Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary response to ozone exposures in healthy individuals aged 55 years or greater.

Since minimal data are available regarding the pulmonary effects of ozone (O/sub 3/) in healthy individuals over the age of 55, this research was designed to determine if this group was at risk for pulmonary function changes when exposed to O/sub 3/ at ambient concentrations for one hour during intermittent exercise. Ten female and nine male subjects were exposed for 60 minutes in random order to one of the following O/sub 3/ concentrations: 0.0, 0.2, or 0.3 ppm. All exposures were administered through a rubber mouthpiece while the subject was either at rest or moderately exercising on a treadmill. The following pulmonary function tests (PFT) were recorded before exposure, and at periods immediately following and 20 minutes post-exposure: total respiratory resistance (R/sub T/), thoracic gas volume at functional residual capacity (FRC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV/sub 1/). Baseline PFT mean values and air exposure PFT mean values were compared through the use of repeated measure two-way analysis of variance to detect any significant effect of exposure on these parameters. Following 60 minute of exposure at light intermittent exercise, there were no statistically significant pulmonary functional changes observed in male subjects. However, in female subjects, a statistically significantmore » increase in R/sub T/ was observed« less
Coordination of voltage regulation in Active Networks

This paper give an introduction about the Active Network concept that can be managed by a multi-agent system (MAS). Voltage regulation, one of Active Network's services, is then presented. The autonomous voltage control within each feeder (Cell) can be deployed by a combination of active and reactive power supports of distributed generators (DG). The coordination voltage control defines the optimal tap setting of the on-load tap changer (OLTC) while comparing amounts of control actions in each Cell. The test results show that the voltage regulation in Active Network can help to integrate more DGs and mitigate voltage violation effectively. The optimal solution can be reached within a small number of calculation iterations.
Does severity of Parkinson's disease vary according to season?

In temperate climates, many factors that may influence function in Parkinson's disease (PD) vary according to season. We examined whether severity of PD, as measured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), varied with the season of evaluation. We found no evidence for seasonal fluctuation in the UPRDS scores, suggesting that, although considerable day‐to‐day variation may exist in PD, there is little monthly or seasonal variation. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Ultrasound follow-up of patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: results of a prospective study on 360 cases.

OBJECTIVES We performed a prospective study with ultrasound (US) follow-up on a population at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to evaluate the possibilities of diagnosis of HCC at an early stage. METHODS We studied 360 patients; 254 of those patients had cirrhosis of the liver (of which 167 had HCV, 28 had HBV, 53 were alcoholic, and six had autoimmune disease), and the remaining 106 patients had chronic hepatitis. US scan was performed and alpha-fetoprotein was measured every 6 months. Mean duration of follow-up was 56 months (range 18-72). We compared the results of HCC detection with those of 2170 patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis observed with US in the same period, outside the follow-up protocol. RESULTS In 24 of the follow-up patients, hepatic lesions were detected with US and proved to be HCC with fine needle biopsy, with a cumulative incidence of 6.6% and an annual incidence of 1.4%. The HCC was unifocal in 18 patients, always with diameter < or = 3 cm (small HCC). All but one of the 24 patients who developed HCC had liver cirrhosis, and the remaining patient had HBV-correlated chronic hepatitis. In the group of 2170 patients without serial follow-up, the percentage of detected unifocal tumors with diameters < or = 3 cm was only 15.5%, compared with 75% in the patients with serial follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The US follow-up of a population at risk for HCC, consisting of patients with chronic liver diseases, made it possible to diagnose tumor < or = 3 cm in a high percentage of cases, with a statistically highly significant difference (chi 2, p = 0.000) compared with the patients not in the follow-up. Follow-up could increase the percentage of HCCs detected at a potentially curable stage. Cirrhosis is confirmed as being the main risk cause, regardless of etiology.
Association of the metabolic syndrome with intracranial atherosclerotic stroke

To investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetSD) on the development of intracranial atherosclerotic stroke, the authors evaluated the components of the MetSD in 512 patients with stroke. The MetSD was observed most frequently in patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (p = 0.007). In multiple regression analysis, the MetSD, but not conventional risk factors, was independently associated with intracranial atherosclerosis (p = 0.005). The results suggest that treatment of metabolic abnormalities may be an important prevention strategy for intracranial atherosclerosis.
Wrist breadth and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in youth: The fels longitudinal study

There is biological crosstalk between insulin signaling and bone remodeling pathways, and wrist circumference and bone area were recently found to associate with insulin resistance independent of body mass index (BMI) in overweight/obese children. We aimed to expand on this work by using more specific measures of adiposity for adjustment and examining children with broader range of BMI.
Assessment of factor V, VII and X activities, the key coagulant proteins of the tissue factor pathway in poultry plasma

