Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Restless Legs Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Diagnosis and Management

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a common neurological sensorimotor disorder in western countries, has gained more and more attention in Asian countries. The prevalence of RLS is higher in older people and females. RLS is most commonly related to iron deficiency, pregnancy and uremia. The RLS symptoms show a significant circadian rhythm and a close relationship to periodic limb movements (PLMs) in clinical observations, while the pathophysiological pathways are still unknown. The diagnostic criteria have been revised in 2012 to improve the validity of RLS diagnosis. Recent studies have suggested an important role of iron decrease of brain in RLS pathophysiology. Dopaminergic (DA) system dysfunction in A11 cell groups has been recognized long ago from clinical treatment and autopsy. Nowadays, it is believed that iron dysfunction can affect DA system from different pathways and opioids have a protective effect on DA system. Several susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms such as BTBD9 and MEIS1, which are thought to be involved in embryonic neuronal development, have been reported to be associated with RLS. Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment are discussed in this review. First-line treatments of RLS include DA agents and α2δ agonists. Augmentation is very common in long-term treatment of RLS which makes prevention and management of augmentation very important for RLS patients. A combination of different types of medication is effective in preventing and treating augmentation. The knowledge on RLS is still limited, the pathophysiology and better management of RLS remain to be discovered.
The Relationship of Carotid Arterial Stiffness and Left Ventricular Concentric Hypertrophy in Hypertension.

BACKGROUND Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and geometry patterns vary in different hemodynamic profiles The concentric hypertrophy (CH) pattern has been proved to have the worst prognosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that carotid artery stiffness, as a marker of vascular damage, is associated with CH, independently of other potential determinants such as demographic factors (age, sex, BMI), clinical parameters (smoking, diabetes, creatinine level) and hemodynamic variables (blood pressure, pulse pressure [PP]). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 262 subjects (89 men): 202 patients with hypertension (153 untreated, 49 on medication), aged 55.7 ± 10 years, and 60 age-matched normal controls. The subjects were examined by echocardiography and carotid ultrasound with a high-resolution echo-tracking system. Based on the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT), the patients with hypertension were divided into four patterns of LVH and geometry: normal geometry (N, n = 57), concentric remodeling (CR, n = 48), concentric hypertrophy CH (n = 62) and eccentric hypertrophy (EH, n = 35). Intima-media thickness (IMT) and the parameters of arterial stiffness were also assessed using the β stiffness index (β), Young elastic modulus (Ep), arterial compliance (AC), one-point pulse wave velocity (PWVβ) and the wave reflection augmentation index (AI). RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that the following variables are significant in determining CH: β > 8.4, Ep > 136 kPa, PWVβ > 7.1 m/s, AI > 21.9%, systolic BP > 151 mm Hg, PP > 54, IMT > 0.56 and the presence of diabetes. However, by multivariate analysis only AI (OR 3.65, p = 0.003), PWVβ > 7.1 m/s (OR 2.86, p = 0.014), systolic BP (OR 3.12, p = 0037) and the presence of diabetes (OR 3.75, p = 0.007) were associated independently with the occurrence of CH. CONCLUSIONS Concentric hypertrophy in hypertension is strongly associated with carotid arterial stiffness and wave reflection parameters, independently of the influence of systolic blood pressure and diabetes.
vLIP, a Viral Lipase Homologue, Is a Virulence Factor of Marek's Disease Virus

ABSTRACT The genome of Marek's disease virus (MDV) has been predicted to encode a secreted glycoprotein, vLIP, which bears significant homology to the α/β hydrolase fold of pancreatic lipases. Here it is demonstrated that MDV vLIP mRNA is produced via splicing and that vLIP is a late gene, due to its sensitivity to inhibition of DNA replication. While vLIP was found to conserve several residues essential to hydrolase activity, an unfavorable asparagine substitution is present at the lipase catalytic triad acid position. Consistent with structural predictions, purified recombinant vLIP did not show detectable activity on traditional phospholipid or triacylglyceride substrates. Two different vLIP mutant viruses, one bearing a 173-amino-acid deletion in the lipase homologous domain, the other having an alanine point mutant at the serine nucleophile position, caused a significantly lower incidence of Marek's disease in chickens and resulted in enhanced survival relative to two independently produced vLIP revertants or parental virus. These data provide the first evidence that vLIP enhances the replication and pathogenic potential of MDV. Furthermore, while vLIP may not serve as a traditional lipase enzyme, the data indicate that the serine nucleophile position is nonetheless essential in vivo for the viral functions of vLIP. Therefore, it is suggested that this particular example of lipase homology may represent the repurposing of an α/β hydrolase fold toward a nonenzymatic role, possibly in lipid bonding.
Reconceptualizing hegemony: the circle of hydro-hegemony

