Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of neural tube defects in curly‐tail mice by maternal administration of vitamin A

Various doses of vitamin A were administered on day 9 of pregnancy to the pregnant curly‐tail mouse, a mutant, 60 per cent of which have neural tube defects (NTD). There was a reduction in the incidence of NTD in the fetuses with all doses used. The effect was maximal with 5 mg/kg; it was also marked, but to a lesser degree, with 10 and 20 mg/kg and minimal with 1 mg/kg. The implications of these findings in the mouse to the prevention of NTD in humans by preconception vitamin supplementation are discussed.
DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS: A REVIEW OF RECENT THEORETICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND APPLICATIONS

niques, appear to be of rather limited value in most geographic research efforts which are typically lacking in any strong theoretical frameworks and properly designed experimental bases. This is not to deny the demonstrated partial utility of some of these techniques as methods of data analysis, but simply to note that as statistical techniques they obviously were originally designed to answer more formal inferential questions and as such, they have not been fully exploited in geographic research. Clearly, the current emphasis in quantitative geography is on the formulation of hypotheses and the development of mathematical models, rather than on questions of statistical inference. This emphasis seems quite proper, as this author [51] and many others [22, 35, 64] have stressed. The literature on discriminant analysis, both theoretical and applied, continues to grow. Of special interest to the geographer are several studies in the social sciences which use discriminant analysis in tackling particular problems about spatial patterns. The existence of these studies alone might well justify this review of discriminant analysis. But in addition, there appear to be some intriguing policy issues which relate to the spatial organization of society that might well be handled by a geographer using discriminant analysis, and in the final section of this paper one such problem is outlined.
Variability of the env gene in cynomolgus macaques persistently infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 2 strain ben

The sequence variability of distinct regions of the proviral env gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 strain ben (HIV-2ben) isolated sequentially over 3 to 4 years from six experimentally infected macaques was studied. The regions investigated were homologous to the V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V7 hypervariable regions identified in the env genes of HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac, respectively. In contrast to findings with HIV-1 and SIVmac, the V1- and V2-homologous regions were found to be highly conserved during the course of the HIV-2ben infection in macaques. The V3-homologous region showed a degree of variation comparable to that of HIV-1 but not of SIV. In the V4-, V5-, and V7-homologous regions, mutation hot spots were detected in most reisolates of the infected monkeys. Most of these mutations occurred during the first 10 weeks after infection. After 50 weeks, new mutations were rarely detected. At most mutation sites, a dynamic equilibrium between the mutated viral isotype and the infecting predominant wild type was present. This equilibrium might prevent an accumulation of mutations in isolates later in the course of infection.
Does intolerance or lack of response with fluoxetine predict the same will happen with sertraline?

