Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ect of lacidipine on cholesterol esteri ® cation : in vivo and in vitro studies

1 Cholesterol esteri®cation and accumulation in the arterial wall is a hallmark of atherogenesis. Several preclinical studies suggest that calcium antagonists may exert antiatherosclerotic activity by directly aecting atherogenesis in the arterial wall. We investigated the eect of the second generation dihydropyridine calcium antagonist lacidipine on cholesterol metabolism in vivo in the aortic arch of cholesterol fed rabbits, and in vitro in mouse cultured peritoneal macrophages. 2 Treatment of cholesterol-fed rabbits with 1, 3 and 10 mg kg day of lacidipine for two months reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, cholesterol esteri®cation in the aortic arch: 24+6, 30+12, and 41+8% inhibition, respectively (P50.001 vs HC control). Concomitantly, drug treatment reduced total cholesterol content of the vessel wall. Lacidipine 3 and 10 mg kg day reduced cholesterolaemia (*20%); no eect was observed at the lowest dose used (1 mg kg day). These results suggest that the action of lacidipine on cholesterol esteri®cation in the arterial wall involves, at least in part, a direct eect on cellular cholesterol metabolism. Inhibition of cholesterol esteri®cation in the arterial wall was observed also in a reference group of animals treated with the speci®c ACAT inhibitor CI-976. 3 To evaluate the action of lacidipine on intracellular cholesterol metabolism we performed in vitro experiments with murine macrophages, the main cell type that accumulates cholesterol in the arterial wall. Lacidipine almost completely inhibited cholesterol esteri®cation in cholesterol loaded macrophages in culture. The eect was observed independently of esteri®cation stimuli and in cell free homogenates. The drug modi®ed intracellular cholesterol distribution, doubling the freeto esteri®ed sterol ratio, but did not in ̄uence the cellular rate of cholesteryl ester hydrolysis in the cell. All together these results indicate an inhibitory eect of lacidipine on cholesterol esteri®cation catalyzed by the enzyme ACAT in murine macrophages. 4 We concluded that lacidipine in ̄uences cellular cholesterol metabolism. This eect may contribute to the potential antiatherosclerotic activity of this drug.
EMPIRICAL PREDICTIONS FOR (SUB-)MILLIMETER LINE AND CONTINUUM DEEP FIELDS

Modern (sub-)millimeter/radio interferometers such as ALMA, JVLA, and the PdBI successor NOEMA will enable us to measure the dust and molecular gas emission from galaxies that have luminosities lower than the Milky Way, out to high redshifts and with unprecedented spatial resolution and sensitivity. This will provide new constraints on the star formation properties and gas reservoir in galaxies throughout cosmic times through dedicated deep field campaigns targeting the CO/[C ii] lines and dust continuum emission in the (sub-)millimeter regime. In this paper, we present empirical predictions for such line and continuum deep fields. We base these predictions on the deepest available optical/near-infrared Advanced Camera for Surveys and NICMOS data on the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (over an area of about 12 arcmin2). Using a physically motivated spectral energy distribution model, we fit the observed optical/near-infrared emission of 13,099 galaxies with redshifts up to z = 5, and obtain median-likelihood estimates of their stellar mass, star formation rate, dust attenuation, and dust luminosity. We combine the attenuated stellar spectra with a library of infrared emission models spanning a wide range of dust temperatures to derive statistical constraints on the dust emission in the infrared and (sub-)millimeter which are consistent with the observed optical/near-infrared emission in terms of energy balance. This allows us to estimate, for each galaxy, the (sub-)millimeter continuum flux densities in several ALMA, PdBI/NOEMA, and JVLA bands. As a consistency check, we verify that the 850 μm number counts and extragalactic background light derived using our predictions are consistent with previous observations. Using empirical relations between the observed CO/[C ii] line luminosities and the infrared luminosity of star-forming galaxies, we infer the luminosity of the CO(1–0) and [C ii] lines from the estimated infrared luminosity of each galaxy in our sample. We then predict the luminosities of higher CO transition lines CO(2–1) to CO(7–6) based on two extreme gas excitation scenarios: quiescent (Milky Way) and starburst (M82). We use our predictions to discuss possible deep field strategies with ALMA. The predictions presented in this study will serve as a direct benchmark for future deep field campaigns in the (sub-)millimeter regime.
Primary Vitrectomy Versus Scleral Buckling for the Treatment of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with that of scleral buckling (SB) in the treatment of uncomplicated, primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Materials and methods: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed. Phakic and pseudophakic/aphakic eyes were analyzed separately. Searches of PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were conducted. Outcome measures included primary and final anatomic success, final visual success, and development of post-operative proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and/or post-operative cataract. Results: Three RCTs of phakic eyes (n = 523) and four RCTs of pseudophakic/aphakic eyes (n = 690) were included in the meta-analysis. For the phakic group, searches of PPV and SB yielded similar results in terms of primary/final retinal re-attachment and post-operative PVR. In the SB arm, visual acuity (VA) was better (heterogeneity p = 0.14; OR = 0.50, 95%CI, 0.31–0.82; p = 0.005) and the rate of post-operative cataract lower (heterogeneity p = 0.42; OR = 4.18; 95%CI, 2.75–6.35, p < 0.00001) than in the PPV group. In the pseudophakic/aphakic group, re-attachment rates after a single operation did not differ between the two procedures (random effect model: OR = 1.77; 95% CI, 0.80–3.91; p = 0.16). Final anatomic success outcomes were in favor of PPV (OR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.04–3.73; p = 0.04). Final visual success and post-operative PVR rates did not differ statistically between the two arms (OR = 1.49; 95%CI, 0.82–2.68; p = 0.19; and OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.58–1.26; p = 0.42, respectively). Conclusions: SB is superior in terms of final VA and occurrence of post-operative cataract in uncomplicated phakic RRDs. PPV is more likely to achieve a favorable final re-attachment in pseudophakic/aphakic RRDs.
Validation of the Portuguese Version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (IPAQA)

Background : Questionnaires have been broadly used to assess physical activity in adolescents, however validation studies, although essential, are not always performed. Objective : The present work aims to determine the validity of the Portuguese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents against 3 axis Actigraph accelerometers. Method : A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a sample of 222 adolescents, with a mean age of 15.6 years (SD=2.05). After translation and cross cultural adaptation, data obtained from the questionnaire was correlated to accelerometers data, using Spearman correlation coefficient. Percentages of agreement of physical activity tertiles obtained by each method were tested using Cohen’s Kappa. Statistical analysis was performed for the total sample, per sex and per age group. Results : A significant correlation between the questionnaire and accelerometer was found for older adolescent boys, for total physical activity (ρ=0.372; P
Carcinoma in the porcelain gallbladder: a relationship revisited.

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer is the most common biliary tract malignancy. Calcification of the gallbladder wall is reported to be associated with gallbladder cancer. In the literature, the incidence is quoted to be between 12% and 61%. This study aims to clarify the risk of cancer in a calcified gallbladder. METHODS The charts and pathology reports at the Massachusetts General Hospital were reviewed, and patients with either gallbladder cancer or a calcified gallbladder were included in the study. The Fisher exact test was used to test for the association between cancer and gallbladder wall calcifications. RESULTS From 1962 to 1999, there were approximately 25,900 gallbladder specimens analyzed at the Massachusetts General Hospital. There were 150 patients with gallbladder cancer and 44 patients with calcified gallbladders. Two types of calcified gallbladders were noted: those with complete intramural calcification (n = 17) and those with selective mucosal calcification (n = 27). The incidence of cancer arising in a gallbladder with selective mucosal wall calcification was approximately 7%. There was a significant association between gallbladder cancer and selective mucosal calcification with an odds ratio of 13.89 (P =.01). There were no patients with diffuse intramural calcification and cancer. CONCLUSIONS A calcified gallbladder is associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer, but at a much lower rate than previously estimated. The incidence of cancer depends on the pattern of calcification; selective mucosal calcification poses a significant risk of cancer whereas diffuse intramural calcification does not.
Progression of age changes in synaptic transmission at mouse neuromuscular junctions.

