Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of dynamic exercise therapy in improving joint mobility, muscle strength, aerobic capacity and daily functioning in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, possible unwanted effects such as an increase in pain, disease activity and radiological progression were studied. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal trials register, the Cochrane Controlled trials Register, Medline, Embase and SCISEARCH databases up to may 1997 in order to controlled trials on the effect of exercise therapy. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized trials on the effect of dynamic exercise therapy in RA patients with an exercise program fulfilling the following criteria: a) intensity level such that heart rates exceeded 60% of maximal heart rate during at least 20 minutes, b) exercise frequency of two session per week, and c) duration of intervention of greater than six weeks DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two blinded reviewers independently selected eligible studies, rated the methodological quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS Six out of 30 identified controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Four of the six included studies fulfilled at least seven out of 10 methodological criteria. Due to heterogeneity in outcome measures, data could not be pooled. The results suggest that dynamic exercise therapy is effective at increasing aerobic capacity and muscle strength. No detrimental effects on disease activity and pain were observed. The effects of dynamic exercise therapy on functional ability and radiological progression are unclear. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Dynamic exercise therapy has a positive effect on physical capacity. Research on the long-term effect of dynamic exercise therapy on radiological progression and functional ability is needed.
Augmented followed by suppressed levels of natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

The cytotoxic activity of effector cells from mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii was tested in a 4- to 5-hr (51)Cr release assay, using RL 0001000 0011100 0101010 0001000 0001000 0011100 0100010 1000001 1000001 1000001 0100010 0011100 1 and YAC-1 target cells. They showed enhanced cytotoxicity with a peak on the 3rd day postinfection followed by suppression with a peak on the 12th day. The cytotoxicity seemed to be exhibited by natural killer (NK) cells because: (i) pretreatment of the effector cells with antiasialo GM(1) or antiasialo GM(2) plus complement abolished the cytotoxic activity; (ii) the altered cytotoxicity levels were also induced in nude mice; and (iii) the activity was elicited by nonadherent-nonphagocytic cells. The alteration occurred simultaneously in various lymphoid organs with a similar profile. Neither spleen nor bone marrow cells of 12-day-postinfected mice inhibited NK activity of uninfected mice. Culture fluids of the infected mouse spleen and bone marrow cells did not affect the normal mouse NK activity. The proportion of effector cells capable of binding to target cells was constant during the infection. There was no positive correlation between NK activity and serum interferon level; i.e., interferon was detected in the serum of 12-day-postinfected mice but not in that of 3-day-postinfected or uninfected mice. Passively administered interferon or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid could not restore the suppressed NK activity of 12-day-postinfected mice. Moreover, in vitro treatment of spleen cells from 12-day-postinfected mice with interferon failed to restore the suppressed NK activity. These results suggested that after toxoplasma infection, defective sensitivity to interferon was induced in NK precursor cells, and differentiation to functionally active NK cells might be blocked.
Understanding the Causal Links between Financial Development and International Trade

This paper analyses the causal relationship between financial development and international trade using data of 21 developed and developing countries from 1961 to 2010 and appropriate time series techniques that allow us to decompose the source of causation according to the order of integration of the variables and the possible presence of a cointegrating relationship. We analyze in detail the issue of integration of our series in order to use the most appropriate stationarisation techniques on non-stationary series. We also account for the major problems encountered in empirical studies on issues of causality link between finance and the real economy. Our results provide little support to the view that financial development is a leading factor in the participation of countries in international trade. Mainly, we find a bi-directional relationship between the levels of finance and trade. Moreover, it appears that the causality pattern varies across countries with different levels of economic development. Overall, the development of the financial sector contributes more to the causal relationship in the developing countries than in the developed countries. These results are robust to the use of an alternative method of testing for causality and to the use of alternative indicators or financial development and international trade.
Total mercury and methylmercury levels in some New Zealand commercial marine fish species

