Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk of variations in patients’ adherence to prescribed antihypertensive drugs: role of duration of drug action

Aim: To determine the effects of imperfect adherence (i.e. occasionally missing prescribed doses), and the influence of rate of loss of antihypertensive effect during treatment interruption, on the predicted clinical effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs in reducing mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
A Utility-Based Semantic Recommender for Technology-Enhanced Learning

In this paper, we present the design of a Knowledge-based recommender system for Technology Enhanced Learning based on Semantic Web Technologies. It uses a knowledge model for representing the current state of the learner, pedagogical strategies, and learning objects. To create a learner model, the learners' activity and progress is tracked and higher-level learner features (i.e., Didactical Factors) are extracted. For a given learner state and set of pedagogical rules, the Recommendation Engine infers learning objects that lie on the learner's personalized learning path. Furthermore, utility functions are used to compute a relevancy score for the best-fit learning objects. We describe the semantic-based recommendation approach on a conceptual level, discuss the strengths and weaknesses on the recommender framework and discuss future research.
Wetting behaviour of laser synthetic surface microtextures on Ti–6Al–4V for bioapplication

Wettability at the surface of an implant material plays a key role in its success as it modulates the protein adsorption and thereby influences cell attachment and tissue integration at the interface. Hence, surface engineering of implantable materials to enhance wettability to physiological fluid under in vivo conditions is an area of active research. In light of this, in the present work, laser-based optical interference and direct melting techniques were used to develop synthetic microtextures on Ti–6Al–4V alloys, and their effects on wettability were studied systematically. Improved wettability to simulated body fluid and distilled water was observed for Ca–P coatings obtained by direct melting technique. This superior wettability was attributed to both the appropriate surface chemistry and the three-dimensional surface features obtained using this technique. To assert a better control on surface texture and wettability, a three-dimensional thermal model based on COMSOL’s multiphysics was employed to predict the features obtained by laser melting technique. The effect of physical texture and wetting on biocompatibility of laser-processed Ca–P coatings was evaluated in the preliminary efforts on culturing of mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells.
Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness of Mixed Amphetamine Salts Extended Release in Adults With ADHD

Abstract Objective: Assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of mixed amphetamine salts extended release (MAS XR) in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined subtype. Methods: A 24-month, open-label extension of a 4-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, forced–dose-escalation study of MAS XR in adults (≥ 18 years of age) with ADHD. The 223 enrolled subjects started treatment at 20 mgl day for 1 week, with subsequent titration up to 60 mgl day for optimal therapeutic effects. At monthly visits, efficacy was assessed based on the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-N). Safety assessments included spontaneously reported adverse events, laboratory assessments, and monitoring of vital signs. Findings: ADHD symptoms significantly improved for all subjects as measured by change from baseline in mean ADHD-RS-IV total scores (-7.2±13.04 unit points; P<.001); this was sustained for up to 24 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events were dry mouth (43% of subjects reporting at least one occurrence), infection (33%), insomnia (32%), anorexia/decreased appetite (32%), headache (30%), and nervousness (26%). Most adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity. Conclusion: Treatment with MAS XR 20–60 mgl day for adult ADHD was generally well tolerated and was associated with sustained symptomatic improvement for up to 24 months.
Computational Prediction of Candidate miRNAs and their Targets from Medicago truncatula Non-Protein-Coding Transcripts

Identification and analysis of miRNAs enhances our understanding of the important roles that small RNAs play in complex regulatory networks. It is often difficult to perform large-scale validation of miRNA expression that is predicted from genomic regions. Expressed transcripts provide an alternative resource to facilitate identification of miRNAs and their targets. We developed a computational pipeline to scan for miRNA genes from polyadenylated transcripts that were associated with limited protein coding potentials, corresponding to the intergenic regions of Medicago truncatula genomic sequences. Each predicted miRNA was required to have a near perfect match with target genes. We also searched for miRNA conservation in other plant species, clustered highly similar miRNAs, and provided a functional classification of target genes.
Visual Odometry based on improved feature matching and Unscented Kalman Filter

In this paper, we present an improved vision-based navigation method and proposed an improved feature matching method for improving the matching accuracy. In the matching process, we divide it into two steps, coarse and fine matching. During the coarse matching step, we adopt SURF feature detector for feature detection and Fast Library for Approximate Nearest Neighbors for feature matching, and then use the constraints of epipolar geometry, major orientation of feature points, and the uniqueness of feature matching to roughly eliminate error matching. In the fine matching process, Random Sample Consensus method with outlier rejection is employed, which will reduce the effects on motion estimation by moving objects in the scenes. The visual odometry algorithm is based on trifocal geometry, which is no need for the reconstruction of the 3d object points. Finally, we employ Unscented Kalman Filter for ego-motion estimation, which is better than Extended Kalman Filter and the experimental result shown that it can fully adapt to environment with high uncertainty. The experimental results prove that the method proposed in this paper is superior to other algorithm in terms of positioning precision.
Antidepressant Effect of Crocus sativus Aqueous Extract and its Effect on CREB, BDNF, and VGF Transcript and Protein Levels in Rat Hippocampus

