Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systolic BP and Mortality in Older Adults with CKD.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Optimal BP targets for older adults with CKD are unclear. This study sought to determine whether a nonlinear relationship between BP and mortality-as described for the broader CKD population and for older adults in the general population-is present for older adults with CKD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS A cohort of 21,015 adults age 65-105 years with a moderate or severe reduction in eGFR (<60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) were identified within the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Health Maintenance Organization population. The relationship between baseline systolic BP (SBP; ≤120, 121-130, 131-140, 141-150, >150 mmHg; referent, 131-140 mmHg) and all-cause mortality across age groups (65-70, 71-80, and >80 years) was examined; patients were followed for up to 11 years after cohort entry. RESULTS The median times at risk were 3.15 years, 3.53 years, and 2.76 years for adults age 65-70, 71-80, and >80 years, respectively. Mortality during follow-up was 19.6% for those age 65-70 years, 33.4% for those age 71-80 years, and 55.7% for those age >80 years. The relationship between SBP and mortality varied as a function of age. The risk of death was highest for patients with the lowest SBP in all age groups. Only among adults age 65-70 years was an SBP>140 mmHg associated with a higher risk of death compared with the referent category. Patterns of age modification of the relationship between SBP and mortality were consistent in all sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of older adults, the relationship between SBP and mortality varied systematically with age. A relationship between higher SBP and mortality was present only for younger members of this cohort and not for those older than 70. These results raise the question of whether the relative benefits and harms of lowering BP to recommended targets for older adults with CKD may vary as a function of age.
Prevalence of Parkinson's disease in the elderly: a population study in Gironde, France

We investigated the prevalence of Parkinson's disease in a representative sample of the elderly population living in the Gironde département, France. Among 3149 people over age 65, the prevalence ratio for Parkinson's disease was 1.4%, without significant difference between men and women. We found that age‐specific prevalence ratios increased with age from 0.5% in the age group 65 to 69 to 6.1% in individuals over age 90. This age pattern is consistent with that found in other population‐based studies. Interestingly, the slope of age‐specific prevalence ratios for Parkinson's disease was similar to that previously reported for Lewy bodies. Our study showed that a high proportion (42%) of Parkinson's disease cases in elderly subjects living in institutions were undiagnosed.
Accumulation of allelic losses on chromosome 10 in human gliomas at recurrence

Aims—To elucidate the implications of allelic loss on chromosome 10 in the malignant progression of human gliomas. Methods—Eight microsatellite loci (D10S249, D10S191, D10S210, D10S219, D10S246, D10S222, D10S221, and D10S212) were analysed for chromosomal deletions in histologically benign and malignant, including recurrent, gliomas. Of the 16 original tumours studied (two astrocytomas, nine anaplastic astrocytomas and five glioblastomas), the histological diagnosis at recurrence was anaplastic astrocytoma in six cases and glioblastoma in 10. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded sections. Samples of original and recurrent tumours were paired and amplified using PCR. Samples of histologically normal brain served as controls. Results—Of the original tumours, all five glioblastomas, five (56%) of nine anaplastic astrocytomas and none of the astrocytomas demonstrated loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 10. Additional LOH was detected in the five cases of anaplastic astrocytoma that progressed to glioblastoma at recurrence. Additional LOH was not detected in the two cases of astrocytoma that progressed to anaplastic astrocytoma at recurrence. With the exception of one case, additional LOH was observed in the recurrent glioblastomas. Conclusion—LOH was observed at the loci of two adjacent microsatellite markers, D10S222 and D10S221 (10q23-q25), suggesting that this region on chromosome 10 is closely related to progression from anaplastic astrocytoma to glioblastoma.
Different Types of Potassium Outward Current in Relay Neurons Acutely Isolated from the Rat Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

