Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aluminum-Dependent Terminal Differentiation of the Arabidopsis Root Tip Is Mediated through an ATR-, ALT2-, and SOG1-Regulated Transcriptional Response[OPEN]

Aluminum-dependent terminal differentiation of the root tip is an active process mediated by ATR and ALT2 through a SOG1-dependent transcriptional response that promotes endoreduplication. By screening for suppressors of the aluminum (Al) hypersensitive Arabidopsis thaliana mutant als3-1, it was found that mutational loss of the Arabidopsis DNA damage response transcription factor SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE1 (SOG1) confers increased Al tolerance similar to the loss-of-function mutants for the cell cycle checkpoint genes ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA AND RAD3 RELATED (ATR) and ALUMINUM TOLERANT2 (ALT2). This suggests that Al-dependent terminal differentiation of the root tip is an active process resulting from activation of the DNA damage checkpoint by an ATR-regulated pathway, which functions at least in part through SOG1. Consistent with this, ATR can phosphorylate SOG1 in vitro. Analysis of SOG1’s role in Al-dependent root growth inhibition shows that sog1-7 prevents Al-dependent quiescent center differentiation and endoreduplication in the primary root tip. Following Al exposure, SOG1 increases expression of several genes previously associated with DNA damage, including BRCA1 and PARP2, with gel-shift analysis showing that SOG1 can physically associate with the BRCA1 promoter in vitro. Al-responsive expression of these SOG1-regulated genes requires ATR and ALT2, but not ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED, thus demonstrating that in response to chronic Al exposure, ATR, ALT2, and SOG1 function together to halt root growth and promote terminal differentiation at least in part in a transcription-dependent manner.
Oral glucose tolerance test in Italian overweight/obese children and adolescents results in a very high prevalence of impaired fasting glycaemia, but not of diabetes

Very few studies on glucose abnormalities in European overweight/obese children and adolescents are available, and scientific evidence on the value of standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in childhood is lacking. We therefore aimed to establish prevalence and features of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a large cohort of Italian overweight/obese children and adolescents and to assess the validity of standard OGTT in the paediatric population.
Trace element accumulation in hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Yaeyama Islands, Japan

Concentrations of 18 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, Tl, and Pb) were determined in the liver, kidney, and muscle of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan. Accumulation features of trace elements in the three tissues were similar between green and hawksbill turtles. No gender differences in trace element accumulation in liver and kidney were found for most of the elements. Significant growth‐dependent variations were found in concentrations of some elements in tissues of green and hawksbill turtles. Significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between standard carapace length (SCL) and the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se in the kidney and V in muscle of green turtles and Mn in the liver, Rb and Ag in kidney, and Hg in muscle of hawksbill turtles. Concentrations of Sr, Mo, Ag, Sb, and Tl in the liver, Sb in kidney, and Sb and Ba in muscle of green turtles and Se and Hg in the liver and Co, Se, and Hg in kidney of hawksbill turtles increased with an increase in SCL (p < 0.05). Green and hawksbill turtles accumulated extremely high concentrations of Cu in the liver and Cd in kidney, whereas the levels of Hg in liver were low in comparison with those of other higher–trophic‐level marine animals. High accumulation of Ag in the liver of green turtles was also observed. To evaluate the trophic transfer of trace elements, concentrations of trace elements were determined in stomach contents of green and hawksbill turtles. A remarkably high trophic transfer coefficient was found for Ag and Cd in green turtles and for Cd and Hg in hawksbill turtles.
Arterial supply of the intestine of Baladi rabbit.

Received: Revised: Accepted: February 08, 2014 February 27, 2014 March 05, 2014 Twenty apparently adult healthy Baladi rabbit of both sexes were used in this study to demonstrate the arterial supply of the intestinal tract. Immediately after slaughtering of rabbits, the thoracic part of the aorta was injected by gum milk latex colored red with carmine just prior to its passage through the hiatus aorticus of the diaphragm. The study confirmed that the intestinal tract received its arterial blood supply primarily from the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries. It also agreed with the fact those additional branches from gastroduodenal as well as the middle rectal and caudal rectal arteries.
Esensi Ekonomi Makro

Pada edisi revisi ke tiga ini juga penulis merubah judul buku yang semula pengantar ekonomi makro menjadi esensi ekonomi makro, hal ini menurut penulis karena isi buku ini adalah pokokpokok pikiran dalam ekonomi makro.
On the feasibility to map the settlements of Brazil with the CBERS-2B satellite

