Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[MTHFR polymorphisms, dietary folate intake and risks to breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between dietary folate intake and genetic polymorphisms of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) with reference to breast cancer risk. METHODS A case-control study was conducted with 669 cases and 682 population-based controls in Jiangsu province of China. MTHFR C677T and A1298C genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. Dietary folate intake was assessed by using an 83-item food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated with an unconditional logistic model. RESULTS The frequencies of MTHFR C677T C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes were 32.37% (202/624), 48.88% (305/624) and 18.75% (117/624) in cases and 37.66% (235/624), 48.24% (301/624) and 14. 10% (88/624) in controls, respectively. The difference in distribution was significant (chi2 = 6.616, P = 0.037), the T/T genotype being associated with an elevated OR for breast cancer (1.62, 95% CI: 1.14 -2.30). The frequencies of MTHFR A1298C A/A, A/C and C/C were 71.47% (446/624), 27.08% (169/624) and 1.44% (9/624) in cases and 68.11%(425/624), 30.13% (188/624) and 1.76% (11/624)in controls,with no significant differences found (chi2 = 1.716, P= 0.424). Folate intake of cases [(263.00 +/- 137.38) microg/d] was significantly lower than that of controls [(285.12 +/- 149.61) microg/d] (t = -2. 830, P =0.005). Compared with the lowest tertile (< or = 199.08 microg/d) of folate intake, the adjusted OR for breast cancer in the top tertile (> or = 315.11 microg/d) was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.53 -0.92). Among individuals with the MTHFR A1298C A/A genotype,adjusted OR for breast cancer were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.62 - 1.27) and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.20 - 2.36) for the second to the third tertile of folate intake compared with the highest folate intake group (X2trend = 11.372, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION The findings of the present study suggest that MTHFR genetic polymorphisms,and dietary intake of folate may modify susceptibility to breast cancer.
p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma patients in India

We congratulate Katiyar et al. on their excellent study, which we believe is the first of its kind from our country. We understand that this study was directed primarily at studying p53 mutations in HCC as seen in India. However, we would like to highlight why the use of multiple primers/probes against hepatitis B virus (HBV) would be more appropriate in a study of this nature. During an acute HBV infection, hepatocytes producing viral particles are destroyed immunologically by a strong CD8 T-cell response that is targeted against HB core (HBc)/HB envelope (HBe) and HB surface (HBs) proteins expressed on the surface. This process also may lyse cells with integrated viral DNA, which are capable of expressing HBcAg/HBeAg and HBsAg. Thus, during carcinogenesis, there may be immune selection of cells with integrated viral DNA that are incapable of expressing HBcAg/HBeAg. Therefore, while investigating the association of HBV with HCC, it is essential to use probes/primers that encompass more than one region of the viral genome. This will ensure that even HCC cells bearing incomplete HBV genomes (e.g. those bearing either the surface (S)/core (C)/X genes alone or in combination) will be detected. If, however, specific probes/primers against any one region of the viral genome are used alone, it is likely that some cases harboring the viral genome may not be detected. In the paper under reference, PCR was negative for C gene, but serum HBsAg and HBeAg were positive in 2 of 21 cases (Cases 5, 6; Table 2 in their study). It would be interesting to know the results of S and X genes in these two cases, especially because they did show evidence of HBV infection, and in all probability may have the integrated HBV genome minus the C gene. Further, we would like to mention in passing that in a study that is currently underway at our center (unpublished data), we have come across HCC cases that were positive for S and X genes but negative for the C gene of the HBV. In India, because reports already have shown the association of HBV with HCC to be high, studies using such probes would corroborate such seroepidemiologic data and highlight the exact prevalence of the virus. Hence, it would be advisable to use a battery of primers/ probes against HBV with special reference to HCC.
Anatomy of layer IV in cat primary auditory cortex (AI)