Abstract Crocus sativus L. , commonly known as saffron, is a perennial stemless herb in Iridaceae family. It has been used in traditional medicine as well as in modern pharmacological studies for variety of conditions including depression. Recent studies have suggested brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), VGF Neuropeptide, Cyclic-AMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) and phospho-CREB (p-CREB) may play roles in depression. In this research the molecular mechanism of antidepressant effect of aqueous extract of saffron and its effect on the levels of BDNF, VGF, CREB and p-CREB in rat hippocampus, were investigated. The aqueous extract of saffron (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg/day) and imipramine 10 mg/kg/day were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 21 days to rats. The FST (forced swimming test) was performed on the days 1st and 21st. The protein expression and transcript levels of BDNF, VGF CREB and phospho-CREB in rat hippocampus, were evaluated using western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results of FST showed that saffron reduced the immobility time. The protein levels of BDNF, CREB and p-CREB were significantly increased in saffron treated rats. VGF protein expression was also increased, but not significantly. The transcript levels of BDNF significantly increased. No significant changes in CREB and VGF transcript levels were observed. It was concluded that aqueous extract of saffron has antidepressant effects and the mechanism of its antidepressant effect may be due to increasing the levels of BDNF, VGF, CREB and P-CREB in rat hippocampus.
PATHOANATOMIC BASIS FOR STRETCH‐INDUCED LUMBAR NERVE ROOT INJURY WITH A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

OBJECTIVEPersistent pain originating from a dysfunctional lumbar motion segment poses significant challenges in the clinical arena. Although the predominance of the existing spine literature has addressed nerve root compression as the principal cause of pain, it is equally likely that a stretch mechanism may be responsible for all or part of the pathology. METHODSThe literature supporting the role of stretch damage as a primary cause of nerve root injury and pain was systematically reviewed. Pathoanatomic considerations between nerve roots and juxtaposed environment are described and correlated with the available literature. Potential anatomic relationships that may lead to stretch-induced injury are delineated. RESULTSA dynamic lumbar functional spinal unit that encloses a tethered nerve root can create significant stretch and/or compression. This phenomenon may be present in a variety of pathological conditions. These include anterior, posterior, and rotatory olisthesis as well as degenerative conditions such as the loss of disc interspace height and frank multisegment spinal deformity. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that stretch can result in nerve damage, the pathophysiology that may associate nerve stretch with chronic pain has yet to be determined. CONCLUSIONThe current literature concerning stretch-related injury to nerve roots is reviewed, and a conceptual framework for its diagnosis and treatment is proposed and graphically illustrated using cadaveric specimens. The dynamic biomechanical and functional interrelationships between neural structures and adjacent connective tissue elements are particularly important in the face of spinal deformity.
Evaluating California Campus Tobacco Policies Using the American College Health Association Guidelines and the Institutional Grammar Tool

Abstract Objective: To measure comprehensiveness of California campus tobacco policies. Participants: Sixteen campuses representing different regions, institution types, and policies. Research occurred June–August 2013. Methods: Comprehensiveness was scored using American College Health Association's (ACHA) Position Statement on Tobacco. The Institutional Grammar Tool was used to breakdown policy statements into Strategies, Norms, or Rules. Differences in ACHA score and number of Strategies, Norms, and Rules were assessed by region, policy, and institution type. Results: Median ACHA score was 0.35 (scale of 0–1). Schools with 100% tobacco-free policies had highest ACHA scores, but failed to address relationships between schools and tobacco companies. Less than half the schools assessed (7/16) had Rules (enforceable penalties related to policies). In 67% of the policy statements, individuals doing the action were implied (not specifically stated). Conclusion: Campuses should address ACHA recommendations related to campus relationships with tobacco companies, include enforceable rules, and specify individuals and entities covered by policy.
T cell recognition of Tn‐glycosylated peptide antigens

