Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gastric epithelial cell proliferation and ras oncogene p21 expression in first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients: a case–control study

Objectives Individuals with a family history of gastric cancer have an increased risk of developing such neoplasia. This study aimed to assess epithelial cell proliferation and ras oncogene mutation in such individuals. Methods Twenty dyspeptic, first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer and 20 matched controls were enrolled. Endoscopy with biopsies was performed in all cases. Gastric specimens were used to look for Helicobacter pylori infection and to assess both epithelial cell proliferation and ras oncogene expression by immunohistochemistry. Results Cell proliferation values were not significantly different between the patient and control groups (18.1±7.1 versus 18.9±7.4; P=0.7). Overall, ras mutation was detected in five out of 40 cases, and its distribution was similar between patients and controls (20 versus 10%; P=0.9), as well as between H. pylori-positive and negative patients (22 versus 9%; P=0.2). Cell proliferation values tended to be higher in cases with ras mutation than in those without (25.2±9.4 versus 16.8±5.8; P=0.08). Cell proliferation values were significantly higher in H. pylori-positive cases compared with uninfected cases, in both patient (24.7±4.7 versus 12.5±2.4; P=0.0003) and control (25.9±4.8 versus 13.3±2.8; P=0.0003) groups. Conclusions Both gastric cell proliferation values and ras mutation prevalence did not differ between first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients and controls. H. pylori infection similarly increased the proliferation index of gastric mucosa in both groups.
Learning by Hiring: The Effects of Scientists' Inbound Mobility on Research Performance in Academia

This study investigates the effects of scientists’ inbound mobility on the research performance of incumbent scientists in an academic setting. The theoretical framework integrates insights from learning theory and social comparison theory to suggest two main mechanisms behind these effects: localized learning and social comparison. The authors propose several hypotheses about the conditions that might intensify or weaken such effects. Specifically, the arrival of new scientific personnel is likely to exert stronger positive effects on the performance of incumbent scientists with shorter (cf. longer) organizational tenure; in addition, academic departments with less diversified expertise and with higher levels of internal collaborations likely reap greater benefits from learning by hiring. The empirical findings, based on a longitudinal analysis of a sample of 94 U.S. academic chemical engineering departments, provide empirical support for these contentions.
Reticulated platelets in uremic patients: Effect of hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Platelet RNA content can be detected by flow cytometry using thiazole orange staining to identify platelets recently released into the circulation. We studied platelet RNA content and platelet function in uremic patients under different treatment regimens. Four groups were studied: (I) 15 end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (10M/5F) on maintenance hemodialysis (HD); (II) 11 ESRD patients (6M/5F) on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD); (III) 8 patients with chronic renal failure managed conservatively (5M/3F); and (IV) 34 controls (20M/14F). A double color labeling technique using a phycoerythrin‐tagged antibody against glycoprotein lb (CD42b) and RNA labeling by thiazole orange was performed and read by flow cytometry. Aggregation studies were made in platelet‐rich plasma using ADP, epinephrine, collagen, arachidonic acid, and ristocetin. In group I, samples were also obtained after HD. Platelet counts did not differ among the groups. Aggregation studies showed a lower response to ADP and ristocetin in the HD patients, but not in the CAPD or in the chronic renal failure patients. The percentage of platelets with high RNA content in group I was significantly lower than in controls (3.72 ± 1.72% vs. 9.05 ± 3.53%, P < 0.01), but was also lower than in the remaining groups (I vs. II P < 0.01, and I vs. III P < 0.01). No differences were seen in platelet RNA content among groups II (8.67 ± 2.73%), III (9.14 ± 3.04%) and IV. In group I, the percentage of reticulated platelets decreased further after HD (2.14 ± 1.09%, P < 0.01). Aggregation studies showed a significantly lower response to ADP and ristocetin in group I (P < 0.05), but not in groups II or III in comparison with controls. Aggregation response to ADP and ristocetin decreased after HD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, HD may decrease the percentage of RNA‐rich platelets through elimination of the younger and more active platelets and worsen the thrombopathy present in uremic patients.
Information Asymmetry and Levels of Agency Relationships

