Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in outcome of a multidisciplinary treatment between subgroups of chronic low back pain patients defined using two multiaxial assessment instruments: the Multidimensional Pain Inventory and lumbar dynamometry

Objective: To investigate the effects of a multidisciplinary back school programme (Roessingh Back Rehabilitation Programme, RRP) compared with usual care, as well as differences in treatment outcome between subgroups defined using two multiaxial assessment instruments: the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-DLV) and lumbar dynamometry. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Rehabilitation. Subjects: One hundred and sixty-three patients with chronic, aspecific low back pain. Intervention: All subjects were randomly assigned either to a multidisciplinary, physically oriented group treatment or to their usual care. Main outcome measures: The Roland Disability Questionnaire and health-related quality of life (EuroQol, EQ5-D) were measured as primary outcomes before randomization and after eight weeks and six months follow-up. Result: Only 30-50% of the patients in the RRP group showed improvement and this number is not significantly different from the control group. Subgroup analyses give some first indications that multiaxial measurement instruments can be used to identify subgroups with differences in treatment effects. Conclusion: The overall effect of a multidisciplinary treatment is disappointing, however multiaxial assessment before admission might be valuable in clinical practice, resulting in more effective treatments for patients with chronic low back pain.
Effect of hereditary obesity on renal expressions of NO synthase, caveolin-1, AKt, guanylate cyclase, and calmodulin.

BACKGROUND Obesity has emerged as a major cause of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and renal insufficiency worldwide. Obese Zucker rats exhibit hyperphagia, obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and glomerulosclerosis and are frequently used as a model to study hereditary form of metabolic syndrome. Nitric oxide plays a major role in preservation of renal function and structure. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that renal disease in this model may be associated with down-regulation of endothelial (eNOS) and neuromal NO synthases (nNOS) in the kidney. The study further sought to explore expressions of caveolin-1, phospho AKt, and calmodulin, which regulate activities of constituitive NOS isoforms, as well as soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), which is involved in NO signaling. METHODS Twenty-two-week-old male obese and lean Zucker rats were studied. Body weight, serum lipids, urine albumin excretion, and renal tissue abundance of the above proteins were determined. RESULTS Serum glucose and arterial pressure were unchanged, whereas urinary NO metabolite (NO(chi)) excretion and renal tissue nitrotyrosine abundance were markedly reduced (denoting depressed NO production) in the obese versus lean Zucker rats. This was accompanied by significant glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial damage, renal immune cell infiltration, marked down-regulations of renal tissue eNOS and nNOS, mild reduction of caveolin-1, and unchanged calmodulin, phospho-AKt, and sGC. CONCLUSION Hereditary obesity can result in down-regulations of kidney eNOS and nNOS, marked reduction of NO production, and glomerulosclerosis prior to the onset of frank diabetes and hypertension.
The formation of immune complexes is involved in the acute phase of periodontal destruction in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Loss of clinical attachment and alveolar bone destruction are major symptoms of periodontitis, caused by not only the destructive effect of periodontopathic bacteria but also the overactive response of the host immune system against periodontal pathogens. The details of the participation of the immune system in the onset and progression of periodontitis are unclear. In this study, we attempted to determine whether the host immune system, and in particular the formation of immune complexes, is involved in the periodontal destruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS We applied ovalbumin or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as antigens and their specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies purified from rat serum to rat gingival sulcus alternately. Loss of attachment, alveolar bone destruction and the numbers of inflammatory cells infiltrating the periodontal tissue and osteoclasts on the alveolar bone surface were investigated histometrically. The formation of immune complex was confirmed by immunohistological staining of complement C1qB. RESULTS Loss of attachment and the presence of C1qB were observed histopathologically in both experimental groups. The group that had been treated with LPS and anti-LPS IgG showed greater loss of attachment. The number of inflammatory cells in the periodontal tissue was increased in both experimental groups, while osteoclasts at the alveolar bone crest were observed only in the group that had been treated with LPS and anti-LPS IgG. CONCLUSION In the present study, we showed that the formation of immune complex appears to be involved in the acute phase of periodontal destruction and that the biological activity of antigens is also important.
A New Era in Citation and Bibliometric Analyses: Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar

Academic institutions, federal agencies, publishers, editors, authors, and librarians increasingly rely on citation analysis for making hiring, promotion, tenure, funding, and/or reviewer and journal evaluation and selection decisions. The Institute for Scientific Information's (ISI) citation databases have been used for decades as a starting point and often as the only tools for locating citations and/or conducting citation analyses. ISI databases (or Web of Science), however, may no longer be adequate as the only or even the main sources of citations because new databases and tools that allow citation searching are now available. Whether these new databases and tools complement or represent alternatives to Web of Science (WoS) is important to explore. Using a group of 15 library and information science faculty members as a case study, this paper examines the effects of using Scopus and Google Scholar (GS) on the citation counts and rankings of scholars as measured by WoS. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of WoS, Scopus, and GS, their overlap and uniqueness, quality and language of the citations, and the implications of the findings for citation analysis. The project involved citation searching for approximately 1,100 scholarly works published by the study group and over 200 works by a test group (an additional 10 faculty members). Overall, more than 10,000 citing and purportedly citing documents were examined. WoS data took about 100 hours of collecting and processing time, Scopus consumed 200 hours, and GS a grueling 3,000 hours.
New interaction paradigms in virtual environments

The way of interacting between user and environment is one of the main characteristics that increases the sense of presence inside a virtual world. However, interaction could be the weak point of virtual environments based applications. In this paper we present a very brief taxonomy of 3D interaction for virtual environments and discuss why interaction is, in our opinion, a key element in the new developments of virtual reality technology
Common components in the assembly of type 4 fimbriae, DNA transfer systems, filamentous phage and protein‐secretion apparatus: a general system for the formation of surface‐associated protein complexes

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa genes pilB‐D and pilQ are necessary for the assembly of type 4 fimbriae. Homologues of these genes and of the subunit (pilin) gene have been described in various different bacterial species, but not always in association with type 4 fimbrial biosynthesis and function. Pil‐like proteins are also involved in protein secretion, DNA transfer by conjugation and transformation, and morphogenesis of filamentous bacteriophages. It seems likely that the Pil homologues function in the processing and export of proteins resembling type 4 fimbrial sub‐units, and in their organization into fimbrial‐like structures. These may either be true type 4 fimbriae, or components of protein complexes which act in the transport of macromolecules (DNA or protein) into or out of the cell. Some PilB‐like and PilQ‐like proteins are apparently also involved in the assembly of non‐type 4 polymeric structures (filamentous phage virions and conjugative pili). The diverse studies summarized in this review are providing insight into an extensive infrastructural system which appears to be utilized in the formation of a variety of cell surface‐associated complexes.
Open-air factors in enclosed systems

SUMMARY Ventilation of vessels varying widely in size was found to preserve the toxic effect of open-air factor(s). There was a correlation between the minimum rates of ventilation required and the ratios of the surface area of the vessels to their volumes. The data obtained allowed an estimate to be made of the diffusion coefficient of open-air factor(s) and gave an indication that the molecular weight range of the open air factor(s) was from 50 to 150.
Measurements of SRAM sensitivity against AC power noise with effects of device variation

SRAM exhibits the sensitivity of false operation against static and sinusoidal supply voltage variation. A measurement system combines direct radio frequency (RF) power injection, on-chip monitoring of voltage variation on power supply lines, and built-in self test of memory read/write operations. The bit error rate (BER) of an SRAM core exponentially increases when the lowest instantaneous voltage on the power supply line of SRAM cells during RF injection linearly decreases. Test dice on wafers at five different process corners in a 1.5 V 90 nm CMOS technology were tested. The minimum allowable voltage with BER of less than a single bit failure in average becomes smaller, thus more tolerant, when n-channel devices are at the slow corner in a conventional 6-transistor SRAM cell. The measurement technique enables to experimentally evaluate dynamic noise margin of SRAM cores in a given technology.
Factors associated with community ambulation in chronic stroke

Abstract Purpose: Loss of independent community ambulation is one of the most disabling consequences of stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of multiple personal and post-stroke factors with community ambulation in persons between 1- and 3-year post-stroke. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 40 community-dwelling stroke patients, >18 years, between 1- and 3-year post-stroke. The main outcome measures used were self-report community ambulation questionnaire, demographic information, 10-M Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Trail-Making Test-Part B, Single Letter Cancellation Test. Results: Age, number of medications and use of a walking aid were found to be significantly associated with community ambulation (p ≤ 0.05). Gait speed, walking balance and balance self-efficacy were also found to be significantly associated with community ambulation (p ≤ 0.05). Balance self-efficacy was the only factor independently associated with community ambulation post-stroke (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Balance self-efficacy may be a significant determinant in the attainment of independent community ambulation post-stroke. This suggests that physical aspects such as gait speed and walking balance should not be considered in isolation when addressing community ambulation post-stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Balance self-efficacy may play a significant role in the attainment of independent community ambulation in a chronic stroke population. Physiotherapy interventions addressing community ambulation post-stroke should consider methods for improving balance self-efficacy in chronic stroke, such as self management programmes.
Lymphotoxin‐α is an important autocrine factor for CD40+interleukin‐4‐mediated B‐cell activation in normal and atopic donors