The mouse hemoglobin‐derived decapeptide Hb (67–76), VITAFNEGLK, which binds well to Ek and is non‐immunogenic in CBA/J mice, was O‐glycosylated with the tumor‐associated carbohydrate Tn (α‐D‐N‐acetylgalactosamine, or α‐D‐GalNAc). Each of the ten positions in the peptide was substituted with serine or threonine having the Tn antigen attached. The complete set of Tn‐glycosylated peptides were then studied for binding to Ek and for immunogenicity in CBA/J mice. All of those glycopeptides which had the Tn attached to serine or threonine at a position in the peptide where, according to the crystal structure determinations, the amino acid side chain was oriented downwards into the binding site of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, completely lost their capacity for binding to Ek. This was the case for the glycopeptides with Tn attacted at position 68 and 76, which are the major anchor residues and for those with Tn attached at position 71 and 73, which function as secondary anchor residues. Those glycopeptides which had Tn attached to serine or threonine at positions where the side chain pointed away from the binding site maintained their capacity for binding to Ek, except for those with Tn attached at position 70 and 74. Furthermore, some of the MHC‐binding glycopeptides were immunogenic. In particular, this was the case for the glycopeptide with Tn attached to the central position 72 in the decapeptide. From previous studies, this is known to be the dominant T cell receptor contact residue of Hb (67–76). The results suggest that T cells may be capable of recognizing epitopes which are partially defined by a small glycan group.
Interpretation of cruise industry in a two-sided market context: An exploration on Japan

ABSTRACT Two-sided markets are characterised by the presence of an intermediary and two groups of end-users. In the cruise market, cruise lines may play the role of intermediaries to connect the two end-users, viz. cruise passengers and cruise ports. Our research explored whether the cruise industry can be regarded as a two-sided market, starting with a theoretical modelling. The findings show that cruise lines might be hybrid intermediaries, selling their own ship-based products and services, while offering also a platform to enable the transaction between cruise passengers and cruise ports. This particular business model of a quasi-two-sided market is also reflected in the pricing scheme of cruise industry, whereby cruise ports charge an entry fee from cruise lines and port dues from cruise passengers. We illustrate an empirical analysis on the basis of the cruise market in Japan, and it provides a preliminary clue that the behaviours of cruise ports and cruise lines are consistent with our theoretical framework. The results are not convincingly significant due to data limitations, hence, the concept of a ‘two-sided market’ in the cruise industry call for further empirical research.
Clustering and forecasting inflation expectations using the World Economic Survey: the case of the 2014 oil price shock on inflation targeting countries

This paper examines inflation expectations of the World Economic Survey for ten inflation targeting countries. First, by a Self Organizing Maps methodology, we cluster the trajectory of agents inflation expectations using the beginning of the oil price shock occurred in June of 2014 as a benchmark in order to discriminate between those countries that anticipated the shock smoothly and those with brisk changes in expectations. Then, the expectations are modeled by artificial neural networks forecasting models. Second, for each country we investigate the information content of the quantitative survey forecast by comparing it to the average annual inflation based on national consumer price indices. The results indicate the presence of heterogeneity among countries to anticipate inflation under the oil shock and, also different patterns of accuracy to predict average annual inflation were found depending on the observed inflation trend. Classification JEL: C02, C222, C45, C63, E27
Role of Interleukin-17A in Cell-Mediated Protection against Staphylococcus aureus Infection in Mice Immunized with the Fibrinogen-Binding Domain of Clumping Factor A

ABSTRACT Clumping factor A (ClfA) is a fibrinogen-binding cell wall-attached protein and an important virulence factor of Staphylococcus aureus. Previous studies reported that an immunization with the fibrinogen-binding domain of ClfA (ClfA40-559) protected animals against S. aureus infection. It was reported that some cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of staphylococcal diseases and in host defense against S. aureus infection. However, the role of cytokines in the protective effect of ClfA40-559 as a vaccine has not been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the spleen cells of ClfA40-559-immunized mice produced a large amount of interleukin-17A (IL-17A). The protective effect of immunization was exerted in wild-type mice but not in IL-17A-deficient mice. IL-17A mRNA expression was increased in the spleens and kidneys of immunized mice after infection. CXCL2 and CCL2 mRNA expression was increased in the spleens and kidneys, respectively. Consistent with upregulation of the mRNA expression, neutrophils infiltrated into the spleens extensively and macrophage infiltration was observed in the kidneys of immunized mice. These results suggest that immunization with ClfA40-559 induces the IL-17A-producing cells and that IL-17-mediated cellular immunity is involved in the protective effect induced by immunization with ClfA40-559 against S. aureus infection.
Postnatal subventricular zone progenitors give rise not only to granular and periglomerular interneurons but also to interneurons in the external plexiform layer of the rat olfactory bulb