Many marketing exchanges are characterized by an information asymmetry between suppliers and customers. Specifically, customers are faced with both adverse selection and moral hazard problems that involve, respectively, uncertainty about supplier characteristics and the risk of quality cheating. Drawing on prior research, the authors propose that agency problems in a customer relationship can be resolved by means of customer bonds and price premiums, which serve as signals and supplier incentives, respectively. The authors also propose that adverse selection and moral hazard problems exist in relationships between suppliers and their employees. Similar to the customer relationship, these problems can be addressed with signals and incentives of various kinds. The authors present hypotheses regarding the agency problems in both of these relationships and test them empirically in the context of automotive service purchases. Data obtained from 287 service managers support the hypotheses. The data also suggest that institutional differences across service outlets (e.g., ownership structure and size) influence how the two types of agency problems are managed.
Ofloxacin in Human Serum, Urine, and Tear Film After Topical Application

&NA; We evaluated the systemic absorption of ofloxacin eyedrops in humans and their availability in the tear film. Serum, urine, and tear film concentrations of ofloxacin were measured in 30 healthy women topically treated with 0.3% ofloxacin, in both eyes, four times daily for 10½ days. Serum was collected before the first daily dose on days 1 and 11 and at 18 time points before the second dose. Maximum serum ofloxacin concentrations (1.89 ± 1.13 ng/ml) after 10½ days of topical dosing were more than 1,000 times lower than those reported after standard oral doses of 300 mg ofloxacin. Urine was collected for the 24‐h period after the first daily dose on days 1 and 10. Topical ofloxacin was excreted in the urine primarily in unmodified form and recovery rates were significantly higher on day 10 (76.1 ± 41.5%) than on day 1 (56.6 ± 31.6%) (p < 0.05). Both serum and urine data give evidence to accumulations of ofloxacin over a 10½‐day period. The low serum concentration at steady state suggests an extremely low potential for producing systemic effects. No systemic side effects attributable to topical ofloxacin were observed. Mild ocular irritation was reported by two patients while under treatment. Tears were collected 4 h after the first treatment on day 11 and at 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 min after the second treatment. Tear film levels 4 h after dosing (9.16 ± 8.24 μg/g) were higher than the 2 μg/ml MIC90 value (minimum inhibitory concentration against 90% of bacterial strains) reported for ofloxacin against 190 gram‐negative and 229 grampositive organisms. Over the 40‐min measurement period, concentrations of ofloxacin in the tear film ranged from 5.7 ± 2.4 to 31.0 ± 23.5 μg/g. The ability to maintain tear ofloxacin levels higher than the MIC90 may help account for the excellent clinical effectiveness of ofloxacin.
Caveolae regulate vasoconstriction of conduit arteries to angiotensin II in hindlimb unweighted rats

Exposure to microgravity induces postflight orthostatic intolerance on re‐exposure to 1 G gravity which is second to the structural and functional remodelling of arteries. We found the maximal developed force (Emax) of angiotensin II‐elicited vasoconstriction was decreased in abdominal aorta, unchanged in thoracic aorta and increased in carotid artery by simulated weightlessness. However, the sensitivity of the response (EC50) was decreased in all of the arteries as was the desensitization of angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1) upon angiotensin II stimulation. We demonstrate that caveolae on vascular smooth muscle cells play a key role in the adaptation of EC50 and AT1 desensitization, but not Emax of the response to simulated weightlessness. This study gives insight into the mechanism underlying the arterial functional remodelling during weightlessness. Further, the findings might stimulate new ideas for research into countermeasures to postflight orthostatic intolerance upon astronauts returning to the earth.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in normal physiological processes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species have generally been considered as being highly reactive and cytotoxic molecules. Besides their noxious effects, ROS participate in physiological processes in a carefully regulated manner. By way of example, microbicidal ROS are produced in professional phagocytes, ROS function as short‐lived messengers having a role in signal transduction and, among other processes, participate in the synthesis of the iodothyronine hormones, reproduction, apoptosis and necrosis. Because of their ability to mediate a crosstalk between key molecules, their role might be dual (at least in some cases). The levels of ROS increase from a certain age, being associated with various diseases typical of senescence. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent findings on the physiological role of ROS. Other issues addressed are an increase in ROS levels during ageing, and the possibility of the physiological nature of this process.
Arthropod-Derived Histamine-Binding Protein Prevents Murine Allergic Asthma