This paper proposes a partial reconceptualization and a redesign of the Framework of Hydro-Hegemony, an analytical tool devised to study how power, hegemony, and power asymmetries can influence transboundary water politics. This is done by presenting the original Circle of Hydro-Hegemony (CHH), an analytical framework that places the neo-Gramscian notion of hegemony at the centre of its structure, to illustrate how various forms of power are connective in the function of hegemony. Following a theoretical discussion on how the concepts of power and hegemony can interact, the case of the Aral Sea basin in Central Asia will provide a practical application of the CHH to transboundary water politics.
From suffering to caring: a model of differences among older adults in levels of compassion

Compassion is an important contributor to pro‐social behavior and maintenance of interpersonal relationships, yet little is known about what factors influence compassion in late life. The aim of this study was to test theories about how past and current stressors and emotional functioning, resilience, and demographic indicators of life experiences are related to compassion among older adults.
[Docetaxel-Cabazitaxel-Enzalutamide Versus Docetaxel-Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer].

AIM The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy of the sequence docetaxel-cabazitaxel-enzalutamide vs. docetaxel-enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of the cohort of 35 patients, 11 were treated with the sequence docetaxel-cabazitaxel-enzalutamide and 24 were treated with the sequence docetaxel-enzalutamide. The doses were as follows: docetaxel, 75 mg/m2; cabazitaxel, 25 mg/m2; and enzalutamide, 160 mg/day. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the interval between the initial dose of docetaxel and death or the date of the last control for survivors (censored). OS was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the two arms were compared using the log-rank test. The significance level for all statistical tests was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS The median OS of patients treated with the sequence docetaxel-cabazitaxel-enzalutamide was 28.8 months, vs. 24.4 months in patients treated with the sequence docetaxel-enzalutamide. No statistically significance differences in OS were found between the two arms (HR 0.678, 95% CI 0.264-1.744; p = 0.418). Grade 3-4 toxicity was observed for each drug, as follows: docetaxel: fatigue and peripheral neuropathy in six patients, nausea in three patients, and diarrhea and neutropenia in one patient; cabazitaxel: anemia in two patients and neutropenia in one patient; and enzalutamide: anemia in six patients, thrombocytopenia in two patients, and cerebral hemorrhage in one patient. CONCLUSION No statistically significant differences in OS were found between the sequences docetaxel-cabazitaxel-enzalutamide and docetaxel-enzalutamide.Key words: prostate cancer - metastasis - chemotherapy - targeted hormonal treatment The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 13. 2. 2017Accepted: 20. 3. 2017.
Nutritional status of elderly female nursing home residents; the effect of supplementation with a physiological dose of water-soluble vitamins.

OBJECTIVE To assess the nutritional status of female elderly nursing home residents and to study the effect of dietary supplementation with a physiological dose of water-soluble vitamins. DESIGN Single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Daily consumed supplement consisted of fortified fruit juice containing 50 g carbohydrate and 50% of the daily dietary recommendations of water-soluble vitamins. Regular fruit juice was used as placebo. Dietary intake assessment at baseline. Fasting blood sample, anthropometric measurements and medical record at baseline and after 4 and 12 weeks of supplementation. SETTING Three nursing homes within 40 km of the coordination centre (Department of Human Nutrition, Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands). SUBJECTS Forty-two female nursing home residents aged 60 years and older, in relatively stable health condition, at least 3 months resident at baseline. In each nursing home, 14 subjects were randomly assigned to the supplement or control group. INTERVENTIONS Twelve weeks of supplementation. RESULTS Participants had a poor nutritional status. Dietary supplementation significantly improved the concentrations of thiamin pyrophosphate and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, increased body weight and decreased serum homocysteine concentration in the supplement group. Plasma vitamin C levels were significantly increased in both supplement and control group. CONCLUSIONS Even in this heterogeneous population of female nursing home elderly it is possible to improve the nutritional status through dietary intervention with a physiological dose of water-soluble vitamins.
Research of Renewable Resources Market based on Logistic Model of Different Property Right System

This paper uses Logistic model for renewable energy markets under different ownership systems were studied. Logistic model is one of the core theoretical ecology Population Growth Model. According to the market characteristics of renewable energy, our coverage under different ownership system of renewable resources is into the oligopoly market. Through the establishment of a linear dynamic system, the Logistic model was added thereto, analyzed under different ownership systems dynamic Nash equilibrium, and numerical simulation test. Conclusion: (1) Under private ownership, while alive fixation rate of natural increase, the equilibrium point (0,0); endogenous natural growth rate is variable: the overall image offset occurs. In the numerical simulation, changes from 0 to 0.8333, changes from 0 to 1.3333, indicating that in a changing market, the impact of the dynamics of the natural growth rate of renewable resources market equilibrium can not be ignored, and the increase in the number of manufacturer resources sustainable use of both the potential positive effects, may bring negative effects. (2) Under public ownership, within the natural growth rate of raw fixed discount rate of two intersection (2.5,3.1); changes and is declining. In the numerical simulation, from the intersection of (2.5,3.1) down to (1.2,0.7), indicating an increase in the number of manufacturers will give sustainable use of resources brought about negative effects, and when it reaches a certain number, the ecological disaster will be inevitable.
Relapse Coping Strategies in Young Adults Addicts: A Quantitative Study in Iran

