Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased prevalence of type II diabetes mellitus in hepatitis C virus infection in western India.

BACKGROUND Type II diabetes mellitus (DM) has been shown as more common in patients with hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Similar data from India is not available. METHODS This 3-year prospective study included consecutive Indian patients with HCV to detect the DM. In all patients, the presence of DM, duration of DM, probable duration of HCV, genotype of HCV, presence of steatosis and presence of cirrhosis were noted. Comparable numbers of consecutive patients with hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were analysed for the presence of DM. RESULTS A total of 200 patients with HCV were analysed: mean age = 45.9 +/- 9.8 years; male:female=1.3:1; genotype distribution (in 80 patients which included 17 patients of DM)--genotype 3 in 47 (58%), genotype 1 in 31 (39%) and genotype 2 in 2(3%) patients; probable duration (unknown in 40 patients) of HCV = 12.8 +/- 8.2 years; steatosis in 55(27.5%) patients; cirrhosis in 88 (44%) patients. Of these 200 patients, DM was present in 44(22%) patients with mean duration of DM of 6.1 +/- 2.3 years. HCV preceded DM in 29 patients by 10.8 +/- 2.3 years. Among HCV with genotype 3, DM was present in 11(23.4%) patients and with genotype 1, DM was present in 6(19.3%) patients. In patients with DM, cirrhosis and steatosis were present in 28(63.6%) and 20(45.4%) patients, respectively, as compared to 60 (38.4%) and 35 (22.4%) patients without DM. There was significantly lower presence of DM, 24 (12%) and 19 (9.5%), in 200 patients of HBV and 200 patients of IBS, respectively. CONCLUSION There is increased prevalence of DM in patients with HCV. HCV precedes the development of DM by a decade.
New insights into viral architecture via affine extended symmetry groups

Since the seminal work of Caspar and Klug on the structure of the protein containers that encapsulate and hence protect the viral genome, it has been recognized that icosahedral symmetry is crucial for the structural organization of viruses. In particular, icosahedral symmetry has been invoked in order to predict the surface structures of viral capsids in terms of tessellations or tilings that schematically encode the locations of the protein subunits in the capsids. Whilst this approach is capable of predicting the relative locations of the proteins in the capsids, a prediction on the relative sizes of different virus particles in a family cannot be made. Moreover, information on the full 3D structure of viral particles, including the tertiary structures of the capsid proteins and the organization of the viral genome within the capsid are inaccessible with their approach. We develop here a mathematical framework based on affine extensions of the icosahedral group that allows us to address these issues. In particular, we show that the relative radii of viruses in the family of Polyomaviridae and the material boundaries in simple RNA viruses can be determined with our approach. The results complement Caspar and Klug’s theory of quasi-equivalence and provide details on virus structure that have not been accessible with previous methods, implying that icosahedral symmetry is more important for virus architecture than previously appreciated.
Postprandial responses in hunger and satiety are associated with the rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism in FTO.

BACKGROUND The common rs9939609 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is associated with adiposity, possibly by affecting satiety responsiveness. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine whether postprandial responses in hunger and satiety are associated with rs9939609, taking interactions with other relevant candidate genes into account. DESIGN Sixty-two women and 41 men [age: 31 +/- 14 y; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 25.0 +/- 3.1] were genotyped for 5 SNPs in FTO, DNMT1, DNMT3B, LEP, and LEPR. Individuals received fixed meals provided in energy balance. Hunger and satiety were determined pre- and postprandially by using visual analog scales. RESULTS A general association test showed a significant association between postprandial responses in hunger and satiety with rs9939609 (P = 0.036 and P = 0.050, respectively). Individuals with low postprandial responses in hunger and satiety were overrepresented among TA/AA carriers in rs9939609 (FTO) compared with TT carriers (dominant and additive model: P = 0.013 and P = 0.020, respectively). Moreover, multifactor dimensionality reduction showed significant epistatic interactions for the postprandial decrease in hunger involving rs9939609 (FTO), rs992472 (DNMT3B), and rs1137101 (LEPR). Individuals with a low postprandial decrease in hunger were overrepresented among TA/AA (dominant), CC/CA (recessive), and AG/GG (dominant) carriers in rs9939609 (FTO), rs992472 (DNMT3B), and rs1137101 (LEPR), respectively (n = 39), compared with TT, AA, and/or AA carriers in these SNPs, respectively (P = 0.00001). Each SNP had an additional effect. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm a role for FTO in responsiveness to hunger and satiety cues in adults in an experimental setting. The epistatic interaction suggests that DNA methylation, an epigenetic process, affects appetite.
Thiamin treatment and working memory function of alcohol-dependent people: preliminary findings.

