Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Zidovudine Uptake by Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Rat Syncytiotrophoblast Cell Line TR-TBT 18d-1

AZT (3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine; zidovudine), which is used for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1, is transplacentally transferred to the fetus across the blood-placenta barrier, which is composed of syncytiotrophoblasts. We recently showed that apical uptake of AZT by syncytiotrophoblasts is mediated by saturable transport system(s) in the TR-TBT 18d-1 cell line, and the cellular accumulation of AZT was increased in the presence of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Here, we aimed to clarify the mechanism of this effect of DHEAS. Inhibitors of efflux transporters, including breast cancer resistance protein, P-glycoprotein, and multidrug resistance proteins, had little effect on the cellular accumulation of AZT in TR-TBT 18d-1. Kinetic study revealed that the rate constant for AZT uptake was greatly increased in the presence of 1 mM DHEAS. These results suggested that the effect of DHEAS was because of enhancement of the uptake process(es), rather than inhibition of efflux. When AZT uptake was analyzed according to the Michaelis-Menten equation, the estimated Michaelis constant, Km, for AZT uptake in the presence of 1 mM DHEAS was lower than that in its absence, whereas maximum uptake velocity, Vmax, and nonsaturable uptake clearance, kns, were similar in the presence and absence of DHEAS, indicating that DHEAS may change the recognition characteristics of the transporter for AZT in TR-TBT 18d-1. Thus, the increase of AZT uptake in TR-TBT 18d-1 cells in the presence of DHEAS was concluded to be because of a DHEAS-induced change in the affinity of AZT uptake system, although the transporter responsible for AZT uptake has not been identified.
Effects of nitroglycerin on sublingual microcirculatory blood flow in patients with severe sepsis/septic shock after a strict resuscitation protocol: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial

Objectives:Microcirculatory alterations have been associated with morbidity and mortality in human sepsis. Such alterations occur despite pressure-guided resuscitation. Earlier data suggested that impaired microcirculatory blood flow could be corrected with intravenous nitroglycerin in these patients. We tested this concept after fulfillment of preset systemic hemodynamic resuscitation end points in the early phase of sepsis. Design:Prospective, single center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Setting:Closed-format 22-bed mixed intensive care unit in a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients:Patients ≥18 yrs with sepsis, according to international criteria, and at least one early sign of organ dysfunction, as the principal reason for intensive care unit admission, were eligible for enrollment. Interventions:Patients were randomly assigned to receive nitroglycerin (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) after fulfillment of protocol-driven resuscitation end points. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00493415. Measurements and Main Results:Primary outcome was sublingual microcirculatory blood flow of small vessels, as assessed by side-stream dark field imaging. After protocolized resuscitation, we observed recruitment of sublingual microcirculation in both groups, as indicated by a significant improvement in the microcirculatory flow index after 24 hrs, in comparison to baseline. However, no difference in the sublingual microvascular flow index was observed between groups. The median microvascular flow index in sublingual small-sized vessels was 2.71 (1.85-3) in the nitroglycerin group and 2.71 (1.27-3), p = . 80, in the placebo group. In medium-sized vessels, the respective values were 3 (2.75-3) vs. 2.86 (2.19-3), p = . 21, and in large-sized vessels, 3 (3-3) vs. 3 (2.89-3), p = . 06. In-hospital mortality, as a secondary outcome, was 34.3% in the nitroglycerin group and 14.2% in the placebo group, p = . 09. Conclusions:In the context of a strict resuscitation protocol, based upon fulfillment of systemic hemodynamic end points in patients with early-phase severe sepsis or septic shock, we conclude that intravenous nitroglycerin does not promote sublingual microcirculatory blood flow.
Impact of Different Factors on the Risk Perceptions of Employees in Container Shipping Companies: A Case Study of Taiwan

This paper attempts to investigate the impact of several factors on the risk perception of the employees in container shipping companies. The investigation is conducted through an empirical study using analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on Taiwan container shipping companies as a case study. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey in which the respondents were required to indicate their details (e.g., work experience, position, and department, etc.) and perceived risk factors in relation to container shipping logistics operations. The study reveals that work experience has a significant impact on the perception of risks in aspects of financial loss and safety and security incident related loss. It is notable that the respondents whose work experience is less than ten years have a significantly higher perception of risks than the others. The study also shows that the size of company impacts on risk perceptions in respect of financial loss and safety and security incident related loss. In addition, employees' position and their company type do not affect respondents' risk perception.
Fundamental Frequency as an Acoustic Cue to Accent Perception

