Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between skin‐prick tests, the multiple allergosorbent test and symptoms of allergic disease

In 47 atopic subjects, skin‐prick testing to 10 common allergens was performed, and specific IgE to the same allergens was assessed by the multi‐allergosorbent chemiluminescent assay (MAST‐CLA). Overall agreement between the tests was 66.4% for conventionally positive skin tests (weal diameter 3 mm), rising to 78.5% when a positive skin test was defined as having a weal diameter greater than or equal to 5 mm. Agreement between the tests was statistically significant for all allergens except Alternaria. A history was obtained from each subject of the presence or absence of allergic symptoms on exposure to cats, and whether there was a history of grass pollen allergy. MAST‐CLA testing for specific IgE to cat dander predicted a history of cat allergy with an efficiency of 74.5%, while a positive MAST‐CLA test for Cocksfoot grass predicted a history of grass pollen allergy with an efficiency of 85.1%. Similar results were obtained on skin testing for these allergens. We conclude that MAST‐CLA gave results comparable to those obtained by skin‐prick testing, and correlated equally well with the history of allergic symptoms.
ARNT2 Regulates Tumoral Growth in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) 2 is a transcriptional factor related to adaptive responses against cellular stress from a xenobiotic substance. Recent evidence indicates ARNT is involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression; however, little is known about the relevance of ARNT2 in the behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the current study, we evaluated the ARNT2 mRNA and protein expression levels in OSCC in vitro and in vivo and the clinical relationship between ARNT2 expression levels in primary OSCCs and their clinicopathologic status by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. Using ARNT2 overexpression models, we performed functional analyses to investigate the critical roles of ARNT2 in OSCC. ARNT2 mRNA and protein were down-regulated significantly (P < 0.05 for both comparisons) in nine OSCC-derived cells and primary OSCC (n=100 patients) compared with normal counterparts. In addition to the data from exogenous experiments that ARNT2-overexpressed cells showed decreased cellular proliferation, ARNT2-positive OSCC cases were correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with tumoral size. Since von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, a negative regulator of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1)-α, is a downstream molecule of ARNT2, we speculated that HIF1-α and its downstream molecules would have key functions in cellular growth. Consistent with our hypothesis, overexpressed ARNT2 cells showed down-regulation of HIF1-α, which causes hypofunctioning of glucose transporter 1, leading to decreased cellular growth. Our results proposed for the first time that the ARNT2 level is an indicator of cellular proliferation in OSCCs. Therefore, ARNT2 may be a potential therapeutic target against progression of OSCCs.
Effects of nilvadipine and amlodipine in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension: a double blind, prospective, randomised clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: This double blind, prospective, randomised, parallel group clinical trial was aimed at investigating the effects of nilvadipine or amlodipine in mild to moderate hypertensive patients over a 3-month treatment period. Research design and methods: Eligible outpatients (supine DBP ≥ 90 mmHg and ≤ 110 mmHg and supine SBP ≤ 180 mmHg) entered a maximum 15-day placebo run-in period and were randomised to receive once daily nilvadipine 8 mg or amlodipine 5 mg (to be doubled in the case of lack of response at day 30). Follow-up visits with measurement of supine and orthostatic blood pressure and heart rate were performed after 15, 30, 60 and 90 days of treatment. Standard laboratory tests and 12-lead ECG were performed at study entry and at the end of treatment; adverse events were collected at any time. Results: A total number of 168 patients, 83 in the nilvadipine and 85 in the amlodipine group, took part in the study: 15 and 14 in the two groups, respectively, were prematurely withdrawn. Supine DBP at endpoint similarly decreases in the two groups (–11.0 ± 7.1 mmHg in the nilvadipine group and –12.7 ± 8.2 mmHg in the amlodipine group), with no significant differences between groups at any time point. Measurements in the orthostatic position also did not show between-groups differences. Blood pressure was normalised in 61.8% of patients in the nilvadipine group and in 63.0% in the amlodipine group; responders to therapy were 64.5% and 69.1% in the two groups, respectively. Results of SBP also did not show differences between groups at any time point, except a more marked decrease in the amlodipine group compared to nilvadipine in the supine measurements at endpoint. A total number of 30 patients (36.6%) in the nilvadipine group and 23 (27.1%) in the amlodipine group reported adverse events ( p = 0.24 between groups), which mainly consisted of vasodilatory effects (e.g. oedema, flushing and headache). A favourable lipid profile, i.e. a significant ( p = 0.002 between groups) decrease of triglycerides levels and an increase of HDL-C, was observed in the nilvadipine group, compared with an increase of triglycerides in the amlodipine group. No effects on haematology, liver and renal function were observed in either group. Conclusions: Nilvadipine or amlodipine produced comparable effects on DBP and shared a similar adverse effect profile. A favourable effect on lipid profile was observed following nilvadipine treatment.
Phosphorylation of extracellular‐regulating kinase in NMDA receptor antagonist‐induced newly generated neurons in the adult rat dentate gyrus

