Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[The expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1/3 in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose].

OBJECTIVE To observe the morphologic changes and the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1/3 (SOCS-1/3) in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose (HG) and to investigate their significance. METHODS The renal tubular epithelial cell line (HKCs) cultured in vitro were divided into blank control group, HG group, and Janus kinase 2 inhibitor AG490 group. HKC of blank control group was cultured for 8 hours in 5.5 mmol/L glucose, and the other two groups were cultured in 300.0 mmol/L glucose or 300.0 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L AG490 for 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours (n=6). The morphology and ultrastructure were observed with inversion microscope and electron microscope at different time points. Protein expression of SOCS-1/3 was assayed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting; SOCS-1/3 mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Under inversion microscope it was showed that 12 hours after being cultured with HG, the cells assumed a spindle-shape, with irregular protrusions, and cellular membrane became indistinguishable with prolongation of time, with increase of intracellular granules. Under the electron microscope, it was seen that there was distinct decrease in microvilli on the cell membrane and mitochondria, with an increase in rough endoplasmic reticulum. The cellular changes were not obvious in AG490 group. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry and Western blotting showed that the immunoreactivity was localized in the cytoplasm as well as in the nuclei, and there was basic expression of SOCS-1/3 protein in normal HKC (0.218±0.023, 0.337±0.009). HG was shown to induce up-regulation of the expression of SOCS-1/3 protein at 4, 6, 12, 24 hours compared with blank control group. The expression of SOCS-1 was highest at 4 hours (1.022±0.072), and that of SOCS-3 was highest at 6 hours (1.256±0.105, both P<0.01), while the expression of SOCS-1/3 protein in AG490 group was lower than that in HG group (4 hours SOCS-1: 0.589±0.167, 6 hours SOCS-3 : 0.656±0.075, both P<0.05). However, HG induced a higher expression of SOCS-1/3 mRNA at 2, 4, 6, 12 hours compared with blank control group. The expression of SOCS-1 was highest at 4 hours (1.716±0.098 vs. 0.475±0.045, P<0.05), and that of SOCS-3 was highest at 6 hours (2.848±0.116 vs. 0.749±0.086, P<0.01), while the expression of SOCS-1/3 mRNA in AG490 group was lower (4 hours SOCS-1: 0.865±0.075, 6 hours SOCS-3: 0.923±0.116, both P<0.05). CONCLUSION HG could produce morphology and ultrastructure changes in renal tubular epithelial cell, and it induces up-regulation of SOCS-1/3 expression. These changes might be related with negative regulation of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)/SOCS pathway.
Disparity tuning in macaque area V4

Neural processing of stereoscopic depth is conventionally associated with the dorsal (spatial) pathway in primate visual cortex. The role of depth information in the ventral (object) pathway has been less certain. We found prominent tuning for stereoscopic disparity in area V4, an intermediate stage in the ventral pathway. Eighty percent of the cells in our sample exhibited significant disparity tuning over the −1.0° to 1.0° range, and the majority showed > 2:1 response differences. Tuning function shapes were similar to those reported previously in other visual areas. We observed a significant tuning bias towards crossed (near) disparities. This could reflect an emphasis in the ventral pathway on foreground objects or parts of objects projecting towards the viewer.
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT - EVIDENCE FROM GOVERNANCE INDICATORS

The paper assesses the state of governance in the Philippines by comparing it with other countries utilising nine indicators relating to political, economic and social governance. The main finding is that the Philippines receives high scores for economic governance and relatively low scores for political and social governance. The study also correlates these indices with GDP per capita and economic growth, so as to comment on the presumption that good political, economic and social governance is associated with these two variables. All the nine governance scores are positively associated with GDP per capita, but not with economic growth. The paper summarises the main findings derived from the indicators, on the basis of which it proposes a number of implications relating to the Philippine economy.
Bacterial vaginosis and susceptibility to HIV infection in South African women: a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) may increase women's susceptibility to HIV infection, but there are few prospective data. METHODS During follow-up for up to 36 months, 86 new HIV seroconverters (case patients) were identified among 5110 women enrolled in a cervical cancer screening trial. Nonseroconverting control subjects (n=324) were frequency matched to case patients by age and duration of follow-up. At enrollment, case patients and control subjects were evaluated for clinical signs of BV, and Gram stains of vaginal fluid were scored using Nugent criteria. RESULTS BV was diagnosed on the basis of clinical criteria at enrollment in 20% of seroconverters and 16% of control subjects (summary odds ratio [OR], 1.31 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.71-2.41]). Nugent criteria for BV were met by 74% of seroconverters and 62% of control subjects. Diagnosis of BV on the basis of Nugent criteria was significantly associated with an increased risk of HIV seroconversion, after adjustment for demographic characteristics, other sexually transmitted infections, and sexual behaviors (adjusted OR, 2.01 [95% CI, 1.12-3.62]). CONCLUSIONS BV may account for a substantial fraction of new HIV infections in this setting. Treatment of BV and other interventions to promote normal vaginal flora warrant attention for HIV prevention.
Aluminium content of Spanish infant formula