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine whether sertraline would be well tolerated and effective in patients who had failed fluoxetine therapy or were unable to tolerate the medication. METHOD Hospital records were reviewed for 88 consecutive patients started on sertraline treatment at McLean Hospital from February 11, 1992 to August 28, 1992. Forty-two patients were identified who had received sertraline treatment and who had had previous trials of fluoxetine. Patients were contacted after discharge to determine sertraline efficacy and side effects. A variety of patient characteristics and outcome measures were compared. RESULTS Thirty-nine subjects (93%) were available for follow-up interviews. The DSM-III-R diagnoses at discharge were as follows: major depression (N=25), bipolar depression (N=6), schizoaffective disorder (N=4), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (N=4). The sertraline discontinuation rate was 64% (25/39) by a mean +/- SD of 2.3 +/- 2.1 months. In patients with major depression (N=25) and bipolar depression (N=6) discharged on sertraline, only 13 (42%) were considered responders to sertraline therapy, and at follow-up, only 8 (26%) of 31 were considered responders to sertraline therapy. Patients who had previously discontinued fluoxetine because of side effects were significantly more likely to have side effects during sertraline treatment (p = .027), and to have discontinued sertraline at follow-up (p = .018). CONCLUSION Sertraline was found to be modestly efficacious and associated with numerous side effects and discontinuation rates in patients who had previously discontinued fluoxetine.
[Correlation of polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 gene to genetic susceptibility of lung cancer].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A7 (UGT1A7) plays an important role in detoxification through catalyzing combination of glucuronic acid and tobacco carcinogens, including benzo [alpha] pyrene, nitrosamine, and heterocyclic amine PhIP, therefore, inactivates the carcinogens. This study was to examine the correlation of polymorphisms of UGT1A7 gene to genetic susceptibility of lung cancer. METHODS Polymorphisms of UGT1A7 gene at 12-131 and 208 sites in peripheral lymph cells of 312 patients and 317 age- and sex-matched controls were detected by polymerase chain reaction-denaturized high performance liquid chromatography (PCR-DHPLC) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP); the correlation of these polymorphisms to genetic susceptibility of lung cancer was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the UGT1A7*1/*1 genotype carriers, the UGT1A7*3/*1 genotype carriers had a 1.80-fold increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-3.12], the UGT1A7*3 genotype carriers had a 1.59-fold increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma (adjusted OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 0.96-2.63). The UGT1A7 polymorphisms had no correlation with risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION UGT1A7 gene polymorphisms may increase the genetic susceptibility of lung adenocarcinoma in Chinese.
Medical tourists’ emotional and cognitive response to credibility and Servicescape

While medical tourism has been an issue of increasing interest among scholars and practitioners, most studies are dedicated to understanding the factors of attraction that lead medical tourists to select a certain destination and treatment providers. In this vein, more studies are needed to understand medical tourists’ perceptions about medical facilities and staff, and repurchase intention formation. In order to contribute to bridging this gap, the current study aims to explore the effect of Servicescape (intrinsic cues) and credibility (extrinsic cues) on medical tourists’ emotion, perceived quality and image. The proposed model was tested in the medical tourism context in Portugal. The questionnaire was distributed to individuals who had stayed in a hospital devoted to medical tourism. A convenience sample of 332 usable questionnaires was employed to test the model. Findings reveal that ambience and design are the most important factors in formatting Servicescape itself. Servicescape and credibility are effective antecedents of customer image and pleasure-feeling. Credibility is more effective in enhancing pleasure-feeling and Servicescape in creating a favourable image. On the other hand, perceptions of quality do not contribute significantly to pleasure-feeling. Finally, the article also provides managerial implications and suggests avenues for further research.
The effect of English language proficiency on length of stay and in-hospital mortality

AbstractBACKGROUND: In ambulatory care settings, patients with limited English proficiency receive lower quality of care. Limited information is available describing outcomes for inpatients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of English proficiency on length of stay (LOS) and in-hospital mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of administrative data at 3 tertiary care teaching hospitals (University Health Network) in Toronto, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive inpatient admissions from April 1993 to December 1999 were analyzed for LOS differences first by looking at 23 medical and surgical conditions (59,547 records) and then by a meta-analysis of 220 case mix groups (189,119 records). We performed a similar analysis for in-hospital mortality. MEASUREMENTS: LOS and odds of in-hospital death for limited English-proficient (LEP) patients relative to English-proficient (EP) patients. RESULTS: LEP patients stayed in hospital longer for 7 of 23 conditions (unstable coronary syndromes and chest pain, coronary artery bypass grafting, stroke, craniotomy procedures, diabetes mellitus, major intestinal and rectal procedures, and elective hip replacement), with LOS differences ranging from approximately 0.7 to 4.3 days. A meta-analysis using all admission data demonstrated that LEP patients stayed 6% (approximately 0.5 days) longer overall than EP patients (95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.07). LEP patients were not at increased risk of in-hospital death (relative odds, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.9 to 1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with limited English proficiency have longer hospital stays for some medical and surgical conditions. Limited English proficiency does not affect in-hospital mortality. The effect of communication barriers on outcomes of care in the inpatient setting requires further exploration, particularly for selected conditions in which length of stay is significantly prolonged.
An in vitro evaluation of the effect of deep dry cryotreatment on the cutting efficiency of three rotary nickel titanium instruments

