Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and platelet glycoprotein IIIa (PGIIIa) polymorphisms in young Asian Indians with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND The relationship between polymorphisms in the genes for plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1(PAI-1) and platelet glycoprotein IIIa (PGIIIa), clinical and environmental features, and the risk of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) in Asian Indian subjects living in South Africa, has been investigated. METHODS The prevalence of the PAI-1 promoter 4G/5G and the PGIIIa PI A1A2 polymorphisms was examined in 195 unrelated Asian Indian patients ( <or= 45 years) who presented with myocardial infarction (MI). Results were compared with those from 107 unaffected siblings (18-45 years) and 300 healthy age- and race-matched control subjects. RESULTS Overall, neither the PAI-1 4G/5G nor the PGIIIa PI A1A2 polymorphism demonstrated an independent risk for MI. No synergistic effect was observed between these two polymorphisms when analysed together. There was a marginal association between the 4G allele of the PAI-1 gene and the risk of MI in individuals who smoked compared with non-smokers (26 vs 11%; p = 0.028; OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.04-8.47). The PGIIIa PI A2 allele was, however, strongly associated with a previous history of MI (17 vs 6%; p = 0.004; OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.38-6.46), as well as the severity of disease as determined by angiography (single/double- vs triple-vessel disease: 3% vs 15%; p = 0.020; OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.02-0.92). CONCLUSION In young Asian Indians who smoke, the PAI-1 4G allele is a mild risk factor for the development of MI. The PGIIIa PI A2 allele constitutes a significant risk for individuals who have a previous history of MI, as well as serving as an indicator for the severity of CHD.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland with rare metastasis to the sternum in a 52-year-old male

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor, described as being one of the most biologically destructive tumors of the head and neck. It is the most common malignancy that affects the minor salivary glands. Lung and bones are the most common regions of ACC distant metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, herein, we report the first ever case of latent isolated sternal metastasis from ACC in a 52-year-old gentleman, who was diagnosed to have ACC of the submandibular gland, excised 10 years ago.
Motor sequencing in older adulthood: relationships with executive functioning and effects of complexity

Abstract Objective: Older adults’ motor sequencing performance is more reliant on executive functioning (EF) and more susceptible to complexity than that of younger adults. This study examined for which aspects of motor sequencing performance these relationships hold. Methods: Fifty-seven younger and 90 non-demented, community-dwelling, older adults completed selected subtests from the Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System as indices of EF and component processes (CP; graphomotor speed; visual scanning; etc.), as well as a computerized motor sequencing task (Push Turn Taptap task; PTT). The PTT requires participants to perform motor sequences that become progressively more complex across the task’s four blocks, and is designed to assess action planning, action learning, and motor control speed and accuracy. Results: Hierarchical regressions using each discrete aspect of performance as the dependent variable revealed that action planning is the only aspect of motor sequencing that is uniquely related to EF (beyond the CP composite) for both age groups. Action learning and motor control accuracy are uniquely associated with EF for older adults only, and only if the sequences are complex. Component processes do not fully account for the unique relationships between motor sequencing and EF in older adults. Conclusions: These results clarify prior findings by showing (a) more aspects of motor sequencing relate to EF for older compared to younger adults and (b) for these unique relationships, EF is only related to action during the generation of sequences that are complex. These findings further our understanding of how aging shapes the links between EF and motor actions, and can be used in evidence-based and theoretically driven intervention programs that promote healthy aging.
Ethnic inequalities in obesity among children and adults in the UK: a systematic review of the literature

Ethnic minority groups are growing as a proportion of the British population. Although disparate, literature suggests inequalities in obesity risk within and among ethnic minority groups relative to Caucasians in the UK. We summarize and appraise the existing peer‐reviewed literature about the prevalence and determinants of obesity among ethnic minority groups relative to Caucasians among children and adults in the UK. There was no consensus about obesity prevalence relative to Caucasians among South Asian or Black children or among South Asian adults relative to Caucasians. Black adults generally had higher risk for obesity than Caucasians. Both Chinese children and adults had lower risk for obesity than Caucasians. Few studies have considered differences in the aetiology of obesity by ethnicity. The lack of consensus regarding obesity risk among large ethnic minority groups relative to Caucasians in the UK, and the paucity of studies concerned with differences in obesity aetiology by ethnicity warrant further research in this area. Certain obesity metrics may bias obesity prevalence among particular ethnic groups relative to Caucasians. We summarize key methodological limitations to the current literature and suggest avenues for future research.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Uroplakin III, Cytokeratin 7, and Cytokeratin 20 in Canine Urothelial Tumors