The progression of age‐related changes in neuromuscular function was investigated in muscles from CBF‐1 mice between 7 and 32 months of age. End‐plate potentials (e.p.p.s) were recorded in extensor digitorum longus (e.d.l.), soleus, and diaphragm muscles after neuromuscular transmission was blocked with either (+)‐tubocurarine chloride (curare) or high‐Mg/low‐Ca Krebs solutions. Between 10 and 31 months of age in e.d. l. and soleus but not in diaphragm, there was an increase in e.p.p. amplitude with age. In soleus this increase was approximately two‐fold in curare and three‐fold in high‐Mg solution. Increase in e.p.p. amplitude in curarized preparations took place between 20 and 28 months of age in e.d. l. and between 28 and 31 months of age in soleus. Indirectly elicited twitch responses were used to determine the time course of age‐related changes in sensitivity to Mg block. Increased resistance to block appeared between 15 and 19 months of age in both e.d. l. and soleus (in which the increase was more gradual). E.d. l. muscles from 25‐month‐old CFW mice also showed an increased resistance to Mg block compared to those from 7‐8‐month‐old animals. In Mg‐blocked preparations, increased quantum content (measured directly) accounted for the increased e.p.p. amplitude. Spontaneous miniature end‐plate potential (m.e.p.p.) frequency in old soleus muscles was not sensitive to low‐Ca/high‐Mg solutions although frequency in young soleus and young and old diaphragm was significantly reduced. It is concluded that age‐related changes in evoked transmitter release begin in mid life and take place more rapidly in e.d. l. than in soleus. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diversity, Discrimination, and Performance

Employee diversity may affect business performance both as a result of customer discrimination and as a result of how members of a group work with each other in teams. We test for both channels with data from more than 800 retail stores employing over 70,000 individuals, matched to Census data on the demographics of the community. We find little payoff to matching employee demographics to those of potential customers except when the customers do not speak English. Diversity of race or gender within the workplace does not predict sales or sales growth, although age diversity predicts low sales.
Prolonged hypogonadism in males following withdrawal from anabolic-androgenic steroids: an under-recognized problem.

AIMS To assess the frequency and severity of hypogonadal symptoms in male long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) misusers who have discontinued AAS use. DESIGN Cross-sectional, naturalistic. SETTING Out-patient facility. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four male former long-term AAS users and 36 non-AAS-using weightlifters, recruited by advertisement in Massachusetts, USA. Five of the former users were currently receiving treatment with physiological testosterone replacement, leaving 19 untreated users for the numerical comparisons below. MEASUREMENTS The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, questions regarding history of AAS use, physical examination, serum hormone determinations and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). FINDINGS Compared with the 36 non-AAS-using weightlifters, the 19 untreated former AAS users displayed significantly smaller testicular volumes [estimated difference, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.3 (0.1, 4.5) ml; P = 0.042] and lower serum testosterone levels [estimated difference: 95% CI = 131 (25, 227) dl; P = 0.009], with five users showing testosterone levels below 200 ng/dl despite abstinence from AAS for 3-26 months. Untreated former users also displayed significantly lower scores on the IIEF sexual desire subscale [estimated difference: 95% CI = 2.4 (1.3, 3.4) points on a 10-point scale; P < 0.001]. In the overall group of 24 treated plus untreated former users, seven (29%) had experienced major depressive episodes during AAS withdrawal; four of these had not experienced major depressive episodes at any other time. Two men (8%) had failed to regain normal libidinal or erectile function despite adequate replacement testosterone treatment. CONCLUSIONS Among long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid misusers, anabolic-androgenic steroid-withdrawal hypogonadism appears to be common, frequently prolonged and associated with substantial morbidity.
Prospective Randomized Controlled Comparison of Caudal Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine in Pediatric

