Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis: Clinical Guidelines and New Evidence

Juliet Compston md FRCPath frcp, Reader in Metabolic Bone Disease and Honorary Consultant Physician, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge J R Coll Physicians Lond 2000;34:518-21 Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. In the United Kingdom, the disorder results in over 200,000 fractures each year, causing severe pain and disability to individual patients at an annual cost to the National Health Service of over £940 million. More than one third of adult women will sustain one or more osteoporotic fractures in their lifetime. Lifetime risk among men is less, but still substantial. In 1999, guidelines on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis were prepared under the auspices of the Royal College of Physicians, sponsored by the Department of Health1. The aim of the guidelines was not to provide a working document for clinical practice, but rather to pro­ duce a framework from which local management protocols could be developed. When they were released, the results of some important randomised controlled trials (RCTs) had been published; the ensuing 18 months have seen these supplemented by new clinical trial data both for existing and new pharmacological interventions2-12. An update of the guidelines has recently been prepared by the original writing group of the Royal College of Physicians in collabo­ ration with the Bone and Tooth Society13. The main aims of this document were first, to supplement the evidence-based account of therapeutic interventions in the light of newly published trials, and second, to distil an algorithm (Fig 1) for the management of individual patients based on the evidence-based synthesis of the different pharmacological interventions.
External Validation of the Endoscopic Features of Sessile Serrated Adenomas in Expert and Trainee Colonoscopists

Background/Aims It is unclear whether the endoscopic features of sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) would be useful to trainee colonoscopists to predict SSA. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify features that expert and trainee colonoscopists can use to independently and reliably predict SSA by using high-resolution white-light endoscopy. Methods Endoscopic images of 81 polyps (39 SSAs, 22 hyperplastic polyps, and 20 tubular adenomas) from 43 patients were retrospectively evaluated by 10 colonoscopists (four experts and six trainees). Eight endoscopic features of SSAs were assessed for each polyp. Results According to multivariable analysis, a mucous cap (odds ratio [OR], 10.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.72 to 19.07), indistinctive borders (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 2.74 to 7.16), dark spots (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.89 to 7.00), and cloud-like surface (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.27 to 4.668) were independent predictors of SSAs. Among these, a mucous cap, indistinctive borders, and cloud-like surface showed moderate interobserver agreement (mean κ >0.40) among experts and trainees. When ≥1 of the three predictors was observed, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing SSAs were 79.0% and 81.4%, respectively. Conclusions Colonoscopy trainees and experts can use several specific endoscopic features to independently and reliably predict SSAs.
A 3–5 GHz Frequency-Tunable Receiver Frontend for Multiband Applications

In this letter, a fully integrated receiver frontend which is composed of a low-noise amplifier and a down-conversion mixer is presented for multiband applications. Different from conventional concurrent or switched-type architectures, the proposed circuit uses varactors for the frequency tuning. In addition, broadband techniques are also employed to maximize the operating frequency range and to enhance the circuit performance. Using a standard 0.18 mum CMOS technology, a 3-5 GHz receiver frontend is implemented for demonstration. With a LO power of 3 dBm and an IF frequency of 10 MHz, the circuit exhibits a conversion gain of 22.2 plusmn2.4 dB while the IIP3 and noise figure are better than -6 dBm and 17 dB, respectively, within the entire frequency range. Operated at a supply voltage of 2 V, the receiver consumes a dc power of 16 mW.
Combinatorial genetic transformation generates a library of metabolic phenotypes for the carotenoid pathway in maize

Combinatorial nuclear transformation is a novel method for the rapid production of multiplex-transgenic plants, which we have used to dissect and modify a complex metabolic pathway. To demonstrate the principle, we transferred 5 carotenogenic genes controlled by different endosperm-specific promoters into a white maize variety deficient for endosperm carotenoid synthesis. We recovered a diverse population of transgenic plants expressing different enzyme combinations and showing distinct metabolic phenotypes that allowed us to identify and complement rate-limiting steps in the pathway and to demonstrate competition between β-carotene hydroxylase and bacterial β-carotene ketolase for substrates in 4 sequential steps of the extended pathway. Importantly, this process allowed us to generate plants with extraordinary levels of β-carotene and other carotenoids, including complex mixtures of hydroxycarotenoids and ketocarotenoids. Combinatorial transformation is a versatile approach that could be used to modify any metabolic pathway and pathways controlling other biochemical, physiological, or developmental processes.
Therapeutic potential of naringin: an overview