Immunohistochemistry for uroplakin III (UP III), cytokeratin 7 (CK 7), and cytokeratin 20 (CK 20) using commercially available antibodies was done in normal canine urinary bladder and 72 canine urinary bladder tumors that had been fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Prolonged fixation (3–28 days) did not significantly alter the immunostaining for UP III. There was moderate reduction in the intensity for CK 7 and CK 20 after 1 week of fixation. UP III was detected in superficial (umbrella) cells and some intermediate cells of the normal urinary bladder, 7 of 7 transitional cell papillomas (TCPs), 50 of 55 transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs), and 4 of 5 metastatic TCCs. Staining was typically outlined in the plasma membrane, but diffuse or focal cytoplasmic staining was also observed. Intracytoplasmic lumina were usually positive for UP III. One squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, 4 nonepithelial bladder tumors, and 285 nonurothelial tumors from different nonurinary locations were negative for UP III. CK 7 was detected in 7 of 7 TCPs, 53 of 54 TCCs, and 5 of 5 metastatic TCCs. The staining for CK 7 was diffuse cytoplasmic. CK 20 was detected in 1 of 7 TCPs, 37 of 54 TCCs, and 1 of 5 metastatic TCCs. The staining with CK 20 was cytoplasmic and weaker than with antibodies to UP III or CK 7. There was concurrent expression of UP III, CK 7, and CK 20 in 36 of 54 TCCs. UP III is a specific and sensitive marker for canine transitional epithelial (urothelial) neoplasms, detecting 91% of TCCs. Negative results may be observed with anaplastic tumors.
Inhibited attachment disordered behavior in institutionalized preschool children: links with early and current relational experiences

ABSTRACT Inhibited attachment disordered behavior (IADB) is characterized by difficulty in establishing an attachment relationship with a primary caregiver; is associated with persistent social and emotional problems; and is observed most frequently in contexts of pathological care such as institutional rearing. Here, we seek to enhance understanding of the conditions that give rise to IADB among institutionalized children by examining prior family experiences of neglect and deprivation and concurrent relational experiences at the institution. The sample is comprised of 146 children, between 36 and 78 months. IADB was assessed using a semi-structured interview administered to the child’s primary caregiver. Results revealed that both pre-institutionalization experiences (e.g. parental abandonment) and current relational ones (e.g. low quality of child–caregiver relationship) predicted IADB. Findings are discussed in light of the need to promote conditions which foster the establishment and maintenance of the child’s selective attachment to a caregiving figure.
Dynamics of basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-releasable serum follicle-stimulating hormone charge isoform distribution throughout the human menstrual cycle.

