Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BAFF-R, a Newly Identified TNF Receptor That Specifically Interacts with BAFF

B cell homeostasis has been shown to critically depend on BAFF, the B cell activation factor from the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. Although BAFF is already known to bind two receptors, BCMA and TACI, we have identified a third receptor for BAFF that we have termed BAFF-R. BAFF-R binding appears to be highly specific for BAFF, suggesting a unique role for this ligand-receptor interaction. Consistent with this, the BAFF-R locus is disrupted in A/WySnJ mice, which display a B cell phenotype qualitatively similar to that of the BAFF-deficient mice. Thus, BAFF-R appears to be the principal receptor for BAFF-mediated mature B cell survival.
Serum Coenzyme Q10 Levels in Thyroid Disorders

The correlation between serum CoQ10 levels and serum thyroid hormones in thyroid disorders was investigated in the present studies. Serum CoQ10 was measured by high speed liquid chromatography utilizing ultraviolet detector. In normal controls, serum CoQ10 level of the male was higher than that of the female. Serum CoQ10 level in hyperthyroidism was significantly lower than that of euthyroid subjects. But in hypothyroidism, serum CoQ10 level did not show any significant difference from that of euthyroid subjects. Significant inverse correlations were demonstrated between log CoQ10 and log T3, log T4, log free T4, or log rT3. These data suggested abnormalities in the mitochondrial electron transport system in thyroid disorders.
Qualitative accounts of patients' determinants of vaginal dilator use after pelvic radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION Treatment with pelvic external beam radiotherapy with brachytherapy (EBRT/BT) for gynecological cancers may cause sexual dysfunction because of vaginal shortening and tightening. Regular vaginal dilator use is thought to reduce vaginal shortening and/or tightening, but compliance is poor. AIMS This study identified determinants of patients' adherence with dilator use after EBRT/BT. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 women, aged 32-67 years, treated with EBRT/BT for gynecological cancers at two university medical centers in the past 36 months. Transcriptions were coded and analyzed with N-Vivo software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Determinants of dilator use were clustered based on the Health Action Process Approach, which describes (i) motivation processes that lead to a behavioral intention and (ii) volition processes that lead to the initiation or maintenance of actual behavior. RESULTS Almost all women attempted to perform long-term regular vaginal dilator use. Intended dilator use was determined by the expectation that it would prevent the development of vaginal adhesions and stenosis. Planning dilator use and making it part of a routine, using it under the shower, using lubricants, a smaller dilator size, or vibrators helped women. Others reported a lack of time or privacy, forgetting, or feeling tired. Women self-regulated dilator use by rotating the dilator and timing dilator use. Influencing factors were negative emotions regarding dilator use or its hard plastic design, (being anxious for) pain or blood loss, and an association with EBRT/BT. Some women mentioned a lack of instrumental support, for example, lubricants. Others received reassurance through informational support or were supported socially. CONCLUSION Motivation and volition processes that determined dilator use were identified and used in the development of a sexual rehabilitation intervention. It is important to provide sufficient patient information and support, and enlarge patients' perceived self-efficacy.
Rosellinia compacta, a new species similar to the white root rot fungus Rosellinia necatrix

Rosellinia compacta is described as a new species that was discovered during a study of variation in Rosellinia necatrix in Japan using morphological and molecular characters. Rosellinia necatrix stromata and ascospores were 0.92–2.43 × 1.16–1.98 mm (mean 1.75 × 1.57 mm) and 30.5–55.9 × 5.0–10.3 μm (mean 41.8 × 6.9 μm) respectively. Rosellinia compacta had smaller stromata (1.13–1.71 × 0.99–1.36 mm; mean 1.43 × 1.16 mm) and longer ascospores ([34.0–]44.2–62.5 × 5.0–10.9 μm; mean 52.2 × 7.5 μm) than R. necatrix and also differs from other described species of Rosellinia.
Surface wave damping in a brimful circular cylinder

