Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between trajectories of serum albumin levels and technique failure according to diabetic status in peritoneal dialysis patients: A joint modeling approach

Background In peritoneal dialysis, technique failure is an important metric to be considered. This study was performed in order to identify the relationship between trajectories of serum albumin levels and peritoneal dialysis technique failure on end-stage renal disease patients according to diabetic status. Furthermore, this study was performed to reveal predictors of serum albumin and technique failure simultaneously. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 300 (189 non-diabetic and 111 diabetic) end-stage renal disease patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treated in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from May 2005 to March 2015. Bayesian joint modeling was carried out in order to determine the relationship between trajectories of serum albumin levels and peritoneal dialysis technique failure in the patients according to diabetic status. Death from all causes was considered as a competing risk. Results Using joint modeling approach, a relationship between trajectories of serum albumin with hazard of transfer to hemodialysis was estimated as −0.720 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.971 to −0.472) for diabetic and −0.784 (95% CI, −0.963 to −0.587) for non-diabetic patients. From our findings it was showed that predictors of low serum albumin over time were time on peritoneal dialysis for diabetic patients and increase in age and time on peritoneal dialysis, history of previous hemodialysis, and lower body mass index in non-diabetic patients. Conclusion The results of current study showed that controlling serum albumin over time in non-diabetic and diabetic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment can decrease risk of adverse outcomes during the peritoneal dialysis period.
Nonlinear Pyramid Transforms Based on Median-Interpolation

We introduce a nonlinear refinement subdivision scheme based on median-inter- polation. The scheme constructs a polynomial interpolating adjacent block medians of an underlying object. The interpolating polynomial is then used to impute block medians at the next finer triadic scale. Perhaps surprisingly, expressions for the refinement operator can be obtained in closed-form for the scheme interpolating by polynomials of degree D = 2. Despite the nonlinearity of this scheme, convergence and regularity can be established using techniques reminiscent of those developed in analysis of linear refinement schemes. The refinement scheme can be deployed in multiresolution fashion to construct a nonlinear pyra- mid and an associated forward and inverse transform. In this paper we discuss the basic properties of these transforms and their possible use in removing badly non-Gaussian noise. Analytic and computational results are presented to show that in the presence of highly non-Gaussian noise, the coefficients of the nonlinear transform have much better properties than traditional wavelet coeffi- cients.
Diurnal Variation of Corneal Biomechanics and Intraocular Pressure in Normal Subjects

Purpose To assess and investigate the relationship between diurnal variations in intraocular pressure (IOP) and biomechanical properties of cornea. Methods Sixty-two healthy volunteers were recruited. Corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc), Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal hysteresis (CH) parameters were recorded by the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using an ultrasonic pachymeter. Three consecutive measurements of IOPcc, IOPg, CRF, CH, and CCT were recorded at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. Intra device repeatability was evaluated using Scheffe multiple comparison. Results IOPcc, IOPg, CRF, CH, and CCT measurements displayed a stable profile during daytime acquisitions and no statistically significant variation was noted (p>0.05). All measurements of IOPcc, IOPg, CRF, and CH recorded by ORA at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM were all found to be highly repeatable (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant and inverse correlation between IOPcc and CH (p=0.001), and a positive correlation was detected between IOPcc and CRF (p=0.001). CRF and CH were both found to be positively correlated to CCT (p=0.001). Conclusions IOPcc readings and recordings of corneal biomechanics were constant throughout the day in healthy eyes. CRF and CH seem to exert different effects on IOPcc as diverse correlations were detected between CRF, CH, and IOPcc. Assessment of IOP and corneal biomechanics using ORA was found to be a highly repeatable. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2009; 19: 798–803)
Cardiac PPARalpha expression in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a central regulator of myocardial fatty acid (FA) metabolism implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. AIMS To characterize PPARalpha regulation in human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), we studied the expression of cardiac PPARalpha, cardiac carnitine palmitoyl-transferase I (CPT-1), a major PPARalpha target gene, and of the cardiac glucose transporter GLUT-4 in patients with DCM. METHODS Left ventricular biopsies were taken from patients with DCM (n=16) and control subjects (n=15), and mRNA expression was quantitated using real-time PCR (SYBR((R))Green) and protein expression was measured by Western immunoblotting. RESULTS Left ventricular PPARalpha mRNA levels were significantly increased in the DCM group compared to the control group (136+/-25.4% vs. control, p<0.01). Consistently, DCM patients had a significantly higher cardiac CPT-1 mRNA expression (147+/-51% vs. control, p<0.05) compared to the control group. Cardiac GLUT-4 expression was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION Elevated cardiac PPARalpha levels followed by an induction of cardiac CPT-1 expression may result in increased fatty acid metabolism for cardiac energy production in DCM, suggesting a specific cardiac metabolic program in human DCM compared to other types of cardiomyopathy.
Function of the muscles of the upper limb in car driving.

