Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mortality from site-specific malignancies in type 2 diabetic patients from Verona.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present work was to compare mortality from site-specific malignancies in type 2 diabetic patients with those in the general population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Mortality from site-specific cancers was assessed in a population-based cohort of 7,148 type 2 diabetic patients from Verona (Northern Italy) during a 10-year follow-up (1987-1996) by reviewing death certificates. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) data were computed using as reference mortality rates in the general population of Verona. RESULTS During follow-up, 641 patients (378 men and 263 women) died of malignancies. The most common causes of death among site-specific malignancies were digestive tumors both in men (140 of 378, 37.0%) and women (105 of 263, 39.9%), respiratory tumors in men (103 of 378, 27.2%), and tumors of the reproductive system in women (79 of 263, 30.0%). A slight increase in the overall mortality from malignancies was observed in diabetic patients and achieved statistical significance in women (observed/expected = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.30; P = 0.019) but not in men (observed/expected = 1.07, 0.97-1.19; P = 0.163). Excess mortality from hepatic cancer (SMR = 1.86, 1.44-2.38) was observed in both men and women. In addition, women with diabetes experienced a higher mortality from pancreatic tumors (observed/expected = 1.78, 1.13-2.67) and breast tumors (observed/expected = 1.40, 1.06-1.81). Excess mortality from breast cancer was confined to obese women with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Mortality from site-specific malignancies is different in type 2 diabetic patients than in the general population. Better control of body weight seems necessary to prevent the excess mortality from breast cancer in women.
Changes of the intestinal endocrine cells in the C57BL/6 mouse after implantation of murine lung carcinoma (3LL): an immunohistochemical quantitative study.

AIM To study the distributions and frequencies of intestinal endocrine cells in the C57BL/6 mouse with immunohistochemical method using seven types of specific antisera against chromogranin A (CGA), serotonin, somatostatin, glucagons, gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 and human pancreatic polypeptide (hPP) after abdominal subcutaneous implantation of murine lung carcinoma (3LL). METHODS The experimental animals were divided into two groups, one is non-implanted Sham and the other is 3LL-implanted group. Samples were collected from six regions of intestinal tract at 28(th) d after implantation of 3LL cells (1X10(5) cell/mouse). RESULTS In this study, five types of immunoreactive (IR) cells were identified except for gastrin and hPP. The regional distributions of the intestinal endocrine cells in the 3LL-implanted group were similar to those of the non-implanted Sham. However, significant decreases of IR cells were detected in 3LL-implanted group compared to those of non-implanted Sham. CGA- and serotonin-IR cells significantly decreased in 3LL-implanted groups compared to that of non-implanted Sham. Somatostatin-IR cells in the jejunum and ileum and CCK-8-IR cells in the jejunum of 3LL-implanted groups significantly decreased compared to that of non-implanted Sham. In addition, glucagon-IR cells were restricted to the ileum and colon of non-implanted Sham. CONCLUSION Implantation of tumor cell mass (3LL) induced severe quantifiable changes of intestinal endocrine cell density and the abnormality in density of intestinal endocrine cells may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia and indigestion, frequently encountered in patients with cancer.
Comparison of a traditional questionnaire with an icon/calendar-based questionnaire to assess occupational history.

BACKGROUND Self-reported work histories are an essential tool for estimating exposure in many occupational epidemiologic studies. However, the transience of some occupations such as farm work can hamper recall, resulting in inaccurate reporting. To address this problem, we have developed an icon/calendar-based questionnaire. This study compares work histories collected via this questionnaire to those collected via a traditional questionnaire. METHODS Eighty-nine farmworkers and non-farmworkers were interviewed twice, 8-10 months apart, about their lifetime employment. In the first interview, subjects were asked to recount their entire work history, starting from the interview date and moving backwards in time ("traditional questionnaire"). In the second interview, subjects were first asked about important life events, which were recorded with icons on a calendar. They were then asked to recount their work history, which was recorded, job-by-job, on the calendar with icons ("icon-calendar questionnaire"). RESULTS Number of jobs and amount of work time accounted for since first employment were significantly greater using the icon-calendar questionnaire than the traditional questionnaire, the disparity increasing with time from the date of interview. The ratio of number of jobs in the traditional questionnaire to number of jobs in the icon-calendar questionnaire decreased from 100.0% in the most recent time period to 0.0% in the earliest time period. While the percentage of time explained by employment remained relatively constant across time periods in the icon-calendar questionnaire, ranging from 86.3 to 98.9%, it rapidly decreased with time in the traditional questionnaire, from 77.9% in the most recent time period to 0.0% in the earliest time period. CONCLUSIONS The icon-calendar questionnaire was more effective than the traditional questionnaire for obtaining complex work histories during interviews, producing a more complete picture of a person's work history.
Plant Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase: Structure, Biosynthesis, Regulation, and Gene Manipulation for Plant Breeding

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) catalyzes the first committed step of fatty acid synthesis, the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA. Two physically distinct types of enzymes are found in nature. Heteromeric ACCase composed of four subunits is usually found in prokaryotes, and homomeric ACCase composed of a single large polypeptide is found in eukaryotes. Most plants have both forms, the heteromeric form in plastids, in which de novo fatty acids are synthesized, and the homomeric form in cytosol. This review focuses on the structure and regulation of plant heteromeric ACCase and its manipulation for plant breeding.
Successful thalidomide therapy for actinic prurigo in a European woman

Actinic prurigo is a rare, often difficult‐to‐treat, idiopathic photodermatosis. Actinic prurigo is divided into a hereditary form appearing in the Native American population and a sporadic form occurring in non‐Native Americans. We present a 28‐year‐old Caucasian woman who developed typical clinical signs and symptoms of actinic prurigo, just as had her mother and grandmother. The patient and her mother were HLA‐A24 and HLA‐DR 4 with the subtype HLA‐DRB1*0408. Based on clinical symptoms and the HLA pattern, the diagnosis of actinic prurigo was made. Treatment with thalidomide led to resolution of the disease. This case report of a Caucasian woman suffering from a hereditary form of actinic prurigo questions the established classification of actinic prurigo into a hereditary Native American form and a sporadic form occurring in the non‐Native American population.
Endogenous losses and true digestibility of phosphorus in rice bran with or without phytase determined with piglets

The aim of this study was to determine endogenous losses and true total digestibility of phosphorus (P) in piglets fed with diets containing rice bran (RB), and supplemented or not with phytase. The experiment was divided into three periods of 12 days each, seven for adaptation and five for total feces collection, with an interval of three days between periods. Twelve barrows with average body weights of 13.40±1.00kg at 46 days of age were distributed among six treatments consisting of diets formulated with three levels of RB (5%, 10%, and 20%) with or without the addition of 750FTUkg-1 of phytase. The amount of total daily feed was divided into four daily meals and water was available ad libitum. The method of total feces collection was used with ferric oxide as the fecal marker. The total consumption of P of RB origin was 0.37, 0.85 and 1.73gd-1 for concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20% of RