Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychophysical measurement of neural adaptation abnormalities in magnocellular and parvocellular pathways in glaucoma.

PURPOSE It is well established that contrast sensitivity is reduced in glaucoma. This study explored whether such contrast processing abnormalities consist of an absolute threshold level difference or a problem with contrast gain control. METHODS Seventeen patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and 17 approximately age-matched control subjects participated. Subjects were tested foveally and midperipherally (12.5 degrees ). Subjects with glaucoma were tested in a peripheral region of relatively normal visual field (neighboring locations required to be within the normal 95% confidence limit on the total deviation plot of their most recent SITA/full threshold Humphrey Field Analyzer assessment; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). Control subjects were tested in matching locations. Contrast discrimination was assessed using the steady-pedestal (magnocellular [M] pathway) and pulsed-pedestal (parvocellular [P] pathway) stimuli of Pokorny and Smith for seven pedestal luminances between 15 and 75 cd/m(2), presented on a background of 30 cd/m(2). RESULTS Glaucoma group thresholds were significantly elevated compared with control subjects foveally and peripherally on both the pulsed-pedestal (P) and steady-pedestal (M) tasks (P < 0.01). Effect size statistics revealed slightly greater deficits on the P pathway task and greater deficits for pedestals that were decrements, rather than increments, from the surround luminance. Foveal deficits were of a magnitude to be explained by a reduction in contrast sensitivity; however, the peripheral deficits were greater than predicted by this factor alone. CONCLUSIONS Foveal and midperipheral dysfunction of both M and P pathways was identified in people with glaucoma, in areas of relatively normal visual field performance. These findings are supportive of nonselective neural adaptation abnormalities in early glaucoma.
Interleukin-1 β, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-6 plasma levels and cytokine gene polymorphisms in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: correlation with prognostic parameters

Background and objectives. The growth of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells has been shown to be dependent on exogenous growth factors in vitro. We wanted to evaluate the clinical relevance of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in B-CLL. As the plasma levels of IL-6, IL-1β and IL-1Ra have been suggested to be partly dependent on gene polymorphism, the previously described polymorphisms of the IL-1 complex genes and the IL-6 gene were also studied.
Evaluation of the effect of 2,4-dichlorophenol on oxidative parameters and viability of human blood mononuclear cells (in vitro)

