Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Time of Day and Partial Sleep Deprivation on Short‐Term, High‐Power Output

The purpose of this study was to determine whether delaying bedtime or advancing rising time by 4 h affects anaerobic performance of individuals the following day in the morning and afternoon. Eleven subjects participated in the study, during which we measured the maximal, peak, and mean powers (i.e., Pmax [force‐velocity test], Ppeak, and Pmean [Wingate test], respectively). Measurements were performed twice daily, at 07∶00 and 18∶00 h, following a reference normal sleep night (RN), a partial sleep deprivation timed at the beginning of the night (SDB), and a partial sleep deprivation timed at the end of the night (SDE), and oral temperature was measured every 4 h. Each of the three experimental conditions was separated by a one‐week period. Our results showed a circadian rhythm in oral temperature, and analysis of variance revealed a significant sleep×test‐time effect on peak power (Ppeak), mean power (Pmean), and maximal power (Pmax). These variables improved significantly from the morning to the afternoon for all three experimental conditions. Whereas the morning‐afternoon improvement in the measures was similar after the RN and SDB conditions, it was smaller following the SDE condition. There was no significant difference in the effect of the two sleep‐deprivation conditions on anaerobic performances at 07∶00 and at 18∶00 h under the SDB condition in comparison with the post‐reference night. However, the performance variables were significantly lower at 18∶00 h after the SDE condition. In conclusion, a 4 h partial sleep deprivation at the end of the night appears to be more disturbing than partial sleep deprivation at the beginning of the night.
Suvorexant in Patients with Insomnia: Pooled Analyses of Three-Month Data from Phase-3 Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Suvorexant is an orexin receptor antagonist approved for treating insomnia at a maximum dose of 20 mg. Phase-3 trials evaluated two age-adjusted (non-elderly/elderly) dose-regimes of 40/30 mg and 20/15 mg with the primary focus on 40/30 mg. We report here results from pooled analyses of the 20/15 mg dose-regime, which was evaluated as a secondary objective in the trials. METHODS Prespecified analysis of pooled data from two identical randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 3-month trials in non-elderly (18-64 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years) patients with insomnia. Patients were randomized to suvorexant 20/15 mg (non-elderly/elderly), suvorexant 40/30 mg (non-elderly/elderly), or placebo; by design, fewer patients were randomized to 20/15 mg. Efficacy was assessed by self-reported and polysomnography (PSG; subset of patients) sleep maintenance and onset endpoints. RESULTS Suvorexant 20/15 mg (N = 493 treated) was effective compared to placebo (N = 767 treated) on patient-reported and PSG sleep maintenance and onset endpoints at Night-1 (PSG endpoints) / Week-1 (subjective endpoints), Month-1 and Month-3, except for effects on PSG sleep onset at Month-3. Suvorexant 20/15 mg was generally well tolerated, with 3% of patients discontinuing due to adverse events over 3 months vs. 5.2% on placebo. Somnolence was the most common adverse event (6.7% vs. 3.3% for placebo). There was no systematic evidence of rebound or withdrawal signs or symptoms when suvorexant was discontinued after 3 months of nightly use. CONCLUSIONS Suvorexant 20/15 mg improved sleep onset and maintenance over 3 months of nightly treatment and was generally safe and well tolerated. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration numbers: NCT01097616, NCT01097629.
Identification and validation of differentially expressed genes from pig skeletal muscle.

Pig is an important animal for meat production; this is generally associated with characteristics determined prenatally during myogenesis. Expressed sequence tags (EST) can provide direct information on the transcriptome and indirect information on the relation between the genome and phenotype, giving information about differentially expressed genes (DEG). In this work, the identification and annotation of DEG from EST libraries of three pig breeds (Duroc, Large White and Local Breed Piau) were performed followed by real-time PCR analyses during pre- and postnatal stages (21, 40, 70 and 90 days of pregnancy and 107, 121 and 171 days postnatal) from commercial breed animals for analysis of genes expression levels. Therefore, 34 genes differentially expressed were identified, of which 21 grouped in a network related with muscle development. From this, the expression profile of 13 genes was measured, to confirm their relationship with myogenesis like ANKRD2, MYBPC1, NEB and MYL2. These genes showed a prenatal high expression in this study. Besides, novels candidates for muscle development (TP53 and DCTN1) were listed. These findings can contribute to better explaining gene function mechanism and are helpful in uncovering the pathways that mediate pre- and postnatal skeletal muscle development in vertebrates.
Renal Function in Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

