Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Its Treatment on Serum Lipids

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the literature supports an effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on serum lipids and, if so, what are the effects of thyroxine replacement therapy. DATA SOURCES: Articles were identified on MEDLINE using the MeSH terms hypothyroidism, lipids, or cholesterol. DATA SYNTHESIS: The majority of studies that determined the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in subclinical hypothyroidism and studies that evaluated the effects of thyroxine replacement on lipids were small, uncontrolled, and varied in inclusion criteria. Six randomized, placebo-controlled trials were identified that evaluated the effect of levothyroxine on lipids in subclinically hypothyroid patients. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical hypothyroidism can potentially contribute to a pro-atherogenic lipid profile, with effects being greater at higher thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. Thyroxine replacement reduces total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, with no effect on triglycerides. Effects on high-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein (a), and apolipoproteins A1 and B require further study. Larger prospective studies are needed to clarify many issues.
Spatial Modeling of Mosquito Vectors for Rift Valley Fever Virus in Northern Senegal: Integrating Satellite-Derived Meteorological Estimates in Population Dynamics Models

Mosquitoes are vectors of major pathogen agents worldwide. Population dynamics models are useful tools to understand and predict mosquito abundances in space and time. To be used as forecasting tools over large areas, such models could benefit from integrating remote sensing data that describe the meteorological and environmental conditions driving mosquito population dynamics. The main objective of this study is to assess a process-based modeling framework for mosquito population dynamics using satellite-derived meteorological estimates as input variables. A generic weather-driven model of mosquito population dynamics was applied to Rift Valley fever vector species in northern Senegal, with rainfall, temperature, and humidity as inputs. The model outputs using meteorological data from ground weather station vs satellite-based estimates are compared, using longitudinal mosquito trapping data for validation at local scale in three different ecosystems. Model predictions were consistent with field entomological data on adult abundance, with a better fit between predicted and observed abundances for the Sahelian Ferlo ecosystem, and for the models using in-situ weather data as input. Based on satellite-derived rainfall and temperature data, dynamic maps of three potential Rift Valley fever vector species were then produced at regional scale on a weekly basis. When direct weather measurements are sparse, these resulting maps should be used to support policy-makers in optimizing surveillance and control interventions of Rift Valley fever in Senegal.
Perceptual adaptation of voice gender discrimination with spectrally shifted vowels.

PURPOSE To determine whether perceptual adaptation improves voice gender discrimination of spectrally shifted vowels and, if so, which acoustic cues contribute to the improvement. METHOD Voice gender discrimination was measured for 10 normal-hearing subjects, during 5 days of adaptation to spectrally shifted vowels, produced by processing the speech of 5 male and 5 female talkers with 16-channel sine-wave vocoders. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups; one subjected to 50-Hz, and the other to 200-Hz, temporal envelope cutoff frequencies. No preview or feedback was provided. RESULTS There was significant adaptation in voice gender discrimination with the 200-Hz cutoff frequency, but significant improvement was observed only for 3 female talkers with F(0) > 180 Hz and 3 male talkers with F(0) < 170 Hz. There was no significant adaptation with the 50-Hz cutoff frequency. CONCLUSIONS Temporal envelope cues are important for voice gender discrimination under spectral shift conditions with perceptual adaptation, but spectral shift may limit the exclusive use of spectral information and/or the use of formant structure on voice gender discrimination. The results have implications for cochlear implant users and for understanding voice gender discrimination.
Endoscopic resection therapies for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Among various endoscopic resection therapies, including conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) only with a snare after submucosal injection, modified EMR (m‐EMR) with other assistant devices such as a ligation band or a suction cap, and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), we aimed to study which is the best choice for rectal neuroendocrine tumors.
Potential link between genetic polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyltransferase and dopamine receptors and treatment efficacy of risperidone on schizophrenia