2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is formed in drinking water as a result of its chlorination, and it is created in the environment during transformation of various xenobiotics such as triclosan or herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The molecular mechanism depicting the action of phenolic compounds on nucleated blood cells has been insufficiently studied, and therefore, we have assessed the effect of 2,4-DCP on the structure and viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We have evaluated necrotic, apoptotic, and morphological changes (alterations in the size and granulation) in PBMCs incubated with 2,4-DCP in the concentration ranging from 10 to 500 µg mL−1 for 4 h at 37°C. Moreover, we have estimated changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation in the incubated cells. We have noted that 2,4-DCP increased ROS formation and lipid peroxidation (from 10 µg mL−1) and oxidized proteins (from 50 µg mL−1) in PBMCs. The compound studied also provoked apoptotic (from 50 µg mL−1), necrotic (from 100 µg mL−1) and alterations in the size and granulation (from 50 µg mL−1) in the incubated cells. The analysis of quinolinium 4-[(3-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxazolylidene)methyl]-1-[3-(trimethyl-ammonio)-propyl]-diiodide/propidium iodide staining revealed that 2,4-DCP (50–250 µg mL−1) more strongly increased the number of apoptotic than necrotic cells, which suggests that this cell death type is mainly provoked by this compound in PBMCs. The observed changes were caused by relatively high concentrations of 2,4-DCP, which cannot influence human organism during environmental exposure and thus may only occur as a result of acute or subacute poisoning with this compound.
Return of nocturnal erections and erectile function after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy in men treated nightly with sildenafil citrate: subanalysis of a longitudinal randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION After bilateral nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (BNSRRP), nocturnal and sexually mediated erections may help to preserve normal erectile function (EF). AIM To investigate nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) in a subset (N = 54 men) from a randomized, double-blind trial (N = 76) of nightly sildenafil after BNSRRP. METHODS Inclusion required preoperative "normal" EF (defined as a combined score of >/=8 for International Index of Erectile Function questions 3 (penetration) and 4 (maintained erection after penetration) and NPTR testing (>/=10 continuous minutes of >/=55% rigidity [R >/= 55%] at the base). Postoperative assessments were at weeks 4 (pretreatment), 16, 28, 40 (during 36 weeks of nightly prophylaxis: sildenafil 50 mg [N = 17], 100 mg [N = 18] or placebo [N = 19]), and 48 (after 8 weeks of no erectile dysfunction therapy, when "responders" were delineated by the defined normal EF and a "yes" response to "Over the past 4 weeks, have your erections been good enough for satisfactory sexual activity? "). Base and tip rigidity and tumescence were measured using penile plethysmography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Duration of R >/= 55% and area under the curves for rigidity and tumescence. RESULTS Postoperatively, rapid profound reduction in nocturnal EF was noted in all groups. There was a gradual dose-dependent improvement in base and tip rigidity in the sildenafil groups but little improvement in the placebo group. Eight weeks after treatment termination (48 weeks postoperatively), 24% (4/17) of 50-mg sildenafil recipients, 33% (6/18) of 100-mg sildenafil recipients, and 5% (1/19) of placebo recipients were responders. Tip R >/= 55% was the most discriminating NPTR measure between nonresponders and responders to sildenafil, in whom it regained baseline (preoperative) levels (whereas base R >/= 55% did not). It was most prolonged in responders to sildenafil 100 mg. CONCLUSIONS In our subset analysis, nightly sildenafil for 9 months post-BNSRRP objectively improved nocturnal erections and pharmaceutically unassisted EF.
PENGARUH PERSEPSI WAJIB PAJAK TENTANG KEBIJAKAN TAX AMNESTY (PENGAMPUNAN PAJAK), DAN MOTIVASI MEMBAYAR PAJAK TERHADAP KEPATUHAN PERPAJAKAN

ABSTRACT: This research aim to know the influence of Perception taxpayers on tax amnesty and motivation to pay taxes toward Taxpayer Compliance at Regional Office Directorate General of Taxation Wonosari, Gunungkidul. The sample collection technique used in this research was convenience sampling, data analysis techniques used in this research were multiple linear regression. This research result indicated: Perception taxpayers on tax amnesty not had influence positive and significant toward Taxpayer Compliance it is proven by the value of tamount 0,05,, Motivation to Pay Taxes influence has positive and significant toward Taxpayer Compliance it is proven by the value of tamount > ttable (2,125 > 1,9901) and significantly 0,037 Ftable (4,829 > 3,11) and significantly 0,010 < 0,05. Key Words : Perception taxpayers on tax amnesty, Motivation to Pay Taxes, and Taxpayer Compliance
Digital Childhood: Electronic Media and Technology Use Among Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to describe media access and use among US children aged 0 to 6, to assess how many young children fall within the American Academy of Pediatrics media-use guidelines, to identify demographic and family factors predicting American Academy of Pediatrics media-use guideline adherence, and to assess the relation of guideline adherence to reading and playing outdoors. METHODS. Data from a representative sample of parents of children aged 0 to 6 (N = 1051) in 2005 were used. Descriptive analyses, logistic regression, and multivariate analyses of covariance were used as appropriate. RESULTS. On a typical day, 75% of children watched television and 32% watched videos/DVDs, for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, on average. New media are also making inroads with young children: 27% of 5- to 6-year-olds used a computer (for 50 minutes on average) on a typical day. Many young children (one fifth of 0- to 2-year-olds and more than one third of 3- to 6-year-olds) also have a television in their bedroom. The most common reason given was that it frees up other televisions in the house so that other family members can watch their own shows (54%). The majority of children aged 3 to 6 fell within the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, but 70% of 0- to 2-year-olds did not. CONCLUSIONS. This study is the first to provide comprehensive information regarding the extent of media use among young children in the United States. These children are growing up in a media-saturated environment with almost universal access to television, and a striking number have a television in their bedroom. Media and technology are here to stay and are virtually guaranteed to play an ever-increasing role in daily life, even among the very young. Additional research on their developmental impact is crucial to public health.
Reliability of safe maximum lifting determinations of a functional capacity evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Functional capacity evaluations (FCEs) are measurement tools used in predicting readiness to return to work following injury. The interrater and test-retest reliability of determinations of maximal safe lifting during kinesiophysical FCEs were examined in a sample of people who were off work and receiving workers' compensation. SUBJECTS Twenty-eight subjects with low back pain who had plateaued with treatment were enrolled. Five occupational therapists, trained and experienced in kinesiophysical methods, conducted testing. METHODS A repeated-measures design was used, with raters testing subjects simultaneously, yet independently. Subjects were rated on 2 occasions, separated by 2 to 4 days. Analyses included intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS The ICC values for interrater reliability ranged from.95 to.98. Test-retest values ranged from.78 to.94. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Inconsistencies in subjects' performance across sessions were the greatest source of FCE measurement variability. Overall, however, test-retest reliability was good and interrater reliability was excellent.
Pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of preservative-free intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide

Preservative-free formulations of triamcinolone acetonide have recently been introduced to the market over concerns of local toxicity of the vehicle and preservatives, including benzyl alcohol in the original formulation, which was not designed for intraocular use. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) are discussed. The therapeutic effects of IVTA include improvement of visual acuity and reduction of macular edema. However, ongoing treatment is usually required to maintain its effects. The efficacy of IVTA for both FDA-approved and ‘off-labeled’ indications is reviewed. Elevation of intraocular pressure and cataract formation are the two major side effects of IVTA; these are manageable but require close long-term follow-up. More studies are required to determine the optimal dosage and treatment frequency in different posterior segment disease.
Expression of osteopontin messenger RNA and protein in rheumatoid arthritis: effects of osteopontin on the release of collagenase 1 from articular chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein that has been implicated in the interactions between tumor cells and host matrix, including those involved in invasion and spread of tumor cells. Because joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mediated by the invasive growth of synovial tissue through its attachment to cartilage, we examined the expression of OPN in the synovia of patients with RA and the effect of OPN on the production of collagenase 1 in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and articular chondrocytes. METHODS The expression of OPN messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in synovia from 10 RA patients was examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Synovial fibroblasts from RA patients and articular chondrocytes from patients without joint disease were cultured in the presence of various concentrations of OPN, and levels of collagenase 1 in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of OPN mRNA and protein was observed in 9 of 10 specimens obtained from patients with RA. OPN was expressed in the synovial lining and sublining layer and at the interface of cartilage and invading synovium. Double labeling revealed that the majority of OPN-expressing cells were positive for the fibroblast-specific enzyme prolyl 4-hydroxylase and negative for the macrophage marker CD68, while only a few, single OPN-expressing cells were positive for CD68 at sites of synovial invasion into cartilage. OPN staining was not observed in lymphocytic infiltrates or leukocyte common antigen (CD45)-positive cells. Three of 3 cultures of human articular chondrocytes secreted detectable basal amounts of collagenase, with a dose-dependent increase upon OPN stimulation, while synovial fibroblast cultures produced much lower levels of collagenase, with only 2 of 4 fibroblast cultures responding in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that OPN produced by synovial fibroblasts in the synovial lining layer and at sites of cartilage invasion not only mediates attachment of these cells to cartilage, but also contributes to matrix degradation in RA by stimulating the secretion of collagenase 1 in articular chondrocytes.
Reduced Mucosa-associated Butyricicoccus Activity in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Correlates with Aberrant Claudin-1 Expression