Abstract Context: Naringin is a natural flavanone glycoside that is found in the Chinese herbal medicines and citrus fruits. Studies have demonstrated that naringin possesses numerous biological and pharmacological properties, but few reviews of these studies have been performed. Objective: The present review gathers the fragmented information available in the literature describing the extraction of naringin, its pharmacology and its controlled release formulations. Current research progress and the therapeutic potential of naringin are also discussed. Methods: A literature survey for relevant information regarding the biological and pharmacological properties of naringin was conducted using Pubmed, Sciencedirect, MEDLINE, Springerlink and Google Scholar electronic databases from the year 2007–2015. Results: Naringin modulates signalling pathways and interacts with signalling molecules and thus has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer activities, as well as effects on bone regeneration, metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, genetic damage and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Information was gathered that showed the extraction of naringin can be improved using several modifications. There has been some progress in the development of controlled release formulations of naringin. Conclusion: Naringin is a promising candidate for further in vivo studies and clinical use. More detailed studies regarding its mechanism of action are required.
Sexual Network Structure and Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention: A Modeling Perspective

Background: Mathematical modeling techniques are being used increasingly to plan public health policy for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Goal: An introduction to various aspects of network structure and sexually transmitted disease prevention using mathematical and simulation models. Study Design: A short overview is given about some modeling approaches that are presently available. The effect of partnership duration on the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is discussed in the context of pair‐formation models. Network models, which take concurrent partnerships into account, are discussed as a natural extension of pair‐formation models. Results: Results obtained by applying different modeling approaches to analyzing the efficacy of contact tracing in reducing the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases are summarized. Conclusion: Partnership duration and network structure should be taken into account when estimating the impact of sexually transmitted disease prevention. Contact tracing can contribute significantly to reducing incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. modeling has to be developed further to gain a better understanding of the relationship of network structure and the spread of specific sexually transmitted diseases.
Probing the immunological properties of the extracellular domains of the human beta(1)-adrenoceptor.

The human beta(1)-adrenoceptor is an immune target for autoantibodies with functional activity in cardiovascular diseases. Different epitopes on the extracellular domains of the receptor are involved. To study the immunological and pharmacological properties of these epitopes, rabbits were immunized with peptides corresponding to a large domain in the N-terminal part of the receptor and to its first and second extracellular loops. In contrast to the two other peptides, the first extracellular loop did not have immunogenic properties but acted as a hapten. Antibodies affinity-purified with the three synthetic peptides were able to significantly immunoprecipitate the solubilized receptor, confirming that they recognized the target receptor. While antibodies against the N-terminal domain did not inhibit the binding of a radiolabelled antagonist to the receptor, those against the first and second extracellular loop showed non-competitive inhibition. Similarly, only the two latter antibodies exerted a specific agonist-like effect on the receptor, as assessed on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in culture. Our results are in accordance with those found for human anti-receptor autoantibodies with functional effects. We conclude that not all extracellular epitopes give rise to functional autoantibodies with potential physiopathological relevance in cardiac diseases with an autoimmune component.
Hedging and Pricing Early-Exercise Options With Complex Fourier Series Expansion

Abstract We introduce a new numerical method called the complex Fourier series (CFS) method proposed by Chan (2017) to price options with an early-exercise feature—American, Bermudan and discretely monitored barrier options—under exponential Levy asset dynamics. This new method allows us to quickly and accurately compute the values of early-exercise options and their Greeks. We also provide an error analysis to demonstrate that, in many cases, we can achieve an exponential convergence rate in the pricing method as long as we choose the correct truncated computational interval. Our numerical analysis indicates that the CFS method is computationally more comparable or favourable than the methods currently available. Finally, the superiority of the CFS method is illustrated with real financial data by considering Standard & Poor’s depositary receipts (SPDR) exchange-traded fund (ETF) on the S&P 500® index options, which are American options traded from November 2017 to February 2018 and from 30 January 2019 to 21 June 2019.
Built Heritage Attractions in Cultural Tourism: the case of Al - Mustansiriya Madrassa, Baghdad

This research deals with the subject of Built heritage attractions in Muslim historical building, for what it represents, as an element dealing with Cultural tourism, in the process of developing tourism industry of the city. The location of Mustansiriya Madrassa in Baghdad’s commercial district could make it a profitable investment project to revive a cultural, artistic and tourist centre that could make it a cultural Tourism haven. The problem emerges through, how the role of built heritage to attract tourists in order to give vitality and liveability to the cultural tourism destination such as Al - Mustansiriya Madrassa which is one of the most popular heritage destinations, a historic school building situated in the ancient Abbasid district of Rusafa in the very heart of Baghdad. Therefore, the research's aim is to shed light on the heritage attraction as a mean to clarify the meaning of Cultural Tourism and specifying its definition. This research explains how the built heritage plays an important role in tourism in general and in the cultural tourism in particular because they attract tourists and provides a sustainable economic resource through its inclusion of values that make it distinct from other sources of attraction.
Sports Mega-Event Sponsorship: The Impact of FIFA Reputation and World Cup Image on Sponsor Brand Equity