This paper reports about the feasibility to automatically map the settlements of Brazil with the panchromatic, 2.5 m data of the HRC camera of the CBERS-2B satellite. Using a combined textural and morphological image analysis in a fully automated workflow an equal error rate of 0.18 ± 0.09 and a minimal error rate of 0.06 ± 0.06 could be obtained for an area of 1.4 million km2 of the most densely inhabited parts of Brazil. The method provides in addition to the presence of buildings information about the building density and average size.
Monitoring of viral levels during therapy of hepatitis C

Alpha interferon therapy of chronic hepatitis C is typically accompanied by a biphasic decrease in hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels: an initial rapid decline during the first 24 to 48 hours, and a second more gradual decline during the following weeks. The rate of second‐phase decline correlates with ultimate response to interferon treatment. Thus, assessment of early virological response (EVR) may predict outcome. Data from 2 large clinical trials of peginterferon and ribavirin were combined and analyzed to determine the optimal definition of an EVR which, if not achieved, was associated with a low likelihood of a sustained virological response (SVR). A fall in HCV RNA level to undetectable or by at least 2 log10 units after 12 weeks was found to be the optimal definition of an EVR. Among 965 patients, 778 (80%) achieved an EVR by week 12, including all except 1 patient with genotypes 2 or 3. Among 187 patients without an EVR, only 3 (1.6%) had an SVR. These findings suggest that patients with genotype 1 who do not achieve an EVR should stop treatment after 12 weeks. Use of an early stopping rule reduces treatment costs by at least 16% and avoids the inconvenience and side effects of treatment in the 19% of patients without an EVR who have little chance of a lasting virological response.
The Development of Reading Speed in Italians with Dyslexia

The development of reading speed in Italian children with dyslexia was estimated using individualized growth curves for a group of 38 children with dyslexia tested longitudinally from the second to the eighth grade and compared with typical readers. Their reading speed development followed a linear trend of . 3 syllables per second per grade, approximately half the increment observed in typical children reading a passage and similar to typical children's reading of nonword lists. These findings give support to the deficit hypothesis versus the lag hypothesis and to reading speed as the core deficit in dyslexia with transparent orthographies.
Factors influencing transfusion requirement in patients undergoing first-time, elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Context: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation is associated with high frequency of allogeneic blood transfusion due to the acquired hemostatic challenges in patients undergoing CABG. However, allogeneic blood transfusion carries risks of infection, adverse reaction, and mortality as well as prolonged hospital stay and increased hospital cost. It is important to identify patients who require blood transfusion to mitigate their risk factors and reduce the chance of exposure to allogeneic blood. Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate factors that influence the decision to transfuse red cell in first-time elective CABG patients. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study based on a retrospective record review. The study was done in the National Heart Institute. Materials and Methods: All patients who underwent first-time elective CABG were included in this study. Variables analyzed include age, gender, body weight, preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, patients' comorbidities, and other clinical parameters. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: A total of 463 patients underwent first-time elective CABG during the period of the study. Three hundred and eighty-six (83.4%) patients received red cell transfusion. From multiple logistic regression analysis, only age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.040, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003, 1.077, P = 0.032), body weight (OR = 0.951, 95% CI: 0.928, 0.974, P < 0.001), Hb level (OR = 0.500, 95% CI: 0.387, 0.644, P < 0.001), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.013, 95% CI: 1.004, 1.023, P < 0.001) were the significant independent predictors of red cell transfusion. Conclusions: By stratifying patients according to their risk factor for red cell transfusion, the high-risk patients could be recognized and should be enrolled into effective patient blood management program to minimize their risk of exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion.
An Injectable, Click‐Cross‐Linked Small Intestinal Submucosa Drug Depot for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here, a click‐cross‐linked small intestine submucosa (SIS) drug depot is described for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To the best of the knowledge, there have been no studies related to the intra‐articular injection of methotrexate (Met)‐loaded click‐cross‐linkable SIS (Met‐loaded Cx‐SIS) for RA treatment. As the key objective of this work, injectable formulations of tetrazine‐modified SIS (TE‐SIS) and transcyclooctene‐modified SIS (TC‐SIS) are employed as drug depots. Within a few seconds, the simple mixing of equal amounts of TE‐SIS and TC‐SIS suspensions forms a gelatinous click‐cross‐linked SIS (Cx‐SIS) drug depot in vitro and in vivo. The formed Cx‐SIS depot is maintained in the articular joint over an extended period, while SIS alone rapidly disappears. Injectable formulations of Met‐loaded Cx‐SIS and Met‐loaded SIS are prepared and then injected into articular joints to form drug depots. Compared to animals treated with Met‐loaded SIS, RA animals treated with Met‐loaded Cx‐SIS show effective RA repair, as well as extensive regeneration of chondrocytes and glycosaminoglycan deposits. Collectively, these results indicate that the Met‐loaded Cx‐SIS depot is successfully formed after intra‐articular injection of click‐cross‐linkable SIS, and that this formulation induces long‐lasting Met release and allows Met to act effectively in the articular joint, resulting in RA repair.
Association between Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme I/D Polymorphism and Asthma Risk: A Meta-Analysis Involving 11,897 Subjects