The function of (I) the deltoid muscle, (II) the trapezius muscle, and (III) the three main elbow flexors as well as the triceps brachii muscle were tested during driving in a simulator I.The anterior and middle portions of the deltoid muscle work during contralateral rotation of the steering wheel, while the posterior portion does not work at all. The deltoid muscle seems to have a purely phasic action in ear driving II.The upper portion of the trapezius muscle works more or less statically with a weak contraction. There is no correlation between the periods of contraction and the angular movements of the steering wheel. The middle and lower portions of the muscle show much less activity than the upper portion, III.The three main elbow flexors, i.e. the brachialis, biceps brachii and brachioradialis muscles, and the triceps brachii muscle show some activity during driving, but without any meaningful correlation between the periods of activity and the deviation of the steering wheel.
Comparison of Hydrolyzed Protein Baits and Various Grape Juice Products as Attractants for Anastrepha Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Abstract Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew; Diptera: Tephritidae), have traditionally been trapped in citrus orchards in Mexico using protein hydrolysates as bait. Recently, CeraTrap® , an enzymatic hydrolyzed protein, has emerged as an effective lure for monitoring A. ludens at the orchard level and is currently being used by growers in the region of Veracruz. Several studies have revealed that grape juice is highly attractive to A. ludens, and recent work supports its potential use for regulation purposes. In our study, the attraction of A. ludens to different grape products was evaluated in citrus orchards and in comparison to other Anastrepha species in an area composed of mango and chicozapote orchards. Attraction to grape lures was compared with CeraTrap and the standard protein Captor +borax trap. In general, CeraTrap was more attractive than different commercial grape products in several experiments. Only Jumex, a commercial grape juice, did not differ significantly from CeraTrap in the capture of A. ludens males and females in a citrus crop. However, several drawbacks were detected when using Jumex grape juice: 1) higher tendency to capture males, 2) less selectivity against non-targeted insects, 3) higher capture of beneficial lacewings, and iv) the need to re-bait weekly owing to lower stability. In the area containing mango and chicozapote, CeraTrap was more attractive than Captor + borax for Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha serpentina, followed by grape juice products, which were the least attractive for these fruit fly species.
Perinatal Risks of Untreated Depression during Pregnancy

Objective: To review the literature on the perinatal risks involved in untreated depression during pregnancy. Method: We searched Medline and medical texts for all studies pertaining to this area up to the end of April 2003. Key phrases entered were depression and pregnancy, depression and pregnancy outcome, and depression and untreated pregnancy. We did not include bipolar depression. Results: While there is wide variability in reported effects, untreated depression during pregnancy appears to carry substantial perinatal risks. These may be direct risks to the fetus and infant or risks secondary to unhealthy maternal behaviours arising from the depression. Recent human data suggest that untreated postpartum depression, not treatment with antidepressants in pregnancy, results in adverse perinatal outcome. Conclusion: The biological dysregulation caused by gestational depression has not received appropriate attention: most studies focus on the potential but unproven risks of psychotropic medication. No in-depth discussion of the role of psychotherapy is available. Because they are not aware of the potentially catastrophic outcome of untreated maternal depression, this imbalance may lead women suffering from depression to fear teratogenic effects and refuse treatment.
A novel role for oleosins in freezing tolerance of oilseeds in Arabidopsis thaliana.

