Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low Treatment Adherence in Pubertal Children Treated with Thyroxin or Growth Hormone

Background: Treatment outcome depends largely on treatment adherence (TA). However, studies analyzing TA in chronic endocrine diseases are scarce and controversial in childhood. Patients and Methods: We studied TA in 103 children treated subcutaneously with growth hormone (GH) and 97 children treated orally with thyroxin. TA was calculated based on the prescription refill rates. The number of GH injections was recorded by an autoinjector device in 23 children treated with GH. Results: The correlation between recorded TA and calculated TA based on prescription refill rates was very good (p < 0.001, r = 0.83). TA was lower (p < 0.01) in pubertal children compared to prepubertal children and in children self-administering their medication compared to those whose drug was administered by their parents, both in GH- and thyroxin-treated children. Overall, 67% of the pubertal children treated with GH and 58% of the pubertal children treated with thyroxin missed at least 1 dose per week. TA was higher (p < 0.001) in children with thyroxin treatment compared to children treated with recombinant human GH (8 vs. 26% missed >3 doses/week). Discussion: Puberty and self-administration of drugs were negative predictors of TA. Therefore, in puberty, prevention and treatment efforts should be undertaken to improve TA, especially when adolescents administer their drugs themselves.
An environmental pollutant, 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone, activates human TRPA1 via critical cysteines 621 and 665

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is activated by noxious cold, mechanical stimulation, and irritant chemicals. In our recent study, 9, 10‐phenanthrenequinone (9,10‐PQ) is the most potent irritant for activation of NRF2 among 1395 cigarette smoke components and it may be, therefore, important to find its additional targets. Here, we show that 9,10‐PQ functions as an activator of TRPA1 in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells expressing human wild‐type TRPA1 (HEK‐wTRPA1) and human alveolar A549 (A549) cells. Application of 9,10‐PQ at 0.1–10 μmol/L induced a concentration‐dependent Ca2+ response as well as inward currents at −50 mV in HEK‐wTRPA1 cells. The current response was blocked by TRPA1 antagonists, HC‐030031 (HC) and A‐967079. To test whether 9,10‐PQ affects the cysteine residues of TRPA1, we expressed mutant TRPA1 channels in HEK cells (HEK‐muTRPA1) in which six different cysteine residues were replaced with serine. Among them, a mutation of cysteine 621 (C621S) abolished the 9,10‐PQ‐induced Ca2+ and current responses. The channel activity induced by 9,10‐PQ was also abolished in excised inside‐out patches isolated from HEK‐muTRPA1 cells with the C621S substitution. Although a mutation of cysteine 665 (C665S) reduced the 9,10‐PQ‐induced response, channel sensitization by pretreatment with Cu2+ plus 1,10‐phenanthroline and by internal dialysis of 3 μmol/L Ca2+ restored the response. However, a double mutant with C621S and C665S substitutions had little response to 9,10‐PQ, even when sensitized by Ca2+ dialysis. In A549 cells, 9,10‐PQ induced an HC‐sensitive Ca2+ response. Our findings demonstrate that 9,10‐PQ activation of human TRA1 is dependent on cysteine residues 621 and 665.
Stimulatory actions of a novel thiourea derivative on large‐conductance, calcium‐activated potassium channels

In this study, we examine whether an anti‐inflammatory thiourea derivative, compound #326, actions on ion channels. The effects of compound #326 on Ca2+‐activated K+ channels were evaluated by patch‐clamp recordings obtained in cell‐attached, inside‐out or whole‐cell configuration. In pituitary GH3 cells, compound #326 increased the amplitude of Ca2+‐activated K+ currents (IK(Ca)) with an EC50 value of 11.6 μM, which was reversed by verruculogen, but not tolbutamide or TRAM‐34. Under inside‐out configuration, a bath application of compound #326 raised the probability of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) channels. The activation curve of BKCa channels was shifted to less depolarised potential with no modification of the gating charge of the curve; consequently, the difference of free energy was reduced in the presence of this compound. Compound #326‐stimulated activity of BKCa channels is explained by a shortening of mean closed time, despite its inability to alter single‐channel conductance. Neither delayed‐rectifier nor erg‐mediated K+ currents was modified. Compound #326 decreased the peak amplitude of voltage‐gated Na+ current with no clear change in the overall current–voltage relationship of this current. In HEK293T cells expressing α‐hSlo, compound #326 enhanced BKCa channels effectively. Intriguingly, the inhibitory actions of compound #326 on interleukin 1β in lipopolysaccharide‐activated microglia were significantly reversed by verruculogen, whereas BKCa channel inhibitors suppressed the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase. The BKCa channels could be an important target for compound #326 if similar in vivo results occur, and the multi‐functionality of BKCa channels in modulating microglial immunity merit further investigation.
Effect of voluntary physical activity initiated at age 7 months on skeletal hindlimb and cardiac muscle function in mdx mice of both genders

