Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping a Syntenic Modifier on Mouse Chromosome 1 Influencing the Expressivity of the Compact Phenotype in the Myostatin Mutant (MstnCmpt-dl1Abc) Compact Mouse

A novel method for mapping a modifier gene that is syntenic to its major gene was used to map a male-sex-limited modifier of the expressivity of the Compact phenotype in the myostatin mutant (MstnCmpt-dl1Abc) Compact mouse. The modifier was mapped to the general region of D1Mit262, 40 cM distal to Mstn on chromosome 1. Myogenin, a postulated downstream target of myostatin, maps to the same region.
Pregabalin for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder

Pregabalin is a new anxiolytic that has been recently licensed for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in Europe. Short-term efficacy is based on six positive placebo-controlled studies, all of which showed a significant early separation from placebo in all of the doses used (150 – 600 mg) at the first week, and the efficacy at the end of the treatment was comparable with the comparators used in four of these studies. Pregabalin was effective in more or less severe GAD, on psychic and somatic symptoms of GAD, and in treating the subsyndromal depressive symptoms of GAD. Efficacy in the elderly was shown in a separate placebo-controlled study. The effect on cognitive function was minimal and notably less than that observed with benzodiazepines. The discontinuation symptoms following abrupt treatment cessation were similar to the rates with serotonin–noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors and lower than with benzodiazepines with no signals of tolerance or dependence.
p16 Gene Methylation in Colorectal Tumors: Correlation with Clinicopathological Features and Prognostic Value

Background: Methylation of the CpG islands in the p16 gene promoter region is an important transcription repression mechanism that has been identified as an alternative mechanism for inactivating specific genes in cancer. Given that, DNA methylation is a common event in colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to establish the methylation status of the p16 gene in 104 patients with colorectal carcinoma and evaluate its prognostic value. DNA was bisulfite-modified and analyzed for p16 promoter methylation by methylation-specific PCR. Results: Methylation of thep16 gene was determined in 18.3% of our patient population (19/104). The methylated state did not correlate with any clinicopathological factors. During a median follow-up period of 72 months, the overall survival rate for patients with gene methylation was 75% and without gene methylation it was 61% (p = 0.09). Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, this difference indicates a clinically valuable tendency.
Adverse drug reactions in home care patients receiving nafcillin or oxacillin.

Documented adverse reactions to anti-infective agents in patients of a home infusion company were studied to determine whether the prevalence of reactions was greater in patients receiving nafcillin or oxacillin than in those receiving other i.v. antiinfectives. Data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were obtained by reviewing the discharge summaries of all patients who received anti-infective therapy in 1990-1994 and the company's quarterly and annual ADR reports for that period. The occurrence of ADRs per total courses of therapy was calculated for groups of antiinfectives, as were intensity and causality. For ADRs to nafcillin and oxacillin, patient demographics and treatment information and outcomes were reviewed. A total of 2488 courses of anti-infective therapy were documented, and ADRs occurred in 10.9%. Nafcillin and oxacillin accounted for 105 courses, with an ADR rate of 31.4%; 99 patients received one of these drugs and 24 had ADRs, with rash and phlebitis the most common ADRs. Thirty-nine patients receiving nafcillin or oxacillin had documented infection with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Seventy-five patients receiving nafcillin or oxacillin did not have an ADR; therapy was successful in 62 of these patients. Of the 24 patients with ADRs to nafcillin or oxacillin, 13 were switched to other i.v. anti-infectives, which were successful in 10 of them. Five patients were hospitalized because of ADRs to nafcillin or oxacillin. Most nafcillin or oxacillin ADRs that resulted in a therapy change or hospitalization occurred in the second or third week of therapy. Home care patients who received nafcillin or oxacillin therapy had a disproportionately high number of ADRs, compared with patients who received other anti-infective agents.
Spodoptera exigua modulates gossypol biosynthesis in cotton Gossypium hirsutum

