Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Immateriality of Circulating GDF11.

Recent portrayals of growth differentiation factor (GDF)-11 as an endocrine fountain of youth fail to consider the competitive influences of myostatin, a homologous protein with true endocrine action that binds the identical receptor, activin receptor IIb (ActRIIb). Subsequent studies have disproven the original premise that circulating levels of GDF11, but not those of myostatin, decline with age as the exact opposite seems to be true. These latter studies also seriously question the validity of data presented in the previous reports and indicate that myostatin circulates at levels 500× greater than those of GDF11; yet, both ligands share nearly identical affinities for ActRIIb. The compromised striated muscle function, neurogenesis, and vascular remodeling that occur with advanced age are, therefore, not caused by reduced circulating GDF11 as it could never outcompete myostatin for shared receptor-binding sites . Demonstrating that a single circulating factor reverses the effects of aging, particularly in the heart, muscle, and brain, is beyond transformative as it could revolutionize geriatric medicine and the treatment of sarcopenia, cancer cachexia, heart failure, and even stroke. Such a story was recently told. Unfortunately, however, it is founded on a misunderstanding of competitive ligand interactions and on questionable science. With 2 high-profile publications in Science , Katsimpardi et al1 and Sinha et al,2 and another in Cell , Loffredo et al,3 the same Harvard group suggested that the age-associated decline in circulating levels of GDF11 can induce cardiac hypertrophy, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and compromised neurogenesis.1–3 They also suggested that restoring GDF11 in aged circulation rejuvenates these tissues and induces vascular remodeling. The cornerstone of these conclusions is their reported observation that circulating GDF11, but not myostatin (also known as GDF8), declines with age. This is an extremely important distinction because both ligands bind the identical receptor, ActRIIb, …
Functional Listening Evaluation Performance in Children with Reading Difficulties

Listening to a degraded speech signal over time can interfere with language development and learning in children with both language and reading disorders. Some may benefit from modifications that improve access to speech in the classroom. The Functional Listening Evaluation (FLE; Johnson & Von Almen, 1997), developed for assessing classroom listening ability in children with hearing impairment, examines how noise, distance and visual input may affect speech recognition in school. The FLE might also be useful in demonstrating the need for particular accommodations in children with normal hearing who experience reading difficulties. The FLE was administered to 41 children, aged seven to ten, who were diagnosed with language impairments affecting reading. The Fisher’s Auditory Problems Checklist (Fisher, 1985) was given to participants’ parents to differentiate children with and without listening difficulties. Using BKB sentences, speech recognition scores were obtained for both groups. When key-word scoring was applied, scores were high overall for all participants. With more rigorous verbatim scoring, the group with reported listening difficulties scored lower than the group without reported listening difficulties for all FLE conditions. Within each group, distant conditions yielded significantly lower scores than close conditions. Counterintuitively, only the group without reported listening difficulties showed significantly decreased scores in the noise conditions. Absence of visual cues did not affect speech recognition for either group. The FLE was somewhat sensitive to listening difficulties noted by parents, and with modifications, may provide useful information about accommodations for children with normal hearing who are at risk academically. Introduction
Chromosomal Aneuploidy in Azoospermic Men

Abstract The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of chromosome abnormalities in patients with azoospermia, in our material. Preoperative evaluation included routine andrological investigations with 2 semen analysis, ultrasound, hormonal and genetic examinations. In the last three years, 73 biopsies were performed for testicular sperm extraction in 71 patients. Non-obstructive azoospermia was diagnosed in 53 patients (79%). Karyotyping was performed on lymphocyte preparations of 36 men with diagnosis of infertility. In order to obtain exact diagnosis, cytogenetic methods (QFQ-, GTG-, CBG-band and FISH analysis) were complemented with molecular genetic techniques. Patients were included in the assisted reproduction programme on the base of their genetic results. The most characteristic cases were sex numerical deviations, such as XXY (3 cases), XYY (2 cases) and mosaic X0 syndromes (1 case).
Endometrial Adult/Progenitor Stem Cells