Levels of aluminium in 82 different infant formulae from nine different manufacturers in Spain were determined by acid-microwave digestion and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The influence of aluminium content in tap water in reconstituted powder formulae was examined and an estimate was made of the theoretical toxic aluminium intake in comparison with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). Possible interactions between aluminium and certain essential trace elements added to infant formulations have been studied according to the type or main protein-based infant formula. In general, the infant formulae contained a higher aluminium content than that found in human milk, especially in the case of soya, preterm or hydrolysed casein-based formulae. Standard formulae gave lower aluminium intakes amounting to about 4% PTWI. Specialized and preterm formulae resulted in a moderate intake (11–12 and 8–10% PTWI, respectively) and soya formulae contributed the highest intake (15% PTWI). Aluminium exposure from drinking water used for powder formula reconstitution was not considered a potential risk. In accordance with the present state of knowledge about aluminium toxicity, it seems prudent to call for continued efforts to standardize routine quality control and reduce aluminium levels in infant formula as well as to keep the aluminium concentration under 300 μg l-1 for all infant formulae, most specifically those formulae for premature and low birth neonates.
β‐Thalassaemia intermedia in Lebanon

Abstract: Approximately one third of thalassaemia patients onrecord in Lebanon have thalassaemia intermedia. We haveanalysed three factors in a panel of 73 patients with this less severeform of the disease in our population: mild β‐globin gene mutations, deletions in the α‐globin gene and the presence of a polymorphismfor the enzyme XmnI in the Gγ‐promoter region. The results show that the most important contributing factor is the β‐genotype:68% of patients have a mild β+ mutation (IVSI‐6, cd29,−88 or −87), while 26% of patients are positive for the XmnI polymorphism associated with increased production ofHbF, which showed strong linkage to particular mutations(IVSII‐1, cd8 and cd30). However, the genotype–phenotypecorrelation is difficult, because many patients were initially misdiagnosed as thalassaemia major and were started early on regular blood transfusions, which was stopped later on. This illustrates well the importance of an early accurate diagnosis of thalassaemia intermedia for appropriate clinical management.
International Stock Return Predictability: Evidence from New Statistical Tests

We investigate whether stock returns of international markets are predictable from a range of fundamentals including key financial ratios (dividend-price ratio, dividend-yield, earnings-price ratio, dividend-payout ratio), technical indicators (price pressure, change in volume), and short-term interest rates. We adopt two new alternative testing and estimation methods: the improved augmented regression method and wild bootstrapping of predictive model based on a restricted VAR form. Both methods take explicit account of endogeneity of predictors, providing bias-reduced estimation and improved statistical inference in small samples. From monthly data of 16 Asia-Pacific (including U.S.) and 21 European stock markets from 2000 to 2014, we find that the financial ratios show weak predictive ability with small effect sizes and poor out-of-sample forecasting performances. In contrast, the price pressure and interest rate are found to be strong predictors for stock return with large effect sizes and satisfactory out-of-sample forecasting performance.
Colon tumor growth and antivascular treatment in mice: complementary assessment with MR elastography and diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

PURPOSE To investigate the potential value of magnetic resonance (MR) elastography and diffusion-weighted (DW) MR imaging in the detection of microstructural changes of murine colon tumors during growth and antivascular treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was approved by the regional ethics committee for animal care. Sixty Balb-C mice, bearing ectopic and orthotopic colon tumors, were monitored for 3 weeks with high-resolution T2-weighted MR imaging, three-dimensional steady-state MR elastography, and DW MR imaging at 7 T. The same imaging protocol was performed 24 hours after injection of combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) in 12 mice. The absolute value of the complex shear modulus (|G*|) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured in the viable zones of tumors and compared with microvessel density (MVD), cellularity, and micronecrosis by using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS During tumor growth, |G*| increase was correlated with MVD (r = 0.70 [P = .08] and r = 0.78 [P = .002], for both the ectopic and orthotopic models, respectively). Moreover, the ectopic tumors displayed decreased ADC, which correlated with increased cellularity (r = 0.77, P = .04), whereas no changes in ADC and cellularity were observed in orthotopic tumors. After CA4P administration, |G*| decreased in the ectopic model (P < .0001), similar to the MVD evolution (P = .03), whereas no significant changes in |G*| (P = .7) and MVD (P = .6) were observed in the orthotopic model. ADC increased in both models (P = .047 and P = .01 for the ectopic and the orthotopic models, respectively) in relation to increased micronecrosis. CONCLUSION Imaging of mechanical properties and diffusivity provide complementary information during tumor growth and regression that are respectively linked to vascularity and tumor cell alterations, including cellularity and micronecrosis.
Linkage Disequilibrium Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci under Truncation Selection

