Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors that predict response of patients with hepatitis C virus infection to boceprevir.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Little is known about factors associated with a sustained virologic response (SVR) among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to treatment with protease inhibitors. METHODS Previously untreated patients (from the Serine Protease Inhibitor Therapy 2 [SPRINT-2] trial) and those who did not respond to prior therapy (from the Retreatment with HCV Serine Protease Inhibitor Boceprevir and PegIntron/Rebetol 2 [RESPOND-2] trial) received either a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks or boceprevir, peginterferon, and ribavirin (triple therapy) after 4 weeks of peginterferon and ribavirin (total treatment duration, 28-48 wk). A good response to interferon was defined as a ≥ 1 log(10) decrease in HCV RNA at week 4; a poor response was defined as a <1 log(10) decrease. We used multivariate regression analyses to identify baseline factors of the host (including the polymorphism interleukin [IL]-28B rs12979860) associated with response. The polymorphism IL-28B rs8099917 also was assessed. RESULTS In the SPRINT-2 trial, factors that predicted a SVR to triple therapy included low viral load (odds ratio [OR], 11.6), IL-28B genotype (rs 12979860 CC vs TT and CT; ORs, 2.6 and 2.1, respectively), absence of cirrhosis (OR, 4.3), HCV subtype 1b (OR, 2.0), and non-black race (OR, 2.0). In the RESPOND-2 trial, the only factor significantly associated with a SVR was previous relapse, compared with previous nonresponse (OR, 2.6). Most patients with rs12979860 CC who received triple therapy had undetectable levels of HCV RNA by week 8 (76%-89%), and were eligible for shortened therapy. In both studies, IL-28B rs12979860 CC was associated more strongly with a good response to interferon than other baseline factors; however, a ≥ 1 log(10) decrease in HCV-RNA level at week 4 was associated more strongly with SVR than IL-28B rs12979860. Combining the rs8099917 and rs12979860 genotypes does not increase the association with SVR. CONCLUSIONS The CC polymorphism at IL-28B rs12979860 is associated with response to triple therapy and can identify candidates for shorter treatment durations. A ≥ 1 log(10) decrease in HCV RNA at week 4 of therapy is the strongest predictor of a SVR, regardless of polymorphisms in IL-28B.
Drosophila Ik2, a member of the IκB kinase family, is required for mRNA localization during oogenesis

In both Drosophila and mammals, IκB kinases (IKKs) regulate the activity of Rel/NF-κB transcription factors by targeting their inhibitory partner proteins, IκBs, for degradation. We identified mutations in ik2, the gene that encodes one of two Drosophila IKKs, and found that the gene is essential for viability. During oogenesis, ik2 is required in an NF-κB-independent process that is essential for the localization of oskar and gurken mRNAs; as a result, females that lack ik2 in the germline produce embryos that are both bicaudal and ventralized. The abnormal RNA localization in ik2 mutant oocytes can be attributed to defects in the organization of microtubule minus-ends. In addition, both mutant oocytes and mutant escaper adults have abnormalities in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. These data suggest that this IκB kinase has an NF-κB-independent role in mRNA localization and helps to link microtubule minus-ends to the oocyte cortex, a novel function of the IKK family.
Application of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST Assessment) in an Acute Psychiatric Setting

The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) plays a key role in the occupational therapy assessment protocol at an acute psychiatric unit in Britain. This paper incorporates a case study and discussions with the occupational therapists to explore how the assessment influences practice from initial assessment to final outcome measure and how single observation forms and prototype self-assessment forms based on the MOHOST have contributed to the assessment process.
Protective effect of ellagic acid on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in Cyprinus carpio during malathion exposure.

This study aims to determine protective efficiency of ellagic acid (EA) on malathion toxicity in carp. The fish were exposed to two sublethal concentrations of malathion (0.5 and 1 mg/L), and EA (100 mg per kg of fish weight) was simultaneously administered for 14 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH—Px), and glutathione—S—transferase (GST) activities were evaluated in liver, kidney and gills, which were collected at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrated that malathion caused oxidative stress and negative alterations on the antioxidant enzyme activities of the fish. However, this toxic effect was neutralised by the administration of EA. Thus, the present results suggest that simultaneous treatment with EA (100 mg per kg of fish weight) may alleviate malathion—induced oxidative stress.
Do Peer Warnings Affect CEO Compensation?