Background: Cognitive-behavioral coping approach is known as an effective strategy to preventing relapse. Its goal is to forget incompatible behaviors and replaces them with the compatible answers. Objectives: This study examines relapse coping strategies in young adults in selected substance abuse treatment centers in Iran. Patients and Methods: The present is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 70 self-referred young addicts (18-24 years). Adolescence Relapse Coping Questionnaire was used to assess relapse coping strategies. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Results: The findings revealed that 71.2% have experienced a relapse totally. It was hard to control the hypothetical high risk situation and they greatly wanted to use the substance (mean 7.39 of 10). Addicts have used of all three coping skills in “definitely would do” level. Conclusion: Enhancing self-efficacy through training coping skills, especially abstinence - focused coping skills to react properly in high risk situation can be useful.
Quaternary Structure of Coronavirus Spikes in Complex with Carcinoembryonic Antigen-related Cell Adhesion Molecule Cellular Receptors*

Oligomeric spike (S) glycoproteins extend from coronavirus membranes. These integral membrane proteins assemble within the endoplasmic reticulum of infected cells and are subsequently endoproteolyzed in the Golgi, generating noncovalently associated S1 and S2 fragments. Once on the surface of infected cells and virions, peripheral S1 fragments bind carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) receptors, and this triggers membrane fusion reactions mediated by integral membrane S2 fragments. We focused on the quaternary structure of S and its interaction with CEACAMs. We discovered that soluble S1 fragments were dimers and that CEACAM binding was entirely dependent on this quaternary structure. However, two differentially tagged CEACAMs could not co-precipitate with the S dimers, suggesting that binding sites were closely juxtaposed in the dimer (steric hindrance) or that a single CEACAM generated global conformational changes that precluded additional interactions (negative cooperativity). CEACAM binding did indeed alter S1 conformations, generating alternative disulfide linkages that were revealed on SDS gels. CEACAM binding also induced separation of S1 and S2. Differentially tagged S2 fragments that were free of S1 dimers were not co-precipitated, suggesting that S1 harbored the primary oligomerization determinants. We discuss the distinctions between the S·CEACAM interaction and other virus-receptor complexes involved in receptor-triggered entry.
Regulation of production of type 1 pili among urinary tract isolates of Escherichia coli

The piliation and hemagglutination properties of 54 consecutive Escherichia coli isolates from women with recurrent urinary tract infections were studied. Mannose-sensitive hemagglutination (MSHA) of guinea pig erythrocytes, characteristic of type 1-piliated bacteria, was produced by 75% of the isolates, 32% produced mannose-insensitive hemagglutination, and 14% produced no hemagglutination reaction. The production of type 1 pili was examined in those strains that produced MSHA only. Studies with antiserum prepared against purified pili suggested that at least three subtypes of type 1 hemagglutinins were represented among the isolates. All of the type 1-piliated isolates produced MSHA after serial subculture in static broth. After growth on agar, selected type 1-piliated isolates were subdivided into two groups. Many strains apparently suppressed piliation during growth on agar (regulated variants); all colonies became MSHA negative and were composed of nonpiliated cells as shown by electron microscopy. The loss of the MSHA phenotype often occurred after a single overnight passage on agar, and any remaining hemagglutinin was gradually lost with one to three additional passages. Seven strains, however, retained a significant hemagglutination titer after multiple subcultures on agar, and they produced colonies consisting of a mixed population of piliated and nonpiliated cells. These strains were apparently able to oscillate between states of pilus expression and nonexpression during growth on agar (random phase variants). When nonpiliated cells isolated from the mixed, random variant population were plated on agar, they gave rise to hemagglutination-positive colonies that consisted of both piliated and nonpiliated cells. The distinction between random variants and regulated variants was also observed in shaking broth cultures inoculated with nonpiliated cells. The random variants produced MSHA-positive cultures composed of piliated and nonpiliated cells, whereas the regulated strains remained nonpiliated. The results indicate that type 1 pili are a predominant adhesin of uropathogenic E. coli and that during growth on agar only about one-fourth of the type 1-piliated isolates regulate pilus expression by random phase variation.
A 4-channel 12.5Gb/s Common-Gate Transimpedance Amplifier Array for DVI/HDMI Applications