As a dense map of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are available, population-based linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping or association study is becoming one of the major tools for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) and for fine gene mapping. However, in many cases, LD between the marker and trait locus is not very strong. Approaches that maximize the potential of detecting LD will be essential for the success of LD mapping of QTL. In this paper, we propose two strategies for increasing the probability of detecting LD: (1) phenotypic selection and (2) haplotype LD mapping. To provide the foundations for LD mapping of QTL under selection, we develop analytic tools for assessing the impact of phenotypic selection on allele and haplotype frequencies, and LD under three trait models: single trait locus, two unlinked trait loci, and two linked trait loci with or without epistasis. In addition to a traditional χ2 test, which compares the difference in allele or haplotype frequencies in the selected sample and population sample, we present multiple regression methods for LD mapping of QTL, and investigate which methods are effective in employing phenotypic selection for QTL mapping. We also develop a statistical framework for investigating and comparing the power of the single marker and multilocus haplotype test for LD mapping of QTL. Finally, the proposed methods are applied to mapping QTL influencing variation in systolic blood pressure in an isolated Chinese population.
Effect of Anti-Epileptic Drugs on Serum Level of IgG Subclasses

Objective There are some controversial studies on effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on serum IgG subclasses; however, the role of these medications is still unclear. The aim of this study was evaluation the effects of anti-epileptic drugs on serum concentration of IgG and its subclasses Methods Serum IgG and IgG subclasses of 61 newly diagnosed epileptic patients were measured at the beginning of monotherapy with carbamazepine, sodium valproate, and phenobarbital, and 6 months later. Measurement of IgG and its subclasses was performed using nephlometry and ELISA techniques, respectively. Findings Reduction of at least one IgG subclass was found in 6 patients 6 months after treatment with AEDs. Among 27 patients receiving carbamazepine, decrease in at least one serum IgG subclass level was found in 5 patients. Among 20 patients using sodium valproate, only one patient showed decrease in IgG2 subclass. None of the 14 patients using phenobarbital revealed significant decrease in IgG subclasses. No infection was seen in the patients with reduction of subclasses. Conclusion Although in our study, children with selective IgG subclass deficiency were asymptomatic, assessment of serum immunoglobulin levels could be recommended at starting the administration of AEDs and in serial intervals afterward in epileptic patients.
Evolution and function of tandem repeats in the major surface protein 1a of the ehrlichial pathogen Anaplasma marginale

Abstract The major surface protein (MSP) 1a of the ehrlichial cattle pathogen Anaplasma marginale, encoded by the single-copy gene msp1α, has been shown to have a neutralization-sensitive epitope and to be an adhesin for bovine erythrocytes and tick cells. msp1α has been found to be a stable genetic marker for the identification of geographic isolates of A. marginale throughout development in acutely and persistently infected cattle and in ticks. The molecular weight of MSP1a varies among geographic isolates of A. marginale because of a varying number of tandemly repeated peptides of 28–29 amino acids. Variation in the sequence of the tandem repeats occurs within and among isolates, and may have resulted from evolutionary pressures exerted by ligand–receptor and host–parasite interactions. These repeated sequences include markers for tick transmissibility that may be important in the identification of ehrlichial pathogens because they may influence control strategies and the design of subunit vaccines.
TWO TRANSITING LOW DENSITY SUB-SATURNS FROM K2

We report the discovery and confirmation of K2-24 b and c, two sub-Saturn planets orbiting a bright (V = 11.3), metal-rich ([Fe/H] = 0.42 ± 0.04 dex) G3 dwarf in the K2 Campaign 2 field. The planets are 5.68 ± 0.56 R ⊕ ? > and 7.82 ± 0.72 R ⊕ ? > and have orbital periods of 20.8851 ± 0.0003 days and 42.3633 ± 0.0006 days, near the 2:1 mean-motion resonance. We obtained 32 radial velocities with Keck/HIRES and detected the reflex motion due to K2-24 b and c. These planets have masses of 21.0 ± 5.4 M ⊕ ? > and 27.0 ± 6.9 M ⊕ ? > , respectively. With low densities of 0.63 ± 0.25 g cm−3 and 0.31 ± 0.12 g cm−3, respectively, the planets require thick envelopes of H/He to explain their large sizes and low masses. Interior structure models predict that the planets have fairly massive cores of 17.6 ± 4.3 ? > M ⊕ ? > and 16.1 ± 4.2 ? > M ⊕ ? > , respectively. They may have formed exterior to their present locations, accreted their H/He envelopes at large orbital distances, and migrated in as a resonant pair. The proximity to resonance, large transit depths, and host star brightness offers rich opportunities for TTV follow-up. Finally, the low surface gravities of the K2-24 planets make them favorable targets for transmission spectroscopy by Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer, and James Webb Space Telescope.
The Structural and Executional Components of Customer Concentration: Implications for Supplier Performance

