Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and accession to the pharmacological treatment among elderly hypertensive.

OBJECTIVE to compare variables obtained in adherence and non-adherence to drug treatment for hypertension, according to socioeconomic situation, time of diagnosis, self-reported morbidities, indicative of depression and quality of life. METHOD cross-sectional analytical study of 524 elderly with adherence and 505 non-adherence to the treatment. A descriptive analysis, Chi-square test and Student t test (p < 0.05) were held. RESULTS there was higher proportion of older subjects, indicative of morbidity and depression among those with adherence. Non-adherence subjects had lower scores in all domains and quality of life facets. CONCLUSION actions favoring the adherence to pharmacological treatment should be recommended, to minimize the impact of comorbidities and improve quality of life.
Transcriptome-wide investigation of circular RNAs in rice

Various stable circular RNAs (circRNAs) are newly identified to be the abundance of noncoding RNAs in Archaea, Caenorhabditis elegans, mice, and humans through high-throughput deep sequencing coupled with analysis of massive transcriptional data. CircRNAs play important roles in miRNA function and transcriptional controlling by acting as competing endogenous RNAs or positive regulators on their parent coding genes. However, little is known regarding circRNAs in plants. Here, we report 2354 rice circRNAs that were identified through deep sequencing and computational analysis of ssRNA-seq data. Among them, 1356 are exonic circRNAs. Some circRNAs exhibit tissue-specific expression. Rice circRNAs have a considerable number of isoforms, including alternative backsplicing and alternative splicing circularization patterns. Parental genes with multiple exons are preferentially circularized. Only 484 circRNAs have backsplices derived from known splice sites. In addition, only 92 circRNAs were found to be enriched for miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) in flanking sequences or to be complementary to at least 18-bp flanking intronic sequences, indicating that there are some other production mechanisms in addition to direct backsplicing in rice. Rice circRNAs have no significant enrichment for miRNA target sites. A transgenic study showed that overexpression of a circRNA construct could reduce the expression level of its parental gene in transgenic plants compared with empty-vector control plants. This suggested that circRNA and its linear form might act as a negative regulator of its parental gene. Overall, these analyses reveal the prevalence of circRNAs in rice and provide new biological insights into rice circRNAs.
A novel triple-band cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna using varying permittivity in ϕ-direction

A novel triple-band cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna using varying permittivity in φ-direction fed by coaxial probe is proposed in this paper. The proposed structure is constructed using three different materials having different permittivites. In order to determine the performance of various design parameters on resonance frequency and bandwidth, parametric studies have been performed. It is observed that the proposed structure resonate at three different frequencies of 4.93 GHz, 6.46 GHz and 7.41 GHz respectively.
Lysis protein S of phage lambda functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The lambda S lysis gene was cloned into a Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression vector under GAL1 control. Induction with galactose in S. cerevisiae terminated cell growth and prevented colony formation. Several membrane proteins immunoreactive with anti-S antibody accumulated in the membranes, indicating that sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant oligomers of S are formed, similar to those observed in the membranes of Escherichia coli cells killed by expression of the S gene. These observations suggest that the S gene product functions as a cytotoxic protein in the yeast cytoplasmic membrane as it does in the bacterial membrane.
Evidence-based rehabilitation medicine and physiotherapy: a critical appraisal Rehabilitacja medyczna i fizjoterapia oparte na wiarygodnych i aktualnych publikacjach - ocena krytyczna