The structure of neurons and axons in layer IV was studied as part of a larger inquiry into the organization of primary auditory cortex (AI) in the cat. Tissue from the convexity of the middle ectosylvian gyrus between the anterior and posterior ectosylvian sulci was studied in Golgi, Nissl, Bodian, plastic‐embedded, and other preparations from adult animals. Layer IV is defined as a strip about 200–250 μm thick consisting predominantly of small non‐pyramidal neurons intercalated between the pyramidal somata of layers III and V, and in which few commissurally projecting cells occur. Lying some 800–900 μm beneath the pia, layer IV has six types of neurons, as seen in Golgi‐stained material from anatomically and physiologically defined AI. These include three varieties (small, medium‐sized, and large) of tufted neurons with intracortically branching axons and vertically polarized, cylindrical dendritic fields. Besides the tufted cells, which are the most numerous neurons in layer IV, large multipolar, double bouquet, and spiny stellate cells are scattered through layer IV. Each has a characteristic neuronal architecture and intracortical axonal branches. Smaller tufted cell somata dominate the upper half of layer IV (IVa), larger tufted cells are more common deep in layer IV (IVb). The average somatic area in midnuclear, plastic‐embedded sections is 158 μm2. Layer IV (and layer IIIb) receive thick, probably ascending fibers, forming narrow, vertical terminal fields. These axons may be of thalamic origin and overlap with alternating, 50–75‐μm‐wide columns of somata and neuropil in layer IV. Layer III pyramidal cell axons often project to layer IV and ramify vertically and horizontally. The average height‐width ratio of the dendritic domains of layer IV cells is about 3.6:1. The vertically disposed dendrites of layer IV cells, the columnar arrangement of their local axonal branches, and the polarized form of intrinsic and extrinsic axons collectively reinforces the columnar pattern in layer IV. Many layer IV cells structurally resemble neurons in layer IV in the primary visual and somatic sensory cortex. However, most AI cells have a pronounced columnar arrangement of their somata and an elongated, narrow form. The axons of many layer IV cells preserve this vertical arrangement and often branch in layer III and, to a lesser degree, in layer V. Layer IV cells contribute little if at all to the commissural system in the primary auditory cortices, nor do they project extensively to the second auditory field adjoining AI. They might have a role in the function of local circuits within AI. Certain types of neurons appear to be common constituents in layer IV in other primary sensory cortical regions. These may represent fundamental elements of neocortical circuitry.
Prescribing amiodarone: an evidence-based review of clinical indications.

CONTEXT Although amiodarone is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration only for refractory ventricular arrhythmias, it is one of the most frequently prescribed antiarrhythmic medications in the United States. OBJECTIVE To evaluate and synthesize evidence regarding optimal use of amiodarone for various arrhythmias. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Systematic search of MEDLINE to identify peer-reviewed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and other studies with clinical pertinence. The search was limited to human-participant, English-language reports published between 1970 and 2007. Amiodarone was searched using the terms adverse effects, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, congestive heart failure, electrical storm, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, surgery, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, and Wolff-Parkinson-White. Bibliographies of identified articles and guidelines from official societies were reviewed for additional references. Ninety-two identified studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Amiodarone may have clinical value in patients with left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure as first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation, though other agents are available. Amiodarone is useful in acute management of sustained ventricular tachyarrythmias, regardless of hemodynamic stability. The only role for prophylactic amiodarone is in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. Amiodarone may be effective as an adjunct to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy to reduce number of shocks. However, amiodarone has a number of serious adverse effects, including corneal microdeposits (>90%), optic neuropathy/neuritis (< or =1%-2%), blue-gray skin discoloration (4%-9%), photosensitivity (25%-75%), hypothyroidism (6%), hyperthyroidism (0.9%-2%), pulmonary toxicity (1%-17%), peripheral neuropathy (0.3% annually), and hepatotoxicity (elevated enzyme levels, 15%-30%; hepatitis and cirrhosis, <3% [0.6% annually]). CONCLUSION Amiodarone should be used with close follow-up in patients who are likely to derive the most benefit, namely those with atrial fibrillation and left ventricular dysfunction, those with acute sustained ventricular arrhythmias, those about to undergo cardiac surgery, and those with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and symptomatic shocks.
X-ray absorption in Compton-thin AGN: the predictions of a model revisited