ABSTRACT Cotton plants induce high levels of gossypol in response to herbivore damage. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which insect herbivory modulates gossypol biosynthesis in cotton plants. Here, we report the mechanism by which herbivore damage or insect-originated elicitors modulate the biosynthesis of gossypol and jasmonic acid (JA) in plants. Spodoptera exigua larval-damaged (HD) cotton plants and mechanically damaged plants treated with S. exigua oral secretion (MDOS) showed higher levels of gossypol and JA as well as increased transcript levels of genes involved in the biosynthesis of both secondary plant metabolites, compared to undamaged (UD) or mechanically damaged (MD) plants. In correlation with the observed induction of gossypol and JA, S. exigua larvae that fed on HD and MDOS cotton plants showed significantly reduced weight. The findings provide a better insight into the molecular mechanisms mediating herbivore-induced plant defense.
Exact Computation of Storage Requirements for Multi-Dimensional Signal Processing Applications

Many integrated circuit systems, particularly in the multi media and telecom domains, are inherently data dominant. For this class of systems, a large part of the p ower consumption is due to the data storage and data transfer. Moreover, the area cost is often largely domi nated by memory. The computation of the memory size is an important step in the system-level exploration, i n the early stage of designing an optimized (for area and/or power) memory architecture for this class of systems . This paper presents a novel non-scalar approach for computingexactlythe memory size in real-time multi-dimensional signal proc essing algorithms, like telecom and multimedia applications. This methodology uses both al gebraic techniques specific to the data-flow analysis used in modern compilers, and also recent advances in the the ory of integral polyhedra. In contrast with all the previous works which are only estimationmethods, this approach performs exactmemory computations even for applications with numerous and complex array references.
Stability of HCV‐RNA level and its lack of correlation with disease severity in asymptomatic chronic hepatitis C virus carriers

This study examines the relationship between HCV‐RNA levels and disease severity in 60 individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. HCV‐RNA levels were quantified by the branched DNA (bDNA) assay in 445 samples (median: eight samples per patient) obtained over a median of 40.4 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 37.0–42.5). The median log HCV‐RNA level was 6.77 (95% CI: 6.62–6.92) molecular equivalents/mL (MEQ/mL). The median log range of HCV‐RNA levels in individual patients over the course of the study was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.69–1.16). HCV‐RNA level varied over time by less than one log in 62% of patients, by 1–1.5 logs in 22% and by greater than 1.5 logs in only 17%. Univariate analysis, revealed an inverse association between HCV‐RNA levels and ALT levels (P=0.037). Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed no significant association between HCV‐RNA levels and either the degree of inflammation or fibrosis. In contrast, there was a significant positive association between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and histological activity especially in individuals with ALTs> 100 IU/L. Hence, HCV‐RNA levels: (i) almost always fell within the dynamic range of the bDNA assay; (ii) were stable in asymptomatic chronically infected patients, with only a small proportion of patients exceeding a range of 1.5 logs; (iii) did not correlate with either the extent of inflammation or degree of fibrosis. In contrast, there was a strong association between ALT level and the histological severity of liver disease.
Ab initio study of fully relaxed divacancies in GaAs.

Rights: © 1996 American Physical Society (APS). This is the accepted version of the following article: Pöykkö, S. & Puska, M. J. & Nieminen, Risto M. 1996. Ab initio study of fully relaxed divacancies in GaAs. Physical Review B. Volume 53, Issue 7. 3813-3819. ISSN 1550-235X (electronic). DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.53. 3813, which has been published in final form at http://journals.aps. org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.53. 3813.
Cell-free DNA levels in acute myocardial infarction patients during hospitalization

Objectives — The objectives of this study were to investigate cell-free DNA daily concentration changes following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to assess any correlations with complications during hospitalization. Methods and results — Serial cell-free DNA level determinations were performed by quantitative Real-Time PCR in 47 AMI patients once daily during hospitalization (235 samples) and once in 100 healthy subjects. Cell-free DNA concentrations are significantly higher in patients throughout hospitalization compared to healthy subject levels (2.644 (SE 0.0952) vs. 1.519 (SE 0.0566), P < 0.001). The median maximum cell-free DNA concentration was 3.5-fold higher (Mann Whitney P = 0.0035) in 20/47 patients with complicated post AMI course – group I – (1719.7, range 117.32-4996212.1 GenEq/ml plasma) compared with 27/47 patients without complications – group II – (492.9, range 56.43-4715.15 GenEq/ml plasma). Substantial differences exist between cell-free DNA concentrations measured on tpre (the day before the complication) and tc (the day the complication occurred) as well as tpost (the day after the complication) in group I whereby cell-free DNA rises significantly in tc and remains elevated in tpost (tpre vs. tc, 2.445 vs. 2.965, P = 0.0171 and tpre vs. tpost 2.445 vs. 2.913, P = 0.023). Conclusions — Cell-free DNA concentrations were elevated in AMI patients compared to healthy control subjects, rise significantly when complications occur and have a potential clinical value in monitoring patient progress during hospitalization.
A prospective study of cerebral white matter abnormalities in older people with gait dysfunction