SYNOPSIS: In this study, focusing on the period 1996–2010, we conduct an empirical investigation of how warnings by industry peer firms about future earnings affect CEO compensation structure. These warnings contain information about the industry, signaling dim industry prospects and possibly triggering negative spillovers on stock prices. We predict that firms respond to industry-wide negative information by changing the compensation mix to make it more future oriented and by reducing pay-performance sensitivity to shield CEOs from negative factors beyond their control. We find that (1) for firms that issue warnings, peer warnings are associated with a reduction in pay-performance sensitivity; and (2) for firms that do not issue warnings, peer warnings are associated with a modification in compensation mix, such that it becomes more equity based and future oriented, similar to the adjustment made to CEO compensation in the wake of self-warnings. Our results are robust to different definitions of warnings.
Coordinated activation of mitochondrial respiration and exocytosis mediated by PKC signaling in pancreatic β cells

Mitochondria play a central role in pancreatic β‐cell nutrient sensing by coupling their metabolism to plasma membrane excitability and insulin granule exocytosis. Whether non‐nutrient secretagogues stimulate mitochondria as part of the molecular mechanism to promote insulin secretion is not known. Here, we show that PKC signaling, which is employed by many non‐nutrient secretagogues, augments mitochondrial respiration in INS‐1E (rat insulinoma cell line clone 1E) and human pancreatic β cells. The phorbol ester, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, accelerates mitochondrial respiration at both resting and stimulatory glucose concentrations. A range of inhibitors of novel PKC isoforms prevent phorbol ester–induced respiration. Respiratory response was blocked by oligomycin that demonstrated PKC‐dependent acceleration of mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Enhanced respiration was observed even when glycolysis was bypassed or fatty acid transport was blocked, which suggested that PKC regulates mitochondrial processes rather than upstream catabolic fluxes. A phosphoproteome study of phorbol ester–stimulated INS‐1E cells maintained under resting (2.5 mM) glucose revealed a large number of phosphorylation sites that were altered during short‐term activation of PKC signaling. The data set was enriched for proteins that are involved in gene expression, cytoskeleton remodeling, secretory vesicle transport, and exocytosis. Interactome analysis identified PKC, C‐Raf, and ERK1/2 as the central phosphointeraction cluster. Prevention of ERK1/2 signaling by using a MEK1 inhibitor caused a marked decreased in phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate–induced mitochondrial respiration. ERK1/2 signaling module therefore links PKC activation to downstream mitochondrial activation. We conclude that non‐nutrient secretagogues act, in part, via PKC and downstream ERK1/2 signaling to stimulate mitochondrial energy production to compensate for energy expenditure that is linked to β‐cell activation. —Santo‐Domingo, J., Chareyron, I. , Dayon, L. , Galindo, A. N. , Cominetti, O. , Giménez, M. P. G. , De Marchi, U. , Canto, C. , Kussmann, M. , Wiederkehr, A. Coordinated activation of mitochondrial respiration and exocytosis mediated by PKC signaling in pancreatic β cells. FASEB J. 31, 1028–1045 (2017). www.fasebj. org
Treatment of the depressed and dysmorphophobic acne patient

Sixteen patients with minimal facial acne but with symptoms of dysmorphophobia related to their acne were treated with isotretinoin, 0.5 mg/kg/day, (n= 5); 1 mg/kg/day (n= 11) for 16 weeks. All 16 had previously received long‐term antibiotic therapy with no ‘perceived’ improvement in their acne. Formal psychiatric assessment was not possible through lack of cooperation.
Incidence, risk factors and perinatal outcomes for placenta accreta in Australia and New Zealand: a case–control study