Background: Bupivacaine and ropivacaine are commonly used agents for caudal anesthesia in pediatric patients. Several studies have shown different motor and cardiovascular effects of two drugs. Aim: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of both drugs and secondary objective was to compare motor blockade and hemodynamic effects caused by them. Subjects and Methods: This was a prospective randomized controlled study including 50 consecutive patients in the age group of 1‐10 years, who underwent urogenital surgeries under general anesthesia. Caudal block was given with either bupivacaine (0.25%) 1 ml/kg (Group I) or ropivacaine (0.25%) 1 ml/kg (Group II). Heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were recorded as a baseline, before the anesthesia induction and then at 30, 60 and 90 min after incision. Pain scores were assessed post‐operatively by a single observer at 30 min and then at 2, 4, 8 and 12 h with a 5‐point observer pain score (OPS). Patients and observer were blinded to the medication given. The duration of absolute analgesia was defined as the time from caudal injection until the pain score was >2. Motor block was assessed by modified Bromage scale. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi‐square test, Student’s t‐test and log‐rank test. P < 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: HR and SBP measured at a specific time intervals showed no significant difference. All the patients had adequate intraoperative analgesia. Mean OPS were comparable between two groups. Duration of absolute analgesia was 276.8 (11) min in Group I and 284.8 (12) min for Group II. The only significant difference was the motor‐block score at 2, 3 and 4 h after surgery, although the score was same 1 h post‐operatively. Conclusion: The efficacy of both ropivacaine and bupivacaine is almost same in terms of onset and duration of analgesia. Therefore, the motor blockade caused by ropivacaine is less; there is no significant difference in cardiovascular events.
Span of management: concept analysis.

AIM This paper is a report of a concept analysis of span of management. BACKGROUND Span of management is an important structural variable in evaluating the contributions of nursing managers to healthcare systems. Span of management is typically measured as a ratio. A wide variety of operational definitions have been applied and these differences have not been reconciled. DATA SOURCES A search of CINAHL, PsychINFO and Business Source Premier was completed in 2007 using the terms span of management, span of control, organizational structure, hierarchy, supervisory ratio and work group size. Key publications (1975-2007) and seminal works were included. Review methods. Morse's concept analysis approach was used to determine the pragmatic utility of the concept. A critical appraisal of the literature assessed the use of the concept across disciplines, identified inconsistencies within the concept, and uncovered assumptions and conceptual gaps. FINDINGS At the organizational level, span represents supervisory capability. At the level of the manager, span may reflect reporting structure, closeness of contact, or scope of the role. At the work group level, span quantifies work group size. At the employee level, span represents employee support. These measures are influenced by units of measurement and by context. CONCLUSION A systematic understanding of span of management concepts, measures and determinants will assist nurse executives in selecting parameters to quantify the allocation of managerial resources. Researchers can incorporate these parameters in comparisons across studies and in advancing the science of nursing management.
Deletions and single base pair changes in the yeast mating type locus that prevent homothallic mating type conversions.

Several cis-acting mutations that prevent homothallic mating type conversions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been examined. Deletions within the mating type (MAT) locus were obtained by selecting for survivors among homothallic MAT alpha cells carrying the rad52 mutation. The survivors were unable to switch mating type, even in RAD+ derivatives. The deletions varied in size from fewer than 50 to more than 750 base pairs. All of the deletions removed a Hha I site at the border between the alpha-specific sequences (Y alpha) and the adjacent Z region. We also examined several spontaneous inc mutations that prevent MAT switching. Two of these mutations were cloned in recombinant DNA plasmids and their sequences were determined. The MAT alpha-inc 3-7 mutation proved to have an altered Hha I site at the Y alpha/Z border, by virtue of a single base pair substitution G . C leads to A . T in the second base pair of the Z region (Z2). Restriction fragment analysis showed that two other independently isolated strains with MAT alpha-inc mutations had altered the same Hha I site. The MAT a-inc 4-28 mutation contains a single base pair substitution C . G leads to T . A at position Z6. A base pair difference at position Z11 in two MATa strains does not affect MATa conversions. We conclude that the region near the Y/Z border is essential for the efficient switching of MAT alleles and constitutes an enzyme recognition site for a specific nucleolytic cleavage of MAT DNA.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide protects against β‐amyloid‐induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting microglia activation at multiple levels

