Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adrenoceptor Compounds Prevent the Settlement of Marine Invertebrate Larvae: Balanus amphitrite (Cirripedia), Bugula neritina (Bryozoa) and Hydroides elegans (Polychaeta)

The effects of the neurotransmitter blockers idazoxan and phentolamine on the larval settlement of three marine invertebrate species belonging to three different phyla were investigated by using in vitro concentration-response bioassays. Since neurotransmitters are known to influence metamorphic transitions in invertebrate larvae, neurotransmitter blockers were tested to evaluate their sublethal effects on larvae. The α-adrenergic antagonists idazoxan and phentolamine inhibited settlement of Balanus amphitrite (Cirripedia), Bugula neritina (Bryozoa) larvae, and larvae of the polychaete Hydroides elegans (Polychaeta) in a concentration- and taxon-dependent manner. At concentrations of 10−3 M of both agents, larvae of all three species became immobile and subsequently died within 24 h. While cumulative settlement rates were observed after 48 h for B. amphitrite and H. elegans, and after 5 h for B. neritina, > 90% of the larvae that settled did so within 24 h for the first two species and within 1 h for B. neritina. The tendency of the hydrophobic idazoxan and phentolamine to accumulate at solid surfaces most probably contributes to their successful inhibition of larval settlement. This ability makes them particularly attractive as candidates for the development of slow-release carriers in antifouling paints.
Twelve-month mental disorders in South Africa: prevalence, service use and demographic correlates in the population-based South African Stress and Health Study

Background South Africa's history and current social conditions suggest that mental disorders are likely to be a major contributor to disease burden, but there has been no national study using standardized assessment tools. Method The South African Stress and Health Study was a nationally representative in-person psychiatric epidemiological survey of 4351 adults (aged ⩾18 years) that was conducted as part of the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative between January 2002 and June 2004. Twelve-month prevalence and severity of DSM-IV disorders, treatment, and sociodemographic correlates were assessed with Version 3.0 of the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0). Results The 12-month prevalence of any DSM-IV/CIDI disorder was 16.5%, with 26.2% of respondents with disorder classified as severe cases and an additional 31.1% as moderately severe cases. The most common disorders were agoraphobia (4.8%), major depressive disorder (4.9%) and alcohol abuse or dependence (4.5%). Twenty-eight percent of adults with a severe or moderately severe disorder received treatment compared to 24.4% of mild cases. Some 13.8% of persons with no disorder received treatment. Treatment was mostly provided by the general medical sector with few people receiving treatment from mental health providers. Conclusions Psychiatric disorders are much higher in South Africa than in Nigeria and there is a high level of unmet need among persons with severe and moderately severe disorders.
Field Evaluation of Resistance to Pyriproxyfen in Bemisia tabaci (B Biotype)

Abstract We determined effects of aerial sprays of the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen on sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (B biotype), in Arizona cotton (Gossypium spp.) fields. We measured survival for males and females from a susceptible strain and a laboratory-selected resistant strain, as well as for hybrid female progeny from crosses between the strains. Insects were exposed directly to pyriproxyfen sprays in the field or indirectly in the laboratory by rearing them on sprayed leaves collected from the field. In all tests, survival was higher for the resistant strain than the susceptible strain, but did not differ between sexes in each strain. Survival to the adult stage did not differ between eggs and nymphs directly exposed to sprays. For susceptible and hybrid individuals, survival was lower on leaves collected the day of spraying than on leaves collected 2 wk after spraying. In contrast, survival of resistant individuals did not differ based on the timing of exposure. Dominance of resistance to pyriproxyfen depended on the type of exposure. Resistance was partially or completely dominant in direct exposure bioassays and on leaves collected 2 wk after spraying (h > 0.6). Resistance was partially recessive on leaves collected the day of spraying (mean h = 0.34). Rapid evolution of resistance to pyriproxyfen could occur if individuals in field populations with traits similar to those of the laboratory-selected strain examined here were treated intensively with this insecticide.
Bilirubin Levels and Thrombus Burden in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