Different classes of potassium (K+) outward current activated by depolarization were characterized in relay neurons acutely isolated from the rat lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), using the whole‐cell version of the patch‐clamp technique. A fast‐transient current (IA), activated at around –70 mV, declined rapidly with a voltage‐dependent time constant (τ= 6 ms at + 45 mV), was 50% steady‐state inactivated at –70 mV, and rapidly recovered from inactivation with a monoexponential time course (τ= 21 ms). IA was blocked by 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP, 2–8 mM) and was relatively insensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA, 2–10 mM). After elimination of IA by a conditioning prepulse (30 ms to –50 mV), a slow‐transient K+ current could be studied in isolation, and was separated into three components, IKm, IKs and a calcium (Ca2+)‐dependent current, IK[Ca]. The slow‐transient current was not consistently affected by 4‐AP (up to 8 mM), while TEA (2–10 mM) predominantly blocked IKs and IK[Ca]. The component IKm persisted in a solution containing TEA and 4‐AP, activated at around –55 mV, declined monoexponentially during maintained depolarization (τ= 98 ms at +45 mV), was 50% inactivated at –39 mV, and recovered with τ= 128 ms from inactivation. IKs activated at a similar threshold, but declined much slower with τ= 2662 ms at +45 mV. Steady‐state inactivation of IKs was half‐maximal at –49 mV, and recovery from inactivation occurred relatively fast with τ= 116 ms. From these data and additional current‐clamp recordings it is concluded that the K+ currents, due to their wide range of kinetics and dependence on membrane voltage or internal Ca2+ concentration, are capable of cooperatively controlling the firing threshold and of shaping the different states of electrophysiological behaviour in LGN relay cells.
The Effect of an Exercise-Based Balance Intervention on Physical and Cognitive Performance for Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Background:Several exercise-based falls prevention interventions produced significant long-term reductions in fall rate, but few demonstrate long-term improvements in falls risk factors. A strong body of evidence supports a protective effect of aerobic or strength-training exercise on cognition. Individuals participating in an exercise-based balance improvement program may also experience this protective effect. This may contribute to the decreased rate of falls reported in the literature. Purpose:To determine if individuals participating in an evidence-based exercise program to reduce falls would demonstrate improvements in both physical and cognitive performance. Methods:In this nonexperimental, pretest, posttest design study, 76 adults (65-93 years) participated in a scripted 12-week, 24 session exercise-based balance improvement program. Each 60 minute class incorporated balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises. Participants completed baseline assessments of physical and cognitive performance measures 1 week prior and 1 week following the intervention. Results:Fifty-two participants completed posttest measures. There were significant improvements in 3 physical performance measures (chair rise time, 360° turn, and 4 square step test). There also was similar improvement in the Symbol Digit Modality Test, a measure of processing speed and mental flexibility. When participants were dichotomized into 2 groups based on achieving/not achieving, a baseline walking speed of at least 1.0 meters/second, secondary analysis revealed greater improvements in cognitive performance measures of Trails A and Trails B tests by faster walkers compared to slower walkers. Conclusions:Participation in balance programs can have a positive impact on cognition and physical outcomes. This may provide insight about how exercise influences fall risk. Therapists can utilize this information clinically by educating patients about the potential positive effect of balance exercises on cognition.
Evolution of Klk4 and enamel maturation in eutherians

Abstract Kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) is a secreted serine protease that degrades residual enamel proteins to facilitate their removal by ameloblasts, which increases mineralization and hardens the enamel. Mutations in human KLK4 cause hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta. Enamel formed by Klk4 null mice is normal in thickness and prism structure, but the enamel layer retains proteins, is hypomineralized, and undergoes rapid attrition following tooth eruption. We searched multiple databases, retrieved Klk4 and Klk5 from various mammalian genomes, and identified Klk4 in 46 boreoeutherian genomes. In non-Boreoeutheria, Klk4 was detected in only one afrotherian genome (as a pseudogene), and not in the other six afrotherian, two xenarthran, or three marsupial genomes. In contrast, Klk5 was detected in both marsupial and eutherian mammals. Our phylogenetic and mutation rate analyses support the hypothesis that Klk4 arose from Klk5 by gene duplication near the divergence of Afrotheria, Xenarthra and Boreoeutheria, and that functionally-differentiated Klk4 survived only in Boreoeutheria. Afrotherian mammals share the feature of delayed dental eruption relative to boreoeutherian mammals. KLK4 shortens the time required for enamel maturation and could have alleviated negative selection following mutations that resulted in thicker enamel or earlier tooth eruption, without reducing enamel hardness or causing dental attrition.
Cell Synchrony Techniques. I. A Comparison of Methods