The present study investigates the influence the organizing body’s reputation has on the image of a sports mega-event and on the mega-event sponsors’ consumer-based brand equities. The study's main theoretical references are Associative Network Theory (Collins & Loftus, 1975) and Schema Theory (Axelrod, 1973), both about the functioning of the human memory. The research was carried out during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilians and foreigners who attended the 2014 FIFA Fan Fest on Copacabana Beach were surveyed through a nonprobabilistic sampling, and 1,973 questionnaires were collected. Data analysis was performed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). We verified the reliability, convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity of the constructs. In order to test the substantive hypotheses, we applied Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using an Asymptotic Distribution-Free (ADF) technique. The empirical results suggest that FIFA’s reputation influences the image of the FIFA World Cup, but may not directly influence the sponsors’ consumer-based brand equities. We also verified that the perception of fit between the mega-event and the sponsor plays a partial mediating effect on the relationship between the image of the mega-event and the sponsor's brand equity.
Immunohistochemical detection of calmodulin and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the mouse testis

We reported previously that in mouse testis calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase (calcineurin) is localised in the nuclei of round and elongating spermatids (Cell Tissue Res. 1995; 281: 273-81). In this study, we studied the immunohistochemical localisation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase II) using antibodies against CaM kinase IIγ from chicken gizzard and specific antibodies raised against the amino acid sequence Ileu480–Ala493 of this enzyme, and compared it with the distribution of calmodulin. Indirect immunofluorescence was most concentrated in early spermatocytes and localised in the outermost layer of seminiferous tubules where the calmodulin level was relatively low. Measurements of immuno-gold particle densities on electron micrographs revealed that CaM kinase II is transiently increased in the nucleus of zygotene spermatocytes. These observations suggest the involvement of CaM kinase II in the meiotic chromosomal pairing process. An extremely high concentration of calmodulin in spermatogenic cells undergoing meiosis may not be directly related to activation of calmodulin-dependent kinases and phosphatases.
Profile differences of trace elements in vegetables and fruits resulting from various digestion procedures

Three pre-treatments of dry ashing, wet ashing and microwave digestion procedures in flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), were investigated to evaluate their effects on the concentrations of trace elements including Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn for edible plant samples. Microwave was proved to be a good digestion method in the present study due to shorter time, better recoveries and low relative standard deviations (RSDs). For the certified reference materials, RSDs were below 10% and the recovery values of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn were from 96.63% to 100.00% when microwave digestion procedure was used for pretreatment. Higher trace elements contents were detected when microwave digestion instead of the other digestion methods was chosen to pre-treat spinach or apple samples. The values of the addition recovery in the studied trace elements of Chinese chive or lettuce ranged from 97.00% to 100.00% due to the use of microwave digestion procedure. Therefore, the use of microwave digestion to pre-treat edible plant samples improved the determination accuracy of trace elements in food nutrition assay and concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn in investigated edible plants were acceptable to human consumption at nutritional and toxic levels.
The antibacterial activity of an extract obtained from Ascophyllum nodosum.

Monthly extracts obtained from Ascaphyllum nodosum were tested for antibacterial activity in vitro against 11 organisms received from the American Type Culture Committee. The F. D. A. agar plate method of testing was used. The extracts were treated chemically to determine their composition. A seasonal variation in the activity of the extracts is discussed.
Factors controlling acid tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes: effects of nisin and other ionophores

The acid tolerance of a Listeria monocytogenes serotype 4b strain was studied by measuring its ability to survive at an acidic pH at 37 degrees C. The acid tolerance of L. monocytogenes was much lower than those of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Shigella flexneri strains. This observation suggested a higher infective dose for L. monocytogenes than E. coli O157:H7 and Shigella. The susceptibility of L. monocytogenes to acidic pH was dependent upon growth medium pH and growth phase of the culture. Nisin and some other ionophores reduced the acid tolerance of both stationary-phase and log-phase cultures of L. monocytogenes. These studies indicated that nisin might be a useful candidate for controlling acid tolerance of L. monocytogenes.
Consequences of early chilling stress in two Triticum species: plastic responses and adaptive significance.