Journal of Fluid Mechanics, vol. 360 (1998), pp. 213–228 As pointed out to us by Mr T. Heath, the following printing errors can be quite misleading when using the formulas in the paper to obtain eigenfrequencies and damping rates to compare with experiments: in (A 13) 1 should read −1 on the right-hand side; in (A 22) and (A 26) Ω20 should read Ω−20; in (A 25) the factor Ω40 must be omitted on the right-hand side. When revising again the printed version of the paper, we discovered several additional misprints: A factor C was omitted in the first two integrals in the expression for J2, immediately following equation (2.9). The sign of the second expression for I1 in (2.23) should be changed. The expression (W0Wz +3WW0z)z=0 should read 2(W0Wz +WW0z)z=0 in equation (2.24). The expression W0(1, z)W0z(1, z) in (2.26) should read W0(r, 0)W0z(r, 0). None of the misprints above affect the results of the paper, which were obtained with the correct expressions.
Rabies in Thailand

The prevalence of canine and human rabies in Thailand has decreased significantly during the last decade. This has been associated with an increasing number of human post-exposure treatments. Educational efforts, mass vaccination of dogs and cats and the use of safe and effective vaccines have all made an impact. The proportion of fluorescent antibody positive dogs, among those examined for rabies averaged 54% indicating that rabies is still a major public health threat. Canine rabies vaccination is not usually performed in animals <3 months old. However, this study revealed that 14% of rabid dogs were <3 months old and 42% were [les ]6 months old. This is the age group most likely to interact with humans and other dogs. Our study also supports the World Health Organization's recommendation that observing suspected rabid dogs for 10 days is an adequate and safe practice.
Preventive effects of Azadirachta indica on benzo(a)pyrene‐DNA adduct formation in murine forestomach and hepatic tissues

In the present investigation, the effects of aqueous Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AAILE) on 3H‐benzo(a)pyrene‐DNA [3H‐B(a)P‐DNA] adduct formation, the status of biotransformation enzymes and reduced glutathione (GSH) content were evaluated in the forestomach and liver of Balb/c mice. Two weeks of AAILE treatment reduced the 3H‐B(a)P‐DNA adduct levels by 31.6% in forestomach tissue. Similarly, 3H‐B(a)P‐DNA adduct levels were decreased by 34.7% in the liver of AAILE treated mice compared with their control counterparts. After AAILE treatment, the cytochrome P450 content decreased, whereas the GSH content increased significantly in the hepatic tissue. In the forestomach as well as in the liver, the cytochrome b5 content declined, whereas an increase in glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity was observed in both tissues. These observations suggested that AAILE may have reduced the metabolic activation of 3H‐B(a)P with enhanced detoxification of its active metabolites, hence the observed decrease in the levels of 3H‐B(a)P‐DNA adducts. These molecular and biochemical modulations observed at the initiation phase of carcinogenesis seems to be significant and could be correlated with the chemopreventive effects of A. indica against B(a)P induced forestomach tumorigenesis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term indomethacin administration does not impair excretion of acute potassium load in humans

Abstract. Maintenance treatment with prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors often causes some degree of hyper‐kalemia, indicating impaired potassium (K) excretion. Hypoaldosteronism probably is a mediating factor, but it is unknown whether these drugs also impair renal K excretion directly. Indomethacin, for example, stimulates NaCl reabsorption in Henle's loop, and thus may impair K excretion by decreasing distal NaCl delivery. We therefore studied the effect of 1 day administration of indomethacin (50 mg tid) on the excretion of a single oral KC1 (1 mmol kg‐1 body weight) in six healthy volunteers taking a 40 mmol sodium diet. To allow analysis of renal sodium handling, clearance studies were performed during water loading. In this acute setting, indomethacin had no effect on plasma K, and did not decrease plasma aldosterone. However, indomethacin clearly reduced NaCl excretion. Nonetheless, the excretion of the K load was entirely normal. Excretion of the K load was accompanied by increased clearance of phosphate and uric acid, and natriuresis. Data derived from the maximal free water clearance were compatible with increased delivery to and decreased reabsorption from the diluting segment. Occurrence of these effects was not prevented by indomethacin, although overall NaCl excretion remained less than observed without indomethacin. Indomethacin reduced prostaglandin E2 excretion substantially. Apparently, in normal man indomethacin does not impair K excretion directly, even though it greatly reduces NaCl excretion. Moreover, the effects of K on renal NaCl handling, probably contributing to the excretion of a K load, are not dependent on renal prostaglandins.
Comprehensive Programs for Preventing Pressure Ulcers: A Review of the Literature