Abstract Selected cell synchrony techniques, as applied to asynchronous populations of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, have been compared. Aliquots from the same culture of exponentially growing cells were synchronized using mitotic selection, mitotic selection and hydroxyurea block, centrifugal elutriation, or an EPICS V cell sorter. Sorting of cells was achieved after staining cells with Hoechst 33258. After synchronization by the various methods the relative distribution of cells in G1 S, or G2+ M phases of the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. Fractions of synchronized cells obtained from each method were replated and allowed to progress through a second cell cycle. Mitotic selection gave rise to relatively pure and unperturbed early G1 phase cells. While cell synchrony rapidly dispersed with time, cells progressed through the cell cycle in 12 hr. Sorting with the EPICS V on the modal G1 peak yielded a relatively pure but heterogeneous G1 population (i.e. early to late G1). Again, synchrony dispersed with time, but cell‐cycle progression required 14 hr. With centrifugal elutriation, several different cell populations synchronized throughout the cell cycle could be rapidly obtained with a purity comparable to mitotic selection and cell sorting. It was concluded that, either alone or in combination with blocking agents such as hydroxyurea, elutriation and mitotic selection were both excellent methods for synchronizing CHO cells. Cell sorting exhibited limitations in sample size and time required for synchronizing CHO cells. Its major advantage would be its ability to isolate cell populations unique with respect to selected cellular parameters.
Epidemiology of primary Sjögren's syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective Epidemiological studies of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) are crucial for describing the burden to society and the public medical system and for shedding light on aetiology. Previous reports of the epidemiology of pSS show variable outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the epidemiology of pSS to assess the prevalence rates (PRs) and incidence rates (IRs), and to investigate possible geographic variations in pSS. Methods A systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase (updated to 22 October 2013) was performed to identify all published reports on the epidemiology of pSS. The incidence and prevalence rates of pSS were summarised with IRs or PRs and 95% CIs. Results The literature search yielded 1880 related citations. Only 21 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. According to a random-effects model, the pooled IR for pSS was 6.92 (95% CI 4.98 to 8.86) per 100 000 person-years. The overall PR was 60.82 (95% CI 43.69 to 77.94) cases per 100 000 inhabitants with a slightly lower estimate of Baodong Qin is BDQ, Jiaqi Wang is JQW, Zaixing Yang is ZXY, Renqian Zhong is RQZ. 43.03 (25.74 to 60.31) cases per 100 000 inhabitants when only considering population-based studies. The female/male ratio in incidence data was 9.15 (95% CI 3.35 to 13.18). The female/male ratio in prevalence data was 10.72 (95% CI 7.35 to 15.62). The overall age of pSS patients was 56.16 years (95% CI 52.54 to 59.78). Conclusions Incidence and prevalence rates of pSS vary widely around the world. The results help us better understand the global epidemiology of pSS. Large population-based studies combining meticulous case-finding and case-ascertainment strategies are needed.
Static Noise Margin Evaluation Method Based on Direct Polynomial-Curve-Fitting with Universal SRAM Cell Inverter TEG Measurement

A new method to evaluate the Static Noise Margin (SNM) for leading-edge CMOS SRAM development is proposed. This method includes: (1) direct measurement of the inverter DC transfer curves using a "Universal SRAM Cell Inverter TEG (USCIT)" with arbitrary transistor ratios, (2) curve-fitting of the measured data to polynomial functions in a 45-degree rotated space, and (3) a database of the polynomial coefficients to evaluate and optimize the SNM by a simple algebraic operation. The SNM values obtained using this method are in good agreement with the measured SRAM operations.
Civamide Cream 0.075% in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with a Longterm Extension

Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of civamide cream 0.075% for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods. We conducted a 12-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study with a 52-week open-label extension. Patients with OA of the knee received either civamide cream 0.075% or a lower dose of civamide cream, 0.01%, as the control. The 3 co-primary endpoints in the double-blind study were the time-weighted average (TWA) of change from baseline to Day 84 in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale, the WOMAC physical function subscale, and the Subject Global Evaluation (SGE). In the 52-week open-label extension study, the Osteoarthritis Pain Score and SGE were assessed. Results. A total of 695 patients were randomized to receive civamide cream 0.075% (n = 351) or civamide cream 0.01% (control; n = 344) in the double-blind study. Significance in favor of civamide cream 0.075% was achieved for the TWA for all 3 co-primary efficacy variables: WOMAC pain (p = 0.009), WOMAC physical function (p < 0.001), and SGE (p = 0.008); and at Day 84 for these 3 variables (p = 0.013, p < 0.001, and p = 0.049, respectively). These analyses accounted for significant baseline-by-treatment interactions. In the 52-week open-label extension, efficacy was maintained. Civamide cream 0.075% was well tolerated throughout the studies. Conclusion. These studies demonstrate the efficacy of civamide cream for up to 1 year of continuous use. Civamide cream, with its lack of systemic absorption, does not have the potential for serious systemic toxicity, in contrast to several other OA treatments.
PPX, a novel protein serine/threonine phosphatase localized to centrosomes.

The amino acid sequence of a novel mammalian protein phosphatase, termed PPX (and designated PPP4 in the human genome nomenclature), has been deduced from the cDNA and shown to be 65% identical to PP2A alpha and PP2A beta and 45% identical to PPI isoforms, the predicted molecular mass being 35 kDa. PPX was expressed in the baculovirus system. Its substrate specificity and sensitivity to the inhibitors, okadaic acid and microcystin, were similar (but not identical) to the catalytic subunit of PP2A. However, PPX did not bind the 65 kDa regulatory subunit of PP2A. The intracellular localization of PPX was investigated by immunofluorescence using two different antibodies raised against bacterially expressed PPX and a PPX‐specific peptide. These showed that although PPX was distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the nucleus, intense staining occurred at centrosomes. The centrosomal staining was apparent in interphase and at all stages of mitosis, except telophase. In contrast, antibodies directed against bacterially expressed PP2A were not specifically localized to centrosomes. The human autoantibody #5051, which stains the pericentriolar material, colocalizes with PPX antibodies, suggesting that PPX may play a role in microtubule nucleation.
Infections Caused by Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative Pathogens in Hospitalized Children