Background and Aims: Butyricicoccus is a butyrate-producing clostridial cluster IV genus whose numbers are reduced in the stool of ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. Conditioned medium of Butyricicoccus [B. ] pullicaecorum prevents tumour necrosis factor alpha [TNF&agr;]-induced increase in epithelial permeability in vitro. Since butyrate influences intestinal barrier integrity, we further investigated the relationship between the abundance of mucosa-associated Butyricicoccus and the expression of butyrate-regulated tight junction [TJ] genes. Methods: Tight junction protein 1 [TJP1], occludin [OCLN], claudin-1 [CLDN1], and Butyricicoccus 16S rRNA expression was analysed in a collection of colonic biopsies of healthy controls and UC patients with active disease. The effect of butyrate and B. pullicaecorum conditioned medium on TJ gene expression was investigated in TNF&agr;-stimulated Caco-2 monolayers and inflamed mucosal biopsies of UC patients. Results: TJP1 expression was significantly decreased in inflamed UC mucosa, whereas CLDN1 mRNA levels were increased. OCLN did not differ significantly between the groups. Mucosa-associated Butyricicoccus 16S rRNA transcripts were reduced in active UC patients compared with healthy controls. Interestingly, Butyricicoccus activity negatively correlated with CLDN1 expression. Butyrate reversed the inflammation-induced increase of CLDN1 protein levels, and stimulation of inflamed UC biopsies with B. pullicaecorum conditioned medium normalized CLDN1 mRNA levels. Conclusions: Butyricicoccus is a mucosa-associated bacterial genus under-represented in colonic mucosa of patients with active UC, whose activity inversely correlates with CLDN1 expression. Butyrate and B. pullicaecorum conditioned medium reduce CLDN1 expression, supporting its use as a pharmabiotic preserving epithelial TJ integrity.
Motivation to change as a mediator for the longitudinal relationships of gender and alcohol severity with one-year drinking outcome.

OBJECTIVE We examined whether motivation to change mediated the relationships between gender and baseline alcohol severity with drinking outcome at 12-month follow-up in a longitudinal community sample. METHOD Data were from baseline and 12-month interviews from the Rural Alcohol Study, a probability sample of rural and urban at-risk drinkers (N = 733) from six southern states. At-risk drinkers were identified through a telephone-screening interview. Measures of motivation (problem recognition and taking action) were the resultant two factors derived from the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. Items on social consequences of drinking measured alcohol severity. Structural equation models examined relationships between baseline alcohol severity and motivation with drinks per drinking day at 12 months. RESULTS We identified significant, direct paths between drinking at 12 months and alcohol severity and taking action with an unstandardized estimate of 0.116 (p < .05), alcohol severity and problem recognition (0.423, p < .01), and each of the two "motivation" latent constructs-problem recognition (1.846, p < .01) and taking action (-0.660, p < .01). Finally, the combined direct and negative effect of gender on alcohol consumption at 12-month follow-up was statistically significant, with an unstandardized estimate of -0.970 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS The current study offers evidence for motivation to change as a viable mechanism through which alcohol severity is associated with subsequent drinking outcomes. More research is needed to further explore the persistence of motivation to change on drinking outcomes over time.
A role for a replicator dominance mechanism in silencing

The role of the natural HMR‐E silencer in modulating replication initiation and silencing by the origin recognition complex (ORC) was examined. When natural HMR‐E was the only silencer controlling HMR, the silencer's ORC‐binding site (ACS) was dispensable for replication initiation but essential for silencing, indicating that a non‐silencer chromosomal replicator(s) existed in close proximity to the silencer. Further analysis revealed that regions flanking both sides of HMR‐E contained replicators. In contrast to replication initiation by the intact silencer, initiation by the non‐silencer replicator(s) was abolished in an orc2‐1 mutant, indicating that these replicators were extremely sensitive to defects in ORC. Remarkably, the activity of one of the non‐silencer replicators correlated with reduced silencing; inactivation of these replicators caused by either the orc2‐1 mutation or the deletion of flanking sequences enhanced silencing. These data were consistent with a role for the ORC bound to the HMR‐E silencer ACS in suppressing the function of neighboring ORC molecules capable of inhibiting silencing, and indicated that differences in ORC‐binding sites within HMR itself had profound effects on ORC function. Moreover, replication initiation by natural HMR‐E was inefficient, suggesting that closely spaced replicators within HMR contributed to an inhibition of replication initiation.
Meta-analysis of treatment need for temporomandibular disorders in adult nonpatients.