Stimulation of human B cells with anti‐CD40+interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) results not only in proliferation and immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐production, but also increased production of the cytokine lymphotoxin‐α (LT‐α) (formerly also known as tumour necrosis factor‐β (TNF‐β)). Here, we studied the role of LT‐α (TNF‐β) in B cells following stimulation with anti‐CD40+IL‐4 from normal versus atopic donors. Anti‐CD40+IL‐4 stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from atopic donors resulted in enhanced production of soluble LT‐α (TNF‐β) and increased membrane LT‐α (TNF‐β) expression on the B cells compared with normal donors. Functional evaluation of LT‐α (TNF‐β) in CD40+IL‐4‐stimulated B cells shows that recombinant LT‐α (TNF‐β) induces proliferation of B cells and enhances CD40+IL‐4‐mediated B‐cell proliferation and IgE synthesis in both normal and atopic donors in a dose‐dependent manner. These findings were supported by semiquantitative analysis of ε‐germline transcripts using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) showing increased ε‐germline transcription in the presence of LT‐α. Furthermore, addition of anti‐LT‐α (anti‐TNF‐β) to CD40+IL‐4‐stimulated B cells partially inhibited proliferation and IgE synthesis in a dose‐dependent manner indicating a role of endogenous LT‐α (TNF‐β) production by B cells during continued CD40+IL‐4 stimulation. These data suggest that LT‐α (TNF‐β) plays a potentially significant role during B‐cell proliferation and IgE synthesis. Moreover, LT‐α (TNF‐β) production seems to be differentially regulated in B cells from normal and atopic donors.
Oxidative stress: key player in gastrointestinal complications of diabetes

Gastrointestinal dysmotility presenting as nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain is seen in diabetic patients. Oxidative stress has recently been recognized as a significant player in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal complications of diabetes. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, a team of investigators from Emory University led by Dr. Srinivasan present new evidence on the effect of oxidative stress in the diabetic colon. They show in diabetic patients, increased oxidative stress is associated with loss of the inhibitory neuronal subpopulation of enteric neurons, and that the neuronal loss can be reversed in‐vitro by anti‐oxidant lipoic acid. This new information adds to the accumulating evidence on the deleterious effect of oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract and highlights the opportunity to develop newer therapies focused on augmenting anti‐oxidant defenses in the gastrointestinal tract in diabetic patients.
La puesta en valor del patrimonio minero-industrial en el territorio municipal de Cerceda: el potencial de desarrollo endógeno local

El pasado cierre de la mina de lignito de As Encrobas (Cerceda) en agosto del 2007 supone la necesidad de plantearse la incognita sobre la futura utilizacion de este espacio geografico marcado indeleblemente por la huella que dejo la extraccion del material durante tres decadas. Las dimensiones de esta extinta explotacion a cielo abierto son de una longitud de dos kilometros por 700 de ancho y una profundidad superior a los 187 metros. Con anterioridad, en el 2002, Union Fenosa abordo la elaboracion de un estudio para contemplar las distintas posibilidades para regenerar la zona y minimizar su impacto visual. Resultando del mismo, la creacion de un gran lago artificial. Este proceso iniciado ya en a finales del 2007 esta previsto que se finalice completamente en el 2015. Entre otros objetivos contemplados en el citado estudio, esta la prevision de que el lago y su entorno se convertiran en parte en un espacio de recreo publico, con zonas verdes y usos deportivos.
Nucleolin Protein Interacts with Microprocessor Complex to Affect Biogenesis of MicroRNAs 15a and 16*

Background: MicroRNA processing is a tightly controlled multistep process involving accessory proteins. Results: Expression of microRNAs 15a and 16 is controlled by nucleolin expression and localization. Conclusion: Nucleolin facilitates the biogenesis of microRNAs 15a and 16 through direct interaction with the microprocessor complex. Significance: Nucleolin represents a novel component of the microRNA processing pathway. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous, short, non-coding RNA that undergo a multistep biogenesis before generating the functional, mature sequence. The core components of the microprocessor complex, consisting of Drosha and DGCR8, are both necessary and sufficient for this process, although accessory proteins have been found that modulate the biogenesis of a subset of miRNA. Curiously, many of the proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis are also needed for ribosomal RNA processing. Here we show that nucleolin, another protein critical for rRNA processing, is involved in the biogenesis of microRNA 15a/16 (miR-15a/16), specifically at the primary to precursor stage of processing. Through overexpression and knockdown studies, we show that miR-15a/16 levels are directly correlated to nucleolin expression. Furthermore, we found that cellular localization is critical for the proper functioning of nucleolin in this pathway and that nucleolin directly interacts with DGCR8 and Drosha in the nucleus. Nucleolin can bind to the primary miRNA both directly and specifically. Finally, we show that in the absence of nucleolin, cell extracts are unable to process miR-15a/16 in vitro and that this can be rescued by the addition of nucleolin. Our findings offer a new protein component in the microRNA biogenesis pathway and lend insight into miRNA dysregulation in certain cancers.
Variability of Distribution of Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Kinase II at Mixed Synapses on the Mauthner Cell: Colocalization and Association with Connexin 35