SUMMARY Oil bodies in seeds of higher plants are surrounded with oleosins. Here we demonstrate a novel role for oleosins in protecting oilseeds against freeze/thaw-induced damage of their cells. We detected four oleosins in oil bodies isolated from seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana, and designated them OLE1, OLE2, OLE3 and OLE4 in decreasing order of abundance in the seeds. For reverse genetics, we isolated oleosin-deficient mutants (ole1, ole2, ole3 and ole4) and generated three double mutants (ole1 ole2, ole1 ole3 and ole2 ole3). Electron microscopy showed an inverse relationship between oil body sizes and total oleosin levels. The double mutant ole1 ole2, which had the lowest levels of oleosins, had irregular enlarged oil-containing structures throughout the seed cells. Germination rates were positively associated with oleosin levels, suggesting that defects in germination are related to the expansion of oil bodies due to oleosin deficiency. We found that freezing followed by imbibition at 4 degrees C abolished seed germination of single mutants (ole1, ole2 and ole3), which germinated normally without freezing treatment. The treatment accelerated the fusion of oil bodies and the abnormal-positioning and deformation of nuclei in ole1 seeds, which caused seed mortality. In contrast, ole1 seeds that had undergone freezing treatment germinated normally when incubated at 22 degrees C instead of 4 degrees C, because degradation of oils abolished the acceleration of fusion of oil bodies during imbibition. Taken together, our findings suggest that oleosins increase the viability of over-wintering oilseeds by preventing abnormal fusion of oil bodies during imbibition in the spring.
Volumetric reduction in various cortical regions of elderly patients with early-onset and late-onset mania

ABSTRACT Background: Few studies have examined alterations of the brain in elderly bipolar patients. As late-onset mania is associated with increased cerebrovascular morbidity and neurological damage compared with typical/early-onset mania, we investigated differences in the volume of various cortical regions between elderly patients with early-onset versus late-onset mania. Methods: We recruited 44 bipolar patients aged over 60 years, who underwent volumetric magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T. The analytic method is based on the hidden Markov random field model with an expectation-maximization algorithm. We determined the volume of each cortical region as a percentage of the total intracranial volume. The cutoff age for defining early versus late onset was 45 years. Results: The study participants consisted of 25 patients with early-onset mania and 19 patients with late-onset mania; their mean ages were 65.7 years and 62.8 years, respectively. The demographic variables of the two groups were comparable. The volumes of the left caudate nucleus (p = 0.022) and left middle frontal gyrus (p = 0.013) were significantly greater and that of the right posterior cingulate gyrus (p = 0.019) was significantly smaller in the late-onset group. More patients with late-onset mania had comorbid cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.072). Conclusions: The right posterior cingulate gyrus is smaller and the left caudate nucleus and left middle frontal gyrus are larger in patients with late-onset mania compared with those with early-onset mania. Volumetric change in brain regions may vary in elderly bipolar patients with early and late-onset mania.
Collaborative processing of acoustic and magnetic data via heterogeneous sensor networks

For wireless sensor networks, collaboration of multi-sensors (acoustic, magnetic, radiation, mechanical) enhances the ability of detection. In this paper, an effective approach is proposed in order to process collaboratively acoustic and magnetic data from heterogeneous nodes in underwater sensor networks. And theoretic analyze and simulation of this method are shown in this paper.
Clinical outcomes of intracoronary eptifibatide bolus only versus intracoronary bolus and intravenous infusion of eptifibatide in primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Intracoronary bolus of eptifibatide during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been shown to result in higher local platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor occupancy with improved microvascular perfusion. It is unclear whether intracoronary administration of eptifibatide in a larger patient population results in favourable clinical outcomes. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of two regimens of intracoronary eptifibatide (bolus only versus bolus followed by intravenous infusion) in patients undergoing primary PCI for ST-elevation MI. They were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 67) who received fixed-dose intracoronary eptifibatide bolus only and Group B (n = 88) who received intracoronary bolus and continuous intravenous infusion of eptifibatide for 18 h. The preliminary findings from our registry showed that both regimens were associated with good angiographic outcomes, few bleeding events and low in-hospital major adverse cardiac events. A large prospective randomized, multi-centre trial is needed to confirm our observation.
Alterations in Total Sialic Acid (TSA), Total Proteins (TP) and TSA/TP ratio in cancer patients