In the present study we analyzed physiological changes in the relative distribution of FSH isoforms circulating under baseline conditions throughout the ovarian cycle as well as the forms discharged by GnRH stimulation from putative acutely releasable and reserve pituitary pools. Eight normally menstruating women underwent blood sampling on three occasions, once each during the presumptive early or midfollicular phase (FP), late follicular phase to midcycle (preovulatory phase; PO), and mid- to late luteal phase (LP) of the menstrual cycle. Blood samples were withdrawn at 10-min intervals for a total of 10 h before and after the iv administration of 10 and 90 micrograms GnRH. GnRH-stimulated FSH pulses were analyzed for secretory burst mass, secretory burst amplitude, integrated FSH concentrations, and endogenous FSH half-life by deconvolution. Serum FSH isoforms were separated by preparative chromatofocusing in 30 x 1-cm columns and identified by RIA of eluent fractions. The changes observed in serum FSH isoform distribution were then correlated with the corresponding secretory and clearance estimates of the released FSH molecules. In each phase of the menstrual cycle, a significant rise in serum FSH concentrations was observed after administration of the consecutive low and high dose GnRH pulses. The magnitude of the response in terms of secretory burst mass, secretory amplitude, and area of GnRH-induced FSH peaks was significantly higher during the PO. In all cycle phases, but particularly during the FP and PO, administration of the 90-micrograms GnRH dose elicited higher (1.4- to 1.7-fold) FSH secretory responses than the lower dose. Multiple parameter deconvolution of the GnRH-induced FSH pulses revealed that FSH molecules released in response to 10 micrograms GnRH at PO exhibited significantly (P < 0.01) shorter plasma half-lives (108 +/- 11 min) than those released during the follicular and luteal phases of the same menstrual cycles (apparent plasma half-life of FSH released at FP, 222 +/- 37 and 271 +/- 47 min for 10 and 90 micrograms GnRH-induced FSH pulses, respectively; LP, 244 +/- 41 and 198 +/- 40 min; P = NS, FP vs. LP) and in response to the high dose GnRH challenge at PO (276 +/- 40 min). Under all conditions studied, serum FSH charge isoforms were distributed along a pH range of 7.0 to less than 4.0. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Sounds of Pounding

Burial and commemorative rites form significant components of many routines and activities accompanying the disposal and remembrance of the dead in numerous past and present societies. Various artifacts seem to have had an important role in burial and commemorative rituals and may have been used to reflect social unity and strengthen group identity. Burial-related paraphernalia clearly gained special importance in the southern Levant with the onset of the Natufian culture (ca. 15,000–11,500 calBP), a culture exhibiting cardinal changes in subsistence economy, social behavior, and symbolism. One hallmark of this culture is the appearance of large boulder mortars, massive implements frequently associated with burials and burial grounds, long accepted as a manifestation of technological skill and petrological knowledge. We report the results of a new study of Natufian boulder mortars and their contexts and present novel relevant data. Our conclusions suggest that Natufian boulder mortars share specific traits that go beyond size as well as use contexts. We suggest that they reflect common practices pertaining to Natufian burial and commemorative ceremonies and can be held as indicators of a south Levantine tradition overriding a variety of territorial and group-specific social and symbolic traits.
Robot-assisted gait training in multiple sclerosis patients: a randomized trial

Background: Preservation of locomotor activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is of utmost importance. Robotic-assisted body weight-supported treadmill training is a promising method to improve gait functions in neurologically impaired patients, although its effectiveness in MS patients is still unknown. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with that of conventional walking treatment (CWT) on gait and generalized functions in a group of stable MS patients. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of 12 sessions of RAGT or CWT in MS patients of EDSS score 5–7. Primary outcome measures were gait parameters and the secondary outcomes were functional and quality of life parameters. All tests were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-treatment by a blinded rater. Results: Fifteen and 17 patients were randomly allocated to RAGT and CWT, respectively. Both groups were comparable at baseline in all parameters. As compared with baseline, although some gait parameters improved significantly following the treatment at each time point there was no difference between the groups. Both FIM and EDSS scores improved significantly post-treatment with no difference between the groups. At 6 months, most gait and functional parameters had returned to baseline. Conclusions: Robot-assisted gait training is feasible and safe and may be an effective additional therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities.
Online Supplement

## Parameter definition # pi: proportion of honest carriers # gm: proportion of cheaters q <0.5 # prevalence of neutral attribute p1 <0.75 # probability of the sensitive question in sample 1 p2 <0.25 # probability of the sensitive question in sample 2 n1 <1000 # sample size in sample 1 x1 <229 # frequency of "Yes"-responses in sample 1 lmb1 <x1/n1 # proportion of a "Yes"-response in sample 1 n2 <1000 # sample size in sample 2 x2 <308 # frequency of "Yes"-responses in sample 2 lmb2 <x2/n2 # proportion of a "Yes"-response in sample 2
Protection against tumorigenesis by 3-methylcholanthrene in mice by beta-naphthoflavone as a function of inducibility of methylcholanthrene metabolism.