Two groups of samples spanning 16 years are reported for methylmercury and total mercury. All the samples had been taken from commercial catches and represent 33 different commercially important New Zealand marine fish species. Results show the New Zealand fish species sampled have mean contents of total mercury that range between 0.02 and 2.48 mg kg-1 and mean contents of methylmercury that range from less than 0.04 to 1.97 mg kg-1.
High-frequency oscillatory ventilation for early acute respiratory distress syndrome in adults

Purpose of reviewHigh-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has been considered a potentially ideal mode of lung-protective ventilation. A recent meta-analysis suggested improved oxygenation and reduced mortality in adults and children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the use of outdated control strategies and small numbers of patients in many of the studies rendered these findings hypothesis-generating only. Recent findingsDuring 2013, two large randomized controlled trials comparing HFOV with a conventional lung-protective ventilation were published – the Oscillation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated Early (OSCILLATE) and the Oscillation in ARDS (OSCAR) trials. These trials suggested no benefit or even harm with HFOV in adults with early moderate-to-severe ARDS. In this article, the major characteristics of these two studies and the possible reasons for failure to achieve the expected theoretical benefits are reviewed. Moreover, future directions with potential new technical advances and the use of new bedside monitoring techniques are addressed. SummaryThe OSCILLATE and OSCAR trials showed that the early application of HFOV in moderate-to-severe adult ARDS does not reduce mortality compared with conventional ventilation strategies. Future studies on HFOV will need to identify those patients who might benefit most from HFOV and to determine the best oscillator settings. Both goals require an improved capability of monitoring recruitment and overdistension, and oscillatory volumes.
Toxin-genotyping of Clostridium perfringens strains isolated from rabbits with enteric disease.

In commercial rabbitries, enteritis are considered a major cause of economic loss. Among the infectious agents responsible for enteritis/enterot oxaemia, Clostridium. perfringens, C. difficile and C. spiroforme are the most common isolates even if the role play ed by C. perfringens in rabbit enteritis is still under debate. In one commonly-used toxin typi ng scheme, C. perfringens isolates are assigned to one of five types (A-E), depending on the productio n of the following major toxins: α, β, ε, and ι. Other toxins, such as enterotoxin, traditionally as sociated with type A, and toxin β2, are involved in the pathogenesis of enterotoxaemia in animals. Type A C. perfringens strains, for example, are commonly found in the intestinal tract of both huma ns and animals. In the past, type E C. perfringens has been considered the etiological agent of rabbit enteritis, even if various authors failed to isola te it from the caecum of diseased rabbits. The pathogenic role of C. spiroforme, mediated by the production of an iota-like toxin, was demonstrated. This binary toxin has a functional and antigenic resemblance with the binary iota toxin, typical of type E C. perfringens . Enteritis caused by clostridia are conditioned pathologies. Errors in diet, stress , and drug administration, in fact, can all cause alteration of bowel microflora that leads to an ove rgrowth of Clostridium spp. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of toxin types in C. perfringens field strains, isolated in rabbit enteritis. One hundred and fifty colonies of C. perfringens , each randomly chosen from a culture obtained by streaking the caecal content of disease d rabbits, were initially subjected to PCR for toxin type identification. In order to verify whether one or more C. perfringens toxin types was present in the rabbit gut at the same time, 14 animals positiv e for C. perfringens were studied and 5 different C. perfringens strains collected from each one were toxin-genotyp ed for a total of 70 strains. The results showed type A to be the type most commonly recovere d and the analysis of the distribution of the toxin types recovered from a culture confirmed the uniform distribution of toxin types; then one colony seemed to be representative of all the types recovered in the culture. This might prove useful in clostridiosis diagnostic procedure. A high percenta ge of the new toxin type A+ β2 was observed to be present among toxin type A; the gene codifying for β2 toxin is revealed to be present in association with type E, too. The new toxin type E+ β2 was therefore discovered in diseased rabbits. Mor eover, the absence of enterotoxin poses no little amount of co ncern to public health, because this toxin is involved in human foodborne disease. Further studie s ar required to verify the exact role played in the pathogenesis of this conditioned pathology by b oth toxin type A and the newly discovered toxin, β2.
Covalent binding of proteinases in their reaction with alpha 2-macroglobulin.

