action by GATA-1 in erythroid cells. More generally, our experimental approach highlights critical differences in the action of cell-specific transcription proteins in different cellular environments and the power of cell lines derived from genetically modified ES cells to elucidate gene function.
Knowledge in the business strategy context

The paper builds on the resource-based approach to the firm and develops it further towards the knowledge-based approach by exploring the importance of knowledge in a modern firm. Various concepts explaining characteristics of knowledge are compared and contrasted in order to contribute to the current strategic management thinking and to stimulate adoption of the concepts of knowledge management in modern businesses. The paper draws from the literature review made within the project Information and Knowledge Support for Strategic Management financed by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
Protein Kinase D1 Stimulates MEF2 Activity in Skeletal Muscle and Enhances Muscle Performance

ABSTRACT Skeletal muscle consists of type I and type II myofibers, which exhibit different metabolic and contractile properties. Type I fibers display an oxidative metabolism and are resistant to fatigue, whereas type II fibers are primarily glycolytic and suited for rapid bursts of activity. These properties can be modified by changes in workload, activity, and hormonal stimuli, facilitating muscle adaptation to physiological demand. The MEF2 transcription factor promotes the formation of slow-twitch (type I) muscle fibers in response to activity. MEF2 activity is repressed by class II histone deacetylases (HDACs) and is enhanced by calcium-regulated protein kinases that promote the export of class II HDACs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. However, the identities of skeletal muscle class II HDAC kinases are not well defined. Here we demonstrate that protein kinase D1 (PKD1), a highly effective class II HDAC kinase, is predominantly expressed in type I myofibers and, when misexpressed in type II myofibers, promotes transformation to a type I, slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant phenotype. Conversely, genetic deletion of PKD1 in type I myofibers increases susceptibility to fatigue. PKD1 cooperates with calcineurin to facilitate slow-twitch-fiber transformation. These findings identify PKD1 as a key regulator of skeletal muscle function and phenotype.
Metabolic syndrome, adiponectin, and cardiovascular risk in Spain (the Segovia study): impact of consensus societies criteria.

BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in rural and urban areas in the province of Segovia, Spain, and its relationship to lifestyle habits, cardiovascular risk, and serum adiponectin concentrations. METHODS The study had a cross-sectional design and included 888 individual residents in the province of Segovia, Autonomous Community of Castilla-León. RESULTS The age/sex standardized prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was by: (1) American Heart Association/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute criteria (AHA/NHLBI), 17%; (2) International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 24.3%; and (3) Consensus Societies/Joint Interim Statement (CS), 27.8%. A high correlation was found between the different criteria. No formal education [odds ratio (OR) 6.9 (2.4-20.2)] and primary education [6.7 (2.8-15.9)] were independently associated with metabolic syndrome. An inverse association with metabolic syndrome was found for subjects doing a high level of exercise during work [0.4 (0.2-0.7)] as well as those who were mild drinkers [alcohol intake of less than 15 grams/daily, 0.4 (0.3-0.8)]. Among subjects with low estimated cardiovascular risk, adiponectin levels are higher in those who do not meet criteria of metabolic syndrome. A total of 29.7% of subjects meeting CS criteria had >20% 10-year predicted risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by the Framingham risk score criteria [4.5 (2.4-8.5)]. CONCLUSIONS Our results show: (1) A higher estimated prevalence of metabolic syndrome according to IDF and CS criteria. (2) Low educational level was independently associated with metabolic syndrome. A high level of physical activity and a daily alcohol intake of less than 15 grams/day were inversely associated with metabolic syndrome. (3) Metabolic syndrome increases the predicted CVD risk. (4) Adiponectin levels are not inversely related to insulin resistance in subjects with high cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome.
Cognitive Agent Mobility for Aerial Sensor Networks

For efficient sensor coverage of large industrial and incident areas, fast and flexible strategies for collecting sensor data through an autonomous, wirelessly connected swarm of (Micro) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (MUAVs) are still an emerging challenge. Deploying multiple MUAVs which stably carry sensing equipment in hostile environments yields cost efficiency and reducing the risk to human life. The use of an aerial ad hoc sensor network based on MUAV agents promises more timely and accurate information by fusing measurements from different types of sensors. In this paper, we examine agent-based mobility algorithms that target high spatial coverage distribution, high total coverage, and high-quality communication links. For these key figures, the performance of the different novel mobility algorithms is evaluated. We particularly focus on channel aware mobility and on self-organizing mesh topologies of MUAV-based sensor swarms with respect to communication constraints.