Neurogenesis in the adult brain is promoted by various stimulations. NMDA receptor blockade enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. There is no agreed conclusion, however, as to whether newly generated neurons after NMDA receptor blockade obtain functional properties. We investigated the functional maturation of newly generated neurons after NMDA receptor blockade. In the dentate gyrus, 80% of newly generated cells differentiated into the phenotype of mature neurons at 29 days after the single intraperitoneal injection of an NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801. The number of newly generated neurons after MK‐801 treatment was significantly greater than that in the saline‐treated group. The neurogenic basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor NeuroD protein in the dentate gyrus after MK‐801 treatment was expressed transiently in proliferative cells, but not in mature neurons. To determine functional properties of newly generated neurons, we administered NMDA to the lateral ventricle. As an in vivo response, we assessed extracellular‐regulating kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. The newly generated neurons showed ERK phosphorylation by NMDA administration as seen in surrounding mature neurons. The number of newly generated neurons, which responded to NMDA receptor stimulation, increased with time after MK‐801 treatment. The present study provides evidence that newly generated neurons in the adult hippocampus after NMDA receptor blockade acquire biochemical function in vivo.
Attenuated vasodilatation in lambs with endogenous and exogenous activation of cGMP signaling: Role of protein kinase G nitration

Pulmonary vasodilation is mediated through the activation of protein kinase G (PKG) via a signaling pathway involving nitric oxide (NO), natriuretic peptides (NP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). In pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease, this pathway is endogenously activated by an early vascular upregulation of NO and increased myocardial B‐type NP expression and release. In the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, this pathway is exogenously activated using inhaled NO or other pharmacological agents. Despite this activation of cGMP, vascular dysfunction is present, suggesting that NO‐cGMP independent mechanisms are involved and were the focus of this study. Exposure of pulmonary artery endothelial or smooth muscle cells to the NO donor, Spermine NONOate (SpNONOate), increased peroxynitrite (ONOO−) generation and PKG‐1α nitration, while PKG‐1α activity was decreased. These changes were prevented by superoxide dismutase (SOD) or manganese(III)tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl)porphyrin (MnTMPyP) and mimicked by the ONOO− donor, 3‐morpholinosydnonimine N‐ethylcarbamide (SIN‐1). Peripheral lung extracts from 4‐week old lambs with increased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension (Shunt lambs with endogenous activation of cGMP) or juvenile lambs treated with inhaled NO for 24 h (with exogenous activation of cGMP) revealed increased ONOO− levels, elevated PKG‐1α nitration, and decreased kinase activity without changes in PKG‐1α protein levels. However, in Shunt lambs treated with L‐arginine or lambs administered polyethylene glycol conjugated‐SOD (PEG‐SOD) during inhaled NO exposure, ONOO− and PKG‐1α nitration were diminished and kinase activity was preserved. Together our data reveal that vascular dysfunction can occur, despite elevated levels of cGMP, due to PKG‐1α nitration and subsequent attenuation of activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 3104–3113, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperlipidemia Associated with Protease Inhibitor Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of extreme hyperlipidemia associated with protease inhibitor–based antiretroviral therapy and review the relevant literature concerning lipid abnormalities with HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 35-year-old HIV-infected man developed a serum cholesterol of 1472 mg/dL and fasting serum triglycerides of 8660 mg/dL after initiation of antiretroviral therapy consisting of ritonavir, saquinavir, nevirapine, and didanosine. All other medications had been stable during this time period and the abnormality resolved after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy and initiation of lipid-lowering therapy. The elevated cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations did not recur when therapy was reinstituted with nelfinavir, saquinavir, nevirapine, and didanosine. The hyperlipidemia then was attributed to ritonavir. DISCUSSION: Lipid abnormalities are common in patients with HIV infection and usually consist of hypocholesterolemia and moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia have been reported with ritonavir and, less commonly, with other currently available protease inhibitors. Some cases of ritonavir-associated hyperlipidemia have been extreme. Although an association between hyperlipidemia and clinical consequences such as pancreatitis and atherosclerotic disease has not been well described with protease inhibitor therapy, pancreatitis is common in HIV-infected patients. It is possible that in some cases, protease inhibitor–induced hypertriglyceridemia may contribute to the development of pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal management of lipid abnormalities in HIV-infected patients is controversial. The potential benefit of reducing the incidence of pancreatitis and atherosclerotic events must be weighed against the risk of intolerance, toxicity, and drug interactions.
Well-being, involvement in paid work and division of child-care in parents of children with intellectual disabilities in Sweden.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to compare mothers' and fathers' involvement in paid work and child-care in families of children with intellectual disability (ID) and control families and to test if differences in well-being between mothers and fathers of children with ID can be explained by differences in involvement in paid work and child-care. METHODS Mothers and fathers of 179 children with ID and 196 typically developing children answered mailed surveys on their involvement in paid work, child-care tasks and well-being. Only two-parent families were included. RESULTS The results show main effects for gender of the parent and presence of a child with ID on involvement in paid work and well-being. Interaction effects indicate that mothers of children with ID are more affected than fathers in their participation in paid work and well-being. A positive relation between level of participation in paid work and well-being was found for both mothers and fathers. No difference in division of child-care tasks was found between families of children with ID and control families. Differences in involvement in paid work and child-care in families of children with ID only explained 5% of the variance in the difference between mothers' and fathers' well-being. CONCLUSIONS Families with children with ID differ from control families in that the parents are less involved in paid work and have lower levels of well-being. A positive relation between involvement in paid work and well-being was found.
An empirical method using features combination for Arabic native language identification