It is generally recognized that the most significant cue to accent location is fundamental frequency (Fo) in both Japanese and English. Furthermore, it is widely believed that a syllable is perceived as accented if the syllable contains an Fo peak. However, Sugito (1972) found that, in Japanese, if an Fo peak is followed by a steep Fo fall, the syllable preceding the Fo peak may be perceived as accented. In this article we present two experiments which investigate the relationship between Fo peak and Fo fall rate in accent perception for Japanese and English. The first experiment confirms that, for Japanese, both Fo peak location and Fo fall rate affect listeners' judgments of accent location. Specifically, the later the F0 peak occurs in a given syllable, relative to the syllable boundary, the greater the Fo fall rate necessary for listeners to perceive the preceding syllable as accented. The second experiment shows that this phenomenon is not unique to Japanese: Perception of accent location in English is also influenced by both Fo peak location and post-peak Fo fall rate.
Social Functioning and Overall Mortality: Prospective Evidence from the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study

We studied the associations between 11 scales of social functioning and risk of death over an average follow-up time of 71 months in 42− to 60-year-old men in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. In age-adjusted analyses, men were at increased risk of death if they reported few persons to whom they gave or received social support, nonparticipation in organizations, low quality of social relationships, a small number of friends, or not currently being married. Frequency of interaction, shyness, and use of emotional support when troubled were not associated with risk of death; the use of instrumental support when troubled was associated with increased risk. There was little evidence of confounding of these associations by the presence of 31 chronic or acute conditions, perceived health status, or six risk factors. Consistent associations were found in a healthy subgroup. These data add to the growing body of literature linking mortality risk with social functioning, especially in relation to organizational participation and quality of relationships. (Epidemiology 1994;5:495–500)
Psychological Distress in Caretakers or Relatives of Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder

Background and aims: Caregivers or relatives of mental patients often show increased levels of psychological distress. This study investigated whether this is also the case for caregivers of patients with borderline personality disorder. Methods: The Symptom Check List (SCL-90) was administered to 64 Dutch volunteers, who were either biologically related (parents or siblings) or biologically unrelated caregivers (partners or friends) of patients with borderline personality disorder. Results: The group of caregivers as a whole scored higher on all symptom dimensions of the SCL-90 than the general population. When controlling for caregiver sex and age, as well as for patient sex, there were no significant differences between the biologically related and unrelated caregiver groups on any dimension. Conclusions: The results are in line with findings concerning distress in caregivers of patients suffering from personality disorders in general, posttraumatic stress disorder or schizophrenia. The mechanism behind the increased levels of distress in our sample is not clear, however. Either exposure to the problematic behaviour of the patient, selective mating or a combination of both might have been responsible for the effect.
Static modeling of antagonistic pneumatic actuator for robotic applications

The biological of spider legs inspired the development of a biomimetic pneumatic actuator for robotic applications. The concept is to straighten the joint by pressurizing the interior of an exoskeleton to inflate a bellows-like flexible membrane. The flexion is initiated by contraction of a McKibben-type muscle, which is integrated in the exoskeleton chamber. A detailed mathematical model to operate these antagonistic joint actuators is presented. Feasible torque and angle characteristics of the actuator depending on the input pressures are also presented and control strategies are discussed.
The influence of a fast ramp rate on peak cardiopulmonary parameters during arm crank ergometry

The influence of a very fast ramp rate on cardiopulmonary variables at ventilatory threshold and peak exercise during a maximal arm crank exercise test has not been extensively studied. Considering that short arm crank tests could be sufficient to achieve maximal oxygen consumption (VO2), it would be of practical interest to explore this possibility. Thus, this study aimed to analyse the influence of a fast ramp rate (20 W min−1) on the cardiopulmonary responses of healthy individuals during a maximal arm crank ergometry test. Seventeen healthy individuals performed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (Ultima CardiO2; Medical Graphics Corporation, St Louis, USA) in arm ergometer (Angio, LODE, Groningen, The Netherlands) following two protocols in random order: fast protocol (increment: 2 w/6 s) and slow protocol (increment: 1 w/6 s). The fast protocol was repeated 60–90 days after the 1st test to evaluate protocol reproducibility. Both protocols elicited the same peak VO2 (fast: 23·51 ± 6·00 versus slow: 23·28 ± 7·77 ml kg−1 min−1; P = 0·12) but peak power load in the fast ramp protocol was higher than the one in the slow ramp protocol (119 ± 43 versus. 102 ± 39 W, P < 0·001). There was no other difference in ventilatory threshold and peak exercise variables when 1st and 2nd fast protocols were compared. Fast protocol seems to be useful when healthy young individuals perform arm cardiopulmonary exercise test. The usefulness of this protocol in other populations remains to be evaluated.
Buyer and Nonprofit Levers to Improve Supplier Environmental Performance