Objective The current study aimed to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and dopamine receptors with schizophrenia and genetic association with risperidone treatment response. Methods A total of 690 schizophrenic patients (case group) were selected and 430 healthy people were included as the controls. All patients received risperidone treatment continuously for 8 weeks. Next, peripheral venous blood samples were collected and were subjected to polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism to amplify and genotype the SNPs within COMT and dopamine receptors. Then, correlation analysis was conducted between Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale improvement rates and SNPs within COMT and the dopamine receptor gene. Results The allele of DRD1 rs11749676 (A) emerged as a key element in reducing schizophrenia risk with statistical significance (P<0.001). Remarkably, alleles of COMT rs165774 (G), DRD2 rs6277 (T), and DRD3 rs6280 (C) were associated with raised predisposition to schizophrenia (all P<0.001). Regarding DRD1 rs11746641, DRD1 rs11749676, DRD2 rs6277, and DRD3 rs6280, the case group exhibited a lesser frequency of heterozygotes in comparison with wild homozygotes genotype (all P<0.001). SNPs (COMT rs4680, DRD2 rs6275, DRD2 rs1801028, and DRD2 rs6277) were remarkably associated with improvement rates of PANSS total scores (P<0.05). SNPs (COMT rs165599 and DRD2 rs1801028) were significantly associated with risperidone efficacy on negative symptoms (P<0.05). Conclusion COMT SNPs and dopamine receptor SNPs were correlated with prevalence of schizophrenia and risperidone treatment efficacy of schizophrenia.
A novel DNA element that controls bacterial heat shock gene expression

The hspArpoH1 and hspBCdegP heat shock operons of Bradyrhizobium japonicum are preceded by a novel, conserved DNA element of approximately 100 bp, which is responsible for the temperature‐regulated transcription of their σ70‐type promoters. We designated this motif ROSE for repression of heat shock gene expression and found additional ROSE elements upstream of two newly identified heat shock operons. A critical core region in the hspA‐associated ROSE1 was defined by introducing insertions or deletions. While four mutants retained the ability to repress transcription of the hspArpoH1 operon, five deletion mutants produced elevated hspA mRNA levels under low‐temperature growth conditions. Derepression was confirmed by increased RpoH1 levels in non‐heat‐shocked cells from one of these mutants and by strains that contained a translational hspA–lacZ fusion associated with mutated ROSE1 elements. The hspArpoH1 operon was efficiently transcribed in vitro, and a deletion of ROSE1 did not impair this activity. Gel retardation experiments demonstrated that a protein in non‐heat‐shocked cells specifically binds to the intact ROSE1 element but not to a mutated element lacking the core region. Taken together, these results indicate that a central region of ROSE serves as a binding site for a repressor protein under standard growth conditions in order to prevent the undesired transcription of heat shock genes.
Parenting Styles and Adolescents' Self-Esteem in Brazil

This study explored the relationship between parenting styles and self-esteem among 1,239 11- to 15-yr. -old Brazilian adolescents (54% girls; M age = 13.4 yr., SD=1.4). Teenagers' families were classified into 1 of 4 groups (Authoritative, Authoritarian, Indulgent, or Neglectful) based on adolescents' answers to the ESPA29 Parental Socialization Scale. Participants completed the AF5 Multidimensional Self-Esteem Scale which appraises five dimensions: Academic, Social, Emotional, Family, and Physical. Analyses showed that Brazilian adolescents from Indulgent families scored equal (Academic and Social) or higher (Family) in Self-esteem than adolescents from Authoritative families. Adolescents from Indulgent families scored higher than adolescents from Authoritarian and Neglectful families in four Self-esteem dimensions, Academic, Social, Family, and Physical. Adolescents from Authoritative families scored higher than adolescents from Authoritarian and Neglectful families in three Self-esteem dimensions, Academic, Social, and Family. These results suggest that Authoritative parenting is not associated with optimum self-esteem in Brazil.
Understanding attitudes towards congestion pricing: a latent variable investigation with data from four cities