Context. The evidence of a decrease with increasing luminosity in the fraction fabs of absorbed and Compton-thin among X-rayselected (2−10 keV) AGN is observationally well supported, while that of an increase in fabs with redshift is fairly controversial. In a previous paper, the gravitational effect of the SMBH on the molecular interstellar gas, in the central region of the host galaxy, was shown to predict an anti-correlation between fabs and the black-hole mass MBH. Aims. The most recent findings on the distribution of the Eddington ratio λ = Lb/LE as a function of MBH and z are used to convert that relationship into one between fabs and both bolometric (Lb) and X-ray (LX) luminosities at various values of z. Methods. The findings for λ(MBH,z) are properly treated to ensure completeness in the prediction of fabs above a certain luminosity, at values of z = 0.1, 0.35, 0.7, and ≥1. To verify the consequence of these findings alone, we first adopted a distribution of gas surface density Σ, observed in a sample of local spiral galaxies, irrespective of the galaxy morphological type and z. Results. Assuming the Eddington limit, λ = 1, in the λ(MBH,z) distribution as a “natural” cut-off, the predictions are consistent with the existence of an anti-correlation between fabs and LX, but they fail to reproduce an increase in fabs with z. Because the early type galaxies are on average much poorer in molecular gas than late type ones, a quantitative agreement with the local value of fabs requires the existence of a correlation between Σ and the central activity. An increase in typical values of Σ with z, correlated with the activity, might explain an increase in fabs with z . H owever,fabs could hardly exceed about 0.3 at the highest luminosities.
Algebraic gossip: a network coding approach to optimal multiple rumor mongering

The problem of simultaneously disseminating k messages in a large network of n nodes, in a decentralized and distributed manner, where nodes only have knowledge about their own contents, is studied. In every discrete time-step, each node selects a communication partner randomly, uniformly among all nodes and only one message can be transmitted. The goal is to disseminate rapidly, with high probability, all messages to all nodes. It is shown that a random linear coding (RLC) based protocol disseminates all messages to all nodes in time ck+/spl Oscr/(/spl radic/kln(k)ln(n)), where c<3.46 using pull-based dissemination and c<5.96 using push-based dissemination. Simulations suggest that c<2 might be a tighter bound. Thus, if k/spl Gt/(ln(n))/sup 3/, the time for simultaneous dissemination RLC is asymptotically at most ck, versus the /spl Omega/(klog/sub 2/(n)) time of sequential dissemination. Furthermore, when k/spl Gt/(ln(n))/sup 3/, the dissemination time is order optimal. When k/spl Lt/(ln(n))/sup 2/, RLC reduces dissemination time by a factor of /spl Omega/(/spl radic/k/lnk) over sequential dissemination. The overhead of the RLC protocol is negligible for messages of reasonable size. A store-and-forward mechanism without coding is also considered. It is shown that this approach performs no better than a sequential approach when k=/spl prop/n. Owing to the distributed nature of the system, the proof requires analysis of an appropriate time-varying Bernoulli process.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy with sequential biventricular pacing: impact of echocardiography guided VV delay optimization on acute results.

BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular synchrony as evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), leading to improved left ventricular performance and reverse remodeling. New CRT devices enable programming of left and right VV delay. The aim of this study was to determine whether sequential biventricular (BiV) pacing by echo-guided programming of VV delay would enhance the response to CRT. METHODS 15 consecutive patients with severe heart failure and left bundle branch block underwent CRT by BiV device implantation. They were studied with conventional and TDI echo the day before implantation. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined, and the electromechanical delay (QS), defined as the time interval from the beginning of the QRS to the S wave in pulsed TDI, was assessed in each of the four left ventricular basal segments. The dyssynchrony index was calculated as the difference between the longest and shortest electromechanical delay (QS(max-min)). The parameters were re-evaluated the day after implantation during simultaneous BiV pacing and with seven different VV delays. The optimal VV delay was determined by finding the VV interval corresponding to the maximum aortic velocity time interval (VTI). RESULTS QS(max-min) decreased from 85.3 +/- 27.0 msec to 46.7 +/- 23.0 msec (p = 0.0002), LVEF increased from 21.7 +/- 7.3% to 30.0 +/- 7.7% (p = 0.0001) and aortic VTI increased from 12.7 +/- 3.6 cm to 15.2 +/- 4.0 cm (p < 0.0001), with simultaneous BiV pacing. The VV intervals were programmed as follows: LV pre-excitation by 10 msec in five patients, 20 msec in three, 30 msec in two, and 40 msec in three; and RV pre-excitation by 10 msec in one and by 20 msec in one. The maximal aortic VTI obtained with VV delay programming increased from 15.2 +/- 4.0 cm to 17.7 +/- 4.0 cm (p = 0.0005). During optimized sequential BiV pacing, QS(max-min) further decreased from 46.7 +/- 23.0 msec to 30.6 +/- 21.0 msec (p = 0.02) and LVEF further increased from 30.0 +/- 7.7% to 35.0 +/- 7.7% (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS Sequential BiV pacing with VV delay optimized by evaluation of aortic VTI enhanced the response to CRT with additional improvements in left ventricular synchrony and left ventricular function compared to simultaneous CRT.
Inattention and Dissociation: Overlapping Constructs?

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Evidence that Poly(A) Binding Protein C1 Binds Nuclear Pre-mRNA Poly(A) Tails

ABSTRACT In mammalian cells, poly(A) binding protein C1 (PABP C1) has well-known roles in mRNA translation and decay in the cytoplasm. However, PABPC1 also shuttles in and out of the nucleus, and its nuclear function is unknown. Here, we show that PABPC1, like the major nuclear poly(A) binding protein PABPN1, associates with nuclear pre-mRNAs that are polyadenylated and intron containing. PABPC1 does not bind nonpolyadenylated histone mRNA, indicating that the interaction of PABPC1 with pre-mRNA requires a poly(A) tail. Consistent with this conclusion, UV cross-linking results obtained using intact cells reveal that PABPC1 binds directly to pre-mRNA poly(A) tails in vivo. We also show that PABPC1 immunopurifies with poly(A) polymerase, suggesting that PABPC1 is acquired by polyadenylated transcripts during poly(A) tail synthesis. Our findings demonstrate that PABPC1 associates with polyadenylated transcripts earlier in mammalian mRNA biogenesis than previously thought and offer insights into the mechanism by which PABPC1 is recruited to newly synthesized poly(A). Our results are discussed in the context of pre-mRNA processing and stability and mRNA trafficking and the pioneer round of translation.
Testing the Difference Between Two Alpha Coefficients With Small Samples of Subjects and Raters

Researchers sometimes need a statistical test of the hypothesis that two values of Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient are equal. The situation may involve scores from two different measures administered to independent random samples or from the same measure administered to random samples from two different populations. Feldt derived a test that functions well with large or moderate numbers of subjects. However, he validated this test only when the number of parts (k) of the measurement was fairly large, as it would be if the parts were individual test items. He did not consider instances in which the parts were raters, and hencek would be as small as 2 or 3. In this article, the Feldt test is investigated for such situations. It is found to function quite well in its control of Type I error.
Believers, Atheists, and Others