Material IQ (MiQ) is a new decision tool designed by GreenBlue to help suppliers safely share sensitive chemical-toxicity data with their customers. As GreenBlue takes MiQ to market, it must determine under what market conditions to promote the use of MiQ and when to recommend that a buyer use its implementation as an opportunity to work with an existing supplier. We study GreenBlue's problem in two parts. First, we investigate when a buyer can use a wholesale-price premium and/or buyer-supplier cost sharing to improve a supplier's environmental performance. Based on our findings, we then develop insights into GreenBlue's strategy. We model both a single-supplier and a supplier-competition setting. We find that in the single-supplier setting, if the buyer's optimal strategy is to offer the supplier a premium, then he also fully subsidizes her investment cost to build quality. By developing the supplier's capabilities, the buyer can increase the impact of the premium he offers. In the supplier-competition setting, although cost sharing is less effective as a lever, cases can occur in which the buyer chooses to share costs and prevent the incumbent supplier from having to compete. From GreenBlue's perspective, promoting the use of MiQ and cost sharing are often viable strategies when there exists a one-to-one relationship between a buyer and a supplier. However, GreenBlue's strategy becomes more restricted when competition exists between suppliers. Only when the relative market awareness of quality is high and there is a dominant party in the supply chain should GreenBlue recommend the use of MiQ.
Trajectories and predictors of anxiety and depression in women during the 12 months following an acute cardiac event.

OBJECTIVES Many previous investigations of the recovery of emotional well-being, particularly the resolution of depression, following an acute cardiac event assume that all patients follow a similar, linear trajectory. However, it is possible that there are different groups of patients who follow different trajectories. This study tested for multiple trajectories of anxiety and depression and identified the characteristics of patients most at risk for persistent or worsening anxiety and depression in the 12 months following their cardiac event. METHOD A consecutive sample of 226 women was interviewed following either acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered on four occasions over 12 months. Growth curve and growth mixture modelling were used to identify trajectories of change and univariate tests were employed to establish predictors of each trajectory. RESULTS Most women began with relatively low levels of anxiety and/or depression that improved over the 12 month period (84% women showed this trajectory for anxiety, 89% for depression). A smaller group began with relatively high levels of anxiety and/or depression that worsened over time (16% for anxiety, 11% for depression). Patients in the latter group were more likely to report high levels of loneliness, have a first language other than English, perceive their cardiac disease as more severe (anxiety group only) and have diabetes (depression group only). Trajectories were non-linear, with most change occurring in the initial 2-month period. CONCLUSION Growth modelling techniques highlight that change in anxiety and depression following an acute event follows neither a single nor linear trajectory. Most women showed early resolution of anxiety and depression following their event, indicative of a normal bereavement or adjustment response. A minority of women reported worsening anxiety and/or depression in the year following their cardiac event, particularly those who lacked social support or were from non-English speaking backgrounds. Intervention studies to explore support options for these women are warranted, both prior to and following their event.
Update of Familial Pancreatic Cancer in Germany

Background/Aims: The prevalence of familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) and the characteristics of FPC have not yet been well investigated in the German population. Therefore, a German case collection for FPC was established in July 1999 to collect and evaluate data on FPC families. Methods: The prevalence of pancreatic cancer (PC) as well as other tumours and diseases was studied in families with at least 2 first-degree relatives with histologically confirmed PC, and in families of patients with PC and a first-degree relative with malignant melanoma. All participating family members were genetically counselled and evaluated by a standardised questionnaire. Results: In an 18-month period, 73 independent kindreds with potential FPC contacted the national case collection. So far, 20 kindreds have fulfilled the criteria for FPC and have undergone complete workups. Most families revealed an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Twelve families revealed an isolated accumulation of PC. Importantly, in 8 of 20 (35%) families, additional tumour types such as melanoma, breast and prostate cancer occurred. Conclusion: The observed phenotypic heterogeneity indicates an association with predisposing tumour suppressor genes p16 and BRCA2 in up to 30% of FPC families. Mutation analysis of these candidate genes might lead to the identification of the predisposing gene defect in a proportion of FPC families.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: reframing inequities experienced by people with severe mental illness.