The cyclical arrival of endometrial cells into the abdominal cavity through retrograde flux at menstruation represents the etiopathogenetic basis of endometriosis. The endometrium has peculiar regenerative properties linked to the presence of adult stem cells similar to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Once in the abdominal cavity, these MSCs could proliferate, invade, and differentiate into endometrial cells, finally generating ectopic implants. As only differentiated endometrial cells, and not endometrial MSCs, possess steroid hormone receptors, MSCs could be responsible for the high rate of persistence/recurrence of the disease after hypoestrogenism-inducing therapies. Even angiogenesis promoted by MSCs could play an important role, as survival and proliferation of endometriotic tissue depend on the formation of new blood vessels. Inhibition of angiogenesis represents, in fact, a new, promising therapeutic approach for the disease. Further, medications directly targeting endometriosis MSCs could be effective, alone or in association with hormonal treatments, in increasing the success of medical treatment.
Executive Decisions About Adoption of Information Technology in Small Business: Theory and Empirical Tests

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used to explain and predict small business executives’ decisions to adopt information technology (IT). These theories were tested in a multiphase field study involving 162 small businesses (25 (le) n (le) 200 employees) from a broad set of industries considering a variety of ITs. Results indicate strong support for a decision process based on attitude (perceived positive and negative consequences for the firm), subjective norm (social expectations), and perceived control (resources to overcome obstacles) regarding IT adoption. Additional variables such as firm and individual executive characteristics had no unique effect on adoption decisions. However, as business size increased, so did the importance of expectations from the (social) environment, while the importance of intra-firm consequences and control over potential adoption barriers declined.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with denture-related stomatitis in healthy subjects attending a dental teaching hospital in North Jordan.

UNLABELLED There is scant information regarding the prevalence of denture-related stomatitis (DRS) in Jordan. AIMS The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of DRS in a group of healthy Jordanian subjects wearing removable complete dentures, and to investigate for the factors that may be associated with this infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 300 complete denture patients attending a dental teaching centre in North Jordan for replacement dentures were examined thoroughly for the presence of DRS. Demographic data, including denture-wearing habits, duration of denture usage and smoking, were also obtained. Oral mucosal tissues were examined for signs of denture trauma. Dentures were assessed for plaque accumulation. RESULTS Of the 300 subjects examined, 175 were male and 125 were female. The overall prevalence of DRS in males and females was 52% (157/300). Increased plaque deposits (plaque indices 2 and 3) were significantly more prevalent in subjects with severe forms of DRS (p<0.01). Dentures that were more than 20 years old were located in the group of subjects with grade 2 and 3 infections. A total of 86% of patients with DRS complained of denture trauma compared to 10% of subjects with healthy mucosa, and 87% of the DRS group wore dentures continuously day and night. A total of 70% of subjects with grade 3 DRS were heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes/day). CONCLUSION Local factors studied contributed significantly to the development of DRS in healthy subjects and are important factors to be considered in the pathogenesis of this infection.
Genetic rescue of follicle-stimulating hormone beta-deficient mice.