Objectives: The authors previously reported cross-sectional data suggesting a relationship between cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and gait and balance dysfunction in older people. There have been no longitudinal MRI studies to address this issue. The current study compared progression of WMH in subjects with gait and balance dysfunction with that in healthy subjects. Methods: Two brain MRI were performed on 70 healthy, ambulatory subjects (mean baseline age 79, range 74 to 88) with no identifiable neurologic disease. The mean time between MRI was 4 years. Gait and balance were quantified using the Tinetti Balance and Mobility Scale, and falls were documented each year. On T2-weighted MRI, total hyperintense volume (HV) within three periventricular levels was estimated using the Cavalieri principle, and WMH were graded (0 to 4) using an established semiquantitative scale. Results: Compared with those with normal gait and balance, subjects whose Tinetti scores dropped markedly (>4 points) between first and second MRI showed a significantly greater mean increase in HV during follow-up. The larger group of subjects with an abnormal Tinetti score (<24) at the time of second MRI showed a significantly greater mean increase in HV, compared with those with normal gait and balance at follow-up. Subjects with marked WMH at baseline showed significantly greater increase in HV over time. Subjects with abnormal Tinetti scores had significantly more falls than subjects with normal Tinetti scores. Conclusions: Some older people develop gait and balance dysfunction that is associated with gradual onset of cerebral white matter disease.
Influence of prolonged formalin fixation of tissue samples on the sensitivity of chromogenic in situ hybridization

Chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) is a commonly used tool in diagnostic pathology to detect pathogens in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. Prolonged formalin fixation time was identified to be a limiting factor for the successful detection of nucleic acid from different pathogens, most probably due to the cross-linking activity of formalin between RNA, DNA, and proteins. Therefore, in the current study, the influence of formalin fixation time on ISH signal intensity of 2 viral (Porcine circovirus-2 [PCV-2] and Porcine respiratory and reproductive virus [PRRSV]) and 2 protozoal agents (Cryptosporidium serpentis and Tritrichomonas sp.) was evaluated. Tissue samples were fixed in 7% neutral buffered formaldehyde solution, and at defined intervals, pieces were embedded in paraffin wax and subjected to pathogen-specific ISH. For all 4 pathogens, the signal intensity remained comparable with the starting ISH signal for different periods of fixation (PCV-2: 6 weeks, PRRSV: 23 weeks, C. serpentis: 55 weeks, Tritrichomonas sp.: 53 weeks). Thereafter, the signal started to decline until loss of nucleic acid detection. The influence of increased proteinase K concentrations for inverting the formalin-induced cross-linking activity was examined compared with the standard protocol. With all 4 infectious agents, a 4-fold proteinase K concentration restored the ISH signals to a level comparable with 1 day of fixation. In conclusion, the influence of prolonged formalin fixation on the intensity of detected ISH signal highly depends on the analyzed infectious agent and the pretreatment protocol.
A Constrained Finite Time Optimal Controller for the Diving and Steering Problem of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Abstract: In this paper a Constrained Finite Time Optimal Controller (CFTOC) is designed and applied to the diving and steering problem of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. The non–linear model of the AUV is presented and the decoupled linear models for the steering and diving motions of the vehicle are derived, based on certain modeling assumptions and simplifications, while the cruising speed of the vehicle is considered to be small and constant. The proposed control scheme has the merit to take under consideration: a) the mechanical and physical constrains of the AUV, b) uncertainties produced from modeling errors and environmental noise, c) constrains in the motors, and produce an optimal controller for the vehicle that will guarantee the stability of the closed loop system. The proposed CFTO–controller is applied to simulation studies and relevant simulation results are presented that prove the efficacy of the proposed scheme.
The Impact of Synchronicity and Civility in Online Political Discussions on Perceptions and Intentions to Participate