Objective Estimate the incidence of placenta accreta and describe risk factors, clinical practice and perinatal outcomes. Design Case–control study. Setting Sites in Australia and New Zealand with at least 50 births per year. Participants Cases were women giving birth (≥20 weeks or fetus ≥400 g) who were diagnosed with placenta accreta by antenatal imaging, at operation or by pathology specimens between 2010 and 2012. Controls were two births immediately prior to a case. A total of 295 cases were included and 570 controls. Methods Data were collected using the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System. Primary and secondary outcome measures Incidence, risk factors (eg, prior caesarean section (CS), maternal age) and clinical outcomes of placenta accreta (eg CS, hysterectomy and death). Results The incidence of placenta accreta was 44.2/100 000 women giving birth (95% CI 39.4 to 49.5); however, this may overestimated due to the case definition used. In primiparous women, an increased odds of placenta accreta was observed in older women (adjusted OR (AOR) women≥40 vs <30: 19.1, 95% CI 4.6 to 80.3) and current multiple birth (AOR: 6.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 34.1). In multiparous women, independent risk factors were prior CS (AOR ≥2 prior sections vs 0: 13.8, 95% CI 7.4 to 26.1) and current placenta praevia (AOR: 36.3, 95% CI 14.0 to 93.7). There were two maternal deaths (case fatality rate 0.7%). Women with placenta accreta were more likely to have a caesarean section (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 7.6) to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (AOR: 46.1, 95% CI 22.3 to 95.4) and to have a hysterectomy (AOR: 209.0, 95% CI 19.9 to 875.0). Babies born to women with placenta accreta were more likely to be preterm, be admitted to neonatal ICU and require resuscitation.
Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome: a syndrome associated with inherited genetic defects that impair lymphocytic apoptosis--CT and US features.

PURPOSE To describe the imaging findings in patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and to relate the findings to the clinical and genetic features of this recently recognized syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective or prospective reviews of the computed tomographic (CT) and ultrasonographic (US) studies and the clinical features in 19 consecutive patients with ALPS were performed. RESULTS Most patients presented in the 1st year of life with symptoms of adenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. At the time of presentation to the institution, 12 patients had already undergone splenectomy, and 14 patients had developed autoimmune disorders. All patients had multifocal adenopathy, which was massive in some patients; 14 of 15 patients who underwent CT of the chest had an enlarged thymus, and all six patients who retained their spleens and who underwent imaging had splenomegaly. Ten of 18 patients who underwent liver imaging had hepatomegaly. The adenopathy at US was hyper- and/or isoechoic relative to the liver and thyroid and was enhanced at CT in some patients. All patients had defective lymphocytic apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which was due to specific Fas (APT1 [TNFRSF6]) mutations in 15 patients. CONCLUSION Patients with ALPS demonstrate nonspecific but often dramatic imaging findings of lymphoproliferative disorders, such as adenopathy, splenomegaly, thymic enlargement, and hepatomegaly. The stability of the clinical findings over months to years and the pattern of lymph node echogenicity may suggest the diagnosis of ALPS.
The Middle‐Norway eye‐screening study

Abstract In this population‐based screening study, dealing with 1941 persons above 64 years of age from three different municipalities, the overall open‐angle glaucoma prevalence was found to be 8.3%. The prevalence in the separate areas (7.0%, 8.6%, and 9.5%) were not statistically different. Roughly 30% of the population with pseudo‐exfoliation syndrome had glaucoma, and 4.2% had ocular hypertension, whereas the corresponding figures for those without pseudo‐exfoliation were 4% and 0.8%, respectively. The high glaucoma rates are partly due to the high pseudo‐exfoliation prevalence in the area. The prevalence of the capsular glaucoma increased towards a maximum between 75 and 79 years of age, whereafter the curve declined. This may indicate reduced survival time of glaucomatous patients.
Prolonged Bartonella bacteremia in cats associated with cat-scratch disease patients