Phenotypic plasticity of two primitive wheat species (Triticum monococcum L. and Triticum dicoccum S.) was studied in response to early chilling stress. Selection pressure differentials, gradients and plasticity costs on plant morphogenesis, growth and reserve carbohydrate consumption were estimated. Regression analysis was applied to investigate differential developmental changes and patterns between treatments. Four-day-old seedlings of T. monococcum and T. dicoccum, differing in plant stature and reserve carbohydrates, were given an early chilling temperature (4 °C for 42 day) and compared with control plants grown at 23 °C. Early chilling stress resulted in a significant increase in leaf mass ratio (LMR) and relative growth rate (RGR), a reduction in flag leaf size, total biomass, specific leaf area (SLA) and reserve carbohydrate storage at flowering, together with advanced onset of flowering. Selection pressure within the early chilling environment favoured early flowering, smaller SLA, higher LMR and lower reserve carbohydrates, suggesting the observed responses were adaptive. Furthermore, a regression of daily cumulative plant biomass derived from a crop growth simulation model (CERES-Wheat) on crop vegetation period revealed a divergent developmental pattern in early-chilled plants. Using selection pressure gradient analysis, we found similar responses among these traits, except for SLA and sucrose, indicating that these two traits have indirect effects on fitness. Thus, the total effects of SLA and reserve sucrose on relative fitness seem to be buffered via the rapid growth rate in chilled plants. While lower SLA may reduce early chilling stress effects at an individual leaf level, a higher LMR and use of reserve carbohydrates indicated that compensatory growth of chilled plants during the recovery period relied on the concerted action of altered resource allocation and reserve carbohydrate consumption. However, a significant cost of plasticity was evident only for flowering time, LMR and fructan levels in the early chilling environment. Our results demonstrate that morphological and intrinsic developmental (ontogenetic) patterns in two Triticum species respond to early chilling stress.
National surveillance for infection with Cryptosporidium parvum, 1995-1998: what have we learned?

OBJECTIVE Infection with Cryptosporidium parvum generally causes a self-limiting diarrheal illness. Symptoms can, however, last for weeks and can be severe, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In 1994, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) recommended that cryptosporidiosis be a nationally notifiable disease. Forty-seven states have made infection with C. parvum notifiable to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and laboratories in the three remaining states report cases to state health departments, which may report them to the CDC. To see what the data show about patterns of infection, the authors reviewed the first four years of reports to the CDC. METHODS The authors analyzed reports of laboratory-confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis for 1995-1998. RESULTS During 1995-1998, 11,612 laboratory-confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported to the CDC. All ages and both sexes were affected. An increase in case reporting was observed in late summer during each year of surveillance for people <20 years of age. CONCLUSION The first national data on laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis cases, although incomplete, provide useful information on the burden of disease in the nation as well as provide baseline data for monitoring of future trends.
Is Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickening a Reliable Marker of Early Atherosclerosis?

Background It is widely believed that carotid artery intimamedia thickening represents an early marker for the development of atheroma. However, carotid intima-media thickening might also be expected to occur in response to an increased tensile stress and decreased wall shear stress which may accompany physical exercise. Design, methods, and results In order to test this hypothesis 24 athletes (professional footballers) were compared to 14 age and sex matched control subjects. Each subject underwent carotid and femoral ultrasonography and echocardiography. The athletes had a greater left ventricular mass index compared with the controls: 135 (127–143) vs. 104 (91–116) g/m2, p < 0.001. In addition, they had a greater carotid intima-media thickness (IMT): 0.55 (0.52–0.57) vs. 0.51 (0.48–0.54) mm, p < 0.05. However, carotid artery diameters, femoral IMT and femoral artery diameters were similar: 6.0 (5.9–6.2) vs. 5.8 (5.6–6.1) mm, 0.43 (0.42–0.45) vs. 0.43 (0.41–0.45) mm and 8.3 (8.0–8.6) vs. 8.4 (8.0–8.7) mm, respectively. Conclusions The increased carotid IMT of the athletes may result from intermittent exposure to markedly elevated systemic arterial pressures during exercise, resulting in intermittent elevations in carotid wall tensile stress. The lack of a disparity between athletes and controls for femoral IMT may be explained by the intermittent elevation of femoral wall tensile stress being accompanied by increased femoral artery blood flow and wall shear stress, which would tend to reduce any wall thickening. This is an important observation, since it suggests that an increased carotid IMT cannot be relied on solely as a marker of early atherosclerosis.