Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of 6 months exercise training on ventricular remodelling and autonomic tone in patients with acute myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of 6 months exercise training on ventricular remodelling and autonomic tone in patients with acute myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention. DESIGN Single-blinded randomized control trial. PARTICIPANTS Sixty patients with acute myocardial infarction who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS The exercise group followed a 6-month supervised exercise programme, while the control group received routine recommendations. All patients underwent an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test and Doppler echocardiography at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS Three patients in the exercise group did not complete the programme. At 6 months follow-up, an improvement was seen in the exercise group compared with the control group regarding peak VO2 (p<0.01), Powermax (p<0.05), VO2 at anaerobic threshold (p<0.01), time to reach anaerobic threshold (p<0.05), heart rate recovery (p<0.01), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (p<0.01) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Six months exercise training in patients with acute myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention with mild ventricular systolic dysfunction could prevent ventricular remodelling to a certain extent, and favourable modulating sympatho-vagal balance may be an important mechanism.
Selective inhibition of rRNA transcription downregulates E2F-1: a new p53-independent mechanism linking cell growth to cell proliferation

The tumour suppressor p53 negatively controls cell cycle progression in response to perturbed ribosome biogenesis in mammalian cells, thus coordinating growth with proliferation. Unlike mammalian cells, p53 is not involved in the growth control of proliferation in yeasts and flies. We investigated whether a p53-independent mechanism of response to inadequate ribosome biogenesis rate is also present in mammalian cells. We studied the effect of specific inhibition of rRNA synthesis on cell cycle progression in human cancer cell lines using the small-interfering RNA procedure to silence the POLR1A gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of RNA polymerase I. We found that interference of POLR1A inhibited the synthesis of rRNA and hindered cell cycle progression in cells with inactivated p53, as a consequence of downregulation of the transcription factor E2F-1. Downregulation of E2F-1 was due to release of the ribosomal protein L11, which inactivated the E2F-1-stabilising function of the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase MDM2. These results demonstrated the existence of a p53-independent mechanism that links cell growth to cell proliferation in mammalian cells, and suggested that selective targeting of the RNA polymerase I transcription machinery might be advisable to hinder proliferation of p53-deficient cancer cells.
Epigenetic profile of developmentally important genes in bovine oocytes

Assisted reproductive technologies are associated with an increased incidence of epigenetic aberrations, specifically in imprinted genes. Here, we used the bovine oocyte as a model to determine putative epigenetic mutations at three imprinted gene loci caused by the type of maturation, either in vitro maturation (IVM) in Tissue Culture Medium 199 (TCM) or modified synthetic oviduct fluid (mSOF) medium, or in vivo maturation. We applied a limiting dilution approach and direct bisulfite sequencing to analyze the methylation profiles of individual alleles (DNA molecules) for H19/IGF2, PEG3, and SNRPN, which are each associated with imprinting defects in humans and/or the mouse model, and are known to be differentially methylated in bovine embryos. Altogether, we obtained the methylation patterns of 203 alleles containing 4,512 CpG sites from immature oocytes, 213 alleles with 4,779 CpG sites from TCM‐matured oocytes, 215 alleles/4,725 CpGs in mSOF‐matured oocytes, and 78 alleles/1,672 CpGs from in vivo‐matured oocytes. The total rate of individual CpGs and entire allele methylation errors did not differ significantly between the two IVM and the in vivo group, indicating that current IVM protocols have no or only marginal effects on these critical epigenetic marks. Furthermore, the mRNA expression profiles of the three imprinted genes and a panel of eight other genes indicative of oocyte competence were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. We found different mRNA expression profiles between in vivo‐matured oocytes versus their in vitro‐matured counterparts, suggesting an influence on regulatory mechanisms other than DNA methylation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 78:188–201, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
And the Winner is ... “CAPM, FAMA and French Three-Factor or Reward Beta”?

The goal of this paper is to estimate and compare three alternative estimating models for predicting asset returns in Brazil and in the United States: 1) Sharpe-Lintner-Mossin CAPM model; 2) Fama and French three-factor model; 3) Reward Beta Model. In accordance with the Fama and French’s [1] and Bornholt’s [2] methodologies, the tests were carried out on portfolios and applied in two sub-samples of Brazilian and American stocks: The within-sample (1995:07 to 2007:06 in Brazil and 1967:07 to 2007:06 in the United States) and the out-of-sample (2007:07 to 2013:06 in Brazil and in the United States). The results of this study reinforce current perception that the CAPM and the three-factor model fall short to elucidate future returns in both countries. Our results also provide evidence that there is a systematic relationship between the Reward Betas and the excess return of the securities in Brazil and in the United States. Furthermore, the inclusion of the size and book-to-market factors amplifies the explanatory power of the Reward Beta Approach. Keywords: Capital Asset Pricing Model; Fama-French three-factor model; Reward Beta Approach
Apoptosis versus necrosis rate as a predictor in acute liver failure following acetaminophen intoxication compared with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure

Cell death is known to play a crucial role in liver diseases. We compared the clinical courses of two cases of liver failure of different origins correlated with the extent of cell death (apoptosis and/or necrosis), measured in the patient's blood. Patient 1 was admitted with acute liver failure following acetaminophen intoxication. Intravenous therapy with acetylcysteine was performed. The percentage of apoptotic cell death measured by M30 was three times higher than normal and the overall cell death measured by M65 was more than 30 × higher than normal. High levels of aminotransferases were detected, indicating high rates of necrosis. M30 and M65 values rapidly returned to normal levels, while the liver function test (LFT) levels decreased with latency. Patient 2 was admitted with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure with known liver fibrosis. M30 values were 16 × higher than normal. In contrast, M65 values were lower than in the first case. This time, no movement in M30 levels was seen until the M30 levels rapidly increased indicating the inevitable death of the patient, while LFTs did not change. These results indicate the role of M30 and M65 immunoexpression as markers for functioning liver cell mass, capacity for recovery and therefore as predictive markers in acute liver failure.
Symptoms and diagnosis of asthma in a general population – longitudinal results from the SHIP database

Background. Against the background of an increasing prevalence of allergies, the epidemiology of asthma in relation to age is still a matter of debate. To further clarify the prevalence of asthma, asthmatic symptoms, and their change over time within a population sample, we analyzed longitudinal data from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Methods. Standardized questionnaires for asthma and asthmatic symptoms were available in 4310 individuals aged 20–75 years. The population sample underwent a 5-year follow-up with 3300 subjects reexamined. The questionnaire evaluated estimates to describe the prevalence in wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, nocturnal symptoms, and asthma attacks in the past 12 months, current medications, current asthma, and nasal allergies at baseline and its longitudinal net change. Results. The prevalence of current asthma at the baseline study was 1.8% [95% confidence interval (CI 1.4–2.2)], those of nasal allergies 16.7% (95% CI 15.6–17.9). Sixteen percent of asthmatic individuals were not medically treated. The net changes in asthmatic symptoms per 60 months of follow-up ranged between a decrease by 2.0% (chest tightness at night) and an increase by 1.2% (nocturnal attack of coughing). The proportions of subjects with current asthma remained unchanged. The prevalence of current asthma and symptoms was higher in young individuals, whereas the net change over time was slightly increasing at the age of 36 and above. Conclusion. Despite the fact of a high prevalence of subjects complaining of nasal allergies, the overall prevalence of current asthma remained low over time. The prevalence in asthma and asthmatic symptoms as well as its net changes over 5 years were age dependent.
Preparedness for clinical practice: reports of graduating residents at academic health centers.

CONTEXT Medical educators are seeking improved measures to assess the clinical competency of residents as they complete their graduate medical education. OBJECTIVE To assess residents' perceptions of their preparedness to provide common clinical services during their last year of graduate medical education. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A 1998 national survey of residents completing their training in 8 specialties (internal medicine, pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, and anesthesiology) at academic health centers in the United States. A total of 2626 residents responded (response rate, 65%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Residents' reports of their preparedness to perform clinical and nonclinical tasks relevant to their specialties. RESULTS Residents in all specialties rated themselves as prepared to manage most of the common conditions they would encounter in their clinical career. However, more than 10% of residents in each specialty reported that they felt unprepared to undertake 1 or more tasks relevant to their disciplines, such as caring for patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or substance abuse (family practice) or nursing home patients (internal medicine); performance of spinal surgery (orthopedic surgery) or abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (general surgery); and management of chronic pain (anesthesiology). CONCLUSIONS Overall, residents in their last year of training at academic health centers rate their clinical preparedness as high. However, opportunities for improvement exist in preparing residents for clinical practice.
Executive Incentive Compatibility and Selection of Governance Mechanisms

Executive incentive compatibility plays a crucial role in firm's selection of corporate governance mechanisms. We provide a simple model to explain why firms with enough executive incentive compatibility still prefer having external governance mechanisms, and firms with poor executive incentive compatibility have to rely on a combination of large investors monitoring and external governance. This model facilitates a better understanding of the co&#8208;existence of the two governance mechanisms and also reconciles conflicting findings with respect to a substitutive and complementary relationship between the two governance mechanisms. Empirical evidence supports there is a substitutive relation between large investors monitoring and executive compensation.
The $R_{\mathrm{\scriptscriptstyle ON},\mathrm {min}}$ of Balanced Symmetric Vertical Super Junction Based on R-Well Model

