Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metaanalyse zur Wirksamkeit einer Förderung der phonologischen Bewusstheit in der deutschen Sprache

Zusammenfassung. Internationale Metaanalysen belegen bedeutsame Effekte einer Forderung der phonologischen Bewusstheit auf den Schriftspracherwerb. In der vorliegenden Metaanalyse mit 27 Primarstudien wurden die Effekte phonologischer Fordermasnahmen auf die fruhen schriftsprachlichen Kompetenzen im Deutschen quantifiziert. Die Analysen belegten generell hohere Effekte fur Fordermasnahmen, die vor der Einschulung stattfanden. Eine vorschulische Forderung besas zwar keine signifikanten Effekte auf die Dekodierfahigkeit; jedoch konnten geringe Effekte auf die Rechtschreibkompetenz nachgewiesen werden, was auf die unterschiedliche Konsistenz der Graphem-Phonem- und Phonem-Graphem-Zuordnungen zuruckzufuhren sein konnte. Analysen zum Einfluss von Moderatoren ergaben, dass Kinder mit schwachen und guten Ausgangskompetenzen gleichermasen von der Forderung profitieren, und dass die Kombination mit einem Buchstaben-Laut-Training keine inkrementellen Effekte im Vergleich zu rein phonologischen Fordermasnahmen hat.
Catha edulis Forsk. (Khat): Evaluation of its Antidepressant-like Activity

Background: Catha edulis Forsk. (Khat) is traditionally used for treating various disorders. Nevertheless there are no reports of any scientific assessment of its psychopharmacological properties. Objective: Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the antidepressant-like activity of Khat ethanolic extract using established animal models of depression and stress. Materials and Methods: Ninety healthy male albino mice were used in this study. Forced swim, tail suspension and head poking tests were utilized to evaluate the antidepressant-like activity of the ethanolic extract of Khat (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) and escitalopram (standard drug) which were administered 30 min prior to the tests. Phytochemical analysis of the standardized extract was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Results: A significant decrease in the head-dipping behavior was noticed after administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of Khat extract. Moreover, the extract significantly decreased the immobility time in tail suspension and forced swim tests. The presence of cathinone and cathine were detected in the extract using LC-MS. Conclusion: The current results suggest that the extract of Khat leaves has acute antidepressant properties and may have sedative effects. Abbreviations used: LC-MS: Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy; NIST: National institute of standard technology; SSRI: Serotonin reuptake inhibitors; FST: Forced swim test; TST: Tail suspension test.
Effect of thread size on the implant neck area: preliminary results at 1 year of function.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate and compare the effect of the coronal thread size on the marginal bone loss around the fixtures, when both implants were provided with threads to the top of fixture. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two groups of implants, one with a macro-thread to the top of the fixture (A) and the other with a micro-thread to the top of the fixture (B), were placed adjacent to each other in the partially edentulous areas of 20 patients. Bone loss around each implant was analyzed after 1 year of functional loading. The bone losses after loading were compared using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. RESULTS The mean marginal bone losses (A, 0.154 ± 0.144 mm; B, 0.125 ± 0.136 mm) were not statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.669). CONCLUSIONS There was no significant difference between implant with macro- and micro-neck thread in terms of marginal bone loss after 1 year of loading.
Factors That Explain Academic Dishonesty Among University Students in Thailand

Academic dishonesty is a problem that continues to plague universities. Few studies have examined how mind-set and individualism contribute to academic dishonesty. Using structural equation modeling, a model was developed to explain academic dishonesty, which included mind-set, individualistic learning environment, individualism, and motivation to study. A total of 207 university students in Thailand participated. The final model explained 30% of the variance in academic dishonesty. All variables in this study had a negative relationship with academic dishonesty, indicating that improvements in mind-set, learning environment, and motivation could change perceptions of academic dishonesty.
A Combined Model for Predicting CYP3A4 Clinical Net Drug-Drug Interaction Based on CYP3A4 Inhibition, Inactivation, and Induction Determined in Vitro

Although approaches to the prediction of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) arising via time-dependent inactivation have recently been developed, such approaches do not account for simple competitive inhibition or induction. Accordingly, these approaches do not provide accurate predictions of DDIs arising from simple competitive inhibition (e.g., ketoconazole) or induction of cytochromes P450 (e.g., phenytoin). In addition, methods that focus upon a single interaction mechanism are likely to yield misleading predictions in the face of mixed mechanisms (e.g., ritonavir). As such, we have developed a more comprehensive mathematical model that accounts for the simultaneous influences of competitive inhibition, time-dependent inactivation, and induction of CYP3A in both the liver and intestine to provide a net drug-drug interaction prediction in terms of area under the concentration-time curve ratio. This model provides a framework by which readily obtained in vitro values for competitive inhibition, time-dependent inactivation and induction for the precipitant compound as well as literature values for fm and FG for the object drug can be used to provide quantitative predictions of DDIs. Using this model, DDIs arising via inactivation (e.g., erythromycin) continue to be well predicted, whereas those arising via competitive inhibition (e.g., ketoconazole), induction (e.g., phenytoin), and mixed mechanisms (e.g., ritonavir) are also predicted within the ranges reported in the clinic. This comprehensive model quantitatively predicts clinical observations with reasonable accuracy and can be a valuable tool to evaluate candidate drugs and rationalize clinical DDIs.
CTL Fail to Accumulate at Sites of HIV-1 Replication in Lymphoid Tissue12