1. Assay methods were developed for key components of the tissue factor pathway of blood coagulation, namely Factor V, Factor VII and Factor X. Using these assays, plasma from healthy laying hens, cockerels and broilers was shown to contain functional and equivalent amounts of each of these clotting factors. 2. The plasma activities for Factor V, Factor VII and Factor X can only be accurately determined when chicken tissue factor is used to initiate the coagulation mechanism in poultry plasma. Neither human tissue factor nor rabbit tissue factor forms a fully functional enzyme reactive complex with chicken Factor VII. 3. The overall tissue factor pathway coagulation mechanism was evaluated in plasma from laying hens, cockerels and broilers using the one-stage prothrombin time assay. As long as sufficient tissue factor was used, the overall clotting time results obtained with human recombinant tissue factor were not significantly different from those obtained with chicken tissue factor. 4. We conclude that poultry plasma does possess a fully functional tissue factor coagulation mechanism, but homologous chicken tissue factor must be used for in vitro assays of the components of this pathway.
Control of Virus-Specific CD8+ T-Cell Exhaustion and Immune-Mediated Pathology by E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Cbl-b during Chronic Viral Infection

ABSTRACT A characteristic feature in the immune response to many persistent viral infections is the dysfunction or deletion of antigen-specific T cells (exhaustion). This down-regulation of virus-specific T-cell response represents a critical control mechanism that exists within T-cell activation pathways to prevent lethal disease by inappropriate responses against disseminating virus infections. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the immune system determines whether to mount a full response to such infections remain largely unexplored. Here, we have established that in the murine lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model, induction of the T-cell receptor signaling inhibitor molecule E3 ligase Cbl-b is critically involved in this decision. In particular, our data revealed that Cbl-b controls the program responsible for T-cell tolerance (exhaustion) induction during a chronic viral infection. Thus, Cbl-b−/− mice infected with a low dose of LCMV Docile mount a strong CD8+ T-cell response that rapidly clears the infection, and the animals remain healthy; in contrast, down-regulation of the epitope-specific CD8+ T-cell population in persistently infected Cbl-b−/− mice, compared to that in chronically infected B6 mice, was significantly delayed, and this was associated with increased morbidity and eventual death in nearly 20% of the animals. Interestingly, infection of Cbl-b−/− mice with a moderate virus dose resulted in rapid death with 100% mortality by 7 to 8 days after infection, caused by a dysregulated antiviral T-cell response, whereas the infected B6 mice survived and remained healthy. In conclusion, our results suggest that Cbl-b is critically involved in T-cell exhaustion and prevention of lethal disease.
Nitrite dynamics in the open ocean - clues from seasonal and diurnal variations

Two alternative mechanisms are suggested for nitrite accumulation in the oxy- genated oligotrophic water column: (1) excretion by phytoplankton or (2) microbial oxidation of ammonium (nitrification). This study assessed the role of these 2 mechanisms, based on seasonal and high-resolution diurnal depth profiles of the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) species (nitrite, ammonium, nitrate) and chlorophyll a in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. Both mechanisms operated in the water column, but in different seasons; nitrification was the prime process respon- sible for nitrite accumulation during the stratified summer season and phytoplankton nitrite excre- tion operated during winter mixing. At the onset of summer stratification two N peaks developed below the photic zone, an ammonium maximum (AM) and below it the primary nitrite maximum (PNM). Both peaks were located at a depth range where phytoplankton are thought to be inactive and not excreting nitrite. During summer stratification, the water column deep chlorophyll maxi- mum (DCM), AM, PNM and the nitracline were ordered by a downward increase in N oxidation state similar to the temporal order of the N-species during nitrification. This similarity, together with the diurnal stability of the PNM and its co-existence with oscillating chlorophyll profiles above the DCM, is consistent with nitrification as the key process forming the PNM. We suggest that transport and reaction control the vertical order and separation of N-species in the water col- umn. The ratios between the rate constants for ammonification, ammonium oxidation, nitrite oxi- dation and nitrate assimilation were estimated by a simple box model to be 1:3:1.5:0.15, respec- tively. These field estimates are similar to the ratios between the rate constants measured in laboratory experiments.
effectiveness analysis randomised controlled trial and cost Targets and self monitoring in hypertension

Objectives To assess whether blood pressure control in primary care could be improved with the use of patient held targets and self monitoring in a practice setting, and to assess the impact of these on health behaviours, anxiety, prescribed antihypertensive drugs, patients’ preferences, and costs. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Eight general practices in south Birmingham. Participants 441 people receiving treatment in primary care for hypertension but not controlled below the target of < 140/85 mm Hg. Interventions Patients in the intervention group received treatment targets along with facilities to measure their own blood pressure at their general practice; they were also asked to visit their general practitioner or practice nurse if their blood pressure was repeatedly above the target level. Patients in the control group received usual care (blood pressure monitoring by their practice). Main outcome measures Primary outcome: change in systolic blood pressure at six months and one year in both intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes: change in health behaviours, anxiety, prescribed antihypertensive drugs, patients’ preferences of method of blood pressure monitoring, and costs. Results 400 (91%) patients attended follow up at one year. Systolic blood pressure in the intervention group had significantly reduced after six months (mean difference 4.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval 0.8 mm Hg to 7.9 mm Hg)) but not after one year (mean difference 2.7 mm Hg ( − 1.2 mm Hg to 6.6 mm Hg)). No overall difference was found in diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, health behaviours, or number of prescribed drugs. Patients who self monitored lost more weight than controls (as evidenced by a drop in body mass index), rated self monitoring above monitoring by a doctor or nurse, and consulted less often. Overall, self monitoring did not cost significantly more than usual care (£251 ($437; 364 euros) (95% confidence interval £233 to £275) versus £240 (£217 to £263). Conclusions Practice based self monitoring resulted in small but significant improvements of blood pressure at six months, which were not sustained after a year. Self monitoring was well received by patients, anxiety did not increase, and there was no appreciable additional cost. Practice based self monitoring is feasible and results in blood pressure control that is similar to that in usual care.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma Colon – An Aggressive and Rare Neoplasm

Adenosquamous carcinoma colon is a rare neoplasm of colon and is said to have an aggressive course and thus poorer prognosis. Here we have described a case of adenosquamous carcinoma colon in an elderly female patient, presenting with typical features of a colonic malignancy, but with a rapidly deteriorating clinical course and liver metastasis.
Long-acting blockade of biogenic amine transporters in rat brain by administration of the potent novel tropane 2beta-propanoyl-3beta-(2-Naphthyl)-tropane.

2beta-Propanoyl-3beta-(2-naphthyl)-tropane (WF-23) is a potent cocaine analog with activity at dopamine and serotonin transporters. The purpose of these experiments was to characterize the time course of effects of acute administration of WF-23 on spontaneous locomotion and biogenic amine transporters. Rats received injections i.p. with WF-23 (1 mg/kg), cocaine (30 mg/kg) or vehicle and locomotor activity was measured at various times postinjection. Animals were killed immediately after behavioral activity. Locomotor activity was significantly increased by WF-23 administration, reaching maximum at 4 hr and persisting for 24 hr. Cocaine-elicited elevations in locomotor activity occurred only at the earliest times. WF-23 decreased DA transporter binding in striatal membranes ([125I]RTI-55 binding), with >50% loss in binding for up to 49 hr postinjection. WF-23 increased the Kd of the high affinity site, with no effect on Bmax. Cocaine depressed binding (20%) only at the earliest times. WF-23 decreased levels of [3H]WIN 35,428 binding sites up to 95% of control in both dorsal and ventral striatum with a similar time-course when assessed autoradiographically. WF-23 also reduced [3H]citalopram binding to serotonin transporter sites throughout the brain. The slow onset and very long duration of action of WF-23, taken together with its actions at dopamine and serotonin transporters, suggest a potential role for treatment of disorders characterized by their involvement of these neural systems.
Photoabsorption cross section of O, S, Se, and Te.

Photoabsorption cross sections of the ground state of four oxygen-group atoms are calculated using the eigenchannel [ital R]-matrix method. The calculation is performed in the energy range from the first to the third ionization threshold of the residual ions. The present calculations are in good agreement with experimental results except for Te. We investigate the origin for some of the generic features of the cross section. A systematic study of the convergence as a function of type of basis demonstrates the importance of the polarizability of the valence shell. The lessons learned from these atoms should be generally applicable to other columns of the periodic table.
How Does Government Borrowing Affect Corporate Financing and Investment?

Using a novel dataset of accounting and market information that spans most publicly traded nonfinancial firms over the last century, we show that U.S. federal government debt issuance significantly affects corporate financial policies and balance sheets through its impact on investors' portfolio allocations and the relative pricing of different assets. Government debt is strongly negatively correlated with corporate debt and investment, but strongly positively correlated with corporate liquidity. These relations are more pronounced in larger, less risky firms whose debt is a closer substitute for Treasuries. Indeed, we find a strong negative relation between the BAA-AAA yield spread and government debt, highlighting the greater sensitivity of more highly rated credit to variation in the supply of Treasuries. The channel through which this effect operates is investors' portfolio decisions: domestic intermediaries actively substitute between lending to the federal government and the nonfinancial corporate sector. The relations between government debt and corporate policies, as well as the substitution between government and corporate debt by intermediaries, are stronger after 1970 when foreign demand increased competition for Treasury securities. In concert, our results suggest that large, financially healthy corporations act as liquidity providers by supplying relatively safe securities to investors when alternatives are in short supply, and that this financial strategy influences firms' capital structures and investment policies.
Development of cultures of the marine sponge Hymeniacidon perleve for genotoxicity assessment using the alkaline comet assay