The noncarcinogenic enzyme inducer beta-naphthoflavone (beta-NF) causes an increase in both rate of activation and of detoxification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens in tissues of mice of induction-responsive strains. An experiment was carried out to test whether pretreatment with beta-NF would potentiate, protect against, or have no effect on the tumorigenicity of methylcholanthrene (MC) administered intragastrically to mice of varying responsiveness to induction of MC metabolism. The mouse strains used were C57BL/6, BALB/c, and C3H (inbred, highly responsive to induction), Swiss (random-bred, moderately responsive), and DBA/2 and AKR (inbred, nonresponsive). Twelve weekly treatments with 20 mg MC/kg intragastrically were preceded 24 h earlier each week by 150 mg beta-NF/kg i.p. or oil. Mice were killed when moribund or 1 year after start of treatment. During this period the beta-NF-pretreatment greatly reduced mortality due to cancer among the responsive inbred mice, by 100% for the C57BL/6, 89% for the BALB/c, and 65% for the C3H, compared with 50% for the Swiss, 23% for the DBA/2 and 0% for the AKR. There were significant reductions in MC-caused tumor incidences as a result of beta-NF pretreatment for: sarcomas, lymphomas, and forestomach and skin tumors for the C57BL/6 mice; sarcomas, mesotheliomas, and mammary carcinomas for the C3H mice; mesotheliomas for the BALB/c mice; sarcomas and tumors of the skin, forestomach, and lung for the Swiss mice; and lymphomas for the DBA/2 mice. beta-NF pretreatment did not cause an increase in the incidence of any type of tumor. These results are consistent with the conclusion that inducers of mixed function oxygenase activity generally provide protection against tumorigenesis by systemically administered polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens, probably by increasing rate of detoxification.
A Synthetic Peptide Ligand of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) IgI Domain Prevents NCAM Internalization and Disrupts Passive Avoidance Learning

Abstract: The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) mediates cell adhesion and signal transduction through trans‐homophilic‐ and/or cis‐heterophilic‐binding mechanisms. Intraventricular infusions of anti‐NCAM have revealed a functional requirement of NCAM for the consolidation of memory in rats and chicks in a specific interval 6‐8 h after training. We have now extended these studies to a synthetic peptide ligand of NCAM (C3) with an affinity for the IgI domain and the capability of inhibiting NCAM‐mediated neurite outgrowth in vitro. Intraventricular administration of a single 5 μg bolus of C3 strongly inhibited recall of a passive avoidance response in adult rats, when given during training or in the 6‐8‐h posttraining period. The effect of C3 on memory consolidation was similar to that obtained with anti‐NCAM as the amnesia was not observed until the 48‐h recall time. The unique amnesic action of C3 during training could be related to disrupted NCAM internalization following training. In the 3‐4‐h posttraining period NCAM 180, the synapse‐associated isoform, was down‐regulated in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. This effect was mediated by ubiquitination and was prevented by C3 administration during training. These findings indicate NCAM to be involved in both the acquisition and consolidation of a passive avoidance response in the rat. Moreover, the study provides the first in vivo evidence for NCAM internalization in learning and identifies a synthetic NCAM ligand capable of modulating memory processes in vivo.
Structures of Five Sulfated Hexasaccharides Prepared from Porcine Intestinal Heparin Using Bacterial Heparinase