Interneurons in the granule cell layer (GCL) and glomerular layer (GL) of the olfactory bulb (OB) are generated from progenitors in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle. However, little is known about the origin of interneurons in the external plexiform layer (EPL) of the OB. On the basis of the concept of corticogenesis, I hypothesized that interneurons in the EPL of the rodent OB also originate in the SVZ. In the present study, replication‐incompetent retroviruses encoding a marker gene, human placental alkaline phosphatase (AP), were injected into the lateral ventricles of postnatal day 4 Wistar rats to label dividing cells in the SVZ. Two days after injection, some of the AP‐labeled cells had migrated into the OB. Five weeks after injection, AP/NeuN double‐labeled cells were found not only in the GCL and GL but also in the EPL of the OB. In the EPL, most AP‐labeled cells were calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin (PV)‐immunoreactive (+) interneurons. A subset of these cells was made up of calcium‐binding protein calretinin (CR)+ interneurons. According to their structural features, AP‐labeled cells in the EPL were Van Gehuchten cells, multipolar cells, and superficial short‐axon cells. Thus, postnatal SVZ progenitors give rise not only to granular and periglomerular interneurons but also to interneurons in the EPL of the OB. Furthermore, these results suggest that SVZ progenitors give rise to virtually all subpopulations of interneurons in the OB. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:347–358, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extrachromosomal Telomeric Circles Contribute to Rad52-, Rad50-, and Polymerase δ-Mediated Telomere-Telomere Recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Telomere maintenance is required for chromosome stability, and telomeres are typically replicated by the telomerase reverse transcriptase. In both tumor and yeast cells that lack telomerase, telomeres are maintained by an alternative recombination mechanism. By using an in vivo inducible Cre-loxP system to generate and trace the fate of marked telomeric DNA-containing rings, the efficiency of telomere-telomere recombination can be determined quantitatively. We show that the telomeric loci are the primary sites at which a marked telomeric ring-containing DNA is observed among wild-type and surviving cells lacking telomerase. Marked telomeric DNAs can be transferred to telomeres and form tandem arrays through Rad52-, Rad50-, and polymerase δ-mediated recombination. Moreover, increases of extrachromosomal telomeric and Y′ rings were observed in telomerase-deficient cells. These results imply that telomeres can use looped-out telomeric rings to promote telomere-telomere recombination in telomerase-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Root canal treatment on a patient with zinc oxide allergy: a case report.

AIM To describe successful root canal treatment of a patient with a true zinc oxide allergy and to discuss allergic reactions to dental materials. SUMMARY Dental materials have been reported as aetiologic agents for both local and systemic allergic reactions. It is essential for the oral healthcare provider to recognize the clinical symptoms associated with allergic reactions and to modify dental treatment, if necessary, to prevent these reactions from occurring. This article describes an unusual case of a patient with an allergy to zinc oxide. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful root canal treatment of a patient with confirmed zinc oxide allergy to be reported in the dental literature. KEY LEARNING POINTS Medical and dental histories must be evaluated to prevent medical complications secondary to dental treatment. Any patient suspected of having an allergy to dental materials should be referred to a healthcare professional capable of performing and interpreting allergy tests prior to dental treatment.
Driver route-following and safety errors in early Alzheimer disease

Objective: To assess navigation and safety errors during a route-following task in drivers with Alzheimer disease (AD). Design/Methods: Thirty-two subjects with probable AD (by National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders criteria) of mild severity and 136 neurologically normal older adults were tested on a battery of visual and cognitive tests of abilities that are critical to safe automobile driving. Each driver also performed a route-finding task administered on the road in an instrumented vehicle. Main outcome variables were number of 1) incorrect turns; 2) times lost; and 3) at-fault safety errors. Results: The drivers with mild AD made significantly more incorrect turns, got lost more often, and made more at-fault safety errors than control subjects, although their basic vehicular control abilities were normal. The navigational and safety errors were predicted using scores on standardized tests sensitive to visual and cognitive decline in early AD. Conclusions: Drivers with Alzheimer disease made more errors than neurologically normal drivers on a route-following task that placed demands on driver memory, attention, and perception. The demands of following route directions probably increased the cognitive load during driving, which might explain the higher number of safety errors.
Drug resistance and treatment failure in leishmaniasis: A 21st century challenge

Reevaluation of treatment guidelines for Old and New World leishmaniasis is urgently needed on a global basis because treatment failure is an increasing problem. Drug resistance is a fundamental determinant of treatment failure, although other factors also contribute to this phenomenon, including the global HIV/AIDS epidemic with its accompanying impact on the immune system. Pentavalent antimonials have been used successfully worldwide for the treatment of leishmaniasis since the first half of the 20th century, but the last 10 to 20 years have witnessed an increase in clinical resistance, e.g., in North Bihar in India. In this review, we discuss the meaning of “resistance” related to leishmaniasis and discuss its molecular epidemiology, particularly for Leishmania donovani that causes visceral leishmaniasis. We also discuss how resistance can affect drug combination therapies. Molecular mechanisms known to contribute to resistance to antimonials, amphotericin B, and miltefosine are also outlined.