In this paper, a four-channel 12.5-Gb/s differential transimpedance amplifier (TIA) array is realized in a 0.18-mum standard CMOS technology for the applications of digital visual interface (DVI) and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables. By exploiting the common-gate configuration as input stage, the TIA relaxes the design tradeoffs between the bandwidth and the large photodiode capacitance. Post-layout simulations demonstrate that a single channel TIA achieves 64-dBH transimpedance gain, 3.125-Gb/s operations with 2.1-GHz bandwidth for 2-pF input parasitic capacitance including photodiode capacitance and ESD protection pad capacitance, and 1.52-muA average input noise current that corresponds to -18dBm sensitivity for 10-12 BER. The 4-channel TIA array consumes 200-mW from a single 1.8-V supply.
Cellular Response of Limbal Stem Cells on Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Ocular Epithelial Regeneration

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop nanofibrous polycaprolactone (PCL) substrate for limbal stem cell (LSC) expansion that can serve as a potential alternative substrate to replace human amniotic membrane (AM). Materials and methods: The human limbus stem cell was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of substrates (nanofibrous scaffold and, human AM) based on their phenotypic profile, viability, proliferation and attachment ability. Results: Biocompatibility results indicated that the all substrates were highly biocompatible, as LSCs could favorably attach and proliferate on the nanofibrous surface. Microscopic figures showed that the human LSCs were firmly anchored to the substrates and were able to retain a normal corneal stem cell phenotype. Microscopic analyses illustrated that cells infiltrated the nanofibers and successfully formed a three-dimensional corneal epithelium, which was viable for two weeks. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and real time-PCR results revealed no change in the expression profile of LECs grown on nanofibrous substrate when compared to those grown on human AM. Conclusion: In addition, electrospun nanofibrous PCL substrate provides not only a milieu supporting LSCs expansion, but also serve as a useful alternative carrier for ocular surface tissue engineering and could be used as an alternative substrate to AM.
Timing of Environmental Exposures as a Critical Element in Breast Cancer Risk.

OBJECTIVE The role of the chemical environment in disease initiation or progression is becoming more evident. Endocrine disruption via environmental chemicals is now well documented in humans, rodent research models, and wildlife. Breast cancer is an endocrine-based disease whose risk may be modified by environmental exposures. Our purpose is to encourage more investigation into early life environmental exposures as they relate to breast cancer risk factors and disease over a lifetime. EVIDENCE The 2009 President's Cancer Panel, 2012 Institute of Medicine, 2013 Interagency Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Coordinating Committee reports, and research publications dated ≥2012 in PubMed were used to inform our perspective. CONSENSUS PROCESS Literature was reviewed and evidence gathered on the effects of the environment on risk of breast cancer or mammary tumor development in animal research models as it pertained to the influence of timing of exposure on later-life outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Evidence has accumulated for several chemicals that environmental factors have a stronger effect on breast cancer risk when exposure occurred early in life. The insecticide, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, is an excellent example and is just one of several chemicals for which there seems to be both animal and human evidence for the developmental basis of adult disease. The developing breast undergoes many changes in early life, leaving it vulnerable to the effects of epigenetic marks, endocrine disruption, and carcinogens. More research is needed in the area of early beginnings of breast cancer, with prevention of the disease as the ultimate goal.
Neuro Fuzzy based Techniques for Predicting Stock Trends

In this paper we discuss about Prediction of stock market returns. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been popularly applied to finance problems such as stock exchange index prediction, bankruptcy prediction and corporate bond classification. An ANN model essentially mimics the learning capability of the human brain. A Fuzzy system can uniformly approximate any real continuous function on a compact domain to any degree of accuracy. Here Neuro Fuzzy approaches for predicting financial time series are investigated and shown to perform well in the context of various trading strategies involving stocks. The horizon of prediction is typically a few days and trading strategies are examined using historical data. Methodologies are presented wherein neural predictors are used to anticipate the general behavior of financial indexes in the context of stocks and options trading. The methodologies are tested with actual financial data and shown considerable promise as a decision making and planning tool. In this paper methods are designed to predict 10-15 days of stock returns in advance.
The Harvard Trauma Questionnaire: Adapting a Cross-Cultural Instrument for Measuring Torture, Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Iraqi Refugees

Background: Mental health assessments in post-conflict zones have relied heavily on Western psychiatric scales. Yet, a strict dependence on the paradigms of Western psychiatry risks inappropriately prioritizing syndromes, such as PTSD, which, however important, are eclipsed by local concerns. Material and discussion: In Dearborn, Michigan, home to the largest population of Iraqi refugees in the United States, 60 Iraqi refugee life stories were collected in order to adapt the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) to the Iraqi context. Conclusion: The methodology described proved to be a useful approach to developing a trauma measure that is culturally grounded in a multi-dimensional model of mental health.