In 1990-92,1 had the chance to participate in a large sociological research project studying religiosity in late-Soviet—post-Soviet Russia, the results of which were published in a number of publications (see: D. Furman, "Religiia i politika v sovremennom massovom soznanii," Voprosy filosofii, 1992, no. 7; S. Filatov and D. Furman, "Religiia i politika v massovom soznanii, in Religiia i politika v postkommunisticheskoi Rossii (Moscow, 1994)). The participants in the research study subsequently ceased their work—they didn't have enough strength or money (and most importantly—the strength to find money). But at this same time, a group of Finnish and Russian scholars, under the leadership of K. Kaariainen, began its study of Russian religiosity, conducting all-Rossiia surveys in 1991-92 and 1996 (the 1996 sample consisted of 1,664 people). The questions being asked by the Finnish researchers, working within the framework of the World Values Survey program, were somewhat different from ours, and, as it seems to me, not always applicable for Russia. Nevertheless, our results are thoroughly comparable, and I am grateful to K. Kaariainen, as well as to H. Heino, J. Sihvo, and V. Andreenkov, for providing me the opportunity to study and make use of their 1996 survey materials. The aim of this article is to partially interpret the data obtained by the Finnish researchers, comparing them with the results of our earlier research. A more complete analysis of these materials will be published in Finland for an anthology.
The meaning and consequences of star formation criteria in galaxy models with resolved stellar feedback

We consider the effects of different criteria for determining where stars will form in gas on galactic scales, in simulations with high (1 pc) resolution, with explicitly resolved physics of Giant Molecular Cloud (GMC) formation and destruction, and stellar feedback from supernovae, radiation pressure, stellar winds and photoheating. We compare: (1) a self-gravity criterion (based on the local virial parameter and the assumption that self-gravitating gas collapses to high density in a single free-fall time), (2) a fixed density threshold, (3) a molecular-gas law, (4) a temperature threshold, (5) a requirement that the gas be Jeans unstable, (6) a criteria that cooling times be shorter than dynamical times and (7) a convergent-flow criterion. We consider all of these in both a Milky Way (MW)-like and high-density (starburst or high-redshift) galaxy. With feedback present, all models produce identical integrated star formation rates (SFRs), in good agreement with the Kennicutt relation; without feedback all produce orders-of-magnitude excessive SFRs. This is totally dependent on feedback and independent of the star formation (SF) law, even if the ‘local’ collapse efficiency is 100 per cent. However, the predicted spatial and density distribution depend strongly on the SF criteria. Because cooling rates are generally fast within galaxy discs, and gas is turbulent, criteria (4)–(7) are very ‘weak’ and spread the SF uniformly over most of the disc (down to densities n ∼ 0.01–0.1 cm^−3). A molecular criterion (3) localizes to slightly higher densities, but still a wide range; for metallicity near solar, it is almost identical to a fixed density threshold at n ∼ 1 cm^−3 (well below the mean density in the central MW or starburst systems). A fixed density threshold (2) can always select the highest resolved densities, but must be adjusted both for simulation resolution and individual galaxy properties – the same threshold that works well in a MW-like simulation will select nearly all gas in a starburst. Binding criteria (1) tend to adaptively select the largest local overdensities, independent of galaxy model or resolution, and automatically predict clustered SF. We argue that this SF model (possible with other secondary criteria) is most physically motivated and presents significant numerical advantages in simulations with a large dynamic range.
Stigma and eating disorders: Is there evidence of negative attitudes towards anorexia nervosa among women in the community?

Background and aims: Few studies have examined stigma towards individuals affected by eating disorders. The aim of this study was to elucidate negative attitudes concerning the eating disorder anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: A vignette describing a fictional 15-year-old female meeting diagnostic criteria for AN was presented to 250 female university students, followed by a series of questions designed to assess perceptions of severity, self-centredness, contribution to society, social distance and desirability. Participants' levels of eating disorder psychopathology and familiarity with the problem described were also assessed. Results: Whereas attitudes were generally positive, negative attitudes were apparent in responses to items addressing self-centredness and social distance. In addition, many participants had at some stage thought that it “might not be too bad” to have the problem described. Exposure to information concerning the problem described through film or television was associated with less negative attitudes, whereas other types of exposure had little or no effect. Conclusions: Negative attitudes towards individuals affected by AN exist among women in the community, as well as ambivalence concerning the severity of the disorder. Further research is needed to identify the nature of stigma associated with eating disorders and the variables that moderate its expression.