The global optimization of the balanced symmetric vertical superjunction (VSJ) device is proposed based on the R-well model for the first time to realize the unique minimum specific on-resistance R<sub>ON,min</sub>. The R-well model, which is originated from our previous VSJ mode theory, shows the relationship between R<sub>ON</sub> and the doping concentration N under the given pillar width W and breakdown voltage V<sub>B</sub>. The global R<sub>ON</sub> optimization is realized to obtain the design formulas of N and the pillar length Ld. The calculated results are in good agreement with the simulations. It is demonstrated from the comparisons with the simulations and the existing experiments that the optimization in this paper realizes the unique R<sub>on,min</sub> with a relationship of R<sub>ON</sub> ∝ V<sub>B</sub><sup>1.03</sup>. The R-well model is also universal for other R<sub>on</sub> optimizations.
Pharmacological Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis Does Not Lead to Hematoma Expansion in Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Intraventricular Extension

Background and Purpose— Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are at high risk for development of deep venous thrombosis. Current guidelines state that low-dose subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin may be considered at 3 to 4 days from onset. However, insufficient data exist on hematoma volume in patients with ICH before and after pharmacological deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, leaving physicians with uncertainty regarding the safety of this practice. Methods— We identified patients from our stroke registry (June 2003 to December 2007) who presented with ICH only or ICH+intraventricular hemorrhage and received either low molecular weight heparin subcutaneously or unfractionated heparin within 7 days of admission and had a repeat CT scan performed within 4 days of starting deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. We calculated the change in hematoma volume from the admission and posttreatment CTs. Hematoma volume was calculated using the ABC/2 method and intraventricular hemorrhage volumes were calculated using a published method of hand drawn regions of interest. Results— We identified 73 patients with a mean age of 63 years and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 11.5. The mean baseline total hematoma volume was 25.8 mL±23.2 mL. There was an absolute change in hematoma volume from pre- and posttreatment CT of −4.3 mL±11.0 mL. Two patients developed hematoma growth. Repeat analysis of patients given pharmacological deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis within 2 or 4 days after ICH found no increase in hematoma size. Conclusions— Pharmacological deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis given subcutaneously in patients with ICH and/or intraventricular hemorrhage in the subacute period is generally not associated with hematoma growth.
Nocturnal recovery of gastric acid secretion with twice-daily dosing of proton pump inhibitors

Objective:It is our experience that many patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) b.i. d. recover acid secretion during the night. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of omeprazole and lansoprazole b.i. d. on nocturnal gastric acidity.Methods:Three groups were studied with intragastric pH monitoring. Group 1 consisted of 17 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) taking omeprazole 20 mg b.i. d. Group 2 was 16 male volunteers taking omeprazole 20 mg b.i. d. and Group 3 comprised 12 volunteers taking lansoprazole 30 mg b.i. d.Results:The percentages of time that subjects had pH < 4 were lower during supine than upright periods in Groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.01). Recovery of nocturnal acid secretion lasting > 1 h, termed acid breakthrough, occurred in three-fourths of all individuals within 12 h from intake of the evening dose of PPI. Median time to acid breakthrough for the whole group was 7.5 h.Conclusions:Nocturnal acid breakthrough occurs in a majority of patients and normal volunteers taking PPI b.i. d.
Kv3.3 channels harbouring a mutation of spinocerebellar ataxia type 13 alter excitability and induce cell death in cultured cerebellar Purkinje cells

• The cerebellum plays crucial roles in controlling sensorimotor functions, and patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 13 exhibit cerebellar atrophy and cerebellar symptoms. • The disease is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by missense mutations in the voltage‐gated K+ channel Kv3.3, which is expressed intensely in the cerebellar Purkinje cells, the sole output neurons from the cerebellar cortex. • Here, we examined how these mutations cause the cerebellar disease by lentiviral expression of the mutant Kv3.3 in mouse cultured Purkinje cells. • Expression of the mutant Kv3.3 suppressed outward currents, broadened action potentials and elevated basal intracellular calcium concentration in Purkinje cells. Moreover, the mutant‐expressing Purkinje cells showed impaired dendrites and extensive cell death, both of which were significantly rescued by blockade of P/Q‐type Ca2+ channels. • These results suggest that Purkinje cells in the patients also exhibit similar abnormalities, which may account for the pathology of the disease.
Magnetically-biased graphene-based hyperbolic metasurfaces

We explore the unusual electromagnetic response of magnetically-biased densely-packed graphene ribbons. Applying an effective medium approach, we show how the presence of a magnetostatic bias induces resonances on all components of the effective conductivity tensor, significantly enriching the features of the supported surface plasmons polaritons (SPPs). Specifically, we demonstrate magnetically-induced non-resonant topological transitions at terahertz (THz) frequencies, enabling planar canalization without the influence of large dissipative losses, and we predict the presence of weakly-confined transverse electric SPPs in a narrow band below resonance. Our findings may pave the way towards the development of planar, ultra-sensitive sensors, lenses, non-reciprocal components and imaging systems at THz.
Predictors of Virologic and Clinical Response to Nevirapine versus Lopinavir/Ritonavir-based Antiretroviral Therapy in Young Children With and Without Prior Nevirapine Exposure for the Prevention of Mother-to-child HIV Transmission