Although it is known that most of the plasma proteinase inhibitors form complexes with proteinases that are not dissociated by SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate), there has been disagreement as to whether this is true for alpha 2M (alpha 2-macroglobulin). We have examined the stability to SDS with reduction of complexes between alpha 2M and several 125I-labelled proteinases (trypsin, plasmin, leucocyte elastase, pancreatic elastase and papain) by gel electrophoresis. For each enzyme, some molecules were separated from the denatured alpha 2M chains, but amounts ranging from 8.3% (papain) to 61.2% (trypsin) were bound with a stability indicative of a covalent link. Proteolytic activity was essential for the covalent binding to occur, and the proteinase molecules became attached to the larger of the two proteolytic derivatives (apparent mol.wt. 111 000) of the alpha 2M subunit. We take this to mean that cleavage of the proteinase-susceptible site sometimes leads to covalent-bond formation between alpha 2M and proteinase. Whatever the nature of this bond, it does not involve the active site of the proteinase, as bound serine-proteinase molecules retain the ability to react with the active-site-directed reagent [3H]Dip-F (di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate). Our conclusion is that the ability to form covalent links is not essential for the inhibitory capacity of alpha 2M. It may, however, help to stabilize the complexes against dissociation or proteolysis.
The Attitudes of Teachers in Scotland to the Integration of Children with Autism into Mainstream Schools

Around 4600 school-age children in Scotland fall within the spectrum of autistic disorders, of whom 780 have been identified in schools. This study sought the views of 23 specialist and 49 mainstream teachers, 22 with experience of autism, 27 without. They were questioned about the advantages and disadvantages of integration into mainstream for autistic children, their own ability to cope and predictors of success. Questionnaires were issued to special units and to mainstream primary and secondary schools. A minority of mainstream respondents believed children with autism should be integrated where possible. Mainstream teachers with experience of autism showed more confidence to deal with the children than those without experience. Many expressed concerns about effects on mainstream pupils but most were willing to undertake more training. Specialist teachers were more positive, although they acknowledged possible disadvantages for both groups of children and stressed that the success of integration depends on the individual child.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD STRUCTURE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN THE UK

Abstract This study examines the relationship between board structure with firm performance in the UK by employing data from 250 publicly traded firms. Consistent with general findings from the USA, the tests as a whole do not discern a significant link between board structure (director affiliation and ownership, chairman affiliation, and committee composition) with firm performance. These results are robust to alternative measures of performance, outlier definitions, various model specifications, and statistical estimation techniques. The most significant determinants of corporate performance are the level of R&D spending and current operating performance. These results are consistent with governance needs varying across firms, and contrast the notion that uniform board structures should be mandated.
Modulation of Dendritic Release of Dopamine by N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptors in Rat Substantia Nigra

Abstract: A superfusion system was used to study the effects of excitatory amino acids (EAA) on release of [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) previously taken up by rat substantia nigra (SN) slices. The EAA tested (20–250 μM), with the exception of quisqualate and kainate, markedly evoked [3H]DA release from nigral slices when Mg2+ ions were omitted from the superfusion medium. The EAA receptor agonists exhibited the following relative potency in stimulating [3H]DA release: l‐glutamate (L‐Glu) > N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) > NM(D,L)A > d‐Glu ≫ quisqualate = kainate. d‐2‐Amino‐5‐phosphonovalerate (100–200 μ.M), an antagonist for NMDA receptors, substantially reduced [3H]DA release evoked by l‐Glu or NMDA. In contrast, l‐Glu diethyl ester (100–200 μM) produced a lesser blocking effect on [3H]DA release evoked by the EAA. Further experiments showed that the NMDA‐mediated release of [3H]DA was totally suppressed by the omission of Ca2+ or by the addition of tetrodotoxin (0.1 μM) to the superfusion medium. In addition, strychnine, an antagonist for glycine (Gly) receptors, significantly decreased NMDA (100 μM)‐evoked as well as glycine (100 μM‐evoked release of [3H]DA from nigral slices. The results shown support the idea that activation of NMDA subtype receptors in SN may trigger a Ca2+‐dependent release of DA from dendrites of nigro‐striatal DA‐containing neurons. Furthermore, a transsynaptic mechanism that may partially involve Gly‐containing interneurons is proposed to account for some of the events mediating NMDA receptor activation and DA release in SN.
Uptake of acetone, ethanol and benzene to snow and ice: effects of surface area and temperature