We investigated whether serum bilirubin level (a marker of heme oxygenase activity) is a predictor of thrombus burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients (n = 229; male 72.9%; mean age 63 ± 13.4 years) who were admitted with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 was defined as low thrombus burden and group 2 was defined as high thrombus burden. Patients with high thrombus burden had higher total bilirubin levels (14.4 [4.3-22.9] vs 7.7 [2.4-20.3] µmol/L, P ≤ .001), (0.84 [0.25-1.34] vs 0.45 [0.14-1.19] mg/dL P ≤ .001) and direct bilirubin levels (3.1 [2.1-8.4] vs 1.7 [0.5-6.5] µmol/L, P ≤ .001), (0.18 [0.03-0.49] vs 0.10 [0.03-0.38] mg/dL, P ≤ .001). At multivariate analysis, total bilirubin (odds ratio: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.08, P ≤ .001) was the independent predictor of high thrombus burden. In conclusion, total bilirubin level is independently associated with high thrombus burden in patients with STEMI.
Calcineurin Inhibitor Withdrawal from Sirolimus‐Based Therapy in Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal has been used as a strategy to improve renal allograft function, however, it also carries risk of acute rejection. We conducted a systematic review of randomized trials that involved CNI withdrawal from a sirolimus‐based immunosuppressive regimen. The search strategy yielded six trials (n = 1047 patients) reported in eight publications. CNI withdrawal from sirolimus‐based therapy, was associated with an increased risk of acute rejection (risk difference, 6%; 95% CI 2–10%, p = 0.002) but a higher creatinine clearance (mean difference, 7.49 mL/min; 95% CI 5.08–9.89 mL/min, p < 0.00001) at 1 year compared to continued CNI and sirolimus therapy. Graft loss (relative risk, 0.87; 95% CI 0.46–1.64, p = 0.66) and death (relative risk, 0.88; CI 0.40–1.96, p = 0.76) were similar in both groups at 1 year. Hypertension was significantly reduced in the CNI withdrawal group (relative risk, 0.56; 95% CI 0.40–0.78, p = 0.0006). CNI withdrawal from sirolimus‐based therapy is associated with an increased risk of acute rejection in the short term with a significant improvement in renal function and a reduction in hypertension. Longer follow‐up is needed to determine if these changes will result in a significant improvement in patient and graft survival.
HLA‐DPB1 polymorphisms on the MHC‐extended haplotypes of families of patients with Graves' disease: two distinct HLA‐DR17 haplotypes

Abstract HLA‐DPB1 polymorphisms were investigated in 217 members of 21 multiplex families of patients with Graves' disease, who had previously been haplotyped, using in vitro enzymatic DNA amplification and hybridization with sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes. Using the strategy of group‐specific amplification, we were able to assign 19 DPB1 alleles with the use of 13 sequence specific oligonucleotide probes. No recombination was found between HLA‐DPB1 and the HLA‐DR/DQ complex in 243 informative meioses. HLA‐DPB1*0401 was found to be the most common allele followed by DPB1*0101, *0201 and 0402 with allele frequencies of 0·4214, 0·1132, 0·1069 and 0·1006, respectively. Besides the strong linkage disequilibrium between HLA‐DPB1*0101 allele and the HLA‐B8, DR17/DQ2 haplotype; HLA‐DPB1*0202 and *1101 alleles were also found to be significantly associated with HLA‐B18 and DR7 with Pc < 0·001 and Pc < 0·009, respectively. HLA‐DR17/DQ2 was found to be more commonly associated with HLA‐DPB1*0101 on the Affected haplotypes (from family members affected with Graves' disease) while associated with DPB1*0401 on the Ab + ve haplotypes (deduced from thyroid autoantibody positive unaffected members). The differences in the frequency of this preferential association on the Affected and Ab + ve haplotypes was statistically significant (χ2= 10·18, df = 2, P < 0·007). Though it is rather unlikely that the HLA‐DPB1 polymorphism by itself could contribute a direct role towards the genetic susceptibility for the development of autoimmune thyroid disease, it could serve as a marker in identifying family members with the HLA‐DR17/DQ2 haplotype who are more likely to develop Graves' disease or thyroid autoantibodies.
INTRADURAL CLIVAL CHORDOMA AND ECCHORDOSIS PHYSALIPHORA: A CHALLENGING DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS CASE REPORT