Total serum sialic acid (TSA), total proteins (TP) and TSA/TP ratio (as tumor markers) have been estimated in 108 cancer patients, 30 pathological controls and 50 normal healthy controls. Data analysis indicated a significant increase (p< 0.001) in the TSA and TSA/TP ratio in cancer patients (98.41 ± 13.5 mg/dl and 15.31 ± 2.57 mg/gm) as compared to patho-logical controls (77.57 ± 21.09 mg/dl and 11.94 ± 3.43 mg/gm) and normal control (64.77 ± 7.98 mg/dl and 8.9 ± 1.15mg/gm) respectively. A significant decrease (p<0.001) in serum lev-els of total proteins were found in all cases of cancer compared to the normal (6.46 ± 0.48 mg/dl and 7.29 ± 0.55 gm/dl) and pathological controls (6.53 ± 0.36 gm/dl). Further analysis of the data in patient subgroups of malignancy based on tissue involved indicated that the lack of specificity of the markers but the sensitivity of TSA and TSA/TP increased as the malignancy become more severe. The results show that TSA/TP was the most useful marker for detecting malignancies
Synthesis and Functional Analyses of Nuclear Clusterin, a Cell Death Protein*

Nuclear clusterin (nCLU) is an ionizing radiation (IR)-inducible protein that binds Ku70, and triggers apoptosis when overexpressed in MCF-7 cells. We demonstrate that endogenous nCLU synthesis is a product of alternative splicing. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analyses revealed that exon II, containing the first AUG and encoding the endoplasmic reticulum-targeting peptide, was omitted. Exons I and III are spliced together placing a downstream AUG in exon III as the first available translation start site. This shorter mRNA produces the 49-kDa precursor nCLU protein. Ku70 binding activity was localized to the C-terminal coiled-coil domain of nCLU. Leucine residues 357, 358, and 361 of nCLU were necessary for Ku70-nCLU interaction. The N- and C-terminal coiled-coil domains of nCLU interacted with each other, suggesting that the protein could dimerize or fold. Mutation analyses indicate that the C-terminal NLS was functional in nCLU with the same contribution from N-terminal NLS. The C-terminal coiled-coil domain of nCLU was the minimal region required for Ku binding and apoptosis. MCF-7 cells show nuclear as well as cytoplasmic expression of GFP-nCLU in apoptotic cells. Cytosolic aggregation of GFP-nCLU was found in viable cells. These results indicate that an inactive precursor of nCLU exists in the cytoplasm of non-irradiated MCF-7 cells, translocates into the nucleus following IR, and induces apoptosis.
Exploring the Connections Between Caring and Social Behaviors in Physical Education

Purpose: This study explored the relationship between the caring climate, empathy, prosocial behaviors, and antisocial behaviors, like bullying, in physical education, plus investigated whether empathy mediated the possible relationships between caring and social behaviors for boys and girls. Method: Middle school physical education students (N = 528) completed measures assessing a caring climate, empathy, social behaviors, and bullying. Results: A partial mediation model was supported, χ2(94) = 206.82, p < . 001, comparative fit index = . 97, Tucker-Lewis index = . 96, root mean square error of approximation = . 05, standardized root mean squared residual = . 04, which was also invariant across sexes. A perceived caring climate positively predicted prosocial behavior and cognitive empathy and negatively predicted antisocial behavior, like bullying. Cognitive empathy mediated the relationship between caring and prosocial behavior. Conclusions: Collective findings suggest that creating a caring climate is one tool that physical education teachers may use to promote positive behavior.
BMP‐5 expression increases during chondrocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro and promotes proliferation and cartilage matrix synthesis in primary chondrocyte cultures