AIMS To determine the prevalence of treatment need for temporomandibular disorders in adult populations by meta-analysis of nonpatient studies and to investigate factors influencing temporomandibular disorder treatment-need estimates. METHODS Population-based and nonpatient studies of adult subjects with temporomandibular disorders published in the English language prior to July 2006 were systematically reviewed. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Science Citation Index Expanded) were searched (n = 641). To combine data, fixed- and random-effects meta-regression models were used. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess factors influencing treatment need estimates. RESULTS Of 676 articles identified, 17 (9,454 subjects) met the study criteria. The prevalence of treatment need for TMD in adults (95% confidence interval) was estimated to be 15.6% (10.0, 23.6) for the fixed effect model and 16.2% (11.2, 21.1) for the random-effects model. Criteria of estimating treatment need and place of study strongly influenced summary estimates of treatment need (P < .001). Need estimates derived from clinical TMD signs were higher than estimates based on subject-reported symptoms (P = .010). Estimates for younger subjects (19 to 45 years) were higher than for older subjects (46+ years; P = .013). CONCLUSION The treatment need for TMD in the general adult population is substantial and varies according to definition, criteria, and age. Findings of this meta-analysis can be used for planning and allocating health-care resources.
Regional Economic Integration and Intra Regional Trade: The Evidence from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area

This study empirically investigates the effect of trade creation and trade diversion in ASEAN. Using the gravity model, this study examines whether the formation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) resulted in an increase in intra-and extra-regional trade for the period 1984 to 2003. From basic gravity variables, the study found that GDP, population, relative endowment, distance and common language are the main determinants of bilateral trade in ASEAN. The ASEAN dummies used to measure the intra ASEAN trade indicate that there was trade creation among the five ASEAN members. Closer examination also shows that the trade creation among the ASEAN5 is enhanced after the establishment of AFTA. The member countries trade more with each other right after the formation of AFTA and during the financial crisis than during the subsequent recovery period. There is no evidence of trade diversion in pre-AFTA analysis but there is strong evidence of this during the post-AFTA period.
Two Distinct Jacalin-Related Lectins with a Different Specificity and Subcellular Location Are Major Vegetative Storage Proteins in the Bark of the Black Mulberry Tree1

Using a combination of protein isolation/characterization and molecular cloning, we have demonstrated that the bark of the black mulberry tree (Morus nigra) accumulates large quantities of a galactose-specific (MornigaG) and a mannose (Man)-specific (MornigaM) jacalin-related lectin. MornigaG resembles jacalin with respect to its molecular structure, specificity, and co- and posttranslational processing indicating that it follows the secretory pathway and eventually accumulates in the vacuolar compartment. In contrast, MornigaM represents a novel type of highly active Man-specific jacalin-related lectin that is synthesized without signal peptide or other vacuolar targeting sequences, and accordingly, accumulates in the cytoplasm. The isolation and cloning, and immunocytochemical localization of MornigaG and MornigaM not only demonstrates that jacalin-related lectins act as vegetative storage proteins in bark, but also allows a detailed comparison of a vacuolar galactose-specific and a cytoplasmic Man-specific jacalin-related lectin from a single species. Moreover, the identification of MornigaM provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, that bark cells accumulate large quantities of a cytoplasmic storage protein. In addition, due to its high activity, abundance, and ease of preparation, MornigaM is of great potential value for practical applications as a tool and bioactive protein in biological and biomedical research.