OBJECTIVEPurely intradural clival chordomas are rare neoplasms, and only a few cases have been reported. The reported cases present features similar to ecchordosis physaliphora, which is a notochordal remnant. We describe these 2 entities and their differential diagnoses, clinical courses, and management. This is the first reported case to be treated using a neuroendoscopic technique. CLINICAL PRESENTATIONA 60-year-old man presenting with memory loss underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed an intradural retroclival mass without bone involvement. INTERVENTIONThe patient underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal-transclival procedure with subtotal removal of the tumor. Histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of a chordoma. CONCLUSIONEven if some parameters exist for a differential diagnosis, ecchordosis physaliphora and intradural chordoma may represent different aspects of the spectrum of the same pathology. Intradural clival chordomas have a better prognosis with respect to classic chordomas. Therefore, in subtotal removal such as that performed in our case, postoperative radiation therapy should be performed only if a regrowth of the remnant is seen during neuroradiological follow-up.
Development of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion and apicoplast during the asexual life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum

Plasmodium parasites are unicellular eukaryotes that undergo a series of remarkable morphological transformations during the course of a multistage life cycle spanning two hosts (mosquito and human). Relatively little is known about the dynamics of cellular organelles throughout the course of these transformations. Here we describe the morphology of three organelles (endoplasmic reticulum, apicoplast and mitochondrion) through the human blood stages of the parasite life cycle using fluorescent reporter proteins fused to organelle targeting sequences. The endoplasmic reticulum begins as a simple crescent‐shaped organelle that develops into a perinuclear ring with two small protrusions, followed by transformation into an extensive reticulated network as the parasite enlarges. Similarly, the apicoplast and the mitochondrion grow from single, small, discrete organelles into highly branched structures in later‐stage parasites. These branched structures undergo an ordered fission – apicoplast followed by mitochondrion – to create multiple daughter organelles that are apparently linked as pairs for packaging into daughter cells. This is the first in‐depth examination of intracellular organelles in live parasites during the asexual life cycle of this important human pathogen.
Zinc blende GaAsSb nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy

We report the growth of GaAsSb nanowires (NWs) on GaAs(111)B substrates by Au-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The structural characteristics of the GaAsSb NWs have been investigated in detail. Their Sb mole fraction was found to be about 25%. Their crystal structure was found to be pure zinc blende (ZB), in contrast to the wurtzite structure observed in GaAs NWs grown under similar conditions. The ZB GaAsSb NWs exhibit rotational twins around their [111]B growth axis, with twin-free segments as long as 500 nm. The total volumes of GaAsSb segments with twinned and un-twinned orientations, respectively, were found to be equal by x-ray diffraction analysis of NW ensembles.
Outcome of Singleton Infants Delivered Vaginally or by Caesarean Section at 23 to 28 Weeks' Gestation

Summary: The survival and impairment rates of 276 inborn singleton infants of 23–28 weeks' gestation were reported according to route of delivery and mode of presentation. The Caesarean section rate was 29% overall, ranging from 13% at 25 weeks to 46% at 28 weeks. In the vertex group, no significant difference in survival or impairment rate was found between Caesarean and vaginal births. In the nonvertex group, Caesarean births had a similar survival rate but a significantly lower impairment rate compared to vaginal births. For Caesarean births, no significant difference in survival or impairment rate was found between vertex and nonvertex groups. In contrast, for vaginal births, the mode of presentation was important: the non‐vertex group had a significantly lower survival rate and higher impairment rate compared to the vertex group. We found no evidence to support the use of Caesarean section in extremely preterm infants with vertex presentation, except for recognized maternal or fetal indications. The findings in the non‐vertex group indicated that there is a definite need for a randomized clinical trial to investigate the possible benefits of Caesarean section in extremely preterm infants with non‐vertex presentation.
Measurement strategies for indirect costs in economic evaluations