TOPIC In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson stated that citizens of the new republic had fundamental and inalienable rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. " PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to reframe inequities experienced by people living with severe mental illnesses in terms of violations of Jeffersonian rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. " We simultaneously consider governmental and clinical efforts to address identified inequities and uphold these rights. SOURCES USED The broad research literature on severe mental illnesses was examined. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE People with severe mental illnesses experience numerous inequities regarding "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. " These inequities include diminished life expectancy, excessive involuntary commitment and elevated rates of unemployment and homelessness. Governmental and clinical responses to such inequities include the Affordable Care Act and the Olmstead Decision, as well as recovery-oriented interventions such as Supported Employment and Supported Housing.
Circulating endothelial (progenitor) cells reflect the state of the endothelium: vascular injury, repair and neovascularization

An increase in the number of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and of bone marrow‐derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in the peripheral blood is associated with vascular injury, repair and neovascularization. The phenotype and number of CEC may serve as diagnostic or prognostic parameters of vascular injury and tumour growth. An increase in the number of EPC may reflect repair of ischaemic vascular injury, a finding which has resulted in the initiation of clinical cardiovascular pilot trials using cell therapy. However, there is no consensus on the exact phenotype of the EPC and haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and therefore the best candidate cell for transplant has not been established. Although the use of peripheral blood stem cells following mobilization, or of ex vivo‐expanded cells, may improve EPC‐mediated vascular graft endothelialization or tissue vascularization, sustained EPC‐induced neovascularization still needs to be proven. Flow cytometric characterization, in combination with functional assays, will further elucidate the phenotype of the CEC and EPC, thereby providing reliable detection to appreciate their role in vascular diseases and cancer and to evaluate and, if possible, improve their therapeutic potential.
Non-public competition and public school performance: evidence from West Virginia

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigate whether non-public school enrolment affects the performance of public school districts. If homeschooling and private schools act as competition, public school districts test scores should be positively associated with non-public enrolment. Using data on West Virginia county school districts, and controlling for endogeneity with an instrumental variables approach, we find that a one standard deviation increase in relative non-public enrolment in a county is associated with statistically significant improvements in public school district test scores. Our findings thus confirm that non-public enrolment and the competition it provides act to improve, rather than impede, public school performance.
Oral Daily Ibandronate Prevents Bone Loss in Early Postmenopausal Women Without Osteoporosis

Oral daily ibandronate was investigated for the prevention of bone loss in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis (n = 653). BMD at the lumbar spine and hip were significantly increased (3.1% and 1.8%, respectively; p ≤ 0.0001 versus placebo) with 2.5 mg ibandronate after 24 months. Oral ibandronate is a promising option for the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss.
The impact of changing nicotine replacement therapy licensing laws in the United Kingdom: findings from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey.

AIM To evaluate the impact of a new licence for some nicotine replacement therapy products (NRT) for cutting down to stop (CDTS) on changes in the pattern of NRT use. DESIGN Quasi-experimental design comparing changes in NRT use across two waves of a population-based, replenished-panel, telephone survey conducted before and after the introduction of new licensing laws in the United Kingdom with changes in NRT use in three comparison countries (Australia, Canada and United States) without a licensing change. PARTICIPANTS A total of 7386 and 7013 smokers and recent ex-smokers participating in the 2004 and/or 2006/7 survey. MEASUREMENTS Data were collected on demographic and smoking characteristics as well as NRT use and access. In order to account for interdependence resulting from some participants being present in both waves, generalized estimation equations with an exchangeable correlation matrix were used to assess within-country changes and linear and logistic regressions to assess between-country differences in adjusted analyses. FINDINGS NRT use was more prevalent in the United Kingdom and increased across waves in all countries but no wave x country interaction was observed. There was no evidence that the licensing change increased the prevalence of CDTS or the use of NRT (irrespective of how it was accessed) for CDTS in the United Kingdom relative to comparison countries. There was also no evidence for a change in concurrent smoking and NRT use among smokers not attempting to stop in the United Kingdom relative to comparison countries. CONCLUSION The addition of the CDTS licence for some NRT products in the United Kingdom appears to have had very limited, if any, impact on NRT use in the first year after the licence change.
Antioxidant and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities of diverse phenolics in Phyllanthus emblica

Abstract Fifty-eight phenolic compounds isolated from Phyllanthus emblica were screened and compared for their in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties, as well as hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibitory activities. Among them, 20 compounds showed to be promising antioxidants due to the stronger scavenging activity in both DPPH radical and Danio rerio reactive oxygen species assays, while nine compounds were potential HAase inhibitors with 100-fold stronger activities than that of the positive control, DSCG. The structure activity relationship was discussed.