FSH is an alpha:beta heterodimeric pituitary glycoprotein that shares a common alpha-subunit with LH and TSH. To study the role of FSH in mammalian reproduction, we have previously generated an FSH-deficient mouse model using embryonic stem (ES) cell technology by introducing a null mutation in the unique FSHbeta gene. Male mice deficient in FSH are fertile despite their small testes and reduced sperm number and motility. In contrast, FSH-deficient female mice are infertile due to a block in folliculogenesis at the preantral stage. In this set of experiments, we have rescued the mutant phenotypes of FSHbeta-deficient mice by two genetic strategies. In the type I rescue mice, we introduced into the FSHbeta-deficient background a 10-kb human FSHbeta transgene that is selectively expressed in pituitary gonadotropes. The presence of this transgene [and thus the interspecies hybrid (i.e. mouse alpha:human FSHbeta hormone)] in the background of mouse FSHbeta deficiency completely restored the testis size, sperm number, and motility defects to levels comparable to those seen in control male mice. All of the mouse FSHbeta-deficient female mice carrying this human FSHbeta transgene resumed normal folliculogenesis, were fertile and delivered normal size litters. In the type II rescue mice, human FSH (human alpha:human FSHbeta) was ectopically produced from multiple tissues in the mutant background using a mouse metallothionein-I promoter. Whereas ectopic production of human FSH completely rescued the mouse FSHbeta-deficient male mice, only 3 out of 10 mouse FSHbeta-deficient females bearing these human FSH transgenes were fertile and carried their pregnancies to term and parturition. We conclude that the resultant phenotypes due to a genetic deficiency of mouse FSHbeta can be corrected by appropriate expression of human FSH transgenes and that human FSHbeta gene regulation and function in the mouse pituitary are indistinguishable from the endogenous mouse FSHbeta gene.
Usefulness of autogenous bypass grafts originating distal to the groin.

PURPOSE Infrainguinal bypass grafting with a proximal anastomosis distal to the groin has been used increasingly to conserve available conduit and reduce wound morbidity and recovery time. The usefulness of the liberalized use of distal origin grafts (DOGs) is unknown. METHODS Consecutive autogenous DOG procedures that were performed between 1978 and 2000 were reviewed retrospectively with a computerized registry. Procedures performed as revisions to earlier infrainguinal bypass grafting procedures and for popliteal aneurysm were excluded. RESULTS In the 22-year study period, 249 autogenous DOG procedures were performed in 217 patients. Comparison of the 159 DOGs in patients with diabetes mellitus (+DM) with the 90 grafts in patients without diabetes mellitus (-DM) revealed more associated renal disease (33% vs 9%), preoperative foot necrosis (80% vs 52%), distal popliteal artery graft origins (49% vs 37%), and non-greater saphenous conduits used (30% vs 19%) among the +DM subgroup than the -DM subgroup (P <.05). The operative mortality rate was 2.0%, the major morbidity rate was 8.8%, the early graft failure rate was 6.4%, and the early amputation rate was 2.4%, with no differences related to diabetes mellitus. Follow-up was complete in 92% of patients in a mean interval of 27 months. At 5 years, cumulative primary graft patency rates were 62% overall, 73% for the +DM subgroup, and 45% for the -DM subgroup (P <.001). The overall limb salvage rate after DOG procedures for critical ischemia was 79%, and it was 84% for the +DM subgroup and 69% for the -DM subgroup (P <.04). The overall patient survival rate was 45%, with no difference related to diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION Outcome after autogenous DOG revascularization is satisfactory overall. Graft patency and limb salvage after DOG for critical ischemia are significantly better among patients with diabetes mellitus than patients without diabetes mellitus, despite significantly more bypass grafting procedures performed for foot necrosis. DOG revascularization appears to be an appropriate preference for patients with diabetes mellitus with good inflow below the groin; it should be used less liberally among patients without diabetes mellitus.
Femoral Anteversion in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background Limited data exist in the literature with regard to the amount of femoral anteversion in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The data that do exist are variable: certain studies cite increased version in DDH compared with normal while others have found no significant difference. The purpose of our study was to quantify the degree of femoral anteversion in a large, consecutive series of children with DDH. Methods We performed a prospective study on 37 consecutive hips (30 patients) that were undergoing surgical procedures for DDH. After induction with general anesthesia (before the planned procedure), arthrograms were performed to allow accurate localization of the center of the femoral head. An anteroposterior radiograph was taken with the patient positioned supine and the knee flexed 90 degrees over the end of the operating table and the leg held perpendicular to the plane of the table. The limb was then rotated 90 degrees for the lateral radiograph. The offset of the center of the femoral head to the midline of the femoral shaft was measured in each view and a simple trigonometric relationship was used to calculate the femoral version. Results The mean age of the children in our series was 33.5 months (range: 6 to 79 mo). There were 4 boys and 26 girls; 7 patients had bilateral involvement. The mean femoral anteversion was 50.3 degrees±17.9 degrees. Significant variability was found: the lowest femoral version measured 0 degrees and the highest measured 95.7 degrees. Conclusions In most of our children with DDH, femoral anteversion was increased compared with published norms; however, significant variation existed. Given the variability of femoral anteversion, we believe that an individualized surgical approach is warranted, including preoperative assessment of the femoral version followed by derotational femoral osteotomy only if indicated by the patient's specific torsional profile. Level of Evidence Anatomic study.
The Distribution of Mg2+ ATPase and Its Loss of Specific Activity upon Gradient Centrifugation of Isolated Chromaffin Granules