Introduction: The effects of voluntary activity initiated in adult mdx (C57BL/10ScSc‐DMDmdx/J) mice on skeletal and cardiac muscle function have not been studied extensively. Methods: We studied the effects of 3 months of voluntary wheel running initiated at age 7 months on hindlimb muscle weakness, increased susceptibility to muscle contraction−induced injury, and left ventricular function in mdx mice. Results: We found that voluntary wheel running did not worsen the deficit in force‐generating capacity and the force drop after lengthening contractions in either mdx mouse gender. It increased the absolute maximal force of skeletal muscle in female mdx mice. Moreover, it did not affect left ventricular function, structural heart dimensions, cardiac gene expression of inflammation, fibrosis, or remodeling markers. Conclusion: These results indicate that voluntary activity initiated at age 7 months had no detrimental effects on skeletal or cardiac muscles in either mdx mouse gender. Muscle Nerve 52: 788–794, 2015
Performance, carcass traits and costs of Suffolk lambs finishing systems with early weaning and controlled suckling

The performance, carcass traits and finishing costs of Suffolk lambs were evaluated in three systems: (1) lambs weaned with 22 kg of body weight (BW) and supplemented with concentrate on pasture until slaughter; (2) lambs weaned with 22 kg BW and fed in feedlot until slaughter; (3) lambs maintained in controlled nursing after 22 kg BW and creep fed in feedlot until slaughter . Average daily gain (ADG) was 224 g/d for lambs weaned and supplemented with concentrate on pasture, 386 g/d for lambs weaned in feedlot and 481 g/d for lambs under controlled nursing. Empty body weight and visceral fat deposition were highest in lambs from feedlot systems. Carcass weights and carcass yields were highest for lambs in controlled nursing. Finishing total costs were highest in controlled nursing and lowest in the system with weaning in feedlot. High concentrate diet associated with controlled nursing in feedlot allowed lambs to reach the growth potential and carcasses with higher weights, higher yields and higher fat content. After weaning, lambs in feedlot fed with high concentrate diet had higher weight gain than lambs supplemented with concentrate on pasture. Carcasses produced under these two systems presented the same characteristics. The system with weaning in feedlot showed the lowest cost per kg carcass.
En Route Use of Analgesics in Nonintubated, Critically Ill Patients Transported by U.S. Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams.

INTRODUCTION U.S. Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATTs) evacuate critically ill patients with acute pain in the combat setting. Limited data have been reported on analgesic administration en route, and no study has reported analgesic use by CCATTs. Our objective was to describe analgesics used by CCATTs for nonintubated, critically ill patients during evacuation from a combat setting. METHODS We conducted an institutional review board-approved, retrospective review of CCATT records. We included nonintubated, critically ill patients who were administered analgesics in flight and were evacuated out of theater (2007-2012). Demographics, injury description, analgesics and anesthetics, and predefined clinical adverse events were recorded. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation or percentage (%). RESULTS Of 1,128 records, we analyzed 381 subjects with the following characteristics: age 26 ± 7.0 years; 98% male; and 97% trauma (70% blast, 17% penetrating, 11% blunt, and 3% burn). The injury severity score was 19 ± 9. Fifty-one percent received morphine, 39% hydromorphone, 15% fentanyl, and 5% ketamine. Routes of delivery were 63% patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), 32% bolus intravenous (IV) administration, 24% epidural delivery, 21% continuous IV infusions, and 9% oral opioids. Patients that were administered local anesthetics (nerve block or epidural delivery) with IV opioids received a lower total dose of opioids than those who received opioids alone. No differences were associated between analgesics and frequency of complications in flight or postflight. CONCLUSION About half of nonintubated, critically ill subjects evacuated out of combat by CCATT received morphine and more than half had a PCA. In our study, ketamine was not frequently used and pain scores were rarely recorded. However, we detected an opioid-sparing effect associated with local anesthetics (regional nerve blocks and epidural delivery).
Corporate Finance and Economic Activity in the Euro Area: Structural Issues Report 2013