Porcine intestinal heparin was extensively digested with Flavobacterium heparinase and size-fractionated by gel chromatography. Subfractionation of the hexasaccharide fraction by anion exchange high pressure liquid chromatography yielded 10 fractions. Six contained oligosaccharides derived from the repeating disaccharide region, whereas four contained glycoserines from the glycosaminoglycan-protein linkage region. The latter structures were reported recently (Sugahara, K., Tsuda, H., Yoshida, K., Yamada, S., de Beer, T., and Vliegenthart, J. F. G.(1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 22914-22923). In this study, the structures of one tetra- and five hexasaccharides from the repeat region were determined by chemical and enzymatic analyses as well as 500-MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy. The tetrasaccharide has the hexasulfated structure typical of heparin. The five hexa- or heptasulfated hexasaccharides share the common core pentasulfated structure ΔHexA(2S)α1-4GlcN(NS,6S)α1-4IdoAα/GlcAβ1-4GlcN(6S)α1-4GlcAβ1- 4GlcN(NS) with one or two additional sulfate groups (ΔHexA, GlcN, IdoA, and GlcA represent 4-deoxy-α-L-threo-hex-4-enepyranosyluronic acid, D-glucosamine, L-iduronic acid, and D-glucuronic acid, whereas 2S, 6S, and NS stand for 2-O-, 6-O-, and 2-N-sulfate, respectively). Three components have the following hitherto unreported structures: ΔHexA(2S)α1-4GlcN(NS,6S)α1-4GlcAβ1-4GlcN(NS,6S)α1-4GlcAβ1-4GlcN(NS,6S), ΔHexA(2S)α1-4GlcN(NS,6S)α1-4IdoAα1-4GlcNAc(6S)α1-4GlcAβ1-4GlcN(NS,3S), and ΔHexA(2S)α1-4GlcN(NS,6S)α1-4IdoA(2S)α1-4GlcNAc(6S)α1-4GlcAβ1- 4GlcN(NS,6S). Two of the five hexasaccharides are structural variants derived from the antithrombin III-binding sites containing 3-O-sulfated GlcN at the reducing termini with or without a 6-O-sulfate group on the reducing N,3-disulfated GlcN residue. Another contains the structure identical to that of the above heptasulfated antithrombin III-binding site fragment but lacks the 3-O-sulfate group and therefore is a pro-form for the binding site. Another has an extra sulfate group on the internal IdoA residue of this pro-form and therefore can be considered to have diverged from the binding site in the biosynthetic pathway. Thus, the isolated hexasaccharides in this study include the three overlapping pairs of structural variants with an apparent biosynthetic precursor-product relationship, which may reflect biosynthetic regulatory mechanisms of the binding site.
[Epidemiology of reproductive tract infections in a symptomatic population of North-East of Italy].

AIM Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are one of the main causes of morbidity in the world and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can give rise to severe sequels (inflammatory pelvic disease, etc.). The epidemiology of these infections is changeable and depends on geographical and economical factors, migratory flows and social and sexual habits. This variability, along with the lack of sufficient data in literature, is a serious problem in the development of screening, prevention and therapy strategies centered on local needs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the epidemiology of reproductive tract infections in a symptomatic population of the Nord-East of Italy. METHODS In the period January-June 2006, we investigated 207 subjects at the Microbiology and Virology Service of Padua's Hospital, 18-65 years old, males and women, Italian and foreigners. All had symptoms or personal history pointing to a possible reproductive tract infection. For female we collected vaginal and cervical swabs, and for male urethral swabs, for microscopy, the culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma spp. , other bacteria and yeasts, and for molecular assay for Chlamydia trachomatis. RESULTS Among our population, the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis were respectively 6.28%, 1.93% and 3.86%. STIs were more frequent in males, among foreigners, and in patients aged 18-30 years. CONCLUSION From the results obtained, ideas have emerged in order to arrange a qualitative and quantitative optimization of the diagnosis of RTIs, implementing diagnostic paths based on the different typologies of patients and on the local epidemiology.
Investigating the antecedents of intentions to purchase a netbook as a second laptop

This study aims to empirically test users' intentions to purchase a netbook as a second laptop by considering product attributes of innovative information technology (IT), individual perceptions about a new IT, personal innovativeness, and perceived enjoyment. Data was collected from two distinct groups; 272 respondents from university students and 319 practitioners from various industries. The empirical tests highlighted some implications for the distinct sample groups, which have different demands and perceptions of a netbook. These differences may be associated with the different social demography, usage environments, and perceptions of a new IT product. Nevertheless, the attributes of convenience, ease of use, affordability, portability, enjoyable innovative technology, and compact design are effective strategies of PC marketers for promoting users' intentions to purchase a netbook as a complement to their laptop computer, but not as a replacement.