Using a mixed-model factorial design, a laboratory experiment (n=153) was conducted to investigate the effects of two features of CMC-synchronicity and civility-on perceptions of online political discussions and discussants. Results indicate that the synchronous versions of the discussions were perceived as more informative and persuasive than the asynchronous versions. Discussants in the uncivil versions of the discussions were perceived as more dominant and less credible. However, neither synchronicity nor civility had a significant impact on people's intentions to participate. The results stand in contrast to those of previous content analysis research, suggesting the importance of studying perceptions in future research. The implications of the findings for online political communication are discussed.
Postconcussive Symptom Report: The Relative Influence of Head Injury and Depression

The present study explored whether any subset of self-reported postconcussion (PCS) symptoms or specific PCS symptom is sensitive and/or specific to head injury in non-self-selected samples of individuals aged 18-21 with head injury and depression (n = 32), head injury without depression (n = 31). depression without head injury (n = 25), and controls (n = 50). All participants completed a self-report PCS symptom scale based on their current symptoms. Results showed that depression, not head-injury status, largely accounted for elevation in PCS symptom reports, including cognitive symptoms. Thus, report of cognitive PCS symptoms is not specific to head injury, raising concerns about using such items to screen for head injury in the general population.
Effects of Ticlopidine and Indobufen on Platelet Aggregation Induced by A23187 and Adrenaline in the Presence of Different Anticoagulants

As Ca2+ is known to play a fundamental role in platelet function, the effect of combining two platelet aggregating agents (adrenaline and the ionophore A23187) with different effects on Ca2+ was studied at levels subthreshold for aggregation using platelet-rich plasma from eight atherosclerotic patients. Adrenaline lowered the A23187 threshold required to induce aggregation. The effects of treating patients with the antiplatelet agents, indobufen and ticlopidine, on A23187 and adrenaline induced aggregation of platelets prepared in hirudin or sodium citrate was also evaluated. Aggregation was also studied using platelets resuspended in Ca2+-free and Ca2+-enriched Tyrode solution. Before treatment hirudin treated platelet-rich plasma, which has physiological extraplatelet Ca2+ levels, was more sensitive to A23187 and adrenaline than was citrated platelet-rich plasma, which has suppressed Ca2+ levels. Ticlopidine significantly raised the concentration of A23187 required to induce aggregation in citrated but not hirudin treated platelet-rich plasma. Indobufen did not significantly affect A23187 induced aggregation. Ticlopidine acts by inhibiting the glycoprotein IIb – IIIa complex on the platelet membranes. Low levels of extracellular Ca2+ and ticlopidine may act synergistically to reduce the aggregatory response of stimulated platelets.
Soluble cytokine receptors and receptor antagonists are sequentially released after trauma.

Cytokine receptors and receptor antagonists (RAs) have been identified in trauma patients. We hypothesized that after traumatic injury, a sequential release of soluble cytokine receptors and RAs may exist that mirrors the release of the primary cytokines themselves. Twenty-two patients were included in the study: 14 males and 8 females. The mean age was 30.1 +/- 12.5 (range, 19 to 71), and the mean Injury Severity Score was 28.7 +/- 12.6 (range, 4 to 57). There were 15 survivors and 7 nonsurvivors. Samples were collected on arrival to the emergency department and at serial intervals for up to 7 days. Monoclonal antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), soluble TNF-receptor (sTNF-R) 55 kd and 75 kd, interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-1 RA, and IL-2 and IL-2r were used. Sera from 22 healthy individuals were used as normal controls. No TNF, IL-1, or IL-2 could be detected in any patient sera after injury. Control levels for the soluble cytokine receptors and RAs were as follows: sTNF-R 55 kd, 607 +/- 89 pg/mL; sTNF-R 75 kd, 2,141 +/- 169 pg/mL; IL-1 RA, 291 +/- 35 pg/mL; and IL-2r, 426 +/- 53 U/mL. In trauma patients, both 55 kd and 75 kd sTNF-R were significantly elevated on arrival to the emergency department, with values of 2,441 +/- 506 pg/mL (p < 0.001) and 4,736 +/- 537 pg/mL (p < 0.001), respectively. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Prehospital endotracheal intubation and chest tubing does not prolong the overall resuscitation time of severely injured patients: a retrospective, multicentre study of the Trauma Registry of the German Society of Trauma Surgery