Considerable research has been undertaken on the different methods for valuing work absences and productivity losses (e.g., human capital vs. friction costing). However, investigation related to the best way to capture this information directly from trial participants or through surveys has been inadequate. The collection of information that may be used in providing estimates of indirect costs is problematic for a number of reasons such as the presence of poor questionnaire design, a lack of psychometric testing and accessible validating data and the potential for recall errors. In this review, the measurement methods of lost time for work activities are examined. Issues in the validity of existing instruments and recall periods are explored. Based on a review of the literature, the relevance of generic and specific methods of measuring work losses are assessed.
Differential expression of connective tissue growth factor gene in cutaneous fibrohistiocytic and vascular tumors

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of a family of immediate early gene products that may play an important role during tissue regeneration, wound repair and skin fibrosis. In this study, CTGF gene expression in mesenchymal tumors was investigated by in situ hybridization and CD34 antigen expression was studied by means of immunohistochemical staining. CTGF mRNA was expressed in fibroblasts of all nine dermatofibromas examined, but five of seven dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) or two cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma were negative for its expression. In contrast, CD34 antigen was expressed only in DFSP. In vascular tumors, CTGF mRNA was expressed in pyogenic granuloma but not in angiosarcoma. In addition, the endothelial cells in angiolipoma and angioleiomyoma, but not in venous lake, expressed CTGF mRNA. These vascular lesions were all positive for CD34 expression. Tumors of other origins were negative for CTGF mRNA. Our findings indicated that benign fibroblasts and/or vascular endothelial cells have the capability to express CTGF mRNA when activated, but these cells lose this ability when they achieve malignant potency. Thus, examination of CTGF gene expression may be useful for differentiating between benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors, or to determine the origin of the tumors in connective tissue.
All Implementation Is Local

The Celebrators From its inception, many were unenthusiastic about HOPE. To be fair, several of us who were involved with assessing early implementation were similarly skeptical, especially those of us who prefer a public-health approach to substance-use disorders. But the manner in which Judge Steven Alm engaged the probationers who came before him in his courtroom demonstrated his interest in improving their futures. There was an atmosphere of goodwill in his court, in the probation office, and even at the jail. HOPE seemed worth exploring further, especially in light of positive evaluation findings produced by the research division at the Hawaii Office of the Attorney General. Our first evaluation confirmed those findings: Compared with those on probation as usual, probationers who had been assigned to HOPE had fewer new arrests, missed appointments, and positive urines, and they were less likely to be revoked and returned to prison. The reduction in revocations was especially important as the probationers included in the study were facing long open terms (up to 20 years). Despite criticisms that there was little to justify considering HOPE as a promising program (see Duriez, Cullen, and Manchak, 2014), several studies indicated that the approach was promising (by any reasonable standard). Judge Alm did not invent the notion of swift, certain, and proportionate sanctions, nor was he the first to attempt to implement a program that embodies those principles. In the same year as Judge Alm implemented HOPE, a similar approach was being implemented in Texas. The Special Sanctions Court (SSC) in Fort Bend County was launched at the same time as—and with no prior awareness
Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background. Lower concentrations of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. EPC counts and their correlates have not yet been studied in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Methods. We cross-sectionally studied EPC counts in 105 middle-aged KTR (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 45.2 ml/min/1.73m2; range: 5.4 to 117.5). Using univariate and multivariate linear regression assuming a gamma distribution of the outcome, we examined the associations between counts of cultured EPCs and traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking), kidney function, and immunosuppressive agents, amongst others. Results. The median count of cultured EPCs was 34 cells per high-power field (interquartile range: 19 to 64), comparable to healthy individuals. From multivariate analyses, we found independent inverse associations between counts of cultured EPCs and body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and history of cardiovascular disease. Statin use was associated with greater EPC counts, whereas patients receiving azathioprine or angiotensin II receptor treatment had lower EPC counts (all P<0.01). Conclusions. This study suggests negative associations in KTR between EPC counts and body mass index, and blood pressure, whereas statin use was associated with greater EPC counts. These findings raise the hypothesis whether EPCs are responsible, at least in part, for the well established associations between these factors and cardiovascular outcomes in KTR.
Prostaglandin E2 Stimulates Fibronectin Expression through EP1 Receptor, Phospholipase C, Protein Kinase Cα, and c-Src Pathway in Primary Cultured Rat Osteoblasts*