In this paper, we focus on the detection of the Arabic learners' mother tongue. The proposed method is based on the automatic classification using some data statistically extracted from a source corpus. We present a hybrid method that combines surface analysis in texts with an automatic learning method. Unlike the few techniques found in the state of the art, the features selection phase allowed improving performances. Therefore, the obtained results outperformed those provided by the best methods used for Arabic native language detection.
Vancomycin overuse in Siriraj Hospital.

OBJECTIVE An emergence of vancomycin resistant organisms particularly vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) has become a serious public health concern. To prevent and control the spread of vancomycin resistant organisms, the prudent use of vancomycin is strongly recommended by the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). MATERIAL AND METHOD A 6-week prospective observational study of vancomycin use was conducted in hospitalized patients at Siriraj Hospital from February to March 2005. Indications of initiating and continuing vancomycin were categorized according to HICPAC recommendations. Factors related to the appropriateness of vancomycin use were also evaluated. RESULTS At initiation, vancomycin was inappropriately and empirically prescribed 19/222 times (8.6%) and 166/222 times (74.8%), respectively. After microbiological results were obtained, the rate of inappropriate prescription continued 132/222 times (59.5%). Furthermore, inappropriate use was significantly correlated with the type of department. There was a higher rate in the Department of Pediatrics, Surgery and Ophthalmology when compared with that of the Department of Medicine (p = 0.001). The inappropriate use also correlated with topical use (p < 0.001), intravenous administration (p = 0.012) and no consultation with an infectious disease specialist (p = 0.001). The overuse did not improve the clinical outcome. CONCLUSION A substantial rate of inappropriate use of vancomycin was found in Siriraj Hospital. Intervention to improve appropriateness of vancomycin use should be urgently implemented to prevent and control the emergence of vancomycin resistant organisms.
Encephalization and allometric trajectories in the genus Homo: Evidence from the Neandertal and modern lineages

The term “encephalization” is commonly used to describe an enlargement in brain size, considered as either absolute endocranial volumes or relative values in relation to body size. It is widely recognized that a considerable endocranial expansion occurred throughout the evolution of the genus Homo. This article aims to evaluate whether this phenomenon was the outcome of distinct evolutionary lineages, reaching similar brain expansions but through different trajectories. Endocranial morphology was studied in a sample of fossil hominines by multivariate approaches using both traditional metrics and geometric morphometrics. The analysis was focused on the transition from a generalized archaic pattern within the genus Homo to the modern morphology and compared with changes that occurred along the Neandertal lineage. The main result was the identification of two different evolutionary trajectories, in which a similar expansion in endocranial size has been reached by different changes in shape. Along the Neandertal lineage we observed maintenance of an “archaic” endocranial model, in which a large amount of variability is based on a single allometric trend. By contrast, when modern endocasts were compared with nonmodern ones, we found important differences apparently led by a parietal expansion. In this light, the origin of our species may have represented the opportunity to surpass the constraints imposed on encephalization by the ontogenetic pattern shared by nonmodern Homo representatives.
Nutritional parameters affecting erythrocyte polyamine levels in cancer patients.