Background The aim of this study was to determine whether prehospital endotracheal intubation (ETI) and chest tube placement is unnecessarily time consuming in severely injured patients. Patients and Methods A retrospective, multicentre study including all adult patients (ISS ≥9; 2002–7) of the Trauma Registry of the German Society of Trauma Surgery who were not secondarily transferred to a trauma centre and received a definitive airway and a chest tube. Creating four groups: AA (n=963) receiving ETI and chest tube on scene, AB (n=1547) ETI performed in the prehospital setting but chest tubing later in the emergency department (ED) and BB (n=640) receiving both procedures in the ED. The BA collective (ETI performed in the ED, but chest tubing on scene) was excluded from the study because of the small sample size (n=41). The trauma resuscitation time (TRT), demographic data, injuries, treatment and outcome of the remaining three collectives were compared. Results The prehospital TRT of the AA collective was longer than the AB and BB subgroups (80±37 min vs 77±44 min 65±46 min; p<0.01). Although the AA and AB subgroups were more severely injured (ISS 35±15 vs 38±15 vs 31±12; p<0.01) and showed poorer vital parameters on scene, the overall TRT (accident until end of ED treatment) were equal for all three groups (152±59 min vs 151±62 min vs 148±68 min; p=0.07). The TRISS adjusted mortality was also equal in all three groups. Conclusions In a physician-based emergency medical service, prehospital ETI and chest tube placement do not prolong the total TRT of severely injured patients.
The Frequency of 4 Common Gene Polymorphisms in Nonagenarians, Centenarians, and Average Life Span Individuals

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) such as rs1799752, nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) such as rs28362491 and cholesteryl ester transport protein (CETP) such as rs708272 (TaqB1) and rs5882 (I405V) were evaluated in nonagenarians, centenarians, and average life span individuals (controls). The study population (n = 307; 190 nonagenarians, 12 centenarians and 105 middle-aged controls) was genotyped for ACE, NFkB, and CETP genetic variants. The age of nonagenarian and centenarian group ranged between 90 and 111 years; centenarians and controls age ranged from 99 to 111, and from 18 to 80 years, respectively. The I carriers of ACE I/D gene were fewer in nonagenarians compared to centenarians (37.6% vs 62.5%, P = .016). The I carriers of ACE gene were more frequent in centenarians compared to controls (62% vs 41%, P = .045). No differences in frequency of common NFkB and CETP genotypes between patients with exceptional longevity and middle-aged patients were observed.
Families affected by deafness: hospital services uptake in a multiethnic population

Aims: To examine the uptake of relevant hospital services by families with deaf children and to compare use of these services between Pakistani and white families. Methods: A total of 214 deaf children with amplification aids who attended their paediatric outpatient and school medical appointments from October 2000 to March 2003 were studied in an observational cohort study. Results: The demographic profile of both the Pakistani and white families was similar. Pakistani children had a statistically significant excess of the following risk factors: consanguineous marriages (86.4% Pakistani, 1.5% white), family history of deafness (66.4% Pakistani, 38.8% white), and family size (birth order >5: 12.8% Pakistani: 4.5% white). White children were more likely to have had post-meningitis deafness (1.4% Pakistani, 13.4% white) and congenital infections, or have dysmorphic features (5.0% Pakistani, 13.4% white). Overall the uptake of relevant hospital services by Pakistani and white families was very similar irrespective of an early or late diagnosis. There was an increased likelihood of white families declining cochlear implantation (17.6% Pakistani, 75.0% white). Conclusions: This study did not show significant differences in hospital service uptake despite different risk profiles for childhood deafness for both Pakistani and white families in Bradford. Among specialist services offered, cochlear implantation was more likely to be accessed by Pakistani families.