Sponges are a potential alternative model species to bivalves in pollution biomonitoring and environmental risk assessment in the aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, a novel in vivo exposure sponge culture model was developed from field‐collected and cryopreserved sponge (Hymeniacidon perleve) cells to investigate the genotoxic effects of environmentally relevant metals in the laboratory. Sponge cell aggregates were cultured and exposed to noncytotoxic concentrations (0–0.4 mg/L) of cadmium chloride, nickel chloride, and sodium dichromate as quantified by the reduction of 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and DNA‐strand breaks assessed by the comet assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was quantified by oxidation of 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate in sponge cell aggregates exposed to the same concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) concentration‐dependent increase in the level of DNA‐strand breaks and ROS formation in all of the metals investigated. To the best of our knowledge, we have utilized for the first time the alkaline comet assay to detect DNA‐strand breaks in marine sponge cells and demonstrated that exposure to noncytotoxic concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni for 12 h results in a concentration‐dependent increase in DNA damage and levels of ROS production. In conclusion, we have developed a novel in vivo model based on culture of cryopreserved sponge cells that is compatible with the alkaline comet assay. Genotoxicity in marine sponges measured by the comet assay technique may be a useful tool for biomonitoring research and risk assessment in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3314–3323. © 2017 SETAC
Maternal age at birth and other risk factors in early childhood caries.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to identify the impact of mother's age and other child care practices on the children's oral health. METHODS The study consisted of 646 mother-child pairs who participated in the community oral health program at 1.5 and 3 years old. A questionnaire was designed to collect demographic data, household environment, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices. Oral examination was carried out by skilled pediatric dentists. Plaque samples taken from the buccal surface of maxillary molars from both child and mother pairs were assessed using Cariostat. T test and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Caries occurrence was associated with the following: mother's age at childbirth, specifically at 22 years old and younger (odds ratio [OR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.85-4.92, P < .001); frequency of between meal snacks of more than 4 times/day (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.09-5.91, P = .03); and child's caries activity test score at 1.5-year-old equal to or greater than +1.5 (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.48-2.99, P = .002). CONCLUSION The mother's age at childbirth, high-risk caries activity test scores at an earlier age, and frequency of snacking were found to be important early childhood caries risk factors.
End points for validating early warning scores in the context of rapid response systems: a Delphi consensus study

When investigating early warning scores and similar physiology‐based risk stratification tools, death, cardiac arrest and intensive care unit admission are traditionally used as end points. A large proportion of the patients identified by these end points cannot be saved, even with optimal treatment. This could pose a limitation to studies using these end points. We studied current expert opinion on end points for validating tools for the identification of patients in hospital wards at risk of imminent critical illness.
Identification of clinically significant, submicroscopic chromosome alterations and UPD in fetuses with ultrasound anomalies using genome-wide 250k SNP array analysis

Background The implementation of microarray analysis in prenatal diagnostics is a topic of discussion, as rare copy number variants with unknown/uncertain clinical consequences are likely to be found. The application of targeted microarrays limits such findings, but the potential disadvantage is that relevant, so far unknown, aberrations might be overlooked. Therefore, we explore the possibilities for the prenatal application of the genome-wide 250k single nucleotide polymorphism array platform. Methods Affymetrix 250k NspI single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, California, USA) was performed on DNA from 38 prenatally karyotyped fetuses with ultrasound anomalies. Analyses were performed after termination of pregnancy, intrauterine fetal death or birth on DNA isolated from fetal or neonatal material. Results Aberrations were detected in 17 of 38 fetuses, 6 of whom with a previously identified chromosomal abnormality and 11 with previously normal or balanced karyotypes. Of the latter, the detected aberration occurred de novo and was considered of clinical relevance in five cases (16%), inherited from a healthy parent in four cases (12%), and de novo yet with unclear clinical relevance in two cases (6%). The clinically relevant abnormalities either were novel copy number variants (n=3) or concerned a uniparental disomy (n=2). Conclusion In at least 16% of fetuses with ultrasound anomalies and a normal or balanced karyotype, causal (submicroscopic) aberrations were detected, illustrating the importance of the (careful) implementation of microarray analysis in prenatal diagnosis. The fact that the identified, clinically relevant, aberrations would have gone undetected with most targeted approaches underscores the added value of a genome-wide approach.