The inability of HIV-1-specific CTL to fully suppress virus replication as well as the failure of administration of exogenous CTL to lower viral loads are not understood. To evaluate the hypothesis that these phenomena are due to a failure of CTL to localize at sites of HIV-1 replication, we assessed the distribution of HIV-1 RNA and HIV-1-specific CTL identified by HIV-1 peptide/HLA class I tetrameric complexes (tetramers) within lymph nodes of 14 HIV-1-infected individuals who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy. A median of 0.04% of follicular compared with 0.001% of extrafollicular CD4+ cells were estimated to be producing HIV-1 RNA, a 40-fold difference (p = 0.0001). Tetramer-stained cells were detected by flow cytometry in disaggregated lymph node cells from 11 subjects and constituted a significantly higher fraction of CD8+ cells in lymph node (mean, 2.15%) than in PBMC (mean, 1.52%; p = 0.02). In situ tetramer staining in three subjects’ lymph nodes, in which high frequencies of tetramer-stained cells were detected, revealed that tetramer-stained cells were primarily concentrated in extrafollicular regions of lymph node and were largely absent within lymphoid follicles. These data confirm that HIV-1-specific CTL are abundant within lymphoid tissues, but fail to accumulate within lymphoid follicles where HIV-1 replication is concentrated, suggesting that lymphoid follicles may be immune-privileged sites. Mechanisms underlying the exclusion of CTL from lymphoid follicles as well as the role of lymphoid follicles in perpetuating other chronic pathogens merit further investigation.
Ethnic differences in the relationship between depression and health-related quality of life in persons with Type 2 Diabetes

This study examined ethnic differences in the relationship between depressive symptoms and eight aspects ofhealth-related quality oflife and the moderating effects of glycemic control and socio-demographic factors in persons with type 2 diabetes. Data from 190 people ofNative Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, and mixed-ethnic ancestries with type 2 diabetes were analyzed. Using the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the eight aspects of health-related quality oflife examined were Physical Functioning, Role-Physical Functioning, Role-Emotional Functioning, Social Functioning, Bodily Pain, Vitality, General Health, and Health Transition. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Results indicated that seven of the eight SF-36 subscales were significantly correlated with CES-D scores in the combined sample, controlling for glycemic control, social support, and sociodemographic variables. Significant ethnic differences in the relationship between CES-D scores and the SF-36 subscale scores of Physical Functioning, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, and Role-Physical Functioning subscales were found. Differential moderating effects were found across ethnic groups and across SF-36 subscales for glycemic control, sex, marital status, education level, and social support. The results and implications of this study were discussed in the context ofpast studies and cultural explanations for the ethnic differences were explored.
Religious orientation in enduring marriage : an exploratory study

Quinze couples dont le mariage n'est pas recent qualifient leurs relation matrimoniale. Certains parlent de leur orientation religieuse et de la maniere dont cette orientation a pu servir d'instrument de maintien de leur relation. Les conclusions de l'A. suggerent que l'orientation religieuse peut influencer la stabilite matrimoniale en tant que morale sociale et emotionnelle et aide spirituelle
The Duality of OncomiR Addiction in the Maintenance and Treatment of Cancer

AbstractIt has long been established that cancers can become addicted to particular oncogenes. Despite the genetic complexity that governs tumorigenesis, certain cancers can exhibit a critical dependency on the expression of a single oncogene, which when removed leads to death of the cancer cell. Recent observations on the relationships between regulatory RNAs and cancer have revealed that this concept of oncogene addiction extends to microRNAs (miRNAs) as well. Certain cancers exhibit a dependency on the expression of a single oncogenic miRNA, or oncomiR. The field of miRNA biology and its involvement in diseases such as cancer have seen tremendous advances over the past decade. However, little is known about the phenomenon of oncomiR addiction. In this review, we introduce the concept of proto-oncomiRs, or miRNAs that gain oncogenic activity after an initiating event. Furthermore, by highlighting the role of proto-oncomiRs in generating malignant phenotypes, we glean possible insights into the mechanisms that guide oncomiR addiction. In addition, toward the realization of genetically driven personalized medicine, some of the most clinically successful anticancer strategies have involved targeting addictive oncogenes such as HER2, BCR/ABL, EGFR, and VEGF. Elucidating how addictive miRNAs can perpetuate cancer may reveal additional critical molecular targets to exploit for therapeutic purposes. Therefore, in this review, we also summarize the field of anti-miRNA therapeutics, in which antisense and nanoscale delivery technologies are the driving force. Addictive oncomiRs are a double-edged sword; addicted cancers are dependent on oncomiRs that are highly potent therapeutic targets. Dissection of this phenomenon may reveal the mechanisms through which lynchpin miRNAs can perpetuate cancer and present a new paradigm for miRNA-based cancer therapy.
Genome of the Bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae Strain R6