PURPOSE: To enhance the learner’s competence in pressure ulcer (PrU) prevention through a literature review of comprehensive programs. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: 1. Analyze the findings of the PrU prevention program studies found in the literature review. 2. Apply research findings to clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the evidence supporting the combined use of interventions to prevent pressure ulcers (PrUs) in acute care and long-term-care facilities. DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature describing multifaceted PrU prevention programs was performed. Articles were included if they described an intervention implemented in acute care settings or long-term-care facilities, incorporated more than 1 intervention component, involved a multidisciplinary team, and included information about outcomes related to the intervention. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were identified. Recurring components used in the development and implementation of PrU prevention programs included preparations prior to the start of a program, PrU prevention best practices, staff education, clinical monitoring and feedback, skin care champions, and cues to action. Ten studies reported PrU prevalence rates; 9 of them reported decreased prevalence rates at the end of their programs. Of the 6 studies reporting PrU incidence rates, 5 reported a decrease in incidence rates. Four studies measured care processes: 1 study reported an overall improvement; 2 studies reported improvement on some, but not all, measures; and 1 study reported no change. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing literature describing multipronged, multidisciplinary interventions to prevent PrUs in acute care settings and long-term-care facilities. Outcomes reported in these studies suggest that such programs can be successful in reducing PrU prevalence or incidence rates. However, to strengthen the level of evidence, sites should be encouraged to rigorously evaluate their programs and to publish their results.
Variation Margins, Fire Sales, and Information-Constrained Optimum

We study the interaction between contracting and equilibrium pricing when risk- averse hedgers purchase insurance from risk-neutral investors subject to moral hazard. Moral hazard limits risk-sharing. In the individually optimal contract, margins are called (after bad news) to improve risk-sharing. But margin calls depress the price of investors' assets, affecting other investors negatively. Because of this fire-sale externality, there is too much use of margins in the market equilibrium compared to the utilitarian optimum. Moreover, equilibrium multiplicity can arise: In a pessimistic equilibrium, hedgers who fear low prices request high margins to obtain more insurance. Large margin calls trigger large price drops, confirming initial pessimistic expectations. Finally, moral hazard generates endogenous market incompleteness, raises risk premia, and induces contagion between asset classes.
In vivo quantification of myocardial dihydropyridine binding sites: a PET study in dogs.

