The GGUM2004 computer program estimates parameters for a family of unidimensional unfolding item response theory (IRT) models. These unfolding IRT models predict higher item scores to the extent that a respondent is located close to an item on an underlying latent continuum. This prediction is often consistent with responses to traditional Thurstone or Likert attitude questionnaires. Unfolding IRT models can also be used to measure individual differences in preference and certain developmental processes in which behaviors/cognitions occur in unique stages.The GGUM2004 software estimates parameters of the generalized graded unfolding model (GGUM), developed by Roberts, Donoghue, and Laughlin (2000). In addition, the program can estimate parameters in seven other models that are derived by constraining GGUM item parameters in various ways. GGUM2004 estimates item parameters using a marginal maximum likelihood technique, and person parameters are estimated using an expected a posteriori method. The software can analyze responses to a maximum of 100 items, in which each item has up to 10 graded response categories. The program will allow for a maximum of 2,000 respondents. The GGUM2004 program extends the capabilities of its predecessor (GGUM2000; Roberts, 2001) in many useful ways:• It incorporates a graphical user interface that runs in a Windows environment.• It allows the number of response categories to vary across items. This increases the variety of questionnaires that can be studied and enables users to collapse item categories with sparse response frequencies on an item-by-item basis. • It allows for missing item responses under the assumption that those responses are missing at random. • It calculates new item fit statistics with more desirable statistical properties. It also calculates information criteria relating to model fit. • It provides a wide variety of real-time graphics that describe the performance of the selected model. • It provides faster calculation of model parameter estimates.The GGUM2004 software consists of a core FORTRAN parameter estimation program along with a Visual Basic interface that allows users to execute the core program and view the resulting text and graphics output files. The program has been successfully tested under the Windows 98 SE, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP Professional operating systems using the latest

The boronic acid group is widely used in chemosensor design due to its ability to reversibly bind diol-containing compounds. The thermodynamic properties of the boronic acid-diol binding process have been investigated extensively. However, there are few studies of the kinetic properties of such binding processes. In this report, stopped-flow method was used for the first time to study the kinetic properties of the binding between three model arylboronic acids, 4-, 5-, and 8-isoquinolinylboronic acids, and various sugars. With all the boronic acid-diol pair sexamined, reactions were complete within seconds. The kon values with various sugars follow the order of D-fructose >D-tagatose>D-mannose >D-glucose. This trend tracks the thermodynamic binding affinities for these sugars and demonstrates that the “on” rate is the key factor determining the binding constant.

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a significant health issue for the elderly, and there are at present no clinically effective anti-AD agents. Prevention of Ab-induced neurotoxicity is proposed as a possible modality for treatment of AD. miR-33 has been proven to promote Ab secretion and impair Ab clearance in neural cells. The present study assessed whether miR-33 is involved in AD pathology. Material/Methods: miR-33 level was detected by qRT-PCR. The Akt/mTOR pathway was analyzed by Western blot analysis. Neuron inflammation and oxidative stress were measured using commercial detection kits. Flow cytometry and Western blot assay were conducted to assess cell apoptosis, and Western blot assay was used to assess synaptic protein levels. Results: miR-33 expression level was markedly upregulated in SH-SY5Y cells treated with Ab 25-35. miR-33 knockdown suppressed inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-33 knockdown improved synaptic plasticity, and the protective effect of miR-33 knockdown was discovered through suppressing activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-33 knockdown protects against Ab 25-35-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and synaptic damage by suppressing activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway.

Background. Exercise is one of the recommended interventions for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and current evidence has shown that Tai chi may have favorable effects. The objective of this randomized controlled pilot trial was to study the feasibility and potential effects of Tai chi for overweight/obese adolescents and young women with PCOS, so a future definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT) can be well designed and implemented. Materials and Methods. This study recruited 50 patients who were randomly assigned to two groups (Tai chi and self-monitored exercise) at a ratio of 3 : 2. The intervention lasted for 3 months, and the feasibility and effectiveness outcomes were measured. Results. A total of 42 patients completed the study, including 24 in the Tai chi group and 18 in the control group. Compared with the self-monitored exercise group, there was a significantly decreased body mass index (BMI) in the Tai chi group adjusted for baseline BMI. The testosterone level and lipid profile were also decreased compared to controls; the same tendency was also observed for the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but the difference did not achieve statistical significance. Twenty-four (out of 30, 80%) patients in the Tai chi group and 18 (out of 20, 90%) patients in the self-monitored exercise group completed the data collection. A total of 36 exercise sessions were held in both groups. Patients in the Tai chi group took a mean of 34.0 ± 2.21 classes (93.06%), and those in the self-monitored exercise group engaged in 32 ± 3.06 exercise sessions (88.27%) out of the 36 required exercise sessions. Conclusions. The present pilot study was feasible to deliver; there was a decrease in BMI, testosterone level, and lipid profile for PCOS patients in the Tai chi group at 3 months. In a future definitive trial, lower recruitment rate and outcome measurements lead to poor patient acceptance such as the 5-time point oral glucose tolerance test need to be considered and one fixed type of aerobic exercise and supervision from the investigator for the control group are also needed. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02608554.

IntroductionApproximately 5%–20% of reproductive women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Auricular points acupressure (AA) may serve as alternative management for PCOS for its benefits in both physical and psychological well-being. However, the effects of AA for insulin resistance (IR) in overweight/obese PCOS women have not been confirmed.Methods and analysisThe present study is designed as a randomised, placebo-controlled pilot trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AA in treating IR in women with PCOS. A total of 60 eligible PCOS subjects will be randomised into an intervention group (AA group) and a control group (sham AA group) in a ratio of 1:1. Magnetic beads will be taped to the auricular points by the same senior acupuncture specialist from the First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. The treatment will last for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measure will be changes in homeostasis model assessment of IR between baseline and after 3 months of AA/sham AA treatment. Secondary outcomes include hormonal profile, weight, waist/hip circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, Ferriman-Gallwey score, acne and the assessment of health-related quality of life. Outcome measures are collected at baseline and the end of treatment visit.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine (HZYLLKY201800301). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals for publications.Trial registration numberNCT03546595; Pre-results.