Recent evidence supports a causal relationship between Bartonella (Rochalimaea) henselae, cat-scratch disease (CSD), and bacillary angiomatosis. Cats appear to be the primary reservoir. Blood from 19 cats owned by 14 patients diagnosed with CSD was cultured. Blood samples from cats owned by veterinary students (n = 25) having no association with CSD or bacillary angiomatosis were cultured as controls. Eighty-nine percent (17 of 19) of cats associated with CSD patients and 28% (7 of 25) of controls were bacteremic with Bartonella species (chi-square = 16.47; P < 0.001). Twenty-three isolates were characterized as B. henselae, while one isolate from the cat of a CSD patient appeared to be a new Bartonella species. Thirteen cats remained culture positive during the ensuing 12-month period. Our results support the conclusion that B. henselae is the predominant species involved in CSD and is transmitted by cats. The incidence of Bartonella bacteremia in control cats suggests that B. henselae bacteremia is prevalent among the domestic cat population in the United States.
Scent wars: the chemobiology of competitive signalling in mice

Many mammals use scent marks to advertise territory ownership, but only recently have we started to understand the complexity of these scent signals and the types of information that they convey. Whilst attention has generally focused on volatile odorants as the main information molecules in scents, studies of the house mouse have now defined a role for a family of proteins termed major urinary proteins (MUPs) which are, of course, involatile. MUPs bind male signalling volatiles and control their release from scent marks. These proteins are also highly polymorphic and the pattern of polymorphic variants provides a stable ownership signal that communicates genome‐derived information on the individual identity of the scent owner. Here we review the interaction between the chemical basis of mouse scents and the dynamics of their competitive scent marking behaviour, demonstrating how it is possible to provide reliable signals of the competitive ability and identity of individual males. BioEssays 26:1288–1298, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Different Craniofacial Characteristics Predict Upper Airway Collapsibility in Japanese-Brazilian and White Men.

BACKGROUND OSA pathogenesis is complex and may vary according to ethnicity. The anatomic component predisposing to OSA is the result of the interaction between bony structure and upper airway soft tissues and can be assessed using passive critical closing pressure (Pcrit). We hypothesized that Japanese-Brazilians and whites present different predictors of upper airway collapsibility, suggesting different causal pathways to developing OSA in these two groups. METHODS Male Japanese-Brazilians (n = 39) and whites (n = 39) matched for age and OSA severity were evaluated by full polysomnography, Pcrit, and upper airway and abdomen CT scans for determination of upper airway anatomy and abdominal fat, respectively. RESULTS Pcrit was similar between the Japanese-Brazilians and the whites (-1.0 ± 3.3 cm H2O vs -0.4 ± 3.1 cm H2O, P = .325). The Japanese-Brazilians presented smaller upper airway bony dimensions (cranial base, maxillary, and mandibular lengths), whereas the whites presented larger upper airway soft tissue (tongue length and volume) and a greater imbalance between tongue and mandible (tongue/mandibular volume ratio). The cranial base angle was associated with Pcrit only among the Japanese-Brazilians (r = -0.535, P < .01). The tongue/mandibular volume ratio was associated with Pcrit only among the whites (r = 0.460, P < .01). Obesity-related variables (visceral fat, BMI, and neck and waist circumferences) showed a similar correlation with Pcrit in the Japanese-Brazilians and the whites. CONCLUSIONS Japanese-Brazilians and whites present different predictors of upper airway collapsibility. Although craniofacial bony restriction influenced Pcrit only in the Japanese-Brazilians, an anatomic imbalance between tongue and mandible volume influenced Pcrit among the whites. These findings may have therapeutic implications regarding how to improve the anatomic predisposition to OSA across ethnicities.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: importance of new-onset atrial fibrillation and total atrial conduction time.

