Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in multiple sclerosis: the impact of depression, fatigue and disability

This study deals with the assessment of quality of life and its main clinical and demographical determinants in a clinical series of 103 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) (37 men; 66 women; mean age 44.89 years; mean disease duration 12.40 years; mean EDSS score 4.07). We used the MSQOL-54 inventory, a disease-specific instrument recently validated in an Italian population. Each patient underwent a complete clinical assessment, including that of disability status (Expanded Disability Status Scale), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination), depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale). In terms of Pearson's correlations, there was a moderate inverse relationship between disability level and the MSQOL-54 physical composite score, and a moderate to strong inverse correlation between depression or fatigue severity and both the physical and mental composite scores. In a stepwise linear regression analysis, depression, fatigue and disability level were confirmed to be significant and independent predictors of quality of life. Quality of life instruments can help to provide a broader measure of the disease impact and to develop a care program tailored to the patient's needs.
The natural history of primary hyperparathyroidism with or without parathyroid surgery after 15 years.

CONTEXT Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) often presents without classical symptoms such as overt skeletal disease or nephrolithiasis. We previously reported that calciotropic indices and bone mineral density (BMD) are stable in untreated patients for up to a decade, whereas after parathyroidectomy, normalization of biochemistries and increases in BMD ensue. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to provide additional insights in patients with and without surgery for up to 15 yr. DESIGN The study had an observational design. SETTING The setting was a referral center. PATIENTS Patients included 116 patients (25 men, 91 women); 99 (85%) were asymptomatic. INTERVENTION Fifty-nine patients (51%) underwent parathyroidectomy and 57 patients were followed up without surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE BMD was measured. RESULTS Lumbar spine BMD remained stable for 15 yr. However, BMD started to fall at cortical sites even before 10 yr, ultimately decreasing by 10 +/- 3% (mean +/- sem; P < 0.05) at the femoral neck, and 35 +/- 5%; P < 0.05 at the distal radius, in the few patients observed for 15 yr. Thirty-seven percent of asymptomatic patients showed disease progression (one or more new guidelines for surgery) at any time point over the 15 yr. Meeting surgical criteria at baseline did not predict who would have progressive disease. BMD increases in patients who underwent surgery were sustained for the entire 15 yr. CONCLUSIONS Parathyroidectomy led to normalization of biochemical indices and sustained increases in BMD. Without surgery, PHPT progressed in one third of individuals over 15 yr; meeting surgical criteria at the outset did not predict this progression. Cortical bone density decreased in the majority of subjects with additional observation time points and long-term follow-up. These results raise questions regarding how long patients with PHPT should be followed up without intervention.
Survey Reports Improved Health After Avoiding Genetically Modified Foods Part 1 : Health Concerns — GMOs , Bt-toxin , and Roundup Part 2 : Survey Results Part 3 : Focus on Digestive Disorders

A survey of 3,256 respondents, primarily residing in the United States, reveal improvements in a wide range of health symptoms following the removal or reduced consumption of genetically engineered foods, also called genetically modified organisms or GMOs. The changes are consistent with reports by physicians and others about improvements accompanying a switch to largely non-GMO and organic diets. The conditions that were most frequently reported as showing improvement include: Digestive: 85.2%, Fatigue, low energy: 60.4%, Overweight or obesity: 54.6%, Clouding of consciousness, “brain fog”: 51.7%, Food allergies or sensitivities: 50.2%, Mood problems, such as anxiety or depression: 51.1%, Memory, concentration: 48.1%, Joint pain: 47.5%, Seasonal allergies: 46.6%, Gluten sensitivities: 42.2%, Insomnia: 33.2%, Other skin conditions (not eczema): 30.9%, Hormonal problems: 30.4%, Musculoskeletal pain: 25.2%, Autoimmune disease: 21.4%, Eczema: 20.8%, and Cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure: 19.8%. Mechanisms by which GMOs may contribute to digestive disorders—the most frequently reported symptoms improved by GMO avoidance—is discussed. Three possible modes of action by GMOs are evaluated: 1) the disruptive and unpredictable nature of the process of genetic modification itself, which can introduce or elevate allergens, toxins, and anti-nutrients; 2) possible allergenic and toxic effects of Bt toxin, the insecticide produced within most genetically engineered corn varieties grown in the United States (US); and 3) the health impacts of glyphosate-based herbicides, such as Roundup®, which are sprayed on and absorbed into most genetically engineered food crops. The studies in these areas support several potential causative pathways leading to digestive disorders and may help explain why these and other related diseases have been rising in parallel with the increased acreage of GMOs and the application of Roundup® on these crop acres. Part 1: Introduction—Discussion of Health Concerns—GMOs, Bt-toxin, and Roundup Widespread Use of Untested GM Foods and Related Pesticide Chemicals The process of genetic modification (GM) involves the transfer or rearrangement of genetic material within or between species’ DNA using laboratory techniques. These laboratory techniques are distinct from natural methods, such as hybridization, that alter the genome through sexual reproduction. Most of the currently commercialized crops known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have had non-plant genes inserted into their DNA. Such genes are usually taken from bacteria or viruses, to confer a
SEROTYPING FOR HOMOTRANSPLANTATION: XII. OCCURRENCE OF CYTOTOXIC ANTIBODIES FOLLOWING KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION IN MAN