Because histamine receptor type I blockade attenuates allergic asthma, we asked whether complete neutralization of histamine by an arthropod-derived, high affinity histamine-binding protein (EV131) would prevent allergic asthma. Intranasal administration of EV131 given before Ag challenge in immunized mice prevented airway hyperreactivity by 70%, and abrogated peribronchial inflammation, pulmonary eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and IL-4 and IL-5 secretion. Saturation with histamine abrogated the inhibitory effect of EV131 on bronchial hyperreactivity. The inhibitory effect of EV131 on bronchial hyperreactivity was comparable to that of glucocorticosteroids. These results demonstrate that histamine is a critical mediator of allergic asthma. Therefore, complete neutralization of histamine, rather than specific histamine receptor blockade, may have a profound effect on allergic asthma.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF BRAIN 5‐HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE IN RAT STRAINS SELECTED FOR THEIR ALCOHOL INTAKE *

The voluntary consumption of ethanol by mice and rats has been demonstrated to be influenced greatly by genetic f a ~ t o r s . ~ ~ , ~ ~ , ~ ~ . ~ ~ , ~ ~ By outbreeding rats and selecting breeding animals that differ in their alcohol consumption Erikssonlo-12 has developed two strains of rats, one of which in a free-choice situation prefers a 10% ethanol solution to water while the other drinks more water than ethanol solution. After the selection for 16 to 20 generations there is no overlapping in the voluntary alcohol consumption of these two strains. Recently, Myers and c o w o r k e r ~ ~ ~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ suggested that the metabolism of cerebral 5-hydroxytryptamine (SHT) may be a factor in an animal's selection of ethanol because p-chlorphenylalanine, a drug that lowers the brain 5HT content,21 reduced the voluntary intake of ethanol in rats. Also, other drugs, such as p-chloramphetamine and fenfluramine, which reduce the brain 5HT content, reduce the consumption of e t h a n ~ l . l ~ * ~ l The p-chlorphenylalanine effect is difficult to reprod~ce ,~J ' and it has been pointed out that the reduction in ethanol consumption of rats after p-chlorphenylalanine treatment could be based rather on its character as a noxious agent than on its specific effect.30 On the other hand, a-methyl-p-tyrosine, a drug that lowers brain catecholamine content, does not depress alcohol intake.28*29 The purpose of the present work was to study the content and regional distribution of 5HT and its main metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (SHIAA) in the brain of the alcohol-preferring and water-preferring rats.
Cloning and expression of the alveolar type II cell P2u-purinergic receptor.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) regulates surfactant phospholipid secretion from alveolar type II cells by interacting with P2-purinoceptors on the alveolar type II cell surface. To further characterize regulation of surfactant secretion, we have cloned the type II cell P2u-purinoceptor and expressed a functional receptor in an unrelated cell line. The coding sequence of the P2u clone isolated from a type II cell cDNA library was 1.1 kb, encoding a putative protein of 374 amino acids. The putative protein demonstrated > 97% homology with the P2u-purinoceptor previously identified in the hybrid neuroblastoma x glioma cell line, NG 108-15, 87% homology to the recently cloned human P2u-purinoceptor, and 34% homology to the P2u-purinoceptor cloned from chicken brain. The putative type II cell P2u protein contains seven membrane-spanning domains, characteristic of G-protein-coupled receptors. The type II cell P2u-purinoceptor nucleotide sequence also demonstrated > 95% homology to the nucleotide sequence of the NG 108-15 clone. However, the type II cell cDNA also demonstrated presence of an additional 208 bp insert in the 5' untranslated region, which was not present in the NG 108-15 clone. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, we examined expression of the two different sizes of mRNA in various rat tissues. Only the larger type II cell mRNA was expressed in rat heart, kidney, lung, spleen, and testis, with no expression of P2u-purinoceptor mRNA noted in brain or liver. The smaller species of mRNA was only detected in mouse N18-TG2 cells, and these cells expressed a larger species as well, found in the rat tissues noted. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
ATP‐binding cassette transporters in liver