AIMS Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm (SR), but its value in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. Furthermore, response to CRT may be difficult to predict in these patients. The aim of our study was to investigate whether predictors for CRT success differ between patients with AF and SR and to study the influence of present or developing AF on response to CRT. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined consecutive patients in whom CRT was implanted disregarding the atrial rhythm. Atrial fibrillation was defined as either current or earlier AF, response to CRT was defined as a decrease in the left ventricular end-systolic volume of > or = 10% after 6 months. Total atrial conduction time (TACT), a measure to predict the risk of developing AF, was determined by echocardiography. We included 114 patients, of whom 56 (49%) were known with AF (23 current AF and 33 earlier AF). The other 58 patients had no history of AF. After 6 months, response in current and earlier AF and that in SR patients was comparable (56, 58 and 55%, respectively). In AF patients, multivariate analysis revealed a shorter TACT at baseline [odds ratio (OR) 16.7 (1.5-185.3), P = 0.02] and an interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD) > 40 ms [OR 10.4 (1.0-110.9), P = 0.05] as predictors for response. Non-responders more frequently suffered from new-onset AF (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Failure to CRT is associated with new-onset AF. Total atrial activation time may be a parameter to predict response in AF patients.
Effectiveness of innovation capability development methods

The literature presents numerous methods and practices for facilitating organizational innovation capabilities. Less attention has been paid to indicating the actual impact of these methods on different aspects of innovation capability. The current study focuses on this issue by examining three methods developed to facilitate organizational innovation capabilities and their effects on different aspects of innovation capabilities. The study uses the multiple-case study approach, focusing on the effects of the Handbook of Innovation, Theatre-based methods, and an Innovation Session on innovation capability and how these effects appear in different organizational contexts. The essential issues related to the positive effects of the methods on innovation capability are explored. The study contributes to the literature by showing that innovation capability can be developed by utilizing different kinds of participative methods. In addition, the study contributes to the current literature by presenting what kind of methods can be used to develop certain aspects of innovation capability and how the development works could be organized. The outcome helps managers of organizations select the most suitable method for developing innovation capability. This selection depends on the aspect of the innovation capability that the organization wishes to develop. The study also presents important issues that should be considered when developing innovation capability.
TEENAGERS’ EXPOSURE TO INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY IN ZARIA, NIGERIA

In recent years, there have been growing societal concerns about teenagers‟ exposure to pornography through the internet. For instance, Arulogun (2002) expressed fear about the possible negative consequences that uncensored internet contents will have on the psychosocial well-being of varying categories of users especially children and teens in Nigeria.
Women’s empowerment in traditional food value chains at the micro-level: Evidence from cassava smallholder farming in Tanzania

ABSTRACT Empowering women improves household food productivity and security. We examined women’s empowerment within the cassava value chain according to the five domains of empowerment of the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index, using data from 228 respondents in Tanzania. Disempowerment indices for women and men were 0.95 and 0.14, respectively. Women were disempowered in the production, leadership, and time domains. Women were empowered in the resources domain, which entailed joint ownership and decision making. Marital status and educational levels were significantly associated with women’s empowerment. Policies to improve women’s empowerment should focus on securing ownership of resources and access to credit.
Endothelin-converting enzyme expression in the rat vascular injury model and human coronary atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND Endothelin 1 has been implicated in various human diseases, including atherosclerosis. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), the final key enzyme of endothelin 1 processing, in rat carotid arteries after balloon injury and in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions. METHODS AND RESULTS ECE-1 mRNA levels and ECE activity in rat balloon-injured arteries started to increase between 2 and 5 days after injury. The endothelin 1 content of tissue in injured arteries was concomitantly increased. Immunohistochemical staining located ECE-1 signals in endothelial cells in uninjured arteries, whereas ECE-1 immunoreactivity was detected in neointimal smooth muscle cells in injured arteries 5 to 14 days after balloon denudation. The size of the neointima was effectively reduced by phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of neutral metalloproteases, including ECE-1. In human coronary atherosclerotic lesions, intense ECE-1 immunoreactivity was detected in subsets of cells embedded in atheromatous plaque that correspond to smooth muscle cells and macrophages, as identified by staining for smooth muscle alpha-actin and CD68 surface marker, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present study ascertained that ECE-1 is expressed in neointimal smooth muscle cells in rat balloon-injured arteries and in both smooth muscle cells and macrophages in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Blockade of ECE-1 was effective in reducing neointimal formation after balloon injury. Thus, ECE-1 may contribute to the process of injury-induced neointimal formation and atherosclerosis through the autocrine/paracrine effects of endothelin 1.