Changes in erythrocyte polyamine levels during intravenous hyperalimentation in cancer and noncancer patients were determined, and the influence of host nutritional status on polyamine metabolism was analyzed. RBC putrescine (P less than .001), spermidine (P less than .01), and spermine (P less than .005) levels, and the putrescine-spermidine ratio (P less than .001) increased in the cancer group while no significant increases were noted in the noncancer group. The degree of malnutrition, based on body weight loss and plasma albumin, transferrin, prealbumin, and retinol-binding protein levels, was significantly greater in the cancer group than in the noncancer group, giving rise to the possibility that repletion of nutritional deficits in host tissues could have contributed to the rise in RBC polyamines. When cancer patients of similar nutritional status were matched with the noncancer group, increases in RBC putrescine level and putrescine-spermidine ratio were noted in the selected cancer patients. These results suggest that correction of nutritional deficits did not contribute significantly to the RBC polyamine pool and that increases in RBC polyamines during intravenous hyperalimentation were related to the presence of tumor.
Politician's Strategic Impression Management on Instagram

With the growing trend of Instagram usage among politicians, this study investigates the effects of two self-presentation styles of personalization (i.e. presenting the private over the public life of a politician) and interactivity (i.e. presenting the active versus passive voice of a politician) on voters’ perception of politicians and their voting intention in the context of Instagram. The results of an experiment (n = 120) showed that presenting the public life of a politician had a more positive effect on perception of character, compared to the private life. Using a highly interactive style on Instagram had a more positive effect on perception of character, compared to a lack of interactivity. Finally, character perception was found to be a mediator for the effects of personalization and interactivity on voting intention. Theoretical implications with respect to impression management on social media, as well as practical implications for political engagement, are discussed.
Deletion of the amino‐terminal domain of the prion protein does not impair prion protein–dependent neuronal differentiation and neuritogenesis

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycoprotein of unknown biological function. To gain insight into the physiological role of PrPC, we generated a novel PrP knockout cell line, named PrPo/o ML, by immortalization of neuroepithelial precursor cells derived from the cerebellum of PrP‐knockout mice using the temperature‐sensitive simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen. We demonstrated that the PrPo/o ML cell line is a unipotent precursor line with glutamatergic properties, which can acquire neuronal features when cultivated under specific conditions. The role of the prion protein in the process of neuronal differentiation was then analyzed in the PrPo/o ML cells reconstituted with either the full‐length or an amino‐terminally deleted form of the prion protein. We show that the expression of PrPC facilitates the processes of neuronal differentiation and neuritogenesis and that the deletion of its amino‐terminal domain reduces the efficiency, but does not suppress this activity. This cell line represents a useful tool for studying PrP‐dependent signal transduction pathways during differentiation of neuronal stem/precursor cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
PENGARUH PENERAPAN SISTEM ADMINISTRASI PERPAJAKAN MODERN DAN KESADARAN WAJIB PAJAK PADA KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK

Application of modern tax administration system which covers the areas of organizational structure, business processes and information technology and communications, human resource management and the implementation of good governance is government's attempt to increase the level of taxpayer compliance. In addition to tax administration system, awareness of the taxpayer is one of the factors that affect the level of tax compliance. The purpose of this study was determine the effect of application of modern tax administration system and awareness of the taxpayer in compliance with individual taxpayer in the Tax Office (KPP) Pratama Gianyar. Respondents in this study as many as 100 individuals taxpayer with accidental sampling technique. Methods of data analysis in this study using multiple linear regression analysis. The conclusion of this study is there is positive effect of the application of modern tax administration system and taxpayer awareness on individual taxpayer compliance in KPP Pratama Gianyar.
Paper patching of the tympanic membrane as a symptomatic treatment for patulous eustachian tube syndrome

Abstract Background: Application of one or several paper patches on the tympanic membrane can improve autophony and other symptoms in some patients with a patulous eustachian tube. Method: The charts of 21 patients treated for patulous eustachian tube syndrome between 2006 and 2011 were studied for subjective improvement of symptoms following the application of paper patches. Results: Paper patching of the tympanic membrane provided symptomatic relief in 76.2 per cent of patients; relief was permanent in 50 per cent of these patients. Conclusion: Paper patching of the tympanic membrane is a simple and effective means of temporarily or permanently alleviating patulous eustachian tube syndrome symptoms. It is postulated that the patches decrease the admittance of low- to mid-frequency acoustic input at the tympanic membrane by increasing the stiffness of the tympanic membrane, thereby counteracting the middle-ear cushion effect caused by the open eustachian tube.
Writing disciplines: producing disciplinary knowledge in the context of contemporary higher education

This paper addresses academic disciplinary writing practices, and how these are affected by changes in the landscape of Higher Education in the UK. After exploring the definition and understanding of the notion of 'discipline', the paper presents research from an ESRC-funded research project studying academics' everyday writing practices, working closely with academics across different disciplines and different kinds of higher education institutions. The changing context of Higher Education in the UK is presented, in particular the emergence of new kinds of managerial practices which shape and co-ordinate the everyday writing work of academics. The paper shows that while some disciplines, such as History and Pure Mathematics, are associated with clearly-defined writing practices, while others are more diverse. It discusses how managerial practices, particularly those driven by centralised national research evaluations, affect different disciplines in different ways.