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by extracellular deposits of fibrillar β‐amyloid (Aβ) in the brain, increased microglial‐mediated inflammatory reactions in senile plaques, selective neuronal death, and cognitive deficits. The use of agents that limit microglial activation and inflammation in AD has recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy for this disease. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a widely distributed neuropeptide, has shown neuroprotective effects in acute brain damage in vivo and potent anti‐inflammatory actions in central nervous system. Here, we report that VIP inhibits Aβ‐induced neurodegeneration by indirectly inhibiting the production of a wide panel of inflammatory and neurotoxic agents by activated microglia cells. The inhibitory effect of VIP is mediated by blocking signaling through the p38 MAPK, p42/p44 MAPK, and NFkB cascades, the three major transduction pathways involved in the transcription of inflammatory mediators and the production of free radicals by Aβ‐activated microglia cells. Based on its neuroprotective action and its efficacy in inhibiting a broad range of inflammatory responses, VIP may provide a novel therapeutic approach to AD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of primary and metastatic lesions of the adrenal gland. A series of 188 biopsies with radiologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of primary and metastatic lesions of the adrenal gland in conjunction with the radiologic size of the lesion. STUDY DESIGN One hundred eighty-eight FNA biopsies performed between 1988 and 1992 with a diagnostic rate of 86% (161 cases) were reviewed and correlated with the radiologically (computed tomography, ultrasound) measured size of the lesion and follow-up. RESULTS Eighty-one cases (43%) were primary adrenal lesions, and 80 (43%) were metastatic tumors. Three large cell lymphomas and two adrenal histoplasmoses were also noted. The most common primary site of metastatic tumors was the lung; these 55 cases (29%) included 47 adenocarcinomas and 3 small cell, 2 large cell and 3 squamous cell carcinomas. The other metastatic tumors were 5 melanomas, 7 renal cell carcinomas and 1 mixed müllerian tumor. The size of the metastatic tumors averaged 5.1 +/- 2.5 cm (+/- SD) and ranged from 1.5 to 10 cm in greatest diameter. Benign cortical nodules (61 cases, 32%) were the most common primary adrenal lesion, followed, in decreasing frequency, by 11 cortical neoplasms/carcinomas, 5 pheochromocytomas and 1 myelolipoma. The benign cortical nodules/adenomas measured an average of 2.4 +/- 0.8 cm in greatest diameter and ranged from 1 to 4 cm. The cortical neoplasm/carcinoma sizes ranged from 4 to 12 cm. CONCLUSION These data suggest that FNA in conjunction with the radiologically measured size of adrenal lesions is a specific and sensitive method of evaluating primary and metastatic lesions of the adrenal gland. It is also an important diagnostic tool in cancer staging, obviating open surgical procedures for many patients.
Patient-related determinants of host response and sepsis outcome

Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit patients. In this review, the results of studies with specific research questions performed within a large prospective observational study on sepsis in the Netherlands are discussed. The studies investigated various factors that may affect the host response during sepsis, and may have an impact on the outcome, including prior medication (antiplatelet agents, calcium channel blockers, and statins), HIV infection, and hypothermia. Neither prior medication nor HIV infection were associated with large differences in the host response during sepsis, whereas only prior use of calcium channel blockers was associated with an improved outcome. In addition, while hypothermia was not associated with an altered immune response, there was an independent association between hypothermia and mortality.
A simple model for the anomalous intrinsic viscosity of dendrimers

The intrinsic viscosity of dendrimers in solution shows several anomalous behaviors that have hitherto not been explained within the existing theoretical frameworks of either Zimm or Rouse. Here we propose a simple two-zone model based on the radial segmental density profile of the dendrimers and combine a non-draining core with a free-draining outer region description, to arrive at a simple formula that captures most of the main features in the intrinsic viscosity data obtained in experiments.