BACKGROUND Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is most often seen in people who are alcohol dependent. Treatment with thiamin may rapidly resolve acute symptoms. However, much evidence suggests that identification of WKS on clinical examination is relatively insensitive when compared with diagnosis at postmortem. No study has investigated the therapeutic effect of thiamin in a sample of alcohol-dependent people without the clinical triad of acute WKS. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, multidose study of thiamin treatment in 107 subjects who were detoxifying from alcohol. Five groups of subjects were assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination and were examined for the presence of neurological signs. Subjects were given different doses of intramuscular thiamin for two consecutive days. The posttreatment performance of these groups then was examined on a test of working memory derived from comparative neuropsychology, namely, the delayed alternation task. This test has been established as sensitive to the neuropathology of WKS. RESULTS Pretreatment measures of mental status and neurological signs were equivalent across groups. Groups were equated with respect to the background variables of age, education, typical daily alcohol consumption, and years of drinking. On the posttreatment measure, a superior performance was found in the group that received the highest dose of thiamin, compared with the other four treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS A therapeutic relationship between dose and working memory performance was indicated. These results have important implications for the management and prevention of WKS, but further investigations are needed to substantiate the nature of the therapeutic relationship.
Role of the Varicella-Zoster Virus gB Cytoplasmic Domain in gB Transport and Viral Egress

ABSTRACT To study the function of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) gB cytoplasmic domain during viral infection, we produced a VZV recombinant virus that expresses a truncated form of gB lacking the C-terminal 36 amino acids of its cytoplasmic domain (VZV gB-36). VZV gB-36 replicates in noncomplementing cells and grows at a rate similar to that of native VZV. However, cells infected with VZVgB-36 form extensive syncytia compared to the relatively small syncytia formed during native VZV infection. In addition, electron microscopy shows that very little virus is present on the surfaces of cells infected with VZV gB-36, while cells infected with native VZV exhibit abundant virions on the cell surface. The C-terminal 36 amino acids of the gB cytoplasmic domain have been shown in transfection-based experiments to contain both an endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi transport signal (the C-terminal 17 amino acids) and a consensus YXXφ (where Y is tyrosine, X is any amino acid, and φ is any bulky hydrophobic amino acid) signal sequence (YSRV) that mediates the internalization of gB from the plasma membrane. As predicted based on these data, gB-36 expressed during the infection of cultured cells is transported inefficiently to the Golgi. Despite lacking the YSRV signal sequence, gB-36 is internalized from the plasma membrane; however, in contrast to native gB, it fails to localize to the Golgi. Therefore, the C-terminal 36 amino acids of the VZV gB cytoplasmic domain are required for normal viral egress and for both the pre- and post-Golgi transport of gB.
Peak Flow in Children Aged 4–16 Years

ABSTRACT. Peak expiratory flow rate was measured in 318 Swedish children aged 4–16 years on Wright peak flow meter, Mini Wright peak flow meter and Vitalograph peak flow monitor. We found that height, age and sex had a significant effect on the regression equation. Weight and body surface area did not add any significant information. The curves for the Wright and Mini Wright peakflow meters are presented and may be used as normal references in the clinic. Mini Wright peakflow meter and Vitalograph peak flow monitor are cheap and handy but results on different instruments should not be directly compared.
The role of media across four levels of health promotion intervention.

An issue of great importance for public health today is how to mount programs that change behavior in order to improve the health of our popula­ tion. Although threats to the public's health come from a variety of domains, health behavior is a primary concern because of its large contribution to morbidity and premature mortality (64). Lifestyle plays a major role in cardiovascular disease, cancer, AIDS, and substance and alcohol abuse. Public health professionals have begun to explore the purposive use of television and other forms of mass media as a means for shaping health attitudes and behaviors (89). However, the feasibility of using the mass media to influence attitudes and behavior has long been debated. Much of the early research on the use of communication campaigns to influence non-health
Bound and resonant electron states in quantum dots: The optical spectrum.

The energy spectrum and the wave functions of an electron in a quantum dot (QD) are computed using the effective-mass approximation. The case of a shallow, hydrogenlike center in a quantum dot is also considered. We use the spherical shape approximation in the belief that the basic results are more sensitive to the dimensions than to the shape of the confining potential. The wave functions for the discrete bound states and for the continuum states are obtained in a closed form. We show that resonances of the Breit-Wigner type occur in the continuum, due to the local potential of the microstructures. The lifetimes of the resonant states are computed and their impact on the optical properties of the QD material is discussed. As an example, we give detailed results for the GaAs/${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$As QD, where the basic properties (band mismatch, effective masses, dielectric constants) are well known. We find that the optical excitation spectrum, with or without the impurity center, depends dramatically on the dot radius. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Intensified induction and consolidation with or without maintenance chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML): two multicenter studies of the German AML Cooperative Group.