Abstract: Preparations of purified chromaffin granules were subjected to isopycnic sucrose gradient centrifugation. Determination of Mg2+ ATPase activity and catecholamines showed that the distribution of ATPase almost parallelled the distribution of catecholamines. The distribution of ATPase was slightly shifted to lower densities and was suggested to be caused by the heterogeneity of the chromaffin granules. The results therefore provide evidence that ATPase is associated with chromaffin granules. Determination of the recovery of ATPase activity upon gradient centrifugation revealed losses of enzyme activity which were found to be proportional to the dilutions of the granule preparation subjected to gradient centrifugation.
Hormonal regulation of Cl transport in polar airway epithelia measured by a fluorescent indicator.

Cl transport mechanisms in polarized cultures of canine tracheal epithelium were examined using an Ussing-type chamber with independent mucosal and serosal perfusion. Cl activity was monitored continuously from fluorescence of entrapped 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium (SPQ). When added to the serosal (but not mucosal) solution, isoproterenol increased Cl fluxes across the apical membrane Cl more than fourfold. Apical Cl transport was sensitive to diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC) but not to furosemide, whereas basolateral membrane Cl transport was sensitive to furosemide but not to DPC. Based on a mathematical model of Cl transport, we developed a sensitive protocol to measure hormone-sensitive Cl transport. In Cl-loaded cells in which basolateral Cl transport was partially inhibited by furosemide, mucosal Cl removal caused no Cl efflux before but rapid efflux (0.25 mM/s) after addition of isoproterenol or chlorophenylthio-cAMP. In the presence of indomethacin to block prostaglandin production, elevation of intracellular Ca by bradykinin or 4-bromo-A23187 did not cause Cl efflux, nor did Ca buffering with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid affect stimulation by the cAMP pathway. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate increased Cl efflux submaximally (0.09 mM/s) but did not affect maximal stimulation by cAMP agonists. Methoxamine did not alter apical or basolateral membrane Cl transport. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Strain-Dependent Differences in Calcium Signaling Predict Excitotoxicity in Murine Hippocampal Neurons

Commonly used inbred murine strains differ substantially in their vulnerability to excitotoxic insults. We investigated whether differences in dendritic Ca2+ signaling could underlie the differential vulnerability of C57BL/6 (resistant to kainate excitotoxicity) and C57BL/10 strains (vulnerable). A striking difference was found in fine dendrite Ca2+ responses after kainate exposure. Ca2+ signals in distal dendrites were large in C57BL/10 neurons, and, if a threshold concentration of ∼1.5 μm was reached, a region of sustained high Ca2+ was established in the distal dendritic tree. This region then served as an initiation site for a degenerative cascade, producing high Ca2+ levels that slowly spread to involve the entire neuron and led to cell death. Dendritic Ca2+ signals in C57BL/6 neurons were much smaller and did not trigger these propagating secondary responses. Strain differences in dendritic Ca2+ signaling were also evident after tetanic stimulation of Schaffer collaterals. Ca2+ responses were much larger and peaked earlier in distal dendrites of C57BL/10 compared with those in C57BL/6. Neurons from both strains had similar membrane properties and responded to kainate with intense action potential firing. Degenerative Ca2+ responses were seen in both strains if soma Ca2+ could be sustained above 1.5 μm. The early phases of secondary Ca2+ responses were attributable to Ca2+ influx and were abolished rapidly by buffered zero Ca2+ saline. Taken together, these data indicate that the substantial difference in Ca2+ signals in fine distal dendrites and in the initiation of spreading secondary responses may underlie the selective vulnerability of these neurons to excitotoxic insults.
A prospective study of adolescent pregnancy.