Abstract Numerous cities around the world are considering the implementation of road pricing to ease urban traffic congestion, following on from the success in cities such as London and Singapore. However, policy-makers are also all too aware of the generally negative public opinion toward such measures. This study makes use of data collected in four cities (two in Sweden, one in Finland, and one in France) using a very consistent survey probing for citizens’ attitudes toward pricing. We find very strong similarities across the four cities in terms of a number of underlying attitudinal constructs that help explain people’s answers in a hypothetical referendum on congestion pricing. The similarities across cities indicate that the increase in the opinion toward congestion pricing once they are introduced is not primarily an effect of changes in underlying attitudes, changes in how the underlying attitudes influence the support for congestion pricing, or differences in anticipated versus experienced or perceived self-interest. Instead, this effect seems to be caused by a status quo acceptance, tending to increase the support for the current situation.
Valvular Heart Disease Is Associated With Nonfocal Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background:Central nonfocal neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) manifests as cognitive dysfunction, acute confusional state, seizures, and psychosis. Valvular heart disease (VHD) is currently not a causal consideration of nonfocal NPSLE. Objective:The objective of this study was to determine whether VHD is associated with nonfocal NPSLE. Methods:Twenty-eight patients with SLE underwent: 1) clinical and laboratory evaluations; 2) neuropsychiatric evaluation; 3) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and 4) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Their findings were compared with those of 28 age- and-sex matched healthy volunteers. Results:Eighteen patients (64%) had nonfocal NPSLE. Cerebral infarcts on MRI were more common in patients with than without NPSLE (50% vs 10%, P = 0.048) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were associated with old cerebral infarcts (P = 0.03). Valvular heart disease was detected in 20 patients (71%) of whom 20 (71%) had valve thickening, 17 (61%) had valve regurgitation, and 15 (53%) had valve vegetations (12 on the mitral valve). Mitral valve vegetations were more common in patients with than without nonfocal NPSLE and in those with old cerebral infarcts (61% vs 10% and 75% vs 30%, respectively, P ≤ 0.02 for both). The nonneurologic activity of SLE and mitral valve vegetations were the only independent predictors of NPSLE (odds ratio [OR], 1.27 per unit value; confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.6; P = 0.03; and OR, 16.5; CI, 1.26–217; P = 0.03, respectively). Among controls, none had neuropsychiatric syndromes, 4 (15%) had MRI abnormalities, and 3 (11%) had VHD (all P ≤ 0.001 vs patients). Conclusions:Nonfocal NPSLE, cerebral infarcts, and VHD were highly associated and mitral valve vegetations were independent predictors of NPSLE. Thus, VHD exacerbated by hypercoagulability may cause thromboembolic ischemic brain injury and nonfocal NPSLE.
Count Me In!: Ethnic Data Disaggregation Advocacy, Racial Mattering, and Lessons for Racial Justice Coalitions

This article presents a case study of the 2006-2007 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) student-led Count Me In! (CMI) campaign. This successful campaign convinced the University of California (UC) to account for 23 AAPI ethnic identities in its data system. Celebrated as a victory for AAPI interests in discourses over racial equity in education, which are often defined by a Black- white racial paradigm, CMI should also be remembered as originating out of efforts to demonstrate AAPI solidarity with Black students and to counter racial wedge politics. In the evolution of the CMI campaign, efforts for cross-racial solidarity soon faded as the desire for institutional validation of AAPI educational struggles was centered. Our case study analysis, guided by sociological frameworks of racism, revealed key limitations in the CMI campaign related to the intricate relations between people of color advocating for racial justice. We conclude with cautions for research and campaigns for ethnically disaggregated AAPI data, and encourage advocates and scholars to address AAPI concerns over educational disparities while simultaneously and intentionally building coalitions for racial equity in higher education.
Fetal and Neonatal Diagnosis of Interrupted Aortic Arch: Associations and Outcomes