In two multicenter trials, a total of 576 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were treated and found to be evaluable. Two hundred forty-two patients were in a 1978 pilot study and 334 patients were in a 1982 randomized study. Ages were between 15 and 78 years (median, 48). The uniform remission induction therapy in both studies consisted of one to two courses of a 9-day combination of 6-thioguanine (TG) with cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C) and daunorubicin (DNR) [TAD9]. The timing and sequencing of TAD9 was designed according to cell kinetic effects of ARA-C. A complete remission (CR) was achieved in 65% (70% and 61%, respectively) of patients within a median of 33 days, and in 68% of responders after only one course. The CR rate in patients 60 to 78 years of age was 51% (66% and 39%, respectively). In the 1978 pilot study, different protocols of post-remission treatment were applied at the different centers: monthly 5-day maintenance, TAD9 consolidation, both consolidation and maintenance, or no further therapy. The group receiving treatment during CR showed 24% probability of remissions at 4 years v 0% probability of remissions in the untreated group. Between the different post-remission protocols, no significant differences were observed. Remission duration was not influenced by age, WBC, or morphologic cell type, but was longer in patients achieving CR within 30 days (P = .017). In the subsequent 1982 study, 145 patients in CR were randomized for TAD9 consolidation with or without monthly maintenance. The updated life-table analysis revealed a predicted rate of continuous remission at 2 1/2 years of 30% for the maintenance and 17% for the nonmaintenance arm (P = .003). These results of response and remission duration in adult patients of all ages support the validity of intensified induction therapy and of consequent myelosuppressive treatment in remission.
Metaphorical Conceptualizations of Football Coach through Social Cognitive Theory.

The purpose of this study was to examine the metaphors which were used to describe the concept “football coach” by some stakeholders in football, such as players, club officials and referees. Each individual (N= 389) within the study group was asked to reveal the single metaphor s/he has in mind in respect of the concept of football coach. The responses were analyzed with the qualitative method of content analysis through the core principles of social cognitive theory. Thirty-three metaphors and 4 conceptual categories were identified. Results showed that players used metaphors related to protective figure while club officials and referees referred to decision-maker figure. There were differences in use of metaphors based on the age of participants.
Shear Bond Strength of Brackets Bonded With Different Led Units &Curing Times and at Different Debond Times in an In-Vitro Study

Objective: The study compared 2 Light Emitting Diode (LED) curing units with a universal testing machine for checking the shear bond strength and also evaluated adhesive remnant index (ARI). Methods: This in vitro study was carried out on sound 120 human extracted premolars. All the teeth were bonded with adhesive precoated metal brackets. The brackets were instantly set in place and confidently pressed against the tooth surfaces and polymerization of brackets was done with LED curing units [VALO and ELIPAR]. Both groups were further divided according to different debond times. SBS values in all the cases were measured at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min and a 50-kg load cell. Significance for all statistical tests was pre-determined at p<. 05. Results: In-vitro bond strengths for the LED curing units (Elipar and VALO) were 8.84 ± 3.141 MPa and 9.87 ± 5.591 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the shear bond strength was improving with time from 12 hours to 7 days in both the units. An equivalent distribution of the ARI (Adhesive Remnant Index) scores of 0, 1, and 3 was noticed for all debond times but an ARI score of 2 was not observed in this group. However, in LED unit (VALO) all the ARI scores (0, 1, 2, 3) were observed at different deboning times. Conclusions: The results revealed that the shear bond strength (MPa) improved with time from 12 hours to 7 days in both the curing units.
Culture and Social Comparison Seeking: The Role of Self-Motives

Three studies examined the relation between cultural background and social comparison seeking. Compared to European Canadians, Asian Canadians sought more social comparisons, particularly those that were upward (Study 1), more social comparisons after failure (Study 2), and more social comparisons after failure when the opportunity for self-improvement was made salient (Study 3). Taken together, these data spotlight Asian Canadians’ interest in social comparisons that allow for self-improvement.
The Relationship Between the Sense of Self-Agency and Schizotypal Personality Traits

People with schizotypal traits may possess abnormal self-awareness, particularly with regard to their sense of selfagency, that is, the sense that it is oneself who is causing or generating an action. Participants in Experiments 1A (N = 11), 1B (N = 12), and 2 (N = 20) moved a mouse device and viewed resultant feedback, which was biased either temporally or spatially. They then judged whether there was a bias or whether they felt they had moved the cursor on their own. The authors found, for the 1st time, that a sense of self-agency can be experienced even if some degree of temporal bias is perceived. Furthermore, they determined that highly schizotypal people have an abnormal (weaker) sense of self-agency.
Social Learning: Medical Student Perceptions of Geriatric House Calls

