Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum sialic acid in a random sample of the general population.

BACKGROUND The serum sialic acid (SA) concentration has been reported to be a potentially useful but nonspecific disease marker. We wanted to study which factors influence SA concentration in a well-characterized healthy population. METHODS SA was determined in 97 women and 96 men with a colorimetric Warren method. RESULTS The mean +/- SD concentrations of SA were 634 +/- 109 (95% confidence interval, 612-656) and 630 +/- 106 (95% confidence interval, 608-651) mg/L for women and men, respectively. The serum SA showed a significant positive association with body mass index and with systolic and diastolic blood pressure among both women and men. SA also correlated significantly with the use of contraceptive pills and age among women and with smoking among men. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that SA does not increase with age in men but appears to increase with female menopause. The strong positive association with blood pressure may explain why SA predicts cardiovascular mortality.
An assessment of the impact of behavioural cognitions on function in patients partaking in a trial of early home-based progressive resistance training after total hip replacement surgery

Abstract Background: Control cognitions have been directly related to positive engagement with rehabilitation regimes. The impact of such cognitions on recovery following surgery is not well understood. Purpose: To assess whether perceived control cognitions predict function 9–12 months following total hip replacement (THR). Methods: Prospective cohort study performed as part of a randomised controlled trial. Behavioural cognitions (BC) (recovery locus of control (RLOC); perceived external behavioural control (PEBC))) and subjective functional outcome measures (Oxford hip score (OHS) and a reduced version of the Western Ontario and McMasters University Osteoarthritis Function scale (rWOMAC PF)) were administered pre-operatively and up to 12 months post-operatively to 50 patients randomised to home-based progressive resistance training (N = 26) or standard rehabilitation (N = 24), post-THR. Regression analysis investigated variance in functional scores. Results: Group randomisation had no effect on BC. RLOC and OHS (6 months) correlated significantly with 12-month OHS, with 6-month OHS predicting 62.3% of the variance in 12-month OHS. 12-month rWOMAC PF was determined by each of its three previous assessments (pre-operative 8.8%, 6 weeks 17.8% and 6 months 67.3%). Variance in functional gain at 12 months (OHS and rWOMAC PF) was explained by pre-operative OHS and rWOMAC PF (63.7% and 63.8%, respectively). Conclusions: BC had no impact on functional outcome in this population. Subjectively assessed function at 12 months, as well as the levels of functional gain over time, was best explained by the patients’ earlier functional status. Implications for Rehabilitation It is important to assess psychological factors such as poor pre-operative mental health and pain catastrophising in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery as these factors have an adverse effect on subjective patient outcomes. Pre-operative behavioural cognitions appear to have no impact on subjective functional outcome at 12 months post-THR. The pre-existing functional status of the patient appears to be most predictive of subjective function at 12 months post-THR, implying that perhaps earlier surgery may be optimal before the onset of a decline in function.
The Debt Contracting Value of Accounting Information and Loan Syndicate Structure

ABSTRACT We investigate how both the ownership structure and explicit contractual structure of syndicated loan deals are shaped by the debt-contracting value (DCV) of borrowers' accounting information. DCV captures the inherent ability of firms' accounting numbers to capture credit quality deterioration in a timely fashion. We hypothesize and document that when a borrower's accounting information possesses higher DCV, information asymmetry between the lead arranger and other syndicate participants is lower, allowing lead arrangers to hold a smaller proportion of new loan deals. Further, we document that the influence of DCV on the proportion of the loan retained is conditional on the lead arranger's reputation, the existence of a credit rating, and the lead arranger's previous relationships with the same borrower. Finally, we find that when loans include performance pricing provisions, the likelihood that the single performance measure used is an accounting ratio, rather than a credit rating, is increasing in DCV. Copyright University of Chicago on behalf of the Institute of Professional Accounting, 2008.
Bone Marrow as a Source of Endothelial Cells and NeuN-Expressing Cells After Stroke

Background and Purpose— After an ischemic event, bone marrow–derived cells may be involved in reparative processes. There is increasing evidence that bone marrow–derived stem cells may be a source of endothelial cells and organ-specific cells. Our objectives were to determine whether bone marrow–derived cells were a source of endothelial cells and neurons after cerebral ischemia. Methods— We transplanted bone marrow from male C57 BL/6-TgN (ACTbEGFP)1Osb mice, which express green fluorescent protein (GFP), into female C57 BL/6J mice. The recipient mice then underwent suture occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and bone marrow– derived cells were tracked by GFP epifluorescence and Y chromosome probe. Results— Within 3 days and at 7 and 14 days after MCA occlusion, bone marrow–derived cells incorporated into the vasculature in the ischemic zone and expressed an endothelial cell phenotype. Few bone marrow–derived cells incorporated into the vasculature 24 hours after MCA occlusion. Some bone marrow–derived cells also expressed the neuronal marker NeuN at 7 and 14 days after ischemia. Conclusions— Postnatal vasculogenesis occurs in the brain in the setting of a cerebral infarction. Bone marrow–derived cells are a source of endothelial cells and NeuN-expressing cells after cerebral infarction. This plasticity may be exploited in the future to enhance recovery after stroke.
Feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy for elderly gastric cancer patients: meta-analysis of non-randomized controlled studies