In contrast to chemical transmission, few proteins have been shown associated with gap junction-mediated electrical synapses. Mixed (electrical and glutamatergic) synaptic terminals on the teleost Mauthner cell known as “Club endings” constitute because of their unusual large size and presence of connexin 35 (Cx35), an ortholog of the widespread mammalian Cx36, a valuable model for the study of electrical transmission. Remarkably, both components of their mixed synaptic response undergo activity-dependent potentiation. Changes in electrical transmission result from interactions with colocalized glutamatergic synapses, the activity of which leads to the activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), required for the induction of changes in both forms of transmission. However, the distribution of this kinase and potential localization to electrical synapses remains undetermined. Taking advantage of the unparalleled experimental accessibility of Club endings, we explored the presence and intraterminal distribution of CaMKII within these terminals. Here we show that (1) unlike other proteins, both CaMKII labeling and distribution were highly variable between contiguous contacts, and (2) CaMKII was not restricted to the periphery of the terminals, in which glutamatergic synapses are located, but also was present at the center in which gap junctions predominate. Accordingly, double immunolabeling indicated that Cx35 and CaMKII were colocalized, and biochemical analysis showed that these proteins associate. Because CaMKII characteristically undergoes activity-dependent translocation, the observed variability of labeling likely reflects physiological differences between electrical synapses of contiguous Club endings, which remarkably coexist with differing degrees of conductance. Together, our results indicate that CaMKII should be considered a component of electrical synapses, although its association is nonobligatory and likely driven by activity.
Suppression of Helicobacter pylori‐induced interleukin‐8 production in vitro and within the gastric mucosa by a live Lactobacillus strain

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) plays a major role in the mucosal inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2716 (LG21) can inhibit the H. pylori‐induced production of IL‐8.
Coagulation and fibrinolysis system in aortic surgery under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with aprotinin: the importance of adequate heparinization.

BACKGROUND Coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were compared between two strategies of heparinization during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in patients who underwent aortic surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) and retrograde cerebral perfusion (RGCP) with aprotinin. METHODS AND RESULTS From January 1994 to January 1996, 94 patients underwent aortic surgery with DHCA with aprotinin; replacement of the ascending aorta took place in 14 patients, arch in 69, and descending aorta in 11. Two million units of aprotinin was administrated in the priming of CPB, and 3 mg/kg heparin was given before CPB. During CPB, 49 patients had an additional 1 mg/kg/h heparin regardless of activated clotting time (ACT) [group A], whereas 45 patients had an additional 1 mg/kg/h heparin when ACT was less than 500 seconds [group B]. ACT, PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, AT-3, plasminogen, alpha2-PI (plasmin inhibitor), fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), DD (D dimer), TAT (thrombin-antithrombin complex), PIC (plasmin-plasmin inhibitor complex), beta-TG (thromboglobulin), and PF-4 (platelet factor-4) were assayed. No difference was detected between the two groups regarding the duration of operation, CPB, aortic cross-clamping, DHCA, RGCP, and time from the end of CPB to admission to ICU. The heparin dose was greater in group A, but the protamine dose was similar. There was no difference in bleeding after perfusion or in ICU. Levels of TAT, fibrinogen, and DD were lower in group A. PIC, alpha-PI, and FDP value showed no difference. PF-4 and beta-TG were lower in group A, and the platelet count at the end of operation and the day after the operation was higher in group A. CONCLUSIONS Platelets were better preserved and activation of the coagulation system during CPB was less severe in patients who had a regular additional constant heparin regimen irrespective of ACT in surgery for the aortic aneurysm with DHCA and aprotinin usage. An accurate monitoring system for heparinization is necessary to maintain appropriate anticoagulation during CPB in patients who are undergoing aortic surgery with DHCA using aprotinin.
Patterns of Economic Attainment of Foreign-Born Male Workers in the United States

This article is concerned with the economic attainment patterns of foreign-born male workers in the United States in 1980. The economic attainment patterns of males born in 92 countries of the world are examined and are compared among themselves, as well as among the seven principal U.S.-born groups of Anglos, Afro-American, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians. For all foreign-born groups, the article examines the degree to which such individual-level factors as educational attainment, labor market experience, and so forth account for their variation in economic attainment. We conclude that although microlevel characteristics are not the complete answer, they are important for most foreign-born populations in explaining their variation in earnings.