The human ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) superfamily consists of 48 members with 14 of them identified in normal human liver at the protein level. Most of the ABC members act as ATP dependent efflux transport systems. In the liver, ABC transporters are involved in diverse physiological processes including export of cholesterol, bile salts, and metabolic endproducts. Consequently, impaired ABC transporter function is involved in inherited diseases like sitosterolemia, hyperbilirubinemia, or cholestasis. Furthermore, altered expression of some of the hepatic ABCs have been associated with primary liver tumors. This review gives a short overview about the function of hepatic ABCs. Special focus is addressed on the localization and ontogenesis of ABC transporters in the human liver. In addition, their expression pattern in primary liver tumors is discussed. © 2013 BioFactors, 40(2):188–198, 2014
Type‐specific HPV geno‐typing improves detection of recurrent high‐grade cervical neoplasia after conisation

The aim of this case–control study was to examine if type‐specific human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA geno‐typing before and after treatment of high‐grade cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) improves prediction of recurring or persisting CIN 2 or 3 compared with follow‐up cytology or high‐risk (hr)HPV testing. Women with biopsy‐proven recurrence of CIN 2 or 3 (cases) in a follow‐up period of at least 24 months after treatment of high‐grade CIN were compared with women without recurrence (controls). These cohorts were identified by a database search of the Riatol Laboratoria (Antwerp, Belgium). In a cohort of 823 women treated with conisation for high‐grade CIN between January 2001 and December 2007, 21 patients with a histologically proven recurrence of CIN2+ were identified. A group of women (n = 42) from the same cohort without recurrence was randomly chosen. We found that hrHPV testing at 6 months post‐treatment is significantly more sensitive compared with follow‐up cytology (ratio: 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.54), but less specific (ratio: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81–0.90) to predict failure of treatment. When compared with hrHPV testing, HPV geno‐typing is more efficient (equal sensitivity, but higher specificity, ratio: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.280–1.62). When compared with follow‐up cytology, HPV geno‐typing is more sensitive (ratio: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10–1.54) and more specific (ratio: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14–1.36). All women who developed a recurrence tested positive for hrHPV. The negative predictive value in the absence of hrHPV DNA was 100%. Six months after treatment HPV geno‐typing is the most sensitive and specific method to predict recurrent or persistent CIN 2‐3 in the next 24 months.
Frequency Control in Autonomous Power Systems With High Wind Power Penetration

This paper presents an investigation on wind turbine (WT) contribution to the frequency control of noninterconnected island systems. The capability of WTs to participate in the primary frequency control and offer primary reserve is discussed. The investigation includes both transient frequency support (inertial response) and permanent frequency response (droop characteristic), as well as the combined application of these concepts. A quantitative analysis is presented for the expected benefits and drawbacks of each method, including the appropriate selection of their parameters. The power system of Rhodes Island has been selected as a study case, which includes different types of conventional generation and the three basic WT types, based on Active-Stall Induction Generator (ASIG), Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG), and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG).
A Model for Abundances in Metal-poor Stars