Context: Cryogenic methods have been used to increase the strength of metals. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of deep dry cryotherapy on the cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary nickel titanium instruments. Materials and Methods: Twenty K3, RaCe and Hero Shaper nickel titanium instruments, size 25, 0.06 taper, were taken for this study. Ten files were untreated (control group) and 10 files were deep dry cryogenically treated. Both the untreated and cryotreated files were subjected to cyclic fatigue evaluation. Cyclic fatigue was evaluated as the number of cycles it took for fracture of the instrument within a stainless steel shaping block of specific radius and angle of curvature. Statistical Analysis: Mean values were compared between different study groups by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with P < 0.05 considered as the level of significance. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the resistance to cyclic fatigue of deep dry cryotreated NiTi files over untreated files. Conclusions: It may thus be concluded that deep cryotherapy has improved the cyclic fatigue of NiTi rotary endodontic files.
Dentist's occupational asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and allergic contact dermatitis from methacrylates

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates (MA) is common in dental personnel. MAs have also caused asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, but asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and ACD caused by MAs in the same patient appears to be very rare.
A novel variant L263F in human inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 is associated with diminished enzyme activity

Background and objective Inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 is required for purine synthesis in activated lymphocytes. Variants in the IMPDH2 gene may account for the large inter-individual variability in baseline enzyme activity, immunosuppressive efficacy and side effects in transplant recipients receiving mycophenolic acid. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and functionally characterize IMPDH2 variants. Methods DNA samples from 152 solid organ transplant patients were screened at exons and exon/intron junctions of the IMPDH2 genes by PCR amplification followed by bidirectional direct DNA sequencing. Genetic variant was constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and transformed to an inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase-deficient strain of Escherichia coli h712. Proteins were purified to homogeneity and the enzymatic activity was measured by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide production. Results Nine genetic variants were identified in the IMPDH2 gene, with frequencies of the rarer alleles ranging from 0.5 to 10.2%. A novel nonsynonymous variant L263F was identified, and the kinetic assay demonstrated that the inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase activity of L263F variant was decreased to 10% of the wild-type. The Ki for mycophenolic acid inhibition of the L263F variant was comparable with the wild-type, and the variant Km for inosine 5′-monophosphate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide did not change significantly. Conclusions IMPDH2 has low genetic diversity, but the nonsynonymous variant L263F has a significant impact on inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase activity. This novel functional variant may be one of the factors contributing to the inter-individual difference of baseline inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase activity as well as drug efficacy and adverse events in transplant patients.
Doctors' Decisions and Prognostications for Infants with Down Syndrome

Random samples of pediatricians, family practitioners and pediatric surgeons were surveyed with a questionnaire, which included three questions regarding their decisions about treatment of duodenal atresia in two hypothetical infants with Down syndrome, one with complete trisomy 21 and one with mosaicism. Results showed that doctors are more likely now to advocate surgery than in the past. Pediatricians and family practitioners had similar views, but pediatricians were more assertive about treatment if parents refused. Pediatric surgeons had the most pessimistic outlook and a greater number would not encourage surgery. There was a relationship between the doctors' prognostications and their decisions about treatment. These results emphasize the importance of ensuring that doctors have accurate perceptions about the capabilities of individuals born with Down syndrome.
Effects of Aprosulate, a Novel Synthetic Glycosaminoglycan, on Coagulation and Platelet Function Parameters: A Prospective, Randomized Phase I Study