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens (CRPs) are emerging as major causes of nosocomial infections that increase morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Little is known about CRP infections in children. Methods: All newly detected infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp or Acinetabocater spp in hospitalized patients are prospectively reported to the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention. All children <15 years old with a CRP infection reported from November 1, 2010, through March 30, 2012, were included in this study. Results: Between November 2010 and March 2012, 71 CRP infections in 65 children (median age: 1 year) were reported. Underlying conditions existed in 50 (76.9%) children. Cases included pneumonia (25 [35.2%], including 20 ventilator-associated pneumonias), bacteremia (32.4%), urinary tract infection (19.7%) and surgical site infection (12.7%). Isolates were Pseudomonas spp (41.1%), Acinetobacter spp (39.7%) and Klebsiella spp (19.2%). The first positive culture occurred a median of 20 days (range: 0–313 days) after admission. Twenty-four (33.8%) infections occurred in patients with a history of hospitalization the previous 6 months; 42 (59.2%) and 36 (50.7%) infections occurred among patients who had received broad-spectrum antibiotics including carbapenems the previous 6 months, respectively. The crude mortality at 28 days after the first positive CRP culture was 21.1%. Conclusions: Infections caused by CRPs among children are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Proliferation-Promoting Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Human Adipose–Derived Stem Cells and Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Background: This study evaluated changes in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB and transforming growth factor (TGF)-&bgr;1 release from platelets by platelet-rich plasma activation, and the proliferation potential of activated platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma on human adipose–derived stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts. Methods: Platelet-rich plasma was prepared using a double-spin method, with the number of platelets counted in each preparation stage. Platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma were activated with autologous thrombin and calcium chloride, and levels of platelet-released PDGF-AB and TGF-&bgr;1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cells were cultured for 1, 4, or 7 days in serum-free Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 5% whole blood plasma, nonactivated platelet-rich plasma, nonactivated platelet-poor plasma, activated platelet-rich plasma, or activated platelet-poor plasma. In parallel, these cells were cultured for 1, 4, or 7 days in serum-free Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 1%, 5%, 10%, or 20% activated platelet-rich plasma. The cultured human adipose–derived stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts were assayed for proliferation. Results: Platelet-rich plasma contained approximately 7.9 times as many platelets as whole blood, and its activation was associated with the release of large amounts of PDGF-AB and TGF-&bgr;1. Adding activated platelet-rich or platelet-poor plasma significantly promoted the proliferation of human adipose–derived stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts. Adding 5% activated platelet-rich plasma to the medium maximally promoted cell proliferation, but activated platelet-rich plasma at 20% did not promote it. Conclusions: Platelet-rich plasma can enhance the proliferation of human adipose–derived stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts. These results support clinical platelet-rich plasma application for cell-based, soft-tissue engineering and wound healing.
EFFECT OF GENERAL UNCERTAINTY ON "EARLY" AND "LATE" VENTURE- CAPITAL INVESTMENTS: A CROSS-COUNTRY STUDY

We use a simple linear model to study the effect of general economic uncertainty on venturecapital investments in 19 OECD countries over the period 1986-1995. The estimates indicate that venture-capital investment, like other investments, is adversely affected by such uncertainty. Following the Dixit-Pindyck (1994) argument, we also estimate the effect of general uncertainty on venture-capital investments at “early” and “late” stages, since the former appears less “irreversible” than the latter. The estimates do suggest the predicted pattern, and late venturecapital investments are apparently more adversely affected by such uncertainty than early-stage venture investments. The pattern is broadly similar for the subsample of European countries.
6-Axis force/torque sensor for spike pins of sports shoes

This paper reports on a method to measure forces and torques acting on spike pins of sports shoes. We fabricated a 2 mm × 2 mm × 0.3 mm 6-axis force/torque sensor chip, which consists of 6 piezoresistive beams. From the resistance changes of the 6 beams, 6 components of forces and torques can be detected. The sensor chip was connected to a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) and covered with thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Then, the sensor chip and flexible PCB were embedded in spike-pin-shaped epoxy resin. We calibrated the spike-pin-shaped sensor, and confirmed that 6-axis forces and torques were able to be detected by the proposed sensor.
Cold temperature impairs maximal exercise performance in patients with heart failure: attenuation by acute ACE inhibitor therapy.

BACKGROUND Cold exposure decreases ischemic threshold in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricle (LV) function. The impact of cold exposure and the effect of acute angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy on maximal exercise capacity have not been studied in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS Eleven patients with New York Heart Association class II and III congestive heart failure, aged 61 6 years (mean SD), with LV ejection fraction 25 6%, completed four symptoms-limited maximal exercise tests at 20 C and -8 C in a cold chamber. The exercise tests were performed while the patients were treated with lisinopril for three days, or a placebo. Cold exposure significantly decreased exercise duration in patients treated with a placebo (506 156 s [20 C] versus 419 182 s [-8 C], P<0.01). Rate-pressure products measured at 4 min during the test and at peak performance were significantly increased at -8 C. Patients treated with lisinopril exhibited a significant attenuation of the decrease in exercise time in the cold (-17% for placebo versus -6.6% for lisinopril, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cold temperature increases cardiac demand in response to exercise and significantly reduces maximal exercise capacity in patients with symptomatic heart failure. Acute treatment with lisinopril attenuates the impact of cold on exercise capacity.