Fibronectin (Fn) is involved in the early stages of bone formation, and prostaglandin E (PGE) is an important factor regulating osteogenesis. Here we found that PGE2 enhanced extracellular Fn assembly in rat primary osteoblasts, as shown by immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PGE2 also increased the protein levels of Fn by using Western blotting analysis. By using pharmacological inhibitors or activators or genetic inhibition by the EP receptor, antisense oligonucleotides revealed that the EP1 receptor but not other PGE receptors is involved in PGE2-mediated up-regulation of Fn. At the mechanistic level, Ca2+ chelator (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester)), phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122), or Src inhibitor (PP2) attenuated the PGE2-induced Fn expression. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (GF109203X) also inhibited the potentiating action of PGE2. Furthermore, treatment with antisense oligonucleotides of various PKC isoforms, including α, β, ϵ, and δ, demonstrated that α isozyme plays an important role in the enhancement action of PGE2 on Fn assembly. Flow cytometry and reverse transcription-PCR showed that PGE2 and 17-phenyl trinor PGE2 (EP1/EP3 agonist) increased the surface expression and mRNA level of α5 or β1 integrins. Fn promoter activity was enhanced by PGE2 and 17-phenyl trinor PGE2 in cells transfected with pGL2F1900-Luc. Cotransfection with dominant negative mutants of PKCα or c-Src inhibited the potentiating action of PGE2 on Fn promoter activity. Local administration of PGE2 or 17-phenyl trinor PGE2 into the metaphysis of the tibia via the implantation of a needle cannula significantly increased the Fn and α5β1 integrin immunostaining and bone volume of secondary spongiosa in tibia. Taken together, our results provided evidence that PGE2 increased Fn and promoted bone formation in rat osteoblasts via the EP1/phospholipase C/PKCα/c-Src signaling pathway.
Association of major modifiable risk factors among patients with coronary artery disease--a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND The relative importance of various risk factors varies in different regions of India. This was a retrospective study of patients with recently diagnosed coronary artery disease to assess four major risk factors: dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking and diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 5748 patients (4952 males, 796 females) with recently diagnosed coronary artery disease were analysed from the records of Heart Hospital along with 8103 controls (6092 males and 2011 females). Absolute lipid levels as well as prevalence of dyslipidemia using the ATP III guidelines were assessed. They were classified into two major groups premature CAD (males < 45 years females < 55 years) and CAD at usual age (males > or = 45 years, females > or = 55 years). RESULTS The most common pattern of CAD was chronic stable angina (n=2773, 48.24%). Mean total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol and TC/HDL ratio were significantly higher in subjects with CAD compared to subjects without CAD controls. The mean HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar in both groups. Elevated LDL cholesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol, elevated total cholesterol and abnormal TC/HDL ratios were more common in CAD patients as compared to controls (38.8% vs. 33.14%, 29.3% vs 18.2%, 36.9% vs 32.5% and 59.05% vs 44.3% respectively). However lipid abnormalities were not significantly different in females > or = 55 in CAD vs non-CAD group. Smoking was significantly more common in subjects with CAD groups (30.97% vs. 12.72%) as compared to subjects without CAD (P < 0.0001). It was most common in males with premature CAD (44.1 % P < 0.0001). Hypertension was found in 1036 patients (18.02%) and diabetes in 763 (13.28%) as compared to 1126 (13.9%) hypertensives in non-CAD group and 639 diabetics (7.89%) (P = 0.001), both were more common in males > or = 45 and females > or = 55 as compared to those with premature CAD (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Among the risk factors assessed, dyslipidemia (particularly abnormal TC/HDL ratio and elevated LDL cholesterol), smoking hypertension and diabetes were associated with coronary artery disease in decreasing order of prevalence. In premature CAD, dyslipidemia and (in males) smoking are of particular importance.