Evidence-based medicine is the current undisputed predominant paradigm within medicine and allied health care. Guidelines for standardized reporting of research findings have facilitated critical evaluation of the relevant research literature. In addition, systematic reviews of the literature made available through computerized databases allow even busy clinicians and researchers rapid access to current best evidence. Despite the potential benefits of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) to clinical practice, over the years various points of criticism with respect to EBM have been formulated. This article provides a critical appraisal of the EBM paradigm discussing perceptions of EBM as cookbook medicine, inconsistency and contradiction in research findings, a proposed research pyramid not necessarily emphasizing the randomized controlled trial, a conceptual framework more relevant to the clinical and research needs of rehabilitation medicine and physiotherapy, the role of and impact on patients within the EBM paradigm, implementation of EBM, but also the current lack of evidence for increased efficacy of patient management based on EBM. The research base used in the EBM paradigm to support clinical decision-making is still far from complete. Demonstrating scientific evidence for EBM is a difficult task. Yet the EBM movement is of great importance for rehabilitation and physiotherapy to allow for increased transparency of care. The purpose of promoting this paradigm is optimum quality of care with conservation of professional autonomy.
Medial prefrontal cortex N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway modulates both tachycardic and bradycardic baroreflex responses

Neural reflex mechanisms, such as the baroreflex, are involved in regulating cardiovascular system activity. Previous results showed that the ventral portion of the medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) is involved in modulation only of the cardiac baroreflex bradycardic component. Moreover, vMPFC N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors modulate the bradycardia baroreflex, but the baroreflex tachycardic component has not been investigated. Furthermore, glutamatergic neurotransmission into the vMPFC is involved in activation of the cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Finally, it has been demonstrated that glutamatergic neurotransmission into the vMPFC can be modulated by the endocannabinoid system and that activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor by anandamide, an endocannabinoid, can decrease both cardiac baroreflex bradycardic and tachycardic responses. Thus, there is the possibility that glutamatergic neurotransmission into the vMPFC does not modulate only the cardiac bradycardic component of the baroreflex. Therefore, the present study investigated whether glutamatergic neurotransmission into the vMPFC modulates both cardiac baroreflex bradycardic and tachycardic responses. We found that vMPFC bilateral microinjection of the NMDA receptor antagonist AP7 (4 nmol/200 nl), of a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase N‐propyl (0.08 nmol/200 nl), of the NO scavenger carboxy‐PTIO (2 nmol/200 nl), or of the NO‐sensitive guanylate cyclase ODQ (2 nmol/200 nl) decreased the baroreflex activity in unanesthetized rats. Therefore, our results demonstrate the participation of NMDA receptors, production of NO, and activation of guanylate cyclase in the vMPFC in the modulation of both cardiac baroreflex bradycardic and tachycardic responses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anterior cruciate ligament changes in the human knee joint in aging and osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE The development and patterns of spontaneous age-related changes in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and their relationship to articular cartilage degeneration are not well characterized. This study was undertaken to investigate the types and temporal sequence of age-related ACL changes and to determine their correlation with cartilage lesion patterns at all stages of osteoarthritis (OA) development in human knee joints without prior joint trauma. METHODS Human knee joints (n = 120 from 65 donors ages 23-92) were obtained at autopsy, and ACLs and cartilage were graded macroscopically and histologically. Inflammation surrounding the ACL was assessed separately. RESULTS Histologic ACL substance scores and ligament sheath inflammation scores increased with age. Collagen fiber disorganization was the earliest and most prevalent change. The severity of mucoid degeneration and chondroid metaplasia in the ACL increased with the development of cartilage lesions. A correlation between ACL degeneration and cartilage degeneration was observed, especially in the medial compartment of the knee joint. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that ACL degeneration is highly prevalent in knees with cartilage defects and may even precede cartilage changes. Hence, ACL deficiencies may not only be important in posttraumatic OA, but may also be a feature associated with knee OA pathogenesis in general.
High-efficient CMOS-compatible grating couplers with backside metal mirror

We present a grating coupler for efficient coupling between standard fibers and photonic integrated circuits realized in a CMOS fabrication process. The method introduces a backside metal mirror to the grating coupler without need of extensive wafer bonding. The structure exhibits high coupling efficiency of -1.6 dB near the wavelength 1550 nm.
3D Ferroelectric-like NVM/CMOS hybrid chip by sub-400 °C sequential layered integration