ABSTRACT Streptococcus pneumoniae is among the most significant causes of bacterial disease in humans. Here we report the 2,038,615-bp genomic sequence of the gram-positive bacterium S. pneumoniae R6. Because the R6 strain is avirulent and, more importantly, because it is readily transformed with DNA from homologous species and many heterologous species, it is the principal platform for investigation of the biology of this important pathogen. It is also used as a primary vehicle for genomics-based development of antibiotics for gram-positive bacteria. In our analysis of the genome, we identified a large number of new uncharacterized genes predicted to encode proteins that either reside on the surface of the cell or are secreted. Among those proteins there may be new targets for vaccine and antibiotic development.
Above- and below-ground production, biomass and reproductive ecology of Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass) in a subtropical coastal lagoon

Above- and below-ground growth, biomass, phenology and reproductive effort in the seagrass Thalassia testudinum were monitored monthly for 2 yr in the Lower Laguna Madre, Texas. Annual whole plant production (953 ± 136 g DW (dry weight) m -2 yr -1 ) was calculated from monthly measurements of leaf and rhizome production made using marking techniques. Leaf growth exhibited a seasonal pattern; monthly production ranged from 8 to 95 g DW m -2 mo -1 , equivalent to 614 ± 71 g DW m - yr -1 , Rhizome growth was seasonal, and areal below-ground production ranged between 14 and 40 g DW m -2 mo - 1 , equivalent to 339 ± 65 g DW m -2 yr -1 . On an annual basis, rhizome production accounted for 35 % of total plant production. Seasonal leaf and rhizome growth patterns were correlated with underwater irradiance, daylength and temperature. Total biomass ranged between 750 and 1500 g DW m -2 , with below-ground tissues accounting for 80 to 90 % of the total. There was no seasonal pattern in the below-ground biomass of T. testudinum; variability was a result of environmental heterogeneity. Flowering was variable between years; 13 to 30 % of the shoots flowered and about 15 % of total above-ground biomass was allocated to reproduction. Flowering phenology was positively correlated with underwater daylength. During 1996, maximum fruit abundance ranged between 20 and 70 fruits m -2 and on average each fruit contained 2 seeds. The annual flowering event represents a substantial resource (e.g. carbon and nitrogen) investment, which may influence individual plant production. Seasonal fluctuations in environmental parameters are the primary factors controlling seagrass growth rates and production. Determination of total plant productivity must take into account seasonal patterns, reproductive costs and the large fraction of production occurring in the below-ground tissues.
Persistent B19 parvovirus infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1): a treatable cause of anemia in AIDS.

OBJECTIVE To determine the role of B19 parvovirus in red cell aplasia of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). DESIGN Uncontrolled clinical trial, with assay of serum, peripheral blood cells, and bone marrow for virus using DNA hybridization and immunocytochemistry techniques; these assays were then correlated with clinical findings, results of immunoassays for antivirus antibodies, and with immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy. SETTING Government medical referral center, and university and private hospitals. PATIENTS Seven patients with pure red cell aplasia and serologic evidence of infection with HIV-1. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS All patients had giant pronormoblasts in the bone marrow (present in transient aplastic crisis caused by acute B19 parvovirus infection). High concentrations of B19 parvovirus were demonstrated in sera, in several cases in samples separated by weeks or months. Viral DNA and capsid protein were present in the bone marrow of three patients studied, and active viral replication was detected by southern analysis. There was no antivirus IgG in capture immunoassay and no or very low levels of antivirus IgM. The patients did not have symptoms of fifth disease, the illness caused by this virus in immunologically normal persons. Six patients were treated with a regimen of intravenous commercial immunoglobulin. In all cases, this therapy resulted in rapid reduction in serum virus concentrations and full recovery of erythropoiesis. Relapses in two cases were predicted by DNA hybridization studies, and these cases were successfully retreated. CONCLUSIONS The B19 parvovirus is a remediable cause of severe chronic anemia in HIV-infected patients. Recognition of and therapy for parvovirus in this population will avoid erythrocyte transfusion and should prevent transmission of the virus to other persons, including immunosuppressed persons and women of child-bearing age.
Geographic variations in utilization rates in Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics.