A total of 231 serum samples from 41 patients before and after first and second kidney transplants were investigated for the presence of cytotoxic antibodies. After transplantation 11 of 29 patients had cytotoxic antibodies in contrast to 4 of 21 patients before transplantation. In 10 patients who had their renal grafts removed because of rejection, 9 had demonstrable cytotoxic antibodies. Patients with cytotoxins generally tended to have worse kidney function and transplant failure than patients without cytotoxins (P < 0.005). Moreover, 11 of 14 transplants done in patients with preformed cytotoxins resulted in early transplant failure. From these findings, it appears that humoral cytotoxic antibodies are associated with kidney transplant rejections and that they either act directly on the transplant or serve as indicators of a state of presensitization.
Bone Environment is Essential for Osteosarcoma Development from Transformed Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The cellular microenvironment plays a relevant role in cancer development. We have reported that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) deficient for p53 alone or together with RB (p53−/−RB−/−) originate leiomyosarcoma after subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation. Here, we show that intrabone or periosteal inoculation of p53−/− or p53−/−RB−/− bone marrow‐ or adipose tissue‐derived MSCs originated metastatic osteoblastic osteosarcoma (OS). To assess the contribution of bone environment factors to OS development, we analyzed the effect of the osteoinductive factor bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) and calcified substrates on p53−/−RB−/− MSCs. We show that BMP‐2 upregulates the expression of osteogenic markers in a WNT signaling‐dependent manner. In addition, the s.c. coinfusion of p53−/−RB−/− MSCs together with BMP‐2 resulted in appearance of tumoral osteoid areas. Likewise, when p53−/−RB−/− MSCs were inoculated embedded in a calcified ceramic scaffold composed of hydroxyapatite and tricalciumphosphate (HA/TCP), tumoral bone formation was observed in the surroundings of the HA/TCP scaffold. Moreover, the addition of BMP‐2 to the ceramic/MSC implants further increased the tumoral osteoid matrix. Together, these data indicate that bone microenvironment signals are essential to drive OS development. Stem Cells 2014;32:1136–1148
Molecular Control of Cardiac Sodium Homeostasis in Health and Disease

Introduction: Cardiac myocytes utilize three high‐capacity Na transport processes whose precise function can determine myocyte fate and the triggering of arrhythmias in pathological settings. We present recent results on the regulation of all three transporters that may be important for an understanding of cardiac function during ischemia/reperfusion episodes.
Implementation of ISO 27001 in Saudi Arabia – obstacles, motivations, outcomes, and lessons learned

Protecting information assets is very vital to the core survival of an organization. With the increase in cyberattacks and viruses worldwide, it has become essential for organizations to adopt innovative and rigorous procedures to keep these vital assets out of the reach of exploiters. Although complying with an international information security standard such as ISO 27001 has been on the rise worldwide, with over 7000 registered certificates, few companies in Saudi Arabia are ISO 27001 certified. In this paper, we explore the motives, obstacles, challenges, and outcomes for a Saudi organization during their implementation of ISO 27001, with the goal of shedding some light on the reason behind the low adoption of the ISO 27001 certification standard in the region of study. While customer satisfaction and good partner relationships are essential for an organization’s survival, strikingly, none of the organizations interviewed indicated that their goals included meeting consumer requirements or a partner’s mandates.
Neurocognitive and Linguistic Deficits in Developmental Dyslexia

Background: It has been suggested that dyslexic individuals manifest difficulties in phonological awareness, rapid naming, morphological awareness, and short-term memory. Nevertheless, the percentage of these difficulties varied among languages. Materials and Methods: A group of children who have developmental dyslexia, aged from 6.5 to 10 years, were investigated to determine the percentage of neurocognitive and linguistic deficits in Arabic speaking dyslexic individuals. Results: Rapid automatized naming was found to be the most common deficit occurring in all participants. Other linguistic, auditory, visual and memory difficulties were noticed. The percent of deficits in their abilities was determined and discussed. Conclusion: The present study suggested that dyslexia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a simple disorder related to a phonemegrapheme correspondence disorder. Furthermore, it emphasized the importance of thorough assessment of different neurocognitive and linguistic abilities using different scales and detailed tests for better design of remediation programs for children having developmental dyslexia.
‘What you see is what you get’: Service quality, students’ perceptions and satisfaction at South African universities