For the first time, a sequentially processed 3D hybrid chip is demonstrated by stacking low-temperature (LT) Ferroelectric-like (FE-like) metal-oxide nonvolatile memory (NVM) and CMOS. The high-mobility (333 and 113 cm2/V-s) and low-subthreshold swing (97 and 112 mV/decade) N/P-type thin film transistors (TFTs) construct stacked inverters showing sharp transfer characteristic as the fundamental element of CMOS array and stacked 3D NVMs. The sequential layered integration is enabled by cutting-edge low thermal-budget plasma/laser processes and self-assembled FE-like metal-oxide materials. The implementation of sub-400°C new-type metal-ion (Eu+3)-mediated atomic-polar-structured (Eu+3-APS) dielectric realizes stackable FE-like NVMs with program speed of 100 nanosecond, toward future 3D layered CMOS with giant high-speed data-storage application era.
SUR2A C‐terminal fragments reduce KATP currents and ischaemic tolerance of rat cardiac myocytes

C‐terminal fragments of the sulphonylurea receptor SUR2A can alter the functional expression of cloned ATP‐sensitive K+ channels (KATP). To investigate the protective role of KATP channels during metabolic stress we transfected SUR2A fragments into adult rat cardiac myocytes. A fragment comprising residues 1294–1358, the A‐fragment, reduced sarcolemmal KATP currents by over 85% after 2 days (pinacidil‐activated current densities were: vector alone 7.04 ± 1.22; and A‐fragment 0.94 ± 0.07 pA pF−1, n= 6,6, P < 0.001). An inactive fragment (1358–1545, current density 6.30 ± 0.85 pA pF−1, n= 6) was used as a control. During metabolic inhibition (CN and iodoacetate) of isolated myocytes stimulated at 1 Hz, the A‐fragment delayed action potential shortening and contractile failure, but accelerated rigor contraction and increased Ca2+ loading. On reperfusion, A‐fragment‐transfected cells also showed increased intracellular Ca2+ and the proportion of cells recovering contractile function was reduced from 40.0 to 9.5% (P < 0.01). The protective effect of pretreatment with 2,4‐dinitrophenol, measured from increased functional recovery and reduced Ca2+ loading, was abolished by the A‐fragment. Our data are consistent with a role for KATP channels in causing action potential failure and reduced Ca2+ loading during metabolic stress, and with a major role in protection by preconditioning. The effects of the A‐fragment may arise entirely from reduced expression of the sarcolemmal KATP channel, but we also discuss the possibility of mitochondrial effects.
Hämatologische Verlaufsuntersuchungen bei Rindern mit chirurgisch beendeter Torsio uteri intra partum

Zusammenfassung: Gegenstand und Ziel: Es sollte Überprüft werden, inwieweit durch Torsio uteri intra partum und notwendiger operativer Behandlung das Blutbild während der ersten 10 Tage post operationem im Vergleich zu Normalgeburten beeinflusst wird. Material und Methoden: In die Untersuchung gingen 49 Rinder mit operativ beendeter Torsio uteri intra partum ein. Die Patienten wurden entsprechend derSchwere der Erkrankung in drei Stadien eingeteilt. Im Abstand von 24 Stunden, beginnend unmittelbar präoperativ bis 10 Tage post operationem,wurden Blutproben aus derV. jugularis externa entnommen und Hämatokritwert(Hk), Hämoglobinkonzentration (Hb), mittlere Hämoglobinkonzentration der Erythrozyten (MCHC) sowie die Zahl an Gesamtleukozyten, Granulozyten, Lymphozyten/Monozyten und Thrombozyten bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Postoperativ kam es über den Beobachtungszeitraum zu einem signifikanten Abfall von Hk und Hb. Einem dreitägigen postoperativen Absinken der Thrombozytenzahlfolgte ein kontinuierlicher Anstieg. Das weiße Blutbild war durch einen biphasischen Verlauf charakterisiert: Nach einem Leukozytenabfallfand sich ein leichter Anstieg als Ausdruck einer Entzündungsreaktion. Statistisch nachweisbare Unterschiede zwischen den drei Torsionsstadien bestanden praktisch nur bei Hk und Hb. Tiere mit besserer Fertilitätspro- gnose (Torsionsstadium 1) zeigten geringere Blutwertveränderungen als Rinder mit schlechterer bzw. schlechter Fertilitätsprognose (Stadium 2und 3). Schlussfolgerung: Durch eine Torsio uteri intra partum mit operativer Behandlung werden primärder Hk und das Hb beeinflusst. Klinische Relevanz: Wegen niedriger Wertevon Hkund Hb müssen Patienten des Torsionsstadiums 3 postoperativständig Überwacht und eine Bluttransfusion in Betracht gezogen werden.
Immune response to xenobiotics in the skin: from contact sensitivity to drug allergy