The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for elderly gastric cancer patients by comparing laparoscopic and conventional open gastrectomies (OG). Comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases revealed nine non-randomized controlled studies that compared LG and OG in elderly gastric cancer patients We then analyzed dichotomous or continuous parameters using odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs). Overall survival was estimated using hazard ratios (HRs) with a fixed effects or random effects model. We observed that the age distribution was similar between the LG and OG patient groups (WMD -0.22 95% CI, -1.26−0.82). LG patients experienced less blood loss (WMD -119.14 95% CI, -204.17−-34.11) and had shorter hospital stays (WMD -3.48 95% CI, -5.41−-1.56), but endured longer operation times (WMD 10.87 95% CI, 2.50−19.24). Postoperatively, LG patients exhibited lower incidences of postoperative morbidities (OR 0.59 95% CI, 0.43−0.79), surgery related morbidities (OR 0.58 95% CI, 0.41−0.81) and systemic morbidities (OR 0.56 95% CI, 0.38−0.82). We observed no differences between the LG and OG patient groups regarding anastomotic leakage (OR 0.69 95% CI, 0.34−1.41), mental disease (OR 0.72 95% CI, 0.37−1.41) and long term effects (HR 0.98 95% CI, 0.74−1.32). We therefore conclude that laparoscopic gastrectomy might be technically feasible for elderly gastric cancer patients.
Expression of the basophil-specific antibodies 2D7 and BB1 in patients with cutaneous Mastocytosis.

BACKGROUND 2D7 and BB1 are thought to be basophil-specific markers. In this study, we tested both antibodies in different skin and mast cell disorders with the aim of determining whether it was possible to differentiate between benign and aggressive presentations of mastocytosis. METHODS Using the antibodies 2D7, BB1, and c-Kit, we performed an immunohistochemical study of skin biopsy specimens from patients with cutaneous mastocytosis (15 urticaria pigmentosa and telangiectatic macularis eruptive perstans) and liver or bone marrow biopsy specimens from patients with systemic mastocytosis. A basophil leukemia cell line was used as a reference. Peripheral blood basophils from healthy donors were used as controls. RESULTS We observed intense expression of 2D7 and BB1 in all skin biopsy specimens from patients with cutaneous mastocytosis. Immunostaining of liver and bone marrow specimens from patients with systemic mastocytosis with 2D7 and BB1 antibodies was negative. Specimens from patients with either type of mastocytosis showed similarly strong expression of c-Kit. The basophil cell line showed a 2D7 and a BB1 profile, with intense expression of c-Kit. Peripheral blood basophils exhibited notable immunostaining for 2D7, BB1, and c-Kit. CONCLUSIONS 2D7 and BB1 are expressed in cutaneous mastocytosis, although this expression is lost when mast cell proliferation is systemic, thus reflecting either a different cellular differentiation stage or the presence of basophils in these skin diseases.
Structural Evaluation of the Contemporary Psychological Models of Chronic Pain: Does Fear of Pain Work for All?

The aim of the present study was to test Turk and Okifuji's (2002) model of chronic pain and in particular the moderating role of self-efficacy. We assessed 207 consecutive chronic pain patients (53.1% female) on a range of relevant measures and tested the model using structured equation modelling. The model was supported. These results support Turk and Okifuji's model of chronic pain and suggest that it can account for the relationships between variables in chronic pain patients. In particular, the results support the central role of fear-based avoidance and self-efficacy in chronic pain. Future research should be aimed at testing the alternative contemporary models of chronic pain at different stages of the development and maintenance of chronic pain and over time.
Effects of Bacteria on Cadmium Bioaccumulation in the Cadmium Hyperaccumulator Plant Beta Vulgaris Var. Cicla L.