Tertiary institutions play a major role in providing relevant education that best meets the needs of the various constituencies served; and an assessment of factors that influence students’ choices and satisfaction is thus useful. This article examines the gap between students’ perceived experience and the importance they hold of service delivery, and attempts to identify possible predictors of overall satisfaction with their university. Survey data was obtained from 391 students from two Universities of Technology in South Africa. A major finding revealed that students’ perceived experience of service delivery is significantly lower than what they considered important in their universities. Perceptions of readiness for change, intention to leave, trust in management and support, living arrangements (accommodation) and academic performance emerged as significant predictors of students’ overall satisfaction with the university, explaining up to 30 per cent of its variance. Practical implications, limitations and suggestions for future studies were articulated.
Long‐term Impact of Subclinical Inflammation Diagnosed by Protocol Biopsy One Year After Renal Transplantation

The long‐term impact of subclinical acute rejection (SCAR) on renal graft function remains poorly understood. Furthermore, the interpretation of borderline lesions is difficult and their incidence is variable. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of subclinical inflammation (SCI) in protocol biopsies performed 1‐year after renal transplantation. SCI was defined as the presence of borderline lesions or SCAR according to the Banff 2005 classification. The patients included were a subpopulation of the CONCEPT study in which patients were randomized 3 months after transplantation to receive either sirolimus (SRL) or cyclosporine A (CsA) in combination with mycophenolate mofetil. At 1 year, we observed SCI in 37 of the 121 patients observed with an evaluable biopsy. The incidence was more frequent in the SRL group (SRL 45.2% vs. CsA 15.3%). At 30 months , SCI was associated with a significantly lower level of estimated glomerular filtration rate (mean MDRD 50.8 [±13.3] vs. 57.7 [±16.3] mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.035). In conclusion, SCI at 1‐year posttransplantation is associated with worsening renal function and is more frequent in SRL‐treated patients. Therefore, evaluation of SCI may be a valuable tool to allow the optimization of immunosuppressive regimens.
Surface Network Ontology Design Patterns for Linked Topographic Data

The vision of Linked Topographic Data is critical for the Semantic Web, since topographic data are fundamental to a wide range of geoscientific analyses and mapping of geographic phenomena. Terrain datasets are probably the most important for Linked Topographic Data. Terrain is computationally represented using a continuous field data model (2-D surfaces), but the Semantic Web needs discrete objects for assigning URIs. This prevents terrain surface datasets from being shared on the Semantic Web—which is ironical given the availability of incredibly high resolution terrain data. Surface networks, which are a topologically connected set of shape-critical points, lines, and areal districts, can be used to share information about surfaces on the Semantic Web. In this paper, we reinterpret surface network theory for Linked Topographic Data, and present two OWL ontology design patterns. Surface Network is a template pattern intended for any type of surface network. It formalizes only the topological connections between surface network elements, since formalized of the metric properties requires commitment to a domain-specific spatial ontology. Geospatial SNODP extends SNODP for metric geographic space through alignment with the GeoSPARQL geospatial ontology. It can be used to annotate any geospatial surface network, but is expected to primarily serve as a core terrain ontology for Linked Topographic Data. CyberInfrastructure and Geospatial Information Laboratory (CIGI) & National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
In/sub 0.37/Ga/sub 0.63/N metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors with recessed electrodes

InGaN metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors (MSM-PDs) with recessed electrodes were fabricated. Compared with the conventional planar MSM-PD, it was found that measured photocurrent and photocurrent-to-dark-current contrast ratio were both much larger for the MSM-PD with the recessed electrodes. With a 5-V applied bias and an incident light wavelength of 470 nm, it was found that measured responsivities were 0.144 and 0.038 A/W for the MSM-PDs with and without the recessed electrodes, respectively.
Alternative Certification in California.