Skin is the most frequent target of adverse drug reactions. These cutaneous drug reactions (CDRs) show varied clinical manifestations ranging from mildly discomforting rashes to life-threatening StevensJohnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Most CDRs appear to be immune mediated, although the mechanism by which they are initiated remains unclear. In this review, current knowledge of the mechanisms by which xenobiotics provoke immune responses in the skin after epicutaneous administration and how similar reactions may occur after systemic routes are summarised. This review also discusses a variety of genetic or environmental factors that may determine the susceptibility of individuals towards immune responses in skin following drug exposure.
Attenuation Correction for SPECT: An Evaluation of Hybrid Approaches

Most methods that have been proposed for attenuation compensation in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) either rely on simplifying assumptions, or use slow iteration to achieve accuracy. Recently, hybrid methods which combine iteration with simple multiplicative correction have been proposed by Chang and by Moore et al. In this study we evaluated these methods using both simulated and real phantom data from a rotating gamma camera. Of special concern were the effects of assuming constant attenuation distributions for correction and of using only 180° of projection data in the reconstructions. Results were compared by means of image contrast, %RMS error, and a ¿2 error statistic. Simulations showed the hybrid methods to converge after 1-2 iterations when 360° data were used, less rapidly for 180° data. The Moore method was more accurate than our modified Chang method for 180° data. Phantom data indicated the importance of using an accurate attenuation map for both methods. The speed of convergence of the hybrid algorithms compared to traditional iterative techniques, and their accuracy in reconstructing photon activity, even with 180° data, makes them attractive for use in quantitative analysis of SPECT reconstructions.
Maternal filicide theoretical framework

The maternal filicide theoretical framework (MFTF) was developed to enrich the understanding of how traumatic experiences during formative years can affect a woman's relationship with her own child. Exposure to a known set of vulnerabilities can foster triggers that predispose a woman to respond impulsively and violently toward her child. Comprehensive assessment of vulnerable families is essential for the prevention of fatal and nonfatal abuse. The MFTF may be applied to both crimes.
Effect of tibolone and its principal metabolites (3α- and 3β-hydroxy, 3α-sulfate, and 4-ene derivatives) on estrone sulfatase activity in normal and cancerous human breast tissue

Abstract Background: Tibolone (Org-OD14) is the active substance of Livial®, a synthetic steroid with the structure 7α,17α-17-hydroxy-7-methyl-19-norpregn-5(10)-en-20-yn-3-one, possessing weak tissue-specific estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic properties, used to treat menopausal complaints. After oral administration, tibolone is extensively metabolized into the 3α-(Org-4904) and 3β-(Org-30126) hydroxy derivatives with estrogenic properties, its 4-ene (Org-OM38) isomer with progestogenic/androgenic activities, and the 3α-sulfate (Org-34322) derivative, a major biologically inactive circulating form. We compared the dose response of tibolone and its metabolites on estrone sulfatase activity [conversion of estrone sulfate (E1S) to estrone (E1)] in normal and cancerous human breast tissues. Materials and methods: Tissue minces were incubated with physiological concentrations of [3H]-E1S (5×10–9M) alone or in the presence of tibolone and its metabolites (concentration range: 5×10–7to 5×10–5M) for 4 h. Tritiated E1, estradiol (E2), and E1S were separated and evaluated quantitatively by thin-layer chromatography. Results: The sulfatase activity was significantly higher in cancerous breast but strongly inhibited by tibolone and the different metabolites, whereas 3α- and 3β-hydroxy derivatives were the most potent inhibitors. Conclusion: This very significant inhibitory effect of tibolone and its principal metabolites on the enzyme involved in E2biosynthesis in the human breast provides interesting perspectives to study the biological responses of these compounds in trials with breast cancer patients.
Power Control of V-BLAST System with Per-Antenna Power Constraints