Objective: Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare but serious anomaly. Prenatal diagnosis is challenging and published data are limited. The aim of the study was to review the data of fetuses and neonates diagnosed with IAA during a 16-year period at Children’s Hospital Giessen. Methods: Retrospective ascertainment of 8 fetuses and 20 neonates with a confirmed diagnosis of IAA from 1994 to 2010 by reviewing the hospital database of the cardiovascular program of the prenatal and pediatric cardiology clinics at the University Hospital Giessen. Results: Eighteen cases with IAA type B and 10 cases with IAA type A were found. After 2005, prenatal diagnosis was achieved in 8 cases and postnatal imaging confirmed IAA in all 8 neonates. Twenty-nine percent of individuals had a chromosomal anomaly, with microdeletion 22q11.2 being the most common abnormality (n = 6, 21%). In 46% (13/28) other complex cardiac anomalies were present. Mortality after surgery was 18%. Long-term morbidity and mortality was due to neurological impairment in the presence of microdeletion 22q11.2 and the need of surgical or catheter re-intervention. Conclusion: Despite the difficulties and challenges in diagnosis, the prenatal detection rate of IAA is increasing. Associated complex cardiac and chromosomal abnormalities influence the outcome of patients with IAA and are important issues of parental counseling.
Fibronectin Protects Prostate Cancer Cells from Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-induced Apoptosis via the AKT/Survivin Pathway*

Integrins are cell surface heterodimeric transmembrane receptors that, in addition to mediating cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins modulate cell survival. This mechanism may be exploited in cancer where evasion from apoptosis invariably contributes to cellular transformation. The molecular mechanisms responsible for matrix-induced survival signals begin to be elucidated. Here we report that the inhibitor of apoptosis survivin is expressed in vitro in human prostate cell lines with the highest levels present in aggressive prostate cancer cells such as PC3 and LNCaP-LN3 as well as in vivo in prostatic adenocarcinoma. We also show that interference with survivin in PC3 prostate cancer cells using a Cys84→ Ala dominant negative mutant or survivin antisense cDNA causes nuclear fragmentation, hypodiploidy, cleavage of a 32-kDa proform caspase-3 to active caspase-3, and proteolysis of the caspase substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. We demonstrate that in the aggressive PC3 cell line, adhesion to fibronectin via β1 integrins results in up-regulation of survivin and protection from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In contrast, survivin is not up-regulated by cell adhesion in the non-tumorigenic LNCaP cell line. Dominant negative survivin counteracts the ability of fibronectin to protect cells from undergoing apoptosis, whereas wild-type survivin protects non-adherent cells from TNF-α-induced apoptosis. Evidence is provided that expression of β1A integrin is necessary to protect non-adherent cells transduced with survivin from TNF-α-induced apoptosis. In contrast, the β1C integrin, which contains a variant cytoplasmic domain, is not able to prevent apoptosis induced by TNF-α in non-adherent cells transduced with survivin. Finally, we show that regulation of survivin levels by integrins are mediated by protein kinase B/AKT. These findings indicate that survivin is required to maintain a critical anti-apoptotic threshold in prostate cancer cells and identify integrin signaling as a crucial survival pathway against death receptor-mediated apoptosis.
Deferred Examination of Patent Applications: Implications for Innovation Policy

This report provides an overview of deferred patent examination. It begins by offering a brief review of patent acquisition proceedings as well as challenges faced by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The report then introduces the concept of deferred examination. The potential positive and negative consequences of deferred examination upon the environment for innovation within the United States are then explored. The report closes by identifying salient design parameters for deferred examination systems and reviewing congressional options.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Is Feasible for Remotely Supervised Home Delivery in Multiple Sclerosis

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has potential clinical application for symptomatic management in multiple sclerosis (MS). Repeated sessions are necessary in order to adequately evaluate a therapeutic effect. However, it is not feasible for many individuals with MS to visit clinic for treatment on a daily basis, and clinic delivery is also associated with substantial cost. We developed a research protocol to remotely supervise self‐ or proxy‐administration for home delivery of tDCS using specially designed equipment and a telemedicine platform.
Antibody to carbonic anhydrase II is present in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) irrespective of antimitochondrial antibody status