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play pivotal roles in bone and cartilage growth and repair. Through phenotypes of short‐ear (se) mice, which have BMP‐5 mutations, a role for BMP‐5 in some specific aspects of skeletogenesis and cartilage growth is known. This report examines BMP‐5 expression in the growth plate and in differentiating cultures of primary chondrocytes, and the effects of addition of BMP‐5 or its inhibition by anti‐BMP‐5 antibody in chondrocyte cultures. By laser capture microdissection and immunohistochemistry, we found that BMP‐5 is expressed in proliferating zone (PZ) chondrocytes and that the expression increases sharply with hypertrophic differentiation. A similar pattern was observed in differentiating cultures of primary chondrocytes, with BMP‐5 expression increasing as cells differentiated, in contrast to other BMPs. BMP‐5 added to cultures increased cell proliferation early in the culture period and also stimulated cartilage matrix synthesis. Also, BMP‐5 addition to the cultures activated phosphorylation of Smad 1/5/8 and p38 MAP kinase and caused increased nuclear accumulation of phospho‐Smads. Anti‐BMP‐5 antibody inhibited the endogenous BMP‐5, reducing cell proliferation and phospho‐Smad nuclear accumulation. Together, the results demonstrate that BMP‐5 is normally an important regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Whether other BMPs may compensate in BMP‐5 loss‐of‐function mutations is discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:56–64, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estrogen Protects against Obesity-Induced Mammary Gland Inflammation in Mice

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of hormone receptor (HR)–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Obesity causes subclinical inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT), characterized by macrophages surrounding dead or dying adipocytes forming crown-like structures (CLS). Estrogen synthesis is catalyzed by aromatase. Previously, we demonstrated CLS and elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase in the mammary glands of obese mice and breast tissue of obese women. Here, we tested the hypothesis that supplemental estrogen could prevent or reverse WAT inflammation (WATi) and related molecular changes in the mammary gland. C57BL/6J mice were ovariectomized (OVX) to simulate the postmenopausal state. Supplementation with 17β-estradiol (E2) protected against high fat diet (HFD)-induced weight gain and mammary glands WATi. Expression of proinflammatory mediators (Cox-2, TNFα, IL1β) and aromatase were also reduced in the mammary glands of mice that received supplemental E2. Next, to determine whether E2 supplementation can reverse WATi, obese OVX mice were treated with E2 or placebo and then continued on HFD. E2 supplementation induced weight loss, reversed mammary gland inflammation, and downregulated expression of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase. Finally, we determined whether the protective effects of E2 were mediated by estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Knocking out ERα in ovary intact mice fed a HFD led to weight gain, WATi and elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators and aromatase mimicking the effects of OVX. Taken together, our findings indicate that estrogen via ERα protects against weight gain, WATi and associated increases in proinflammatory mediators and aromatase in the mammary gland. Cancer Prev Res; 8(8); 751–9. ©2015 AACR.
Bereaved relatives’ views about participating in cancer research

Background: Bereaved relatives are considered to be a vulnerable group and there is debate as to whether it is ethical to engage them in research at a time that can be difficult for them. Aim: We conducted a cross-sectional study using cognitive interviewing with the aim of exploring the acceptability of a mortality follow-back survey among bereaved relatives of recently deceased cancer patients to inform the development of a large-scale survey about end-of-life care. Results: Thirty-three next-of-kin of recently deceased cancer patients were invited to participate in a face-to-face interview, or to complete a postal questionnaire. At the end, they were asked about their views of engaging in the study. Nine bereaved relatives participated in a face-to-face interview and 11 completed the postal questionnaire. Eleven relatives reported it was helpful to take part in the study; of these, six did not consider it distressing, and five stated whilst it had been distressing it had been helpful. Thoughts about bringing back memories, altruism and therapeutic value emerged. Conclusions: We have new evidence that although engaging in follow-back surveys can evoke distress, many participants report it to be a positive experience. We therefore believe that this approach is acceptable when conducted sensitively.