Background. Genetic susceptibility to asthma has been a research focus in the scientific community. Several studies have been conducted in recent years to evaluate the risk of asthma and insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). However, the results remain conflicting rather than conclusive. Methods. We carried out a search in Medline, EMBASE, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database for relevant studies. Data were extracted using a standardized form and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the association. Results. Our meta-analysis on 11,897 subjects from all available studies showed that the DD genotype was associated with increased asthma risk than those with the II (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.20–2.12) or ID/II (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.24–2.10) genotype. Stratified analyses by ethnicity (Europeans and Asians) and age (adults and children) obtained statistically similar results in the two genetic models. In the subgroup analysis by source of controls, the DD genotype was associated with a significantly elevated risk of asthma among population-based controls (DD vs. II: OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.45–3.56) but not hospital-based controls (DD vs. II: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.93–1.49). Conclusions. This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that the I/D polymorphism of ACE is associated with asthma risk. Additional well-designed large studies were required for the validation of our results, especially in African populations.
The Evaluation of Refrigerated and Frozen Osteochondral Allografts in the Knee

Between 1998 and 2002, 25 patients who were treated with a refrigerated or frozen allograft were evaluated. The mean patient age was 48 years. The mean lesion size was 4.5 cm2. Validated outcome instruments [Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster University Score] were used. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed pre-operatively and at the most recent follow-up. Histological and electron microscopic analysis was performed on grafts prior to implantation. Clinical follow-up averaged 46 months (range 24 - 60 months). The Western Ontario and McMaster University Score improved from 46 + 24 to 66 + 22 (p = 0.003). The Knee Society Score improved from 104 + 43 to 132 + 42 (p = 0.01). No correlation was noted between graft type and histological or electron microscopy scoring. Post-operative mechanical alignment was not correlated with an improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster University Score (p = 0.19) or Knee Society Score (0.27). Six patients (24%), all refrigerated allografts, were failures and underwent knee arthroplasty. Seventy-six percent of implanted frozen and refrigerated osteochondral allografts are in place 4 years after surgery. Frozen allografts appear to be surviving as well as refrigerated grafts. The use of magnetic resonance imaging may enable the evaluation of graft incorporation and articular cartilage integrity.
Short-Term Reorganization of Auditory Analysis Induced by Phonetic Experience

Sine wave replicas of spoken words can be perceived both as nonphonetic auditory forms and as words, depending on a listener's experience. In this study, brain areas activated by sine wave words were studied with fMRI in two conditions: when subjects perceived the sounds spontaneously as nonphonetic auditory forms (nave condition) and after instruction and brief practice attending to their phonetic attributes (informed condition). The test items were composed such that half replicated natural words (phonetic items) and the other half did not, because the tone analogs of the first and third formants had been temporally reversed (nonphonetic items). Subjects were asked to decide whether an isolated tone analog of the second formant (T2) presented before the sine wave word (T1234) was included in it. Experience in attending to the phonetic properties of the sinusoids interfered with this auditory matching task and was accompanied by a decrease in auditory cortex activation with word replicas but not with the acoustically matched nonphonetic items. Because the activation patterns elicited by equivalent acoustic test items depended on a listener's awareness of their phonetic potential, this indicates that the analysis of speech sounds in the auditory cortex is distinct from the simple resolution of auditory form, and is not a mere consequence of acoustic complexity. Because arbitrary acoustic patterns did not evoke the response observed for phonetic patterns, these findings suggest that the perception of speech is contingent on the presence of familiar patterns of spectral variation. The results are consistent with a short-term functional reorganization of auditory analysis induced by phonetic experience with sine wave replicas and contingent on the dynamic acoustic structure of speech.
Understanding Observer Variation When Recording Stone Artifacts

Variation in artifact recording introduced through the use of multiple observers is common in many archaeological projects. We report a study designed to assess random and systematic errors in nominal and ratio data recorded by observers on stone artifacts as part of a distributional study. A random sample of artifacts was selected and double analyzed, once by the regular observers and once by the project director. Random and systematic differences between the two sets of observations are assessed statistically. Analysis of these errors either permits corrections to be applied or indicates where care must be taken in analyzing artifact variation as a reflection of past human behavior.
Spatial Variability in ADHD-Related Behaviors Among Children Born to Mothers Residing Near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site