Antibody to carbonic anhydrase II, an enzyme abundantly present in biliary epithelium, has been proposed as a diagnostic marker for antimitochondrial antibody‐negative PBC. In this study we determine its prevalence and clinical significance in a large series of patients with antimitochondrial antibody‐positive and ‐negative PBC. Reactivity to carbonic anhydrase II was sought by Western immunoblotting in sera from 215 consecutive patients with PBC (26 antimitochondrial antibody‐negative), 13 with autoimmune hepatitis, 25 with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), 12 with systemic sclerosis, 19 with systemic lupus erythematosus and 73 healthy subjects. The prevalence of antibody to carbonic anhydrase II (titre 1:100) in PBC was 8%. No specific reactivity to carbonic anhydrase II was found in antimitochondrial antibody‐negative PBC (7% versus 8% in antimitochondrial antibody‐positive PBC). Ascites (P = 0.006) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) (P = 0.022) in PBC were significantly associated with presence of the antibody. In patients with SS associated with PBC, the prevalence (19%) was similar to that observed in pSS (16%). At a serum dilution of 1:40, the prevalence of positive sera in PBC rose to 27% but disease specificity was reduced. Our findings in a large population of PBC patients rule out a relation between presence of antibody to carbonic anhydrase II and lack of antimitochondrial antibody. The higher prevalence of ascites found in positive patients warrants further evaluation.
Meta-analysis of open surgical repair versus hybrid arch repair for aortic arch aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE To conduct a meta-analysis of available comparative studies evaluating hybrid arch repair versus open surgical repair of aortic arch aneurysm. METHODS A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science to identify any studies comparing the results of hybrid arch repair with open surgical repair of aortic arch aneurysm. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical heterogeneity was estimated using the chi-square test. A random-effects model was used to illustrate heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. RESULTS Seven retrospective cohort studies from 2009 to 2016 comprising 727 patients were included. Among these patients, 269 were treated with hybrid arch repair and 458 with open surgical repair. There was no significant difference in operative mortality (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.41-1.39; P = 0.37), permanent neurological deficit (OR 1.24; 95% CI 0.73-2.13; P = 0.42), late mortality (2 years) (OR 3.41; 95% CI 0.83-14.03; P = 0.09) or renal failure (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.40-1.61; P = 0.53). Interestingly, the meta-analysis indicated that the hybrid group needed more reinterventions (OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.72-6.84; P = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS We found no strong evidence indicating that hybrid arch repair is superior to open surgical repair. Furthermore, the hybrid arch repair resulted in more reinterventions despite the fact that it was a less invasive procedure; it also required fewer days in the hospital. Further studies with large numbers of participants and long-term follow-ups are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of hybrid arch repair.
The fine structure of nerve endings in the nucleus of the trapezoid body and the ventral cochlear nucleus.

Large, calyciform axonal endings, as well as typical terminal boutons, have been previously described in the ventral cochlear nucleus and the nucleus of the trapezoid body by light microscopists. In the present study, these endings were examined with the electron microscope in chinchillas, rats, and a cat after perfusion fixation with osmium tetroxide. The calyces were found to consist of elongated processes arising from myelinated axons and making multiple synaptic contacts with perikarya and dendrites. This finding suggests that an important property of calyces is the large amount of synaptic activity that they can bring to bear on a single post-synaptic structure. Adjacent to the calyciform endings were variable numbers of boutons that made synaptic contacts with the same perikarya and dendrites. The majority of boutons contained smaller synaptic vesicles than those present in the calyces, implying both anatomical and functional differences between these two types of ending. It is suggested that many of these boutons in the ventral cochlear nucleus are endings of centrifugal, inhibitory fibers described by previous workers.