Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of body mass index on the association of weight changes with mortality in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Short-term weight gains and losses are also related to lower and higher mortality risk, respectively. The implications of weight gain or loss may, however, differ between obese individuals and their nonobese counterparts. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS The Current Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Multicenter Observational Study (COSMOS) is an observational study including 6797 European hemodialysis patients recruited between February 2005 and July 2007, with prospective data collection every 6 months for 3 years. Time-dependent Cox proportional hazard regressions assessed the effect of BMI and weight changes on mortality. Analyses were performed after patient stratification according to their starting BMI. RESULTS Among 6296 patients with complete data, 1643 died. At study entry, 42% of patients had a normal weight (BMI, 20-25 kg/m(2)), 11% were underweight, 31% were overweight, and 16% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Weight loss or gain (<1% or >1% of body weight) was strongly associated with higher rates of mortality or survival, respectively. After stratification by BMI categories, this was true in nonobese categories and especially in underweight patients. In obese patients, however, the association between weight loss and mortality was attenuated (hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74 to 2.14]), and no survival benefit of gaining weight was seen (hazard ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.59 to 1.62]). CONCLUSIONS Assuming that these weight changes were unintentional, our study brings attention to rapid weight variations as a clinical sign of health monitoring in hemodialysis patients. In addition, a patient's BMI modifies the strength of the association between weight changes with mortality.
Association between Common Variants near LBX1 and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Replicated in the Chinese Han Population

Background Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most common spinal deformities found in adolescent populations. Recently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a Japanese population indicated that three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs11190870, rs625039 and rs11598564, all located near the LBX1 gene, may be associated with AIS susceptibility [1]. This study suggests a novel AIS predisposition candidate gene and supports the hypothesis that somatosensory functional disorders could contribute to the pathogenesis of AIS. These findings warrant replication in other populations. Methodology/Principal Findings First, we conducted a case-control study consisting of 953 Chinese Han individuals from southern China (513 patients and 440 healthy controls), and the three SNPs were all found to be associated with AIS predisposition. The ORs were observed as 1.49 (95% CI 1.23–1.80, P = 5.09E-5), 1.70 (95% CI 1.42–2.04, P = 1.17E-8) and 1.52 (95% CI 1.27–1.83, P = 5.54E-6) for rs625039, rs11190870 and rs11598564, respectively. Second, a case-only study including a subgroup of AIS patients (N = 234) was performed to determine the effects of these variants on the severity of the condition. However, we did not find any association between these variants and the severity of curvature. Conclusion This study shows that the genetic variants near the LBX1 gene are associated with AIS susceptibility in Chinese Han population. It successfully replicates the results of the GWAS, which was performed in a Japanese population.
Clonal Reproduction and Limited Dispersal in an Environmental Population of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii Isolates from Australia

ABSTRACT Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii is a causative agent of cryptococcosis and is thought to have a specific ecological association with a number of Eucalyptus species in Australia. However, the role that the tree plays in the life cycle of the fungus and the nature of the infectious propagule are not well understood. This study set out to examine whether sexual recombination is occurring in a natural population of C. neoformans var. gattii and whether the fungus disseminates between colonized trees. Thirty C. neoformans var. gattii isolates, consisting of both the α and a mating types, were collected from 13 Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees growing along a riverbank in Renmark, South Australia. The genetic diversity within the population was studied by using amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting, and each isolate was assigned a unique multilocus genotype. Population genetic analyses of the multilocus data found no evidence of genetic exchange between members of the population, indicating a clonal population structure. Canonical variate analysis was then used to study the relationship between isolates from different colonized trees. Isolates from individual trees were strongly correlated, and it appeared that dispersal between trees was not occurring to any appreciable extent. These results suggest that the eucalypt may not be the primary niche for C. neoformans var. gattii but that the decaying wood present in hollows on these trees may provide a favorable substrate for extensive clonal propagation of the yeast cells.
Ligand-Induced Modulation of the Free-Energy Landscape of G Protein-Coupled Receptors Explored by Adaptive Biasing Techniques

Extensive experimental information supports the formation of ligand-specific conformations of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as a possible molecular basis for their functional selectivity for signaling pathways. Taking advantage of the recently published inactive and active crystal structures of GPCRs, we have implemented an all-atom computational strategy that combines different adaptive biasing techniques to identify ligand-specific conformations along pre-determined activation pathways. Using the prototypic GPCR β2-adrenergic receptor as a suitable test case for validation, we show that ligands with different efficacies (either inverse agonists, neutral antagonists, or agonists) modulate the free-energy landscape of the receptor by shifting the conformational equilibrium towards active or inactive conformations depending on their elicited physiological response. Notably, we provide for the first time a quantitative description of the thermodynamics of the receptor in an explicit atomistic environment, which accounts for the receptor basal activity and the stabilization of different active-like states by differently potent agonists. Structural inspection of these metastable states reveals unique conformations of the receptor that may have been difficult to retrieve experimentally.
Intrathecal Opioids and Lower Urinary Tract Function: A Urodynamic Evaluation