In a phase I clinical trial the effect of the highly sulfated polyanion "Aprosulate" was studied in healthy volun teers using different coagulation and platelet function param eters. Eighteen healthy volunteers aged 21 to 30 years received two single subcutaneous doses of aprosulate (0.5 mg/kg body weight; 1.0 mg/kg body weight), or unfractionated heparin (Calciparin® 7,500 IU). The washout period between the dif ferent drugs/doses was at least 7 days. Coagulation and platelet function parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time, Heptest, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, ristocetin cofactor, platelet adhesion to siliconized glass, and platelet-induced thrombin generation time [a new method for measuring throm bin generation in platelet-rich plasma in the presence of plate lets]) were assessed during 24 hours after each injection. Aprosulate led to a significant and dose-dependent prolonga tion of activated partial thromboplastin time and Heptest. This effect lasted for 4 hours (activated partial thromboplastin time) to 8 hours (Heptest). Activated partial thromboplastin time was not prolonged after the injection of unfractionated heparin (7,500 IU). Fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and ristocetin cofactor remained unchanged with both drugs. Platelet induced thrombin generation time was slightly prolonged and platelet adhesion was slightly diminished up to 2 hours using 0.5 mg/kg aprosulate, and up to 4 hours using 1.0 mg/kg aprosulate while the platelet induced thrombin generation time system was not influenced by the subcutaneous injection (7,500 IU) of unfrac tionated heparin. Both drugs and doses were well tolerated. Plasma transaminase concentrations alanin aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase serum values were slightly in creased in some volunteers but returned to normal during or after the study (<4 weeks). Further clinical trials will have to establish whether aprosulate is an effective drug for the pro phylaxis of deep venous thrombosis.
Tricritical behavior of nonequilibrium Ising spins in fluctuating environments.

We investigate the phase transitions in a coupled system of Ising spins and a fluctuating network. Each spin interacts with q neighbors through links of the rewiring network. The Ising spins and the network are in thermal contact with the heat baths at temperatures T_{S} and T_{L}, respectively, so the whole system is driven out of equilibrium for T_{S}≠T_{L}. The model is a generalization of the q-neighbor Ising model [A. Jędrzejewski et al., Phys. Rev. E 92, 052105 (2015)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.92. 052105], which corresponds to the limiting case of T_{L}=∞. Despite the mean-field nature of the interaction, the q-neighbor Ising model was shown to display a discontinuous phase transition for q≥4. Setting up the rate equations for the magnetization and the energy density, we obtain the phase diagram in the T_{S}-T_{L} parameter space. The phase diagram consists of a ferromagnetic phase and a paramagnetic phase. The two phases are separated by a continuous phase transition belonging to the mean-field universality class or by a discontinuous phase transition with an intervening coexistence phase. The equilibrium system with T_{S}=T_{L} falls into the former case while the q-neighbor Ising model falls into the latter case. At the tricritical point, the system exhibits the mean-field tricritical behavior. Our model demonstrates a possibility that a continuous phase transition turns into a discontinuous transition by a nonequilibrium driving. Heat flow induced by the temperature difference between two heat baths is also studied.
Essential Hypertension: Genes and Dreams

Abstract Herein we review all of the data from linkage by genome scanning and from association studies in essential hypertension. Genome scans have yielded loci linked to hypertension on almost every chromosome. We tabulate all of these loci to highlight the striking inconsistency. Similarly, association studies have implicated > 66 genes to date, which we also list, but virtually all have failed to show consistent replication in other settings. Nevertheless, we believe that molecular genetics should eventually find all of the major gene variants for essential hypertension. This will be a great scientific achievement and lead to new treatments. The dream, however, of using this information in clinical genetic testing could turn out to be a nightmare. Thus at present the hype surrounding genes for complex polygenic diseases like hypertension far exceeds the reality.
Early Low Volume Oral Synbiotic/Prebiotic Supplemented Enteral Stimulation of the Gut in Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Prospective Feasibility Study