This letter considers power control for the V- BLAST system with successive interference cancellation (SIC) receiver. In addition to a conventional sum-power constraint across the transmit antennas, this letter adopts a per-antenna power constraint, which is more realistic in practice. Average uncoded BER of all detection stages is minimized under the given constraints. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the effect of the additional per-antenna power constraint.
Prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in cats used as blood donors in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To identify the prevalence of DNA of Mycoplasma haemofelis; 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and species of Bartonella, Neorickettsia, and Ehrlichia in blood of cats used as blood donors in the United States. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 146 cats that were active blood donors. PROCEDURES Environmental history was requested for each blood-donor cat from which a blood sample (mixed with EDTA) was available. Polymerase chain reaction assays capable of amplifying the DNA of the microorganisms of interest following DNA extraction from blood were performed. RESULTS Overall, DNA of one or more of the infectious agents was detected in blood samples from 16 of 146 (11%) feline blood donors. Twenty-eight laboratory-reared cats housed in a teaching hospital had negative results for DNA of all organisms investigated. The DNA of at least 1 infectious agent was amplified from blood samples collected from 16 of 118 (13.6%) community-source cats; assay results were positive for 'Candidatus M haemominutum,' M haemofelis, or Bartonella henselae alone or in various combinations. Of the community-source cats allowed outdoors (n = 61) or with known flea exposure (44), DNA for a hemoplasma or B henselae was detected in 21.3% and 22.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE When community-source cats, cats allowed outdoors, or cats exposed to fleas are to be used as blood donors, they should be regularly assessed for infection with M haemofelis, 'Candidatus M haemominutum,' and Bartonella spp, and flea-control treatment should be regularly provided.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: five years later

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the past five years, there have been 1,936 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 27 countries, with a mortality rate of 35.6%. Most cases have arisen in the Middle East, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, however there was a large hospital-associated outbreak in the Republic of Korea in 2015. Exposure to dromedary camels has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a risk factor in primary cases, but the exact mechanisms of transmission are not clear. Rigorous application of nationally defined infection prevention and control measures has reduced the levels of healthcare facility-associated outbreaks. There is currently no approved specific therapy or vaccine available. Areas covered: This review presents an overview of MERS-CoV within the last five years, with a particular emphasis on the key areas of transmission, infection control and prevention, and therapies and vaccines. Expert commentary: MERS-CoV remains a significant threat to public health as transmission mechanisms are still not completely understood. There is the potential for mutations that could increase viral transmission and/or virulence, and zoonotic host range. The high mortality rate highlights the need to expedite well-designed randomized clinical trials for direct, effective therapies and vaccines.
FK506 inhibits human lymphocyte migration and the production of lymphocyte chemotactic factors in liver allograft recipients

The macroglide immunosuppressant FK506 is effective at preventing and reversing hepatic allograft rejection. The establishment of graft rejection is dependent upon an influx of lymphocytes from the circulation into the graft in response to locally secreted chemotactic factors. Thus, inhibition of lymphocyte migration might be an additional mode of action of FK506 that could block lymphocyte recruitment to rejecting liver allografts. In the present study, we provide evidence to support this hypothesis because we have demonstrated, using in vitro migration assays, that FK506 can inhibit the migration of lymphocytes, including CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells, to structurally diverse chemotactic factors that are present during human liver allograft rejection. In addition, FK506 acts on lymphocytes in patients with graft rejection to inhibit migration and to block the secretion of chemotactic factors in vitro. Thus, FK506 might reverse established graft rejection by inhibiting lymphocyte recruitment to the graft in vivo.