To investigate the effects of two cadmium-tolerant bacteria, Staphylococcus pasteuri (S. pasteuri X1) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (A. tumefaciens X2), on cadmium uptake by the cadmium hyperaccumulator plant Beta vulgaris var. cicla L. , a pot experiment with artificially contaminated soil was conducted. The results demonstrated that both cadmium-tolerant bacteria enhanced the dry weight of Beta vulgaris var. cicla L. The total dry weights of plants in the control CK20, S. pasteuri X1 and A. tumefaciens X2 treatments were 0.85, 1.13, and 1.38 g/pot, respectively. Compared with the control CK20 findings, the total dry weight of plants was increased by 32.8 and 61.1% after inoculation with S. pasteuri X1 and A. tumefaciens X2, respectively, indicating that A. tumefaciens X2 more strongly promoted the growth of Beta vulgaris var. cicla L. than S. pasteuri X1. In addition, inoculation with S. pasteuri X1 and A. tumefaciens X2 significantly (p < 0.05) promoted cadmium uptake by plants and improved the bioaccumulation of cadmium by the plants from the soil. Moreover, the inoculation of S. pasteuri X1 and A. tumefaciens X2 effectively facilitated the transfer of cadmium in the soil from the Fe-Mn oxide and residual fractions to the soluble plus exchangeable and weakly specially adsorbed fractions in the rhizosphere soils of plants. The bacterial enhancement of cadmium phytoavailability might provide a potential and promising method to increase the efficiency of phytoextraction.
Hookah use among U.S. college students: results from the National College Health Assessment II.

INTRODUCTION Tobacco use is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Hookah use is a growing tobacco trend among young adults; yet little is known about how young adult college student hookah smokers differ from nonsmokers or cigarette smokers. METHODS Results from 18- to 24-year-old participants in the Fall 2008-Spring 2009 National College Health Assessment II (N = 82,155) were used in multinomial logistic regression models to compare nonsmokers, cigarette-only smokers, hookah-only smokers, and dual (cigarette and hookah) users. RESULTS Ten percent of the sample reported hookah use in the last 30 days. Compared with nonsmokers, cigarette, hookah, and dual users were more likely to be younger, male, White, and use other substances (including alcohol). Compared with nonsmokers, hookah and dual users were more likely to be members of fraternities/sororities (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17 and 1.14, respectively), live in the West (OR = 1.49 and 1.31, respectively), and attend larger institutions. Compared with cigarette-only smokers, hookah and dual users were more likely to be younger, male, live on campus, live in the West, attend large institutions, and were less likely to attend public institutions. Compared with cigarette-only smokers, hookah-only users were more likely to be non-White and less likely to use marijuana or other drugs. CONCLUSIONS Hookah-only and dual users are demographically different than cigarette-only or nonsmoking college students. Interventions for tobacco use on college campuses should address the demographic differences among tobacco users (including polysubstance use) and attempt to recruit students as entering freshman to provide education and prevent hookah use uptake.
Plant macrofossils from the site of Tell Arbid, Northeast Syria(3rd–2nd millennium BC). Preliminary report

The paper presents preliminary results of an analysis of 51 samples of plant macrofossils coming from various archaeological contexts from the site of Tell Arbid in Northeast Syria. The contexts were dated mainly to the 3rd millennium BC (EJI–EJV) with a few being of 2nd millennium BC date (Khabur Ware and Mitanni periods). Cultivated plants were represented by cereals and pulses. The cultivation of at least three cereal species is documented, including a hulled variety of two-rowed barley, glumed einkorn and/or emmer wheat, and a species of naked wheat, probably macaroni wheat. Vegetables included lentil, bitter vetch, grass pea, and garden pea. Plants from the Ninevite 5 period (EJI–EJII) and their significance in the Tell Arbid economy are discussed in greater detail owing to the highest number of samples studied.
Qigong as a promising mind‐body exercise for cognitive functioning: Letter to Editor

not without benefit in the management of acute pain. We would emphasize that no medication is without risk, especially among older adults, and therefore the decision to prescribe should be carefully considered in the context of the patient’s acute pain needs, existing comorbidities, and functional status. When opioids are deemed to be appropriate, the lowest possible dose and duration should be selected, and patients should be advised on safe usage, storage, and disposal practices. We appreciate programs like the Alternatives to Opiates Program; however, as Lisi notes, this program has primarily been studied in younger patients, and many of the medications used in that program (ketamine, ketorolac, and lidocaine) carry risk of adverse events in older adults. Additionally, besides acetaminophen, all medications used for painful conditions in our study are included in the Beers List of Potentially Inappropriate Medications. While topical lidocaine and acetaminophen are likely the safest approach to pain control for older adults being discharged from the ED, this may be insufficient in patients discharged with more painful diagnoses, such as fracture.
Geomicrobiological linkages between short-chain alkane consumption and sulfate reduction rates in seep sediments