Abstract Background : Experience with administration of synbiotics (prebiotics/probiotics) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has demonstrated immunomodulatory capacity. The aim of this trial was evaluation of the feasibility and perspective of early clinical application of oral synbiotic/prebiotic supplements in patients with SAP. Methods : 90 SAP patients were enrolled during the period from 2005–2008. Patients were stratified according to the feeding mode. CONTROL (n = 32) group received standard whole protein feeding formula. SYNBIO (n = 30) and FIBRE groups (n = 28) received early (within first 24–48 hours) synbiotic or prebiotic supplements. Oral administration of synbiotics or prebiotics was commenced when patients were able to sip water. Results : Daily provided average volume and calories of synbiotic/prebiotic blends were smaller compared to the CONTROL, p = 0.001. Oral administration of synbiotic/prebiotic supplements was associated with lower infection rate (pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis) compared to the CONTROL, (p = 0.03; p = 0.001), lower rate of surgical interventions, p = 0.005, shorter ICU (p = 0.05) and hospital stay (p = 0.03). Synbiotic supplemented enteral stimulation of the gut resulted in reduced mortality rate compared to the CONTROL, p = 0.02. Conclusion : Early low volume oral synbiotic/prebiotic supplemented enteral stimulation of the gut seems to be a potentially valuable complement to the routine treatment protocol of SAP.
Malleable Standards of Care Required by Jurors When Assessing Auditor Negligence

ABSTRACT: We report the results of four experiments investigating the relationship between (1) the quality of an audit, (2) jurors' assessments of the standard of prudent care (SOC) against which audit quality is compared, and (3) jurors' negligence verdicts. Experiment 1 operationalizes audit quality by varying the sample size used in audit testing, and provides evidence that jurors anchor their assessment of SOC on audit quality, producing a “competitive mediation” in which audit quality reduces the potential for a negligence verdict directly, but increases that potential indirectly by increasing SOC. Experiment 2 generalizes this finding to a setting that operationalizes audit quality by varying the size of adjustment the auditor required. Experiments 3 and 4 extend these results to a setting in which SOC is elicited after jurors make negligence verdicts. Overall, these experiments provide insight into the role of SOC in constraining and justifying negligence verdicts. Data Availability: Contact the au.
Pain-free results with sumatriptan taken at the first sign of migraine pain: 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sumatriptan, 50-mg and 100-mg tablets, compared with placebo for treatment of migraine at the first sign of pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two identical multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-attack studies were conducted from May through November 2000 in adults (aged 18-65 years). Patients treated migraine at the first sign of pain, while pain was mild, but not more than 2 hours after onset with oral sumatriptan, 50 mg or 100 mg, or matching placebo. The primary end point was pain-free relief at 2 hours after treatment with 50 mg of sumatriptan compared with placebo. RESULTS There were 354 patients in study 1 and 337 patients in study 2. Significantly more patients treated with sumatriptan, 50 mg and 100 mg, were completely free from pain 2 and 4 hours after treatment vs patients treated with placebo (at 2 hours, 50% and 57% vs 29%; at 4 hours, 61% and 68% vs 30%; for both, P < .001). Also, significantly more patients treated with sumatriptan, 50 mg and 100 mg, were migraine-free (no pain or associated symptoms) vs those treated with placebo at 2 and 4 hours after treatment (at 2 hours, 43% and 49% vs 24%; at 4 hours, 54% and 63% vs 28%; for both, P < .001). The incidence of overall adverse events was low with the 50- and 100-mg dose of sumatriptan (placebo, 7%; sumatriptan at 50 mg, 14%; sumatriptan at 100 mg, 16%). CONCLUSIONS Treatment of migraine at the first sign of pain with sumatriptan, 50-mg and 100-mg tablets, provides superior pain-free relief at 2 and 4 hours after treatment compared with placebo. Results of these studies suggest that sumatriptan at 100 mg may be more efficacious than at 50 mg when used in the early treatment paradigm. Because these studies were not powered to detect statistical differences between active doses, studies to investigate this finding are warranted.