A model is presented that seeks to explain quantitatively the stellar abundances of r-process elements and other elements associated with the r-process sites. It is argued that the abundances of all these elements in stars with -3 ≲ [Fe/H] < -1 can be explained by the contributions of three sources. The sources are the first generations of very massive (≳100 M☉) stars that are formed from big bang debris and are distinct from Type II supernovae (SNe II) and two types of SNe II, the H and L events, which can occur only at [Fe/H] ≳ -3. The H events are of high frequency and produce dominantly heavy (A > 130) r-elements but no Fe (presumably leaving behind black holes). The L events are of low frequency and produce Fe and dominantly light (A ≲ 130) r-elements (essentially none above Ba). By using the observed abundances in two ultra-metal-poor stars and the solar r-abundances, the initial or prompt inventory of elements produced by the first generations of very massive stars and the yields of H and L events can be determined. The abundances of a large number of elements in a star can then be calculated from the model by using only the observed Eu and Fe abundances. To match the model results and the observational data for stars with -3 < [Fe/H] < -1 requires that the solar r-abundances for Sr, Y, Zr, and Ba must be significantly increased from the standard values. No such changes appear to be required for all other elements. If the changes in the solar r-abundances for Sr, Y, Zr, and Ba are not permitted, the model fails at -3 < [Fe/H] < -1 but still works at [Fe/H] ≈ -3 for these four elements. By using the corrected solar r-abundances for these elements, good agreement is obtained between the model results and data over the range -3 < [Fe/H] < -1. No evidence of s-process contributions is found in this region, but all the observational data in this region now show regular increases of Ba/Eu above the standard solar r-process value. Whether the solar r-components of Sr, Y, Zr, and Ba used here to obtain a fit to the stellar data can be reconciled with those obtained from solar abundances by subtracting the s-components calculated from models is not clear.
Effect of emotional state on eyeblink classical conditioning in humans

The emotional state affects reflexive eyeblink to a startle probe. In startle probes the unconditioned eyeblink reflex to an aversive stimulus is augmented when the subject is in an emotionally negative state comparing to the positive state. The present study examines how the emotional state affects classically conditioned eyeblink to a tone. In startle probes the performance of the reflex is modified by emotional state. On the other hand, in classical eyeblink conditioning the intensity of the stimulus affects learning in a way, that more intense stimulus enhances learning. Question is, whether emotionally negative state enhances performance of the reflex, or also processing of its eliciting stimulus, in which case learning would be different depending on the emotional state. It is hypothesized, that the conditioned eyeblink response to a tone is augmented when the subject is in an emotionally negative state comparing to the response in a positive state. Three groups of participants (N = 30) were shown either appetitive, neutral or aversive pictures in continuous series during eyeblink classical conditioning. Electromyographic activity was measured to assess the eyeblink response. The augmentation of the conditioned eyeblink response to the tone was weaker with the appetitive pictures than with neutral pictures. This effect is proposed to be result of stronger motivational conflict between the pleasant motivational state and the state caused by the aversive startle stimulus. Surprisingly, the eyeblink to the tone was not augmented with the aversive pictures. This effect is suggested to reflect anxiety in the subjects.
Alcohol dependence in relation to burnout among the Finnish working population.

AIMS To investigate the relationship of burnout to alcohol dependence and high alcohol consumption. DESIGN A cross-sectional population-based multi-disciplinary 'Health 2000 Study'. The analyses were performed separately for the women and the men and adjusted for socio-demographic factors. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS In Finland, 3276 active employees (1637 women and 1639 men), aged 30-64 years, from a representative population sample. MEASUREMENTS The diagnosis of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version IV (DSM-IV) alcohol dependence was based on the standardized Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview (M-CIDI). The assessment of high alcohol consumption was based on self-reported alcohol use. Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS). FINDINGS The 12-month prevalence of alcohol dependence was associated with burnout among both men and women. Each one-point increase in burnout score was associated with an 80% increase in the incidence for alcohol dependence among women and a 51% increase among men. These associations persisted when socio-demographic factors were adjusted. The associations between burnout and high alcohol consumption were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS There is an association between burnout and alcohol dependence among both genders. Among both women and men, attention to alcohol-related behaviour is warranted in the clinical context when burnout and other problems related to work are encountered. Interventions which include assessment of work conditions and management of work-related stress should be targeted at employees with alcohol dependence in addition to traditional treatment.