We performed renal function tests in 18 young patients, 1.8–14.6 years of age, with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). Glomerular filtration rate was normal (116 ± 4.5 ml/min/1.73 m2), and renal plasma flow was decreased (410 ± 25 ml/min/1.73 m2) with a rise in the filtration fraction (29 ± 1.1%). The suggested pathophysiologic explanation of these findings is that the blood hyperviscosity seen in patients with CCHD causes an overall increase in renal vascular resistance with a rise in intraglomerular blood pressure. Despite a sluggish flow of blood in the glomerular capillary bed, the effective filtration pressure was adjusted to conserve the glomerular filtration rate. In addition to these renal hemodynamic parameters, we also studied renal acidification and tubular sodium and water handling during a forced water diuresis. Our data indicate that children with CCHD have a mild to moderate normal ion gap metabolic acidosis due to a low proximal tubular threshold for bicarbonate. Proximal tubular sodium and water reabsorption under these conditions were somewhat increased, though not significantly, probably due to intrarenal hydrostatic forces, in particular the rise in the oncotic pressure in the postglomerular capillaries in patients with high hematocrit values. The distal tubular functions such as sodium handling and acidification were not affected.
Thermoregulatory and Endocrine Responses to Light Pulses in Short‐Day Acclimated Social Voles (Microtus socialis)

In mammals, nocturnal light pulses (NLP) have been demonstrated to affect physiology and behavior. However, the impact of NLP as a stressor has been less broadly examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of NLP (three 15 min 450 lux light pulses) during each scotophase on both thermoregulation and endocrine stress responses under short‐day (SD; 8L:16D) acclimation. Voles were acclimated to either SD (SD voles) or SD+NLP (NLP voles). Resistance to cold was estimated by measurements of body temperature (Tb) during cold exposure (5°C). Daily rhythms of energy expenditure (calculated from oxygen consumption), urine production, and urinary adrenaline and serum cortisol levels were measured. Tb values of SD voles were generally unaffected by the cold stimulus, whereas in NLP voles, resistance to cold was markedly lowered. While SD‐ and NLP voles showed similar ultradian characteristics in energy expenditure with a period of 3.5 h, mean energy expenditure levels were lowest for voles exposed to NLP‐treatment. In SD voles, but not in NLP voles, urine production rates showed clear time variations and were consistently highest for SD voles, with significant differences during the scotophase. Both mean total urinary adrenaline and serum cortisol levels were significantly elevated in NLP‐treated voles compared with the control group. Taken together, the results suggest that NLP negatively affects winter acclimatization of thermoregulatory mechanisms of M. socialis, probably by mimicking summer acclimatization, and consequently the thermoregulatory mechanisms respond inappropriately to ambient conditions. One important finding of this study is that NLP may act as a stressor and correspondingly impose a major threat to the physiological homeostasis of M. socialis, such that over‐winter survival might be compromised.
ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS USING MATRIX COILS: SHORT‐ AND MID‐TERM RESULTS IN RUPTURED AND UNRUPTURED ANEURYSMS

OBJECTIVEA prospective multicenter registry was conducted in France to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Matrix coils (Boston Scientific Neurovascular, Fremont, CA). The short- and mid-term results are presented. METHODSFrom January to October 2004, 236 patients harboring ruptured (Group I) or unruptured (Group II) aneurysms were treated via an endovascular approach with Matrix coils and were included in this registry. In-hospital morbidity and mortality was determined. One-year clinical follow-up data were obtained in 218 patients (92.4%). One-year angiographic follow-up data were obtained in 165 patients (171 aneurysms, 70.1%). RESULTSIn Group I, in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates were 5.8 and 6.5%, respectively, with a procedure-related morbidity and mortality of 3.6 and 1.4%, respectively. At 1 year, the morbidity and mortality rates were 2.4 and 11.0%, respectively. In Group II, procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates were 1.0 and 0.0%, respectively. At 1 year, the morbidity and mortality rates were 1.1 and 0%, respectively. For both groups, no bleeding or rebleeding was observed during the follow-up period. The only factor associated with an increased rate of complications was delay before treatment of more than 2 days after bleeding. Aneurysm recanalization was observed in 44 aneurysms (25.7%). CONCLUSIONIn-hospital and 1-year morbidity and mortality rates in patients harboring ruptured or unruptured aneurysms treated with Matrix coils were similar to those previously reported with the use of bare coils. The efficacy of Matrix coils to prevent aneurysm recanalization was not demonstrated, despite a high percentage of progressive thrombosis that suggests biological activity resulting from Matrix coils.
Phase II clinical trial of a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-encoding, second-generation oncolytic herpesvirus in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma.