The interactions of gas-phase acetone, ethanol and benzene with smooth ice films and artificial snow have been studied. In one technique, the snow is packed into a cylindrical column and inserted into a low-pressure flow reactor coupled to a chemical-ionization mass spectrometer for gas-phase analysis. At 214 and 228 K, it is found for acetone and ethanol that the adsorbed amounts per surface area match those for adsorption to thin films of ice formed by freezing liquid water, when the specific surface area of the snow (as determined from Kr adsorption at 77 K) and the geometric surface area of the ice films are used. This indicates that freezing thin films of water leads to surfaces that are smooth at the molecular level. Experiments performed to test the effect of film growth on ethanol uptake indicate that uptake is independent of ice growth rate, up to 2.4 µm min−1. In addition, traditional Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) experiments were performed with these gases on artificial snow from 238 to 266.5 K. A transition from a BET type I isotherm indicative of monolayer formation to a BET type II isotherm indicative of multilayer uptake is observed for acetone at T≥263 K and ethanol at T≥255 K, arising from solution formation on the ice. When multilayer formation does not occur, as was the case for benzene at T≤263 K and for acetone at T≤255 K, the saturated surface coverage increased with increasing temperature, consistent with the quasi-liquid layer affecting adsorption prior to full dissolution/multilayer formation.
Selection of a validated scale for measuring medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate literature describing medication adherence surveys/scales to gauge patient behaviors at the point of care. DATA SOURCES Literature was identified via PubMed and Ovid (1950 to June 2009) using the search terms medication adherence, medication compliance, and medication persistence and combined with the terms questionnaire, survey, scale, or self-report. STUDY SELECTION All articles in English with adherence scales validated in two or more diseases and containing 30 or fewer questions were selected. DATA SYNTHESIS Five adherence scales were identified and reviewed by evaluating positive characteristics (short length, internal consistency, reliability, barriers to adherence, literacy appropriate, and self-efficacy), sensitivity, specificity, and diseases in which they have been validated. The Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ) is the shortest scale and easiest to score. MAQ identifies barriers to nonadherence but not self-efficacy. The Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS) is a 13-question scale, and the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) has three main question headings and multiple subquestions. Both assess barriers and self-efficacy; however, scoring is difficult. The Hill-Bone Compliance Scale and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) address barriers and self-efficacy but are limited in their generalizability. The Hill-Bone Compliance Scale focuses on hypertensive patients, while MARS is specific to psychiatric populations. CONCLUSION No gold-standard medication adherence scale exists. MAQ is most adaptable at the point of care and across populations. MAQ is the quickest to administer and score and has been validated in the broadest range of diseases. SEAMS, BMQ, and the Hill-Bone Compliance Scale allow self-efficacy to be assessed and therefore may be useful in medication management clinics. MARS is specific to psychiatric populations.
Effects of beta-adrenergic blockade on papillary muscle function and the beta-adrenergic receptor system in noninfarcted myocardium in compensated ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.