Bandura's social learning theory provides a useful conceptual framework to understand medical students' perceptions of a house calls experience at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Social learning and role modeling reflect Liaison Committee on Medical Education guidelines for “Medical schools (to) ensure that the learning environment for medical students promotes the development of explicit and appropriate professional attributes (attitudes, behaviors, and identity) in their medical students. ” This qualitative study reports findings from open-ended survey questions from 123 medical students who observed a preceptor during house calls to elderly homebound patients. Their comments included reflections on the medical treatment as well as interactions with family and professional care providers. Student insights about the social learning process they experienced during house calls to geriatric patients characterized physician role models as dedicated, compassionate, and communicative. They also described patient care in the home environment as comprehensive, personalized, more relaxed, and comfortable. Student perceptions reflect an appreciation of the richness and complexity of details learned from home visits and social interaction with patients, families, and caregivers.
Incidence of ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis in four counties of southeastern Norway, 1990-93. A prospective population-based study. The Inflammatory Bowel South-Eastern Norway (IBSEN) Study Group of Gastroenterologists.

BACKGROUND The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been difficult to interpret because prospective studies have only been performed during the past 3 decades. Geographic variations may therefore be due to differences in study design. METHOD From 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1993 all new cases of UC in four counties in southeastern Norway were prospectively registered. Cases diagnosed as indeterminate colitis (IND) when endoscopy and histopathology were inconclusive or diverged with regard to diagnosis of UC or Crohn's disease (CD) were also included in the study. RESULTS A total of 525 cases of UC and 93 cases of IND yielded an mean annual incidence of 13.6/10(5) and 2.4/10(5), respectively. There were differences in incidence between counties, and a peak of 21.5/10(5) in the annual incidence was found for the age group 25 to 34 years in UC. The distribution was about equal for each of the groups proctitis and left-sided and extensive colitis. The time interval from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 4 months. CONCLUSION In this study one of the highest incidences of UC in the world has been found. The classification 'indeterminate colitis' seems reasonable to use in some of the cases to prevent misclassification at the initial stage of diagnosis.
Increase of dihydrofolate reductase activity in cultured mammalian cells after exposure to methotrexate.

which did not usually inhibit cell growth. However, inhibition did occasionally occur at this level and, for this reason, a concentration of 1 X 10- M MTX was used in later experiments. Determination of MTX in the culture medium: To determine if a decrease in MTX concentration in the culture medium occurred during the 5 to 6 days of the experiment, the MTX concentration was determined as previously described.10 MTX-free medium served as a control and solutions of MTX of known concentrations as standard.
Predictors of the accuracy of self-reported height and weight in adolescent female school students.

OBJECTIVE The authors investigated predictors of the accuracy of self-reported values of body weight and height in adolescent females. METHOD Self-reported and measured weight and height values were obtained for 683 school students aged 11-18 years. Predictors of accuracy were determined for self-reported weight, height, and body mass index (BMI; based on self-reported values). RESULTS Self-reported weight was underestimated. This was most likely for students with higher BMI values and actual weight. Younger, early pubertal and premenarcheal students were most likely to underestimate their height whereas older, postmenarcheal (more than 3 years) students were most likely to overestimate their height. The more exercise reported, the more accurate the height estimation. This translates to a greater underestimation of BMI as adolescents become older, have a longer duration since menarche, and exercise more. DISCUSSION When accurate information is required, clinicians should measure height and weight, particularly if the adolescent female is perimenarcheal or appears to differ from population averages for height and weight.
Negative regulation of G1 and G2 by S-phase cyclins of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Cell cycle progression in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by the Cdc28 protein kinase, which is sequentially activated by different sets of cyclins. Previous genetic analysis has revealed that two B-type cyclins, Clb5 and Clb6, have a positive role in DNA replication. In the present study, we show, in addition, that these cyclins negatively regulate G1- and G2-specific functions. The consequences of this negative regulation were most apparent in clb6 mutants, which had a shorter pre-Start G1 phase as well as a shorter G2 phase than congenic wild-type cells. As a consequence, clb6 mutants grew and proliferated more rapidly than wild-type cells. It was more difficult to assess the role of Clb5 in G1 and G2 by genetic analysis because of the extreme prolongation of S phase in clb5 mutants. Nevertheless, both Clb5 and Clb6 were shown to be responsible for down-regulation of the protein kinase activities associated with Cln2, a G1 cyclin, and Clb2, a mitotic cyclin, in vivo. These observations are consistent with the observed cell cycle phase accelerations associated with the clb6 mutant and are suggestive of similar functions for Clb5. Genetic evidence suggested that the inhibition of mitotic cyclin-dependent kinase activities was dependent on and possibly mediated through the CDC6 gene product. Thus, Clb5 and Clb6 may stabilize S phase by promoting DNA replication while inhibiting other cell cycle activities.