PURPOSE Treatment options for metastatic melanoma are limited. We conducted this phase II trial to assess the efficacy of JS1/34.5-/47-/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in stages IIIc and IV disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS Treatment involved intratumoral injection of up to 4 mL of 10(6) pfu/mL of JS1/34.5-/47-/GM-CSF followed 3 weeks later by up to 4 mL of 10(8) pfu/mL every 2 weeks for up to 24 treatments. Clinical activity (by RECIST [Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors]), survival, and safety parameters were monitored. RESULTS Fifty patients (stages IIIc, n = 10; IVM1a, n = 16; IVM1b, n = 4; IVM1c, n = 20) received a median of six injection sets; 74% of patients had received one or more nonsurgical prior therapies for active disease, including dacarbazine/temozolomide or interleukin-2 (IL-2). Adverse effects were limited primarily to transient flu-like symptoms. The overall response rate by RECIST was 26% (complete response [CR], n = 8; partial response [PR], n = 5), and regression of both injected and distant (including visceral) lesions occurred. Ninety-two percent of the responses had been maintained for 7 to 31 months. Ten additional patients had stable disease (SD) for greater than 3 months, and two additional patients had surgical CR. On an extension protocol, two patients subsequently achieved CR by 24 months (one previously PR, one previously SD), and one achieved surgical CR (previously PR). Overall survival was 58% at 1 year and 52% at 24 months. CONCLUSION The 26% response rate, with durability in both injected and uninjected lesions including visceral sites, together with the survival rates, are evidence of systemic effectiveness. This effectiveness, combined with a limited toxicity profile, warrants additional evaluation of JS1/34.5-/47-/GM-CSF in metastatic melanoma. A US Food and Drug Administration-approved phase III investigation is underway.
Obesity and the Cephalad Spread of Analgesia following Epidural Administration of Bupivacaine for Cesarean Section

Epidural anesthesia using 20 ml of 0.75% bupivacaine at L3–4 with the patient in the left lateral position and the table horizontal was employed for cesarean section in 147 A. S. A. class 1 or 2 parturients under the age of 35 with a single fetus. The height of the analgesia was positively correlated with the body mass index (BMI) (weight in kilograms divided by the height in square meters), a measure of adiposity, and with body weight. Both correlations were statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation with the patients' height or age. It is concluded that higher levels of epidural block should be anticipated in obese obstetrical patients in proportion to their obesity. Twenty milliliters of 0.75% bupivacaine must frequently be augmented to provide adequate analgesia for cesarean section in thin parturients (BMI below 28) whereas it is too high a dosage for obese patients.
Infliximab therapy decreases the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA in colonic mucosa of ulcerative colitis

Objective. The mechanisms of action of infliximab (IFX) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in tissue expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and other cytokines in UC patients receiving IFX treatment. Material and methods. The levels of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) mRNA in colonic biopsies from 32 UC patients during IFX treatment were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared with those of 19 controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize the changes of inflammatory cells during treatment. Results. IFX reduced the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA, but not that of IL-10 and IL-4 mRNA. Reductions in TNF-α mRNA were correlated to clinical and endoscopic improvements, and normalization of TNF-α mRNA was obtained in patients with healed mucosa. The numbers of T lymphocytes and macrophages were significantly decreased in patients with healed mucosa after IFX treatment, although compared to normal controls, there were still increased levels of TNF-α-positive cells after treatment. Conclusions. IFX induced down-regulation of the mucosal TNF-α and IFN-γ mRNA expression in UC patients. The numbers of T lymphocytes and macrophages were significantly decreased in patients with endoscopically healed mucosa after IFX treatment.
Confirmation of High Specificity of an Automated Enzyme Immunoassay Test for Serological Diagnosis of Syphilis: Retrospective Evaluation Versus Results After Implementation

Background The optimal algorithm for serological syphilis screening is still a matter of debate. We have previously evaluated the performance of the Bioelisa Syphilis 3.0, using a selection of archived sera, and in this study compare these results with the Bioelisa results after clinical implementation. Methods All Bioelisa Syphilis 3.0 results obtained since clinical implementation were analyzed. Bioelisa-positive or borderline samples were retested using Treponema pallidum particle agglutination, rapid plasma reagin test, fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test, and/or immunoblot. On sera sent in together with cerebrospinal fluid, occasionally both the T. pallidum particle agglutination and Bioelisa were performed. Results The Bioelisa was performed on 14,622 sera. Bioelisa-positive samples, which were not retested by the previously described assays, were withdrawn from the database (n = 36). In 1.3% of the samples (187/14,586), the Bioelisa was positive or borderline and, ultimately, 115 sera were considered true positive (prevalence 0.8%). The specificity of the Bioelisa was 99.5%. Conclusions Based on the results of all performed diagnostic assays, the specificity of the Bioelisa of 99.5% is very consistent with that found in the initial study (100%; 95% confidence interval was 98.0%–100%). Interpreting (positive) test results is difficult in the absence of a gold standard, especially when the disease prevalence is low. Results should be viewed in the light of the patients’ characteristics.
State-Owned Enterprise Reform