BACKGROUND In the United States, geographic variation in hospital use is common. It is uncertain whether there are similar geographic variations in the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which differs from the private sector because it predominantly serves men with annual incomes below $20,000, has a central system of administration, and uses salaried physicians. Thus, it might be less likely to have geographic variations. METHODS We used VA data bases to obtain information on patients treated for eight diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, angina, diabetes, chronic renal failure, bipolar disorder, and major depression). We analyzed their use of hospital and outpatient services by assessing the risk-adjusted numbers of hospital days (the average number of days a patient spent in the hospital per 12 months of follow-up, regardless of the number of hospital stays), hospital-discharge rates, and clinic-visit rates from 1991 through 1995 for the entire system and within the 22 geographically based health care networks. RESULTS We found substantial geographic variation in hospital use for all eight cohorts of patients and all the years studied. Variations in the numbers of hospital days per person-year among the networks were greatest among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ranging from a factor of 2.7 to a factor of 3.1) during a given year and smallest among patients with angina (ranging from a factor of 1.5 to a factor of 2.1). Levels of hospital use were highest in the Northeast and lowest in the West. The variation in the rates of clinic visits for principal medical care among the networks ranged from a factor of approximately 1.6 to a factor of 4.0; variations in the rates were greatest among patients with chronic renal failure and smallest among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There was no clear geographic pattern in the rates of outpatient-clinic use. CONCLUSIONS There are significant geographic variations in the use of hospital and outpatient services in the VA health care system. Because VA physicians are unable to increase their income by changing their patterns of practice, our findings suggest that their practice styles are similar to those of other physicians in their geographic regions.
Trauma systems and the costs of trauma care.

OBJECTIVE This study examines the cost of providing trauma services in trauma centers organized by publicly administered trauma systems, compared to hospitals not part of a formal trauma system. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING Secondary administrative discharge abstracts for a national sample of severely injured trauma patients in 44 trauma centers and 60 matched control hospitals for the year 1987 were used. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the impact of formal trauma systems and trauma center designation on the costs of treating trauma patients. Key dependent variables included length of stay, charge per day per patient, and charge per hospital stay. Key impact variables were type of trauma system and level of trauma designation. Control variables included patient, hospital, and community characteristics. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Data were selected for hospitals based on (1) a large national hospital discharge database, the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project, 1980-1987 (HCUP-2) and (2) a special survey of trauma systems and trauma designation undertaken by the Hospital Research and Educational Trust of the American Hospital Association. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The results show that publicly designated Level I trauma centers, which are the focal point of most trauma systems, have the highest charge per case, the highest average charge per day, and similar or longer average lengths of stay than other hospitals. These findings persist after controlling for patient injury and health status, and for demographic characteristics and hospital and community characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Prior research shows that severely injured trauma patients have greater chances of survival when treated in specialized trauma centers. However, findings here should be of concern to the many states developing trauma systems since the high costs of Level I centers support limiting the number of centers designated at this level and/or reconsidering the requirements placed on these centers.
Performance of Positron Emission Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Using Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose for the Diagnosis, Staging, and Recurrence Assessment of Bone Sarcoma

AbstractTo investigate the performance of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis, staging, restaging, and recurrence surveillance of bone sarcoma by systematically reviewing and meta-analyzing the published literature.To retrieve eligible studies, we searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central library databases using combinations of following Keywords: “positron emission tomography” or “PET,” and “bone tumor” or “bone sarcoma” or “sarcoma. ” Bibliographies from relevant articles were also screened manually. Data were extracted and the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), on an examination-based or lesion-based level, were calculated to appraise the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET and PET/CT. All statistical analyses were performed using Meta-Disc 1.4. Forty-two trials were eligible. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT to differentiate primary bone sarcomas from benign lesions were 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93–98) and 79% (95% CI, 63–90), respectively. For detecting recurrence, the pooled results on an examination-based level were sensitivity 92% (95% CI, 85–97), specificity 93% (95% CI, 88–96), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) 10.26 (95% CI, 5.99–17.60), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) 0.11 (95% CI, 0.05–0.22). For detecting distant metastasis, the pooled results on a lesion-based level were sensitivity 90% (95% CI, 86–93), specificity 85% (95% CI, 81–87), PLR 5.16 (95% CI, 2.37–11.25), and NLR 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11–0.20). The accuracies of PET/CT for detecting local recurrence, lung metastasis, and bone metastasis were satisfactory. Pooled outcome estimates of 18F-FDG PET were less complete compared with those of PET/CT.18F-FDG PET and PET/CT showed a high sensitivity for diagnosing primary bone sarcoma. Moreover, PET/CT demonstrated excellent accuracy for the staging, restaging, and recurrence surveillance of bone sarcoma. However, to avoid misdiagnosis, pathological examination or long-term follow-up should be carried out for 18F-FDG-avid lesions in patients with suspected bone sarcoma.