This study examined prospectively the characteristics contributing to adolescent pregnancy in a pregnant (n=452) and comparison (n=373) group of adolescents. The participants were 15-19-year-old Black and White females in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The variables included race, self-esteem, age-related risks, delinquency history, aspirations and expectations Using regression analyses, adolescent pregnancy in Blacks was predicted by approval of delaying a family and pursuing a career, aspirations of working, and lower educational expectations. Pregnancy in White adolescents was predicted by higher educational wishes, lower educational expectations, desiring more children, and having sex younger. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
ICU admission in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus — a multicentre survey

We conducted a retrospective study to assess the reasons for admission to the intensive care unit, and subsequent outcome, in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Four hospitals in the south of England participated, all with specialist HIV units. Data were collected on 127 patients admitted to ICU on 133 separate occasions between June 1993 and October 1997. The mean age on admission was 38 years (range 23–60 years). Ninety‐four patients (70.7%) were documented HIV‐positive before admission and 36 (27%) were diagnosed HIV‐positive for the first time during admission; 36.1% were admitted with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Overall ICU mortality was 33%, in‐hospital mortality was 56% and the eventual mortality at the end of follow‐up (March 1998) was 72%. Survival was highest in those admitted with respiratory HIV‐related disease or HIV‐unrelated illness. Associations with poor outcome included a prior AIDS‐defining illness, a CD4 cell count of less than 100 cells.ml−1 and admission secondary to sepsis.
Formal and Informal Support Needs of Young Women with BRCA Mutations

ABSTRACT This qualitative investigation aims to identify the salient support concerns of young women with BRCA mutations, a frequently understudied population with unique developmental, psychosocial, and family needs. Twenty-three unaffected BRCA gene alteration carriers aged 21 to 36 completed illness genograms and open-ended interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using the Listening Guide to highlight key themes, relationships, and meaning structures. Results reveal existing social support networks composed of family, partners, friends, and coworkers are often inadequate and formal services unavailable or underutilized. These findings suggest an important role for clinicians in reducing isolation, bolstering existing support networks, and designing innovative, targeted interventions that address the challenges specific to this age group. Interventions, such as the multifamily support group, should be integrated into genetic counseling protocols to mitigate the risk of distress.
Socioeconomic determinants of health : Health and social cohesion: why care about income inequality?

Abstract Throughout the world, wealth and income are becoming more concentrated. Growing evidence suggests that the distribution of income–in addition to the absolute standard of living enjoyed by the poor–is a key determinant of population health. A large gap between rich people and poor people leads to higher mortality through the breakdown of social cohesion. The recent surge in income inequality in many countries has been accompanied by a marked increase in the residential concentration of poverty and affluence. Residential segregation diminishes the opportunities for social cohesion. Income inequality has spillover effects on society at large, including increased rates of crime and violence, impeded productivity and economic growth, and the impaired functioning of representative democracy. The extent of inequality in society is often a consequence of explicit policies and public choice. Reducing income inequality offers the prospect of greater social cohesiveness and better population health.
Localization of Amplitude-Panned Virtual Sources

The localization of amplitude-panned virtual sources is investigated in a stereophonic setup with listening tests and with a model of directional hearing. The interaural time difference (ITD) cue is found to be consistent at low frequencies, which is in agreement with earlier studies. It is also shown that the high-frequency interaural level difference (ILD) cues roughly propose the same directions as low-frequency ITD cues However, the ITD and ILD cues suggest different directions at most frequencies, and both cues deviate from general behavior near 1700 Hz