IN 1983, the California legislature passed and the governor signed into law a sweeping educational reform program. The reform program increased high school graduation requirements, extended the school day, added regional staff development centers, expanded student loan programs, initiated a men tor teacher program, eliminated the issuance of life credentials, added profes sional growth and service requirements for initial teaching credentials, and authorized an alternative teacher certification program. In the original legis lation, this program was called the Teacher Trainee Certificate Program. Later legislation renamed the program the District Intern Certification Pro gram, which is the name that will be used in this article. The District Intern Certification Program places in the hands of participating school districts the responsibilities for recruiting, training, pro viding assistance to, and evaluating persons who will serve as interns and be fully responsible for a classroom or series of classrooms. In the District Intern Program, the participating districts must consult with at least one college or university with an approved teacher education program. This consultation must relate to the development of a professional development program for the interns.
Antenna temperature deterioration of aperture calibration due to millimeter wave radiometer non-linearity

A millimeter wave radiometer, which relies on the accurate linearity of its input-power and output-voltage, interpolates antenna temperature with a two-point calibration. By analyzing the square-law detector linear relationship of its input-power to its output-voltage, the nonlinear coefficient and power nonlinearity are reduced. The nonlinear error of antenna temperature is quantitatively given and examples on power nonlinearity for both ground and space remote sensing system are also shown.
Going beyond importance-performance analysis to analyze the observance-influence of park impacts.

Importance-Performance analysis is a commonly used technique to evaluate the importance of various recreation programs and the performance of recreation administrators toward providing these programs. In this study, the Importance-Performance technique was adapted to present a new approach for analyzing the observance of various park use and resource impacts by on-site visitors, and the influence that these impact conditions have on park visitor experiences. The study also expanded the Observance-Influence grid analysis approach to park impacts by examining the multivariate relationship between the two sets of variables, using canonical correlation. The primary purpose of the research was to propose an alternative approach to analyzing park impact issues which may prove useful to park administrators; and not to just analyze park impacts per se. A case study analysis of mail questionnaire respondents revealed that the Observance-Influence grid analysis model has considerable utility for park administrators in analyzing visitor perceptions of park impacts. In addition, canonical correlation proved to be a useful tool for analyzing the Observance-Influence relationship beyond the descriptive techniques offered by action grid analyses. Impacts shown to be of most concern related to: multiple use of trails, litter, erosion, and depreciative behaviors.
Prediction of sustained virologic responses to combination therapy of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

Background and Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide. Genotype-4 is the most common genotype in Saudi Arabia. The response to treatment with pegylated interferon-α combined with ribavirin in chronic HCV infection varies. This study aimed at investigating the pre- and on-treatment predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Patients and Methods: Clinical data of 48 patients with CHC treated with standard HCV antiviral combination therapy, between January 2005 and December 2010, at a Saudi University hospital, were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, body mass index, liver enzymes, HCV-RNA viral load, liver biopsy, and response to treatment. The primary end point was SVR defined as undetectable HCV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 24 weeks after the end of treatment. Univariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between the different variables and SVR. These independent predictors of SVR were then analyzed with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 48 treated patients, 25 (52%) were females and 27 (56%) were Saudi. The mean age was 43 years (43 ± 10 years). Twenty-four (50%) had genotype-4, and 26 (54%) had liver biopsy. The overall SVR rate was 75% (36/48) and was 83.3% (20/24) among genotype-4 patients. Baseline factors associated with SVR identified by univariate logistic regression were genotype-4 and early viral response (EVR), defined as a drop of ≥2 log in serum HCV viral load after 12 weeks of initiation of combination therapy (P = 0.001). However, in stepwise regression analysis, the independent factor associated with the effect of antiviral therapy was genotype-4. When on-treatment variables were included, EVR (P = 0.003) and low baseline viral load (P = 0.048) were highly predictive of SVR. Conclusions: Of our HCV-treated patients, 75% had SVR. HCV genotype-4, EVR, and low baseline viral load were predictive of SVR.
Precursors of Personality Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Personality disorders are common psychiatric disorders in community that cause substantial disruption of functionality. Current diagnostic systems do not include classification of personality disorders in children. However, in recent years there has been an increasing interest in investigation of personality traits and disorders at childhood and adolescence as a precursor of adult personality disorders. The aim of this article was to review the precursors of personality disorders at childhood and adolescence
The Challenges of Human Resource Management Practices in the Informal Sector in Nigeria

Unemployment in the third world countries has led to various negative and positive challenges from brain drain, increased crime cases to emergent of entrepreneurial businesses. This paper examines the Nigerian informal sector and the extent of conformity with proper human resource practices. This paper adopts survey approach in analyzing data to test whether or not SMEs can conform to global HRM practices by analyzing some variables. Graphs and simple statistics were used to test the probability of conformity of informal sector activities with HRM practices in Nigeria. This paper also relied on secondary data from Bureau of Statistics and other government agencies. Past literatures were also examined. It was discovered that due to low capital outlay and inability to access funds from financial institutions, global human resource practices like proper recruitment, training, career development are being ignored.