Background: Intrathecal administration of opioids may cause lower urinary tract dysfunction. In this study, the authors compared the effects of morphine and sufentanil administered intrathecally in a randomized double-blind fashion (two doses each) on lower urinary tract function in healthy male volunteers. Methods: Urodynamic evaluation was performed before and every hour after drug administration up to complete recovery of lower urinary tract function using pressure and flow measurements recorded from catheters in the bladder and rectum. Sense of urge and urinary flow rates were assessed every hour by filling the bladder with its cystometric capacity and asking the patient to void. Full recovery was defined as a residual volume of less than 10% of bladder capacity and a maximum flow rate within 10% of the initial value. Results: Intrathecal administration of both opioids caused dose-dependent suppression of detrusor contractility and decreased sensation of urge. Mean times to recovery of normal lower urinary tract function were 5 and 8 h after 10 or 30 μg sufentanil and 14 and 20 h after 0.1 or 0.3 mg morphine, respectively. This recovery profile can be explained by the spinal pharmacokinetics of both opioids. Conclusions: Intrathecal opioids decrease bladder function by causing dose-dependent suppression of detrusor contractility and decreased sensation of urge. Recovery of normal lower urinary tract function is significantly faster after intrathecal sufentanil than after morphine, and the recovery time is clearly dose dependent.
Amphipathic helix motif: Classes and properties

The amphipathic/amphiphilic a-helix is an oftenencountered secondary structural motif in biologically active peptides and proteins. For the purpose of this review, an amphipathic/amphiphilic helix will be defined as an a-helix with opposing polar and nonpolar faces oriented along the long axis of the helix. In most instances, evidence for the existence of amphipathic/amphiphilic helixes is indirect but convincing. Although the emphasis in this review is on amphipathic/amphiphilic a-helixes whose properties include interactions with lipids, other classes of amphipathic/amphiphilic helixes will be discussed. Amphipathic helixes were first described as a unique structurelfunction motif involved in lipid interaction by Segrest et al. in 1974.l Prior to this, Perutz et al.' had noted that a-helixes in globular proteins often have narrow nonpolar edges along the long axis of the helix facing the nonpolar interior of the protein. More recently, amphipathic helical domains have been described for other lipid-associating proteins, including certain polypeptide hormones such as endorphin^,^^^ polypeptide venoms such as b~mbol i t i n ,~ ,~ polypeptide antibiotics such as the ma gain in^,^,^ and certain complex transmembrane proteins such as bacter iorhodop~in. ~~~~ In addition, amphipathic helixes involved in both intraand intermolecular protein-protein interactions have been described in a number of proteins, including globular a-helical proteins such as hemoglobin,' calmodulin-regulated protein kinases such as skeletal muscle light chain kinase," and coiled-coil containing proteins such as The functional properties suggested for amphipathic helixes include lipid association, membrane perturbation in the form of fusion or lysis, hormone-receptor catalysis, transmembrane signal transduction, regulation of kinase-calmodulin signal transduction, and transmembrane helical bundle formation. The word amphipathic, introduced by Hartley in 1936,14 literally means "passion" (pathos) "on both sides" (amphi). In this review we will use the word amphipathic rather than the alternate amphiphilic, a term coined more recently by Tanford,15 because
Zoom-dependent calibration for consumer grade-cameras

A significant practical constraint currently applying to the adoption of consumer-grade digital cameras for photogrammetric measurement is the requirement to record images at fixed zoom and focus settings. This is a consequence of the variation of camera calibration parameters, especially principal distance and lens distortion, with changing zoom and focus. This paper describes a zoomdependent calibration model, in which the image coordinate correction equations for departures from collinearity are expressed as a function of the nominal focal length written to the EXIF header of the images. Such a calibration approach frees the user from the constraint of recording images with both fixed focus and zoom. The newly developed zoom-dependent calibration approach is reviewed and the results of its application to the calibration of a number of off-the-shelf cameras are presented. The benefits of the approach for medium-accuracy close-range photogrammetry applications across fields as diverse as traffic accident reconstruction and heritage recording are then highlighted.
Metal-Binding Characteristics of the Gamma-Glutamyl Capsular Polymer of Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 9945