UNLABELLED Abnormalities in myocardial L-type Ca(2+) channel abundance and function have been described in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. In vivo quantification of the density of these channels using PET and an adequate ligand would provide new insights into cardiac disease. METHODS The dihydropyridine L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist S12968 (3-ethyl 5-methyl (-)-2-[(2-(2-aminoethoxy)ethoxy)methyl]-4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-6-methyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate) was labeled with (11)C and injected in various amounts (5-23 nmol), 20 or 30 min apart, into dogs. This protocol allowed a separate evaluation of the density of binding sites (B(max)) as well as association and dissociation rate constants. The parameters were calculated using a nonlinear mathematic model. RESULTS Using the multiinjection approach, a complete model describing interactions between S12968 and the dihydropyridine binding sites was obtained. B(max) was found to be 19.2 +/- 3.3 pmol x mL(-1) of tissue. Association and dissociation constants (estimated by K(on)/VR and K(d)VR, respectively) were found to be 0.015 +/- 0.01 mL x pmol(-1) x min(-1) and 4.2 +/- 2.2 nmol x mL(-1), respectively. CONCLUSION The present data suggest that it is possible to measure myocardial dihydropyridine binding site density with a single radiosynthesis and a simple PET protocol that is not time consuming (75 min for the total examination, including transmission and emission scans). This methodology can be useful to investigate human cardiac disease in vivo.
A comparison of three vitamin A dosing regimens in extremely-low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE Vitamin A supplementation reduces bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)/death in extremely low birth weight neonates. It was hypothesized that compared with the standard regimen of 5000 IU 3 times per week for 4 weeks, (1) a higher dose (10,000 IU 3 x per week) would increase serum retinol and retinol binding protein (RBP) and lower relative dose responses (RDR), and (2) once-per-week dosing (15,000 IU once per week) would lead to equivalent levels, RBP, and RDR. STUDY DESIGN Extremely low birth weight neonates (n = 120) receiving O(2)/mechanical ventilation at 24 hours were randomly assigned to (1) standard, (2) higher dose, or (3) once-per-week regimens. Measures of vitamin A deficiency were serum retinol <20 microg/dL, RBP <2.5 mg/dL, and/or RDR >10% on day 28. BPD was defined as O(2)/mechanical ventilation at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. RESULTS Groups were similar at enrollment (median gestational age, 25 weeks; birth weight, 689 g). Possible toxicity was seen in <5%. The higher dose regimen did not increase retinol or RBP, decrease RDR, or improve outcomes. Infants in the once-per-week regimen had lower retinol levels and higher RDR without an effect on outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the standard regimen, once-per-week dosing worsened, and higher doses did not reduce, vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, the standard regimen is recommended.
The use of amielle vaginal trainers as adjuvant in the treatment of vestibulodynia: an observational multicentric study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of a specific set of vaginal dilators (Amielle Comfort) as a part of vestibulodynia therapy. STUDY DESIGN Fifteen women referred for vestibulodynia, localized vulvodynia, were advised to use vaginal dilators (Amielle Comfort) accompanied by standardized instructions, after previously receiving 1 or more therapies for the vestibulodynia. RESULTS The post-treatment Marinoff scale for dyspareunia significantly improved in patients after vaginal dilator treatment compared with baseline values (2.2 +/- 0.4 vs 1.1 +/- 0.9; P < .01), and the Female Sexual Function Index scores were significantly improved compared with the prestudy values (16.3 +/- 5.5 vs 25.3 +/- 7.5; P < .01). CONCLUSION Among women with previous therapy for vestibulodynia, vaginal dilator use was associated with improvement in symptoms. Vaginal dilators can play an important role in overcoming pelvic floor muscular responses that remain and sometimes increase after pain perception has decreased.
Pseudorabies virus (PRV)-specific antibodies suppress intracellular viral protein levels in PRV-infected monocytes.

Blood monocytes infected with pseudorabies virus (PRV), a swine alphaherpesvirus, are not eliminated efficiently by antibody-dependent immunity and may occasionally transport PRV to the pregnant uterus of vaccinated animals. This study examines in vitro the long-term fate of PRV-infected monocytes cultivated in the presence of porcine PRV-specific antibodies. All monocytes were infected and expressed viral late proteins, and 30 % of PRV-infected monocytes cultivated with PRV-specific antibodies survived up to 194 h post-infection (p.i.), the end of the experiment (compared to 0 % for cells cultivated with PRV-negative antibodies). Of these surviving cells, +/-75 % no longer expressed microscopically detectable viral late proteins from 144 h p.i. onwards. Remarkably, monocytes infected with a PRV gB-null virus did not survive in the presence of PRV-specific antibodies. These data suggest that PRV-specific antibodies suppress viral protein levels in infected monocytes, perhaps helping the virus to persist and reach internal organs in vaccinated animals.
Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial of atosiban and ritodrine in the treatment of preterm labor: a multicenter effectiveness and safety study.