Marine hydrocarbon seeps are ecosystems that are rich in methane, and, in some cases, short-chain (C2–C5) and longer alkanes. C2–C4 alkanes such as ethane, propane, and butane can be significant components of seeping fluids. Some sulfate-reducing microbes oxidize short-chain alkanes anaerobically, and may play an important role in both the competition for sulfate and the local carbon budget. To better understand the anaerobic oxidation of short-chain n-alkanes coupled with sulfate-reduction, hydrocarbon-rich sediments from the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) were amended with artificial, sulfate-replete seawater and one of four n-alkanes (C1–C4) then incubated under strict anaerobic conditions. Measured rates of alkane oxidation and sulfate reduction closely follow stoichiometric predictions that assume the complete oxidation of alkanes to CO2 (though other sinks for alkane carbon likely exist). Changes in the δ13C of all the alkanes in the reactors show enrichment over the course of the incubation, with the C3 and C4 incubations showing the greatest enrichment (4.4 and 4.5‰, respectively). The concurrent depletion in the δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) implies a transfer of carbon from the alkane to the DIC pool (−3.5 and −6.7‰ for C3 and C4 incubations, respectively). Microbial community analyses reveal that certain members of the class Deltaproteobacteria are selectively enriched as the incubations degrade C1–C4 alkanes. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that distinct phylotypes are enriched in the ethane reactors, while phylotypes in the propane and butane reactors align with previously identified C3–C4 alkane-oxidizing sulfate-reducers. These data further constrain the potential influence of alkane oxidation on sulfate reduction rates (SRRs) in cold hydrocarbon-rich sediments, provide insight into their contribution to local carbon cycling, and illustrate the extent to which short-chain alkanes can serve as electron donors and govern microbial community composition and density.
Adaptive-Scale Filtering and Feature Detection Using Range Data

In edge and corner detection applications, it is typical to examine a single scale without knowing which scale is appropriate for each location in the image. However, many images contain a wide variation in the distance to the scene pixels and, thus, features of the same size can appear at greatly differing scales in the image. We present a method where the scale of the filtering and feature detection is varied locally according to the distance to the scene pixel, which we estimate through stereoscopy. The features that are detected are, thus, at the same scale in the world, rather than at the same scale in the image. This method has been implemented efficiently by filtering the image at a discrete set of scales and performing interpolation to estimate the response at the correct scale for each pixel. The application of this technique to an ordnance recognition problem has resulted in a considerable improvement in performance.
Snow White in different guises: Interlingual and intercultural exchanges between grandparents and young children at home in East London

Grandparents play a significant role in childcare and one activity that frequently occurs within this context is story-reading. However, relatively little attention has been given to the potential part that grandparents can play in terms of language and literacy development of young children.This article reports on work investigating the interlingual and intercultural exchanges occurring in a home setting in East London. In particular, it focuses on how the traditional heritage pattern of story and rhyme reading by a grandmother of Bengali origin is fused with practices experienced by her six-year old grandchild.The data reveal not only the multiple worlds inhabited by the grandchild during story-reading but also the syncretism of these worlds on a number of levels.This article contributes to the small but growing body of investigation into the reading styles occurring within families from different cultural backgrounds.
Subcellular localization of yeast ribonucleotide reductase regulated by the DNA replication and damage checkpoint pathways

The fidelity of DNA replication and repair processes is critical for maintenance of genomic stability. Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in dNTP production and thus plays an essential role in DNA synthesis. The level and activity of RNR are highly regulated by the cell cycle and DNA damage checkpoints, which maintain optimal dNTP pools required for genetic fidelity. RNRs are composed of a large subunit that binds the nucleoside diphosphate substrates and allosteric effectors and a small subunit that houses the di-iron tyrosyl radical cofactor essential for the reduction process. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, there are two large subunits (Rnr1 and Rnr3) and two small subunits (Rnr2 and Rnr4). Here we report the subcellular localization of Rnr1–4 during normal cell growth and the redistribution of Rnr2 and Rnr4 in response to DNA damage and replicational stress. During the normal cell cycle, Rnr1 and Rnr3 are predominantly localized to the cytoplasm and Rnr2 and Rnr4 are predominantly present in the nucleus. Under genotoxic stress, Rnr2 and Rnr4 become redistributed to the cytoplasm in a checkpoint-dependent manner. Subcellular redistribution of Rnr2 and Rnr4 can occur in the absence of the transcriptional induction of the RNR genes after DNA damage and likely represents a posttranslational event. These results suggest a mechanism by which DNA damage checkpoint modulates RNR activity through the temporal and spatial regulation of its subunits.