ABSTRACT: We examine how suppliers' structural decisions (strategic choices regarding scale, scope, and complexity) and executional skills (drivers that support the day-to-day operations of the firm) influence its customer base concentration and, in turn, supplier performance. We investigate our research question through an in-depth study of suppliers in the apparel industry. We find that suppliers' structural decisions have an important relation to the level of a supplier's customer concentration. However, we find little evidence that the component of concentration arising from structural decisions is associated with supplier performance (both financial and operational). Instead, the favorable relation between supplier performance and suppliers' customer concentration is primarily driven by the component of concentration arising from suppliers' executional skills. Our evidence indicates that greater customer concentration in and of itself does not relate to the anticipated benefits and risks, which has i.
Single Use of Itraconazole Has No Effect on Treatment for Penicillium Marneffei with HIV Infection.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a single use of itraconazole for treating Penicillium marneffei infection in HIV-infected patients, help to develop a clinical medication regimen, and provide a scientific basis for treatment measures. METHOD A computerised literature search was carried out using the PubMed, EMbase, Ovid, Web of Science, Science Direct and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases to collect relevant articles (from their establishment date to August 2014) using the following keywords: Itraconaz or Sporanox, HIV, AIDS, Penicillium marneffei (PSM), and Treatment. All related RCTs (Randomised Controlled Trials) were screened. Stata12.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis to calculate the RR (relative risk) and 95% CI (confidence intervals). After that the consistency test, followed by the bias. RESULTS Five RCT papers were finally enrolled, with 467 persons in total. Among them, 192 individuals were enrolled in the experimental group, of which 37 individuals (19.27%) died during the course of the study. The number of participants in the control group was 275, and of these, 55 individuals (18.55%) died over the course of the study. The meta-analysis showed that the RR and 95% CI was 1.03 and 0.69 -1.54, P > 0.05, indicating that single-use itraconazole for the treatment of Penicillium marneffei infection in HIV-infected patients was non-effective. The publication bias analysis results showed that the funnel chart was symmetrical, indicating that the effect of publication bias in this research can be ignored. CONCLUSION Single-use of itraconazole for the treatment of Penicillium marneffei infection in HIV-infected patients is non-effective.
Iron oxide nanoparticle toxicity testing using high-throughput analysis and high-content imaging

Abstract Applying validated in vitro assays to the study of nanoparticle toxicity is a growing trend in nanomaterial risk assessment. Precise characterisation of reference nanomaterials and a well-regulated in vitro testing system are required to determine the physicochemical descriptors which dictate the toxic potential of nanoparticles. The use of automated, high-throughput technologies to facilitate the identification and prioritisation of nanomaterials which could pose a risk is desirable and developments are underway. In this study, two mammalian fibroblast lines (Balb/c 3T3 and COS-1 cells) were treated with a range of concentrations of iron oxide nanomaterials manufactured for use in medical diagnostics, using an automated platform and high-content-imaging endpoints for cell viability, oxidative stress and DNA damage (double-strand breaks). At the same time, the high-throughput comet assay was employed to measure DNA strand breaks and oxidised bases. Our results show that these methods provide a fast way to determine the toxicity of coated and uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles and, furthermore, to predict the mechanism of toxicity in vitro.
Delayed poststroke dementia

Objective: To assess patients who have had a stroke for the subsequent development of poststroke dementia (PSD) and to determine if the characteristics of delayed PSD (dPSD) vary in the long-term follow-up. Methods: Nondemented patients were followed from 6 months after stroke onset for 4 years. Dementia was diagnosed by International Classification of Diseases-10 criteria; dementia etiology was diagnosed by the National Institute of Neurological and Communication Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association and National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke/Association Internationale pour la Recherche et l’Enseignement en Neurosciences criteria. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological tests were repeated annually. Results: During a 2-year period, 191 stroke patients were enrolled. By the end of the follow-up period, 41 (21.5%) patients had developed dementia. At the Cox regression analysis, dPSD was associated with cortical atrophy (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.4, 95% CI 1.5 to 7.9), age (HR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.4 to 7.8), and multiple ischemic lesions (HR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.8). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant difference between the incidence of dPSD subtypes (log-rank test; p = 0.002). Conclusions: During the 4-year follow-up, the incidence of dementia increased gradually, shifting from an Alzheimer disease-type picture in the first years to a vascular dementia type later in years 2 to 4.