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of atosiban versus ritodrine for the treatment of preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN Women with preterm labor and intact membranes diagnosed at 23 to 33 gestational weeks (n = 247) were randomly assigned to treatment arms and received atosiban (6.75 mg intravenous bolus, 300 microg/min for 3 hours, then 100 microg/min intravenously) or ritodrine (0.10-0.35 mg/min intravenously) for as long as 18 hours. Tocolytic effectiveness was assessed in terms of the numbers of women who had not been delivered after 48 hours and after 7 days. Safety was assessed in terms of maternal side effects and neonatal morbidity. Secondary outcomes included mean gestational age at delivery and mean birth weight. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. RESULTS The proportion of women who had not been delivered at 48 hours was 84.9% (n = 107) in the atosiban group and 86.8% (n = 105) in the ritodrine group. At 7 days 92 women had still not been delivered in both the atosiban (73.0%) and ritodrine (76.0%) groups. Neither of these differences was statistically significant. The incidence of maternal cardiovascular side effects was substantially lower in the atosiban group (4.0% vs 84.3%, P <.001). In addition, intravenous therapy was terminated more frequently as a result of maternal adverse events in the ritodrine group (29.8%) than in the atosiban group (0.8%). The overall occurrences of fetal adverse events in the two treatment groups were comparable. Neonatal morbidity was similar between the treatment groups after adjustment for unbalanced enrollment of women with multiple pregnancies and for gestational ages within treatment groups. CONCLUSION Atosiban was comparable in clinical effectiveness to conventional ritodrine therapy but was better tolerated than ritodrine, with no evidence of significant maternal or fetal adverse events. Neonatal morbidity, which was similar between the two treatment arms, was apparently related to the gestational age of the infant rather than to the exposure to either tocolytic agent.
Effect of porosity, pore size and permeability on the complex relative permittivity of sandstone

The measurement of the frequency dependences of the complex relative permittivity (CRP) of fully or partially saturated with distilled water rocks with different petrophysical characteristics is carried out. NMR relaxometer is used to determine the rocks pore size and porosity. There are two relaxation areas on the frequency dependence of CRP at partial saturation. Simulation was carried out by the two relaxation model of the Cole-Cole. High-frequency relaxation is due to the polarization at the water-air interface. The low-frequency relaxation is due to the polarization at the water-mineral interface. The model parameters are related to the petrophysical characteristics of the rocks. Analysis of the NMR response showed that water redistribution between large and small pores occurs with a decrease of the water content. It also affects the dielectric spectra.
Carotid endarterectomy in diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current study was to identify the possible short- and long-term effects of diabetes on the outcome of carotid endarterectomy. METHODS Medical records were reviewed for 781 carotid endarterectomies (in 734 patients) performed by the same vascular surgeon in a university medical center between January 1994 and December 1998. Patients were divided two groups: those with diabetes (n = 181 patients; 193 operations) and those without diabetes (n = 553; 588 operations). The two groups were similar with respect to mean age, male-female ratio, and contralateral lesions. The only significant differences were a higher prevalence of peripheral vascular disease and dyslipidemia in the diabetic group and a higher prevalence of hemispheric transient ischemic attacks among the nondiabetic patients. Carotid color duplex ultrasound scan had been performed in all patients, and in 56 patients from the diabetic group and 56 patients from the nondiabetic group (matched for age, sex, and contralateral lesions), the distal extension of the lesion from the carotid bifurcation had also been defined. Both of these subgroups were fully representative of their respective groups of origin. Carotid endarterectomy was performed after the induction of general anesthesia; electroencephalographic monitoring was continuous. RESULTS Except for the significantly higher prevalence of calcified plaques in the diabetic patients (P <.0001), the characteristics of the carotid disease in the two groups were similar. In the 56-member subgroups, 73.2% of the diabetic and 35.7% of the nondiabetic patients (P <.0001) had lesions extending more than 2 cm beyond the carotid bifurcation. Mean length of plaque beyond the bifurcation was 2.3 +/- 0.09 cm for the diabetic and 1.7 +/- 0.08 cm for the nondiabetic patients (P <.0001). Diabetes was the only factor significantly correlated with plaque length. In the diabetic subgroup, surgery was characterized by significantly longer carotid arteriotomies (P =.03) and clamp times (P <.003). Operative mortality was 1.5% in the diabetic group (2 myocardial infarctions + 1 stroke) and 0.5% in the nondiabetic group (1 myocardial infarction + 2 strokes; P value not significant); stroke rates were 1.5% (3 major strokes) and 0.5% (2 major strokes + 1 minor stroke), respectively (P = not significant). Long-term survival (5 years) was not significantly lower among the diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes mellitus does not seem to significantly increase the surgical risk for carotid endarterectomy. The presence of more extensive plaques has no significant effect on the results of surgery.