BACKGROUND beta-Adrenergic receptor blockade has been reported to improve hemodynamics and beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase function in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on the beta-adrenergic receptor system and myocardial function in a model of compensated ischemic heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined the effects of propranolol treatment on the beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system and isolated papillary muscle isometric function in noninfarcted left ventricular myocardium in rats after coronary artery ligation. In untreated rats with large myocardial infarction (MI), developed tension (DT) (3.0 +/- 0.7 versus 5.1 +/- 1.1 g/mm2), peak rate of tension rise (+dT/dt) (40.3 +/- 9.5 versus 71.2 +/- 12.0 g/mm2/sec), and peak rate of tension fall (-dT/dt) (24.4 +/- 5.0 versus 38.2 +/- 6.0 g/mm2/sec) were decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, DT, +dT/dt, and -dT/dt of untreated MI rats demonstrated an impaired response to isoproterenol stimulation compared with controls. beta-Adrenergic receptor density (Bmax) measured by [125I]iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) binding was decreased 23% after infarction (9.3 +/- 0.6 versus 12.0 +/- 1.8 fmol/mg protein [prot]) (p < 0.05); however, the dissociation constant (Kd) for ICYP was not changed (24.1 +/- 5.7 versus 33.2 +/- 12.1 pM). Adenylate cyclase activity in the presence of 10(-2) M MgCl2 was reduced (p < 0.05) in MI rats (30.3 +/- 10.8 versus 45.9 +/- 12.5 pmol cAMP/min/mg prot). Maximal isoproterenol (52.5 +/- 7.3 versus 79.9 +/- 10.0 pmol cAMP/min/mg prot), guanyl-5'-imidodiphosphate (GppNHp) (95 +/- 8 versus 141 +/- 25 pmol cAMP/min/mg prot) and forskolin (503 +/- 76 versus 753 +/- 157 pmol cAMP/min/mg prot) stimulation of adenylate cyclase was also decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, manganese-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was depressed (p < 0.05) in MI rats compared with controls (23.5 +/- 2.8 versus 52.1 +/- 9.0 pmol cAMP/min/mg prot). Chronic propranolol treatment in MI rats improved DT (4.1 +/- 0.9 versus 3.0 +/- 0.7 g/mm2) and +dT/dt (54.4 +/- 11.3 versus 40.5 +/- 9.5 g/mm2/sec) (p < 0.05); however, isoproterenol-stimulated isometric function remained impaired. Propranolol treatment normalized Bmax (11.9 +/- 1.7 versus 9.3 +/- 0.6 fmol/mg prot) (p < 0.05), whereas adenylate cyclase activity remained depressed. CONCLUSIONS After large MI in rats, there is impaired papillary muscle function with decreased beta-adrenergic receptors and adenylate cyclase activity in the noninfarcted myocardium. Propranolol treatment improved basal isometric muscle function and beta-adrenergic receptor density in rats after myocardial infarction but did not improve adenylate cyclase activity or isoproterenol-stimulated muscle function. These data suggest that there is a primary defect in adenylate cyclase function that persists despite upregulation of receptors with propranolol treatment.
Community Relationship Building: Local Leadership in the Risk Communication Infrastructure

This study examined the impact of the risk communication infrastructures-local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) and citizens advisory committees (CACs)-on risk communication activities in communities where chemicals are manufactured, stored, and transported. Findings indicated low unawareness of both types of organizations and low use of such organizations as information sources or forums for voicing concerns. These organizations played a minor role in communication activities in the community that lacked local city government. Findings suggested that a fully functioning communication infrastructure leads to a healthier community that responds to risks as manageable uncertainties. Infrastructures that can exert little control and are weak cannot be corrected simply by the creation of such committees as LEPCs and CACs. In addition, problem recognition, uncertainty, control with approval, involvement with stake, and knowledge are the focal variables motivating active communication behaviors.
Current and Future Interdependence

Abstract This paper proposes and tests a new dimension of dependence-time. Specifically, it proposes that a buyer may perceive a different degree of dependence in the current situation and in the situation that is anticipated to exist in the future. It also proposes that these different perceptions will have predictably different effects on two central constructs in channel relationships-opportunism and trust. The proposed relationships are tested with data collected from wholesalers. The evidence supports all the proposed relationships and provides insights into the basic dynamics of dependence.