This report analyses and reviews the corporate finance structure of non-financial corporations (NFCs) in the euro area, including how they interact with the macroeconomic environment. Special emphasis is placed on the crisis that began in 2007-08, thus underlining the relevance of financing and credit conditions to investment and economic activity in turbulent times. When approaching such a broad topic, a number of key questions arise. How did the corporate sector’s capital structure, internal and external financing sources, and its tendency to leverage, evolve in the euro area over the last decade and in the run-up to the financial crisis in particular? Did these developments contribute to and/or exacerbate the financial crisis? Did the corporate sector’s response to various shocks and vulnerabilities support or encumber the euro area economy, both during the financial crisis and in its aftermath?
Adoption of Eco-Efficiency in Strategic and Operational Management of Industrial Small and Medium Size Enterprises

Ilpo Penttinen Adoption of Eco-Efficiency in Strategic and Operational Management of Industrial Small and Medium Size Enterprises / Ilpo Penttinen. Turku: Turku University of Applied Sciences, 2010. 179 p., 15 app. p. (Research Reports from Turku University of Applied Sciences 33, ISSN 1457-7917). ISBN 978-952-216-163-5 ISSN 1796-9964 (electronic) ISBN 978-952-216-164-6 (PDF) Doctoral Thesis: Tampere University of Technology, Faculty of Science and Environmental Engineering, 2010 Climate change, smelting glaciers, lack of fresh water, polluted soil and energy consumption are major issues of our time. These phenomena are often considered to be related to industrial activities and their ecological consequences. Sustainable development has become a widely quoted policy in this context as it combines social, economic and environmental/ecological development. Economic and ecological efficiency, eco-efficiency, has a key role in sustainable development. Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) play an increasingly important role in economic growth, employment and local development. Several methods for adopting eco-efficiency, as well as various models for evaluating eco-efficiency in enterprises, have been developed. Common frameworks to differentiate these methods and thus promote the use of them in SMEs have so far been modest. The aim of this dissertation is to increase knowledge on the applicability and adoption of eco-efficiency into strategic and operational management of industrial SMEs. The focus is on the role of eco-efficiency in strategic and operational management, adoption of managerial methods, and use of methods for adopting eco-efficiency, use of methods for evaluating eco-efficiency and on the role of material flow management as a link to eco-efficiency in industrial SMEs. The research methodology chosen is action research, and the research methods are case studies and a survey. The main outcomes of the research are summarised as follows: • a recommendation for common frameworks to help in adopting sustainability and eco-efficiency in strategic and operational management • a recommendation for common frameworks to recognize a suitable method for adopting as well as for evaluating eco-efficiency. The frameworks will help enterprises to manage the adoption of eco-efficiency and to demonstrate and communicate eco-efficient improvements both internally and externally • descriptions and recommendations for some common methods for adopting eco-efficiency • descriptions and recommendations for some common methods for evaluating eco-efficiency • use of material flow management as a link to eco-efficiency in SMEs This study gives new empirical knowledge on the adoption of eco-efficiency and the factors behind the adoption decisions.
Sampling correction in linkage analysis