The metal-binding affinity of the anionic poly-γ-d-glutamyl capsule of Bacillus licheniformis was investigated by using Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, Ca2+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, and Cu2+. Purified capsule was suspended in various concentrations of the chloride salts of the various metals, and after dialysis the bound metals were analyzed either by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy or by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Exposure of purified capsule to excess concentrations of Na+ revealed it to contain 8.2 μmol of anionic sites per mg on the basis of Na binding. This was confirmed by titration of the capsule with HCl and NaOH. Other metal ions were then added in ionic concentrations equivalent to 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, and 400% of the available anionic sites. The binding characteristics varied with the metal being investigated. Addition of Cu2+, Al3+, Cr3+, or Fe3+ induced flocculation. These metal ions showed the greatest affinity for B. licheniformis capsule in competitive-binding experiments. Flocculation was not seen with the addition of other metal ions. With the exception of Ni2+ and Fe3+ all capsule-metal-binding sites readily saturated. Ni2+ had low affinity for the polymer, and its binding was increased at high metal concentrations. Fe3+ binding resulted in the development of rust-colored ferrihydrite which itself could bind additional metal. Metal-binding characteristics of B. licheniformis capsule appear to be influenced by the chemical and physical properties of both the capsule and the metal ions.
A replica approach to the state-dependent synapses neural network

The replica method is applied to a neural network model with state-dependent synapses built from those patterns having a correlation with the state of the system greater than a certain threshold. Replica-symmetric and first-step replica-symmetry-breaking results are presented for the storage capacity at zero temperature as a function of this threshold value. A comparison is made with existing results based upon mean-field equations obtained by using a statistical method.
Trait Anticipatory Pleasure Predicts Effort Expenditure for Reward

Research in motivation and emotion has been increasingly influenced by the perspective that processes underpinning the motivated approach of rewarding goals are distinct from those underpinning enjoyment during reward consummation. This distinction recently inspired the construction of the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS), a self-report measure that distinguishes trait anticipatory pleasure (pre-reward feelings of desire) from consummatory pleasure (feelings of enjoyment and gratification upon reward attainment). In a university community sample (N = 97), we examined the TEPS subscales as predictors of (1) the willingness to expend effort for monetary rewards, and (2) affective responses to a pleasant mood induction procedure. Results showed that both anticipatory pleasure and a well-known trait measure of reward motivation predicted effort-expenditure for rewards when the probability of being rewarded was relatively low. Against expectations, consummatory pleasure was unrelated to induced pleasant affect. Taken together, our findings provide support for the validity of the TEPS anticipatory pleasure scale, but not the consummatory pleasure scale.
One for the road! A study to assess the efficacy of single low-dose regimen of rasburicase in controlling hyperuricaemia in patients with tumour lysis syndrome due to haematological malignancies

We conducted a retrospective audit of six patients with various haematological malignancies (two acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, one acute myeloid leukaemia, and three non-Hodgkin lymphoma); these patients were eligible to receive rasburicase, being at high risk of development of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). They received a fixed single low-dose regimen of rasburicase (7.5 mg) mainly due to financial restriction, as patients were not supported by the National Health Service and did not have health insurance. We compared uric acid, creatinine levels, and electrolytes (i.e. phosphate, potassium, and calcium) before and after rasburicase administration and also assessed the need for renal replacement therapy after treatment. All six patients had a significant reduction in uric acid levels on the first day, achieving a response rate of 100% (p = 0.008994); creatinine, phosphate, and potassium were reduced significantly as well, with the p values of 0.0439, 0.014326, and 0.002008, respectively; only one patient needed renal replacement therapy in the form of haemodialysis, due to concerns about hyperphosphataemia. Financial difficulties faced either because patients lacked insurance or because of the restricted National Health Service budget in Egypt have resulted in the unavailability of certain modalities of treatment in cancer care and the need to consider more economic yet efficient approaches. Our experience suggests that a single low-dose rasburicase injection (7.5 mg) is an efficient and cost-effective method to control hyperuricaemia in patients with a high risk of developing TLS when compared with the more expensive and extended standard regimen and doses recommended.
Artesunate Enhances the Cytotoxicity of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Based Sonodynamic Therapy against Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells In Vitro

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) kills tumor cells through the synergistic effects of ultrasound (US) and a sonosensitizer agent. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been used as a sonodynamic sensitizer for cancer treatment. However, studies have shown that 5-ALA-based SDT has limited efficacy against malignant tumors. In this study, we examined whether artesunate (ART) could enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-based SDT against mouse mammary tumor (EMT-6) cells in vitro. In the ART, ART + US, ART + 5-ALA, and ART + 5-ALA + US groups, the cell survival rate correlated with ART concentration, and decreased with increasing concentrations of ART. Morphologically, many apoptotic and necrotic cells were observed in the ART + 5-ALA + US group. The percentage of reactive oxygen species-positive cells in the ART + 5-ALA + US group was also significantly higher than that in the 5-ALA group (p = 0.0228), and the cell death induced by ART + 5-ALA + US could be inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These results show that ART offers great potential in enhancing the efficacy of 5-ALA-based SDT for the treatment of cancer. However, these results are only based on in vitro studies, and further in vivo studies are required.
An Outbreak of Legionnaires Disease Associated with a Decorative Water Wall Fountain in a Hospital

Objective. To detect an outbreak-related source of Legionella, control the outbreak, and prevent additional Legionella infections from occurring. Design and Setting. Epidemiologic investigation of an acute outbreak of hospital-associated Legionnaires disease among outpatients and visitors to a Wisconsin hospital. Patients. Patients with laboratory-confirmed Legionnaires disease who resided in southeastern Wisconsin and had illness onsets during February and March 2010. Methods. Patients with Legionnaires disease were interviewed using a hypothesis-generating questionnaire. On-site investigation included sampling of water and other potential environmental sources for Legionella testing. Case-finding measures included extensive notification of individuals potentially exposed at the hospital and alerts to area healthcare and laboratory personnel. Results. Laboratory-confirmed Legionnaires disease was diagnosed in 8 patients, all of whom were present at the same hospital during the 10 days prior to their illness onsets. Six patients had known exposure to a water wall-type decorative fountain near the main hospital entrance. Although the decorative fountain underwent routine cleaning and maintenance, high counts of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 were isolated from cultures of a foam material found above the fountain trough. Conclusion. This outbreak of Legionnaires disease was associated with exposure to a decorative fountain located in a hospital public area. Routine cleaning and maintenance of fountains does not eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination. Our findings highlight the need to evaluate the safety of water fountains installed in any area of a healthcare facility. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(2):185-191
Teaching evaluation practices in colleges and schools of pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE To document teaching evaluation practices in colleges and schools of pharmacy. METHODS A 51-item questionnaire was developed based on the instrument used in a previous study with modifications made to address changes in pharmacy education. An online survey service was used to distribute the electronic questionnaire to the deans of 98 colleges and schools of pharmacy in the United States. RESULTS Completed surveys were received from 89 colleges and schools of pharmacy. All colleges/schools administered student evaluations of classroom and experiential teaching. Faculty peer evaluation of classroom teaching was used by 66% of colleges/schools. Use of other evaluation methods had increased over the previous decade, including use of formalized self-appraisal of teaching, review of teaching portfolios, interviews with samples of students, and review by teaching experts. While the majority (55%) of colleges/schools administered classroom teaching evaluations at or near the conclusion of a course, 38% administered them at the midpoint and/or conclusion of a faculty member's teaching within a team-taught course. Completion of an online evaluation form was the most common method used for evaluation of classroom (54%) and experiential teaching (72%). CONCLUSION Teaching evaluation methods used in colleges and schools of pharmacy expanded from 1996 to 2007 to include more evaluation of experiential teaching, review by peers, formalized self-appraisal of teaching, review of teaching portfolios, interviews with samples of students, review by teaching experts, and evaluation by alumni. Procedures for conducting student evaluations of teaching have adapted to address changes in curriculum delivery and technology.
Differential Gene Expression of CCKA and CCKB Receptors in the Rat Brain

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is one of the most abundant peptides in the central nervous system (CNS). Radioligand-binding studies have identified and localized both central (CCK(B)-R) and peripheral (CCK(A)-R) receptor subtypes in the CNS. However, these studies have been limited by the relative specificities of agonists and antagonists for receptor subtypes and their inability to distinguish cell bodies from dendritic projection. Recently, we isolated and cloned the cDNAs for both CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptors. In the present study, (35)S-labeled cRNA antisense probes were synthesized for both receptors and in situ hybridization studies were performed in the rat brain, allowing a direct and independent comparison of the distinct distribution of expression of CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptor mRNAs in the rat brain for the first time. mRNAs for both CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptors were expressed mainly in the cortex, olfactory regions, hippocampal formation, septum, and interpeduncular nucleus. Only CCK(A) receptor mRNAs were expressed in some of the hypothalamic nuclei (paraventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, and medial preoptic area). In most of amygdaloid nuclei only CCK(B) receptor mRNAs were expressed. Although the presence of receptor mRNAs does not necessarily imply the presence of functional receptor proteins in the same location, this study showed the regional distribution of mRNAs for CCK(A) and CCK(B) receptors and provides important information about the distribution of CCK receptor subtypes in the CNS which will allow better resolution of their functional roles in the brain.