This United Nations Policy Note on State-Owned Enterprise Reform provides practical guidance on alternative policies to reform SOEs and manage natural resource rents. This Policy Note has been developed in cooperation with UN agencies, and has been officially reviewed by distinguished academics/ development specialists such as Jose Antonio Ocampo, Jomo K.S. and Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz.
Patients' perceptions of information provided in clinical trials

Background: According to the Declaration of Helsinki, patients who take part in a clinical trial must be adequately informed about the trial's aims, methods, expected benefits, and potential risks. The declaration does not, however, elaborate on what “adequately informed” might amount to, in practice. Medical researchers and Local Research Ethics Committees attempt to ensure that the information which potential participants are given is pitched at an appropriate level, but few studies have considered whether the patients who take part in such trials feel they have been given adequate information, or whether they feel able to understand that information. Objectives: To explore trial participants' views (i) on the amount of information provided, and (ii) of their own understanding of that information. Design: Structured interviews of patients participating in clinical trials for the treatment of chronic medical condition. Findings: Patients generally felt they were given an appropriate amount of information, and that they were able to understand all or most of it. They felt they were given adequate time to ask questions before agreeing to take part. In comparison with treatment given outwith the research setting, patients generally felt they received more information when participating in a clinical trial. Conclusions: Researchers sometimes complain that patients are given too much information during clinical trials, and have limited understanding of that information. The present study shows that this perception is not necessarily shared by patients. More research is needed in this area, particularly to gauge whether patient understanding is indeed accurate.
Follow‐up of 5‐ to 11‐year‐old children treated for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Aim: Determine the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and relate this to cumulative exposure to hypoxia, hypocapnia and hypotension. Describe chronic health problems among 5‐ to 11‐year‐old children treated for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
Inward Leakage Variability between Respirator Fit Test Panels – Part I. Deterministic Approach

Inter-panel variability has never been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the variability between different anthropometric panels used to determine the inward leakage (IL) of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHRs). A total of 144 subjects, who were both experienced and non-experienced N95 FFR users, were recruited. Five N95 FFRs and five N95 EHRs were randomly selected from among those models tested previously in our laboratory. The PortaCount Pro+ (without N95-Companion) was used to measure IL of the ambient particles with a detectable size range of 0.02 to 1 μm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard fit test exercises were used for this study. IL test were performed for each subject using each of the 10 respirators. Each respirator/subject combination was tested in duplicate, resulting in a total 20 IL tests for each subject. Three 35-member panels were randomly selected without replacement from the 144 study subjects stratified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health bivariate panel cell for conducting statistical analyses. The geometric mean (GM) IL values for all 10 studied respirators were not significantly different among the three randomly selected 35-member panels. Passing rate was not significantly different among the three panels for all respirators combined or by each model. This was true for all IL pass/fail levels of 1%, 2%, and 5%. Using 26 or more subjects to pass the IL test, all three panels had consistent passing/failing results for pass/fail levels of 1% and 5%. Some disagreement was observed for the 2% pass/fail level. Inter-panel variability exists, but it is small relative to the other sources of variation in fit testing data. The concern about inter-panel variability and other types of variability can be alleviated by properly selecting: pass/fail level (IL 1–5%); panel size (e.g., 25 or 35); and minimum number of subjects required to pass (e.g., 26 of 35 or 23 of 35).
Subunit interactions of the Escherichia coli mannitol permease: correlation with enzymic activities.

A fraction of the phosphorylated form of the Escherichia coli mannitol permease (enzyme IIMtl) of the sugar phosphotransferase system can be extracted from the membrane in a dimeric form [Roossien, F.F. , & Robillard, G.T. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 5682-5685]. Using E. coli minicells in which this protein can be specifically labeled with [35S]methionine, we show in this paper that part of the unphosphorylated form of enzyme IIMtl can also be extracted from the membrane as a dimer. We further demonstrate that both phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation of the permease and conditions promoting turnover of the enzyme decrease the amount of extractable dimer. Thus, the dimer of these forms of the enzyme appears to be less stable than that of the unmodified form, at least in detergent solution. In contrast, inorganic phosphate, which activates the permease-catalyzed phospho exchange between mannitol 1-phosphate and mannitol ("transphosphorylation"), stabilizes the dimer. These results support the hypothesis that the mannitol permease dimer is more active in transphosphorylation than the monomer. Treatment of minicell membranes with oxidizing agents produced heat-stable, high molecular weight aggregates of the permease on dodecyl sulfate gels, but no heat-stable dimer could be detected. The nonionic detergent Lubrol PX decreased the amount of dimer extractable at 30 degrees C with a concomitant increase in the monomeric form. These results suggest that the dimer depends predominantly on hydrophobic interactions for its stability and is not covalently cross-linked in that form by oxidizing agents.