Abstract Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an uncertain etiology, with potential contributions from different risk factors such as prenatal environmental exposure to organochlorines and metals, social risk factors, and genetics. The degree to which geographic variability in ADHD is independent of, or explained by, risk factors may provide etiological insight. We investigated determinants of geographic variation in ADHD-related behaviors among children living near the polychlorinated biphenyl–contaminated New Bedford Harbor (NBH) Superfund site in Massachusetts. Participants were 573 children recruited at birth (1993–1998) who were born to mothers residing near the NBH site. We assessed ADHD-related behaviors at age 8 years using Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale–Revised: Long Version. Adjusted generalized additive models were used to smooth the association of pregnancy residence with ADHD-related behaviors and assess whether prenatal organochlorine or metal exposures, sociodemographic factors, or other factors explained spatial patterns. Models that adjusted for child's age and sex displayed significantly increased ADHD-related behavior among children whose mothers resided west of the NBH site during pregnancy. These spatial patterns persisted after adjusting for prenatal exposure to organochlorines and metals but were no longer significant after controlling for sociodemographic factors. The findings underscore the value of spatial analysis in identifying high-risk subpopulations and evaluating candidate risk factors.
Familial clustering of recurrent pericarditis may disclose tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES Although several causes of recurrent pericarditis have been identified, the etiology remains obscure in most cases. The tumour necrosis factor receptor-1 associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is the most common autosomal dominant autoinflammatory disorder and is caused by mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene encoding the 55-kD receptor for tumour necrosis factor-(TNF)-alpha. Serosal membrane inflammation is a common feature of TRAPS, usually in the form of polyserositis. In addition, patients affected with recurrent pericarditis as the only clinical manifestation of TRAPS have been recently described. Our aim was to investigate the possible involvement of mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene in a cohort of patients affected with idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. METHODS Twenty consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic recurrent pericarditis were enrolled. Each patient underwent detailed examinations in order to rule out underlying diseases such as infections, connective tissue disorders and malignancies, and mutations of the TNFRSF1A gene were searched for by amplifying, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), genomic DNA, and direct sequencing. RESULTS TNFRSF1A mutations were found in 2 of the 20 patients. They were siblings, and they both carried a heterozygous low-penetrance R92Q mutation in the TNFRSF1A gene. CONCLUSIONS Familial clustering has been recently reported in up to 10% of patients with recurrent pericarditis, thus suggesting in some cases a possible genetic predisposition. Our study suggests that familial clustering may represent a clue for investigating mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene in these patients and eventually disclose TRAPS.
Ear therapy and massage therapy in the elderly with dementia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of massage versus ear acupuncture on behavior and participation in occupational therapy of dementia patients. METHODS We performed a controlled, randomized longitudinal trial approved by the Bioethics Commission of the University of Extremadura. One hundred twenty elderly subjects with dementia institutionalized in residential homes in Extremadura (Spain) received treatment based on massage and ear acupuncture over three months. Behavior alterations, sleep disturbance, and participation in rehabilitation and eating were assessed every month during the three months of intervention, and at one and two months of follow-up after the end of treatment. The assessment was performed through a structured questionnaire with closed format questions done by an occupational therapist not involved in the study. RESULTS There was a statistically significant positive effect of massage and ear acupuncture (P < 0.001) on measured variables in the third month of intervention, which were maintained at two months after completing the treatment (P < 0.021), when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Massage therapy and ear acupuncture can improve behavior and sleep disturbances, and increase the participation in eating and rehabilitation organized in residential homes, in dementia patients.
The risk of malignancy associated with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE To measure the incidence of cancer in patients with psoriasis, stratified by the severity of their disease. DESIGN A cohort study. SETTING Administrative claims records obtained from Medicaid programs in 3 US states. PARTICIPANTS All individuals in the claims database who qualified for 1 of the 5 following groups: severe psoriasis as defined by treatment with systemic medication, less severe psoriasis, severe eczema, history of organ transplantation, and hypertension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE A diagnosis of cancer. RESULTS Individuals with severe psoriasis were more likely to develop a malignancy than those with hypertension (risk ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-2.40). The risk of malignancy in the severe psoriasis group approaches that in patients with organ transplants (risk ratio, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.80-2.50). Most of these cancers were nonmelanoma skin cancers and lymphoproliferative malignancies. Those with less severe psoriasis were only slightly more likely to develop a new malignancy than those with hypertension (risk ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.25). CONCLUSIONS Patients with psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing a malignancy compared with patients with hypertension. The increased risk is greatest for those with severe disease (ie, patients with psoriasis treated with systemic agents) and minimal (if an increased risk at all) for those with less severe disease compared with those in the hypertension group. The increased risk is mainly for lymphoproliferative cancers and nonmelanoma skin cancers.