In a linkage analysis that requires the estimation of parameters other than the recombination fraction, we can construct a pedigree likelihood that leads to consistent parameter estimators if the sampling procedures are known. In particular, it is necessary to identify the subset of pedigree members “relevant to sampling” (RS), where by sampling we mean both pedigree ascertainment through a proband combination and the selective inclusion of the sampled pedigrees in the data that are analyzed. If both these procedures are independent of the marker phenotypes and the model of trait inheritance is known, then no sampling or ascertainment correction is needed to obtain a consistent estimator of the recombination fraction. Otherwise, the correction can be of two types: sampling‐model‐based, in which the ascertainment and inclusion procedures are modeled and used in the likelihood expression, or sampling‐model‐free, in which the data RS are “conditioned out” without any modeling of the sampling procedures. In either case, the pedigree proband sampling frame must be identified. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Background: The most important prognostic factor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is the presence or absence of clinically involved neck nodes. The presence of metastases in a lymph node is said to reduce the 5-years survival rate by about 50%. The appropriate diagnosis of the presence of metastatic node is very important for the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The aim of this work is to study the status of cervical lymph nodes in known cases of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck and their relation to the primary site. Methods: This study was carried out on 100 consecutive patients with a histologically proven non-cutaneous Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Every patient was subjected to clinical examination for cervical lymph nodes, CT scan on the neck with intravenous contrast and gray scale ultrasound scanning on the neck. Results: Clinical palpation for cervical lymph nodes had a sensitivity of 71.43%, specificity 75.86% and accuracy 72.7%. CT scan was better than clinical palpation. The sensitivity for CT was 82.9%, while the specificity was 89.66% and the accuracy was 84.85%. Ultrasound scanning was found to be the best modality in assessment of metastases in cervical lymph nodes. The sensitivity was 97.1%, the specificity was 93% and the accuracy was 95.96%. The positive predictive value for Ultrasound scanning was 97.1% and the negative predictive value was 93%. Conclusion: CT and ultrasound scanning increase the accuracy of lymph node detection. Although CT is better than clinical palpation, it is also considered inferior to ultrasound scanning in this aspect. Besides, ultrasound scanning is cheaper and with no hazards of radiation exposure.
A New Technique Using Low Volumes: A New Technique to Assess the Molluscicidal Activity Using Low Volumes

Schistosomiasis is a disease endemic in several states of Brazil. The population control of the transmitter mollusks is done with Bayluscide WP 70®, in the control programs. OMS preconize molluscicidal assays using Becker with 500 mL of final volume, restringing the number of natural products and synthetic drugs to be tested in function of high quantity of material necessary. A new technique to assess the toxic effects for Biomphalaria sp. is the purpose of this work, for developing adaptation for this aquatic organism, using a low volume of test solution in 24-well plates. We used Biomphalaria glabrata (10–12 mm size) in a static system, consisting of the following components: Becker containing 10 snails or 24-well plates where snails were individualized for a volume of 2 mL per well for 24 and 48 hours. For the assays, we added aqueous solutions of Bayluscide WP 70, at a concentration of 1–5 mg/L, distilled water, and 1% dimethyl sulfoxide. Data were evaluated using Kappa's coefficient, Z factor validation, and comparison study. This technique to assess the toxic effect has proven to be a useful tool to detect lethal and sublethal effects, which could be used as a new evaluation protocol.
Applications of urban tree canopy assessment and prioritization tools: supporting collaborative decision making to achieve urban sustainability goals

Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Prioritizations can be both a set of geographic analysis tools and a planning process for collaborative decision-making. In this paper, we describe how UTC Prioritizations can be used as a planning process to provide decision support to multiple government agencies, civic groups and private businesses to aid in reaching a canopy target. Linkages to broader City-scale sustainability plans are explored. This article represents an extension and update to the UTC Canopy Goal Setting Guide by Raciti et al (2006). We conclude with recommendations for a market-like analysis of neighborhoods to better match planting initiatives to particular neighborhoods’ motivations, capacities and interests in order to improve the adoption of improved urban forestry practices.
The Survival of Start-Ups: Do Their Funding Choices and Bank Relationships at Birth Matter?