Background: In a randomized trial comparing nevirapine (NVP)-based versus lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected children [primary endpoint discontinuation of study treatment for any reason or virologic failure by week 24] aged 2 months to 3 years, we assessed whether clinical, virologic, immunologic and safety outcomes varied by prior single-dose NVP exposure (PrNVP) for prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission and other covariates. Methods: Efficacy was assessed by time to ART discontinuation or virologic failure, virologic failure/death and death; safety by time to ART discontinuation because of a protocol-defined toxicity and first ≥ grade 3 adverse event; immunology and growth by changes in CD4%, weight/height World Health Organization z-scores from entry to week 48. Cox proportional hazards and linear regression models were used to test whether treatment differences depended on PrNVP exposure and other covariates. Results: Over a median follow up of 48 (PrNVP) and 72 (no PrNVP) weeks, there was no evidence of differential treatment effects by PrNVP exposure or any other covariates. LPV/r-based ART was superior to NVP-based ART for efficacy and safety outcomes; however, those on NVP had larger improvements in CD4%, weight and height z-scores. Lower pretreatment CD4% and higher HIV-1 RNA levels were associated with reduced efficacy, lower pretreatment CD4% with shorter time to ART discontinuation because of a protocol-defined toxicity, and no PrNVP with shorter time to first grade ≥3 adverse event. Conclusions: Differences between LPV/r and NVP ART in efficacy, safety, immunologic and growth outcomes did not depend on PrNVP exposure, prior breast-feeding, sex, HIV-1 subtype, age, pretreatment CD4%, HIV-1 RNA or World Health Organization disease stage. This finding should be considered when selecting an ART regimen for young children.
Identification of a Gene That Affects the Efficiency of Host Cell Infection by Legionella pneumophila in a Temperature-Dependent Fashion

ABSTRACT The ability to infect host cells is critical for the survival and replication of intracellular pathogens in humans. We previously found that many genes involved in the ability of Legionella pneumophila to infect macrophages are not expressed efficiently under standard laboratory growth conditions. We have developed an approach using expression of L. pneumophila genes from an exogenous constitutive promoter on a low-copy-number vector that allows identification of genes involved in host cell infection. Through the use of this strategy, we found that expression of a gene, lvhB2, enhances the efficiency of L. pneumophila infection of mammalian cells. The putative protein encoded by lvhB2 has similarity to structural pilin subunits of type IV secretion systems. We confirmed that this gene plays a role in host cell infection by the construction of an in-frame deletion in the L. pneumophila lvhB2 gene and complementation of this mutant with the wild-type gene. The lvhB2 mutant does not display a very obvious defect in interactions with host cells when the bacteria are grown at 37°C, but it has an approximately 100-fold effect on entry and intracellular replication when grown at 30°C. These data suggest that lvhB2 plays an important role in the efficiency of host cell infection by L. pneumophila grown at lower temperatures.
Culture and social capital network effects on the survival and performance of high-tech micro and small firms

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated theory to explain the effect of regional culture on high-technology micro and small (HTMS) firm outcomes. The integrated culture-social capital outcomes (CSCO) model examines the impact of culture on performance and evolution of HTMS firms through the mediating effect of intra-firm and inter-firm social capital. Design/methodology/approach Theoretical insights from social capital and culture are combined with the results of previous empirical observations to explain cross-cultural differences in the performance of HTMS firms. The authors then propose the CSCO model as a means to integrate and advance theory building. Findings The CSCO model explains the impact of culture on performance and evolution of HTMS firms through intra-firm and inter-firm social capital networks. Cultural context affects the performance of high-tech micro and small firms through the nature and structure of the networks involved in building and exploiting inter-firm and intra-firm social capital. Moreover, regional culture indirectly influences the balance between positive and negative effects of social capital on firm performance. These observations explain inconsistent findings from past empirical research and contribute to understanding the “embeddedness paradox” of social capital. Research limitations/implications The present model is not comprehensive. It does not account for many contextual factors identified in organizational network and cluster literature that contribute to the development of HTMS firms. Future research should consider the relationships between the three dimensions of social capital and seek to test the model with rigorous data collection and analysis. Originality/value While past studies focus on the direct relationship between regional culture and firm performance, this paper proposes the mediating effect of internal and external social capital between cultural context and firm performance. This proposal contributes to social capital and entrepreneurship literature and provides a potential explanation for inconsistent findings in past empirical research.