In this paper we seek evidence for the theory that start-ups' founding choices imprint them, affecting their chances of survival for a long period of time. Based on a unique dataset of Portuguese start-ups, we find that larger start-ups and start-ups with less leverage are more likely to survive for longer periods of time. The same is true of start-ups that opt for maintaining a unique bank-lending relationship and those that have a bank among their shareholders. Lending relationships with state-owned banks do not affect these firms' chances of survival. Our investigation into the effects of start-ups' founding choices of these variables shows that their founding size and leverage as well as the mix of funding sources that they choose at birth affect their chances of survival for several years. Importantly, the future effects of some of these choices do not decay as firms age, providing, therefore, support to the theory that start-ups' founding choices imprint them.
Matrix metalloproteinase 8 degrades apolipoprotein A‐I and reduces its cholesterol efflux capacity

Various cell types in atherosclerotic lesions express matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8. We investigated whether MMP‐8 affects the structure and antiatherogenic function of apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I, the main protein component of HDL particles. Furthermore, we studied serum lipid profiles and cholesterol efflux capacity in MMP‐8‐deficient mouse model. Incubation of apoA‐I (28 kDa) with activated MMP‐8 yielded 22 kDa and 25 kDa apoA‐I fragments. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed that apoA‐I was cleaved at its carboxyl‐terminal part. Treatment of apoA‐I and HDL with MMP‐8 resulted in significant reduction (up to 84%, P < 0.001) in their ability to facilitate cholesterol efflux from cholesterol‐loaded THP‐1 macrophages. The cleavage of apoA‐I by MMP‐8 and the reduction in its cholesterol efflux capacity was inhibited by doxycycline. MMP‐8‐deficient mice had significantly lower serum triglyceride (TG) levels (P = 0.003) and larger HDL particles compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. However, no differences were observed in the apoA‐I levels or serum cholesterol efflux capacities between the mouse groups. Proteolytic modification of apoA‐I by MMP‐8 may impair the first steps of reverse cholesterol transport, leading to increased accumulation of cholesterol in the vessel walls. Eventually, inhibition of MMPs by doxycycline may reduce the risk for atherosclerotic vascular diseases. —Salminen, A. , Äström, P., Metso, J., Soliymani, R. , Salo, T. , Jauhiainen, M. , Pussinen, P. J. Sorsa, T. , Matrix metalloproteinase 8 degrades apolipoprotein A‐I and reduces its cholesterol efflux capacity. FASEB J. 29, 1435‐1445 (2015). www.fasebj. org
A dominant-negative mutant of mSOS1 inhibits insulin-induced Ras activation and reveals Ras-dependent and -independent insulin signaling pathways

The role of the Grb2-SOS complex in insulin signal transduction was investigated with a deletion mutant of mSOS1 that lacks the guanine nucleotide exchange domain of the wild-type protein. Cells over-expressing either wild-type (CHO-IR/SOS cells) or mutant (CHO-IR/delta SOS cells) mSOS1 were established by transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells that express human insulin receptors (CHO-IR cells) with the appropriate expression plasmid. The mutant mSOS1 protein did not contain the guanine nucleotide exchange activity in vitro and associated with Grb2 both in vivo and in vitro. In both CHO-IR and CHO-IR/SOS cells, insulin rapidly stimulated the formation of GTP-bound Ras and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase; both these effects of insulin were markedly inhibited in CHO-IR/delta SOS cells. Insulin-induced glycogen synthase and 70-kDa S6 kinase activities were not affected by expression of either wild-type or mutant mSOS1. These results show that the mutant mSOS1 acts in a dominant-negative manner and suggest that the Grb2-SOS complex mediates, at least in part, insulin-induced activation of Ras in intact cells. The data also indicate that Ras activation is not required for insulin-induced stimulation of glycogen synthase and 70-kDa S6 kinase.
Intracellular and intercellular compartmentation of carbohydrate metabolism in leaves of temperate gramineae

This review considers the importance of compartmentation in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in leaves. We draw particular attention to the role of the vacuole as a site for storage of soluble sugars based on sucrose, and discuss briefly their characteristic metabolism. We also point out inconsistencies between the observed properties of vacuoles and the behaviour in vitro of the enzymes of fructan biosynthesis that do not support the hypothesis that the vacuole is the site of synthesis as well as of storage. We also consider compartmentation of carbohydrate metabolism between different cell types, using mainly our studies on leaves of temperate C3 gramineae. Here we present evidence of significant differences in carbon metabolism between epidermis, mesophyll, bundle sheath and vasculature based upon both single-cell sampling and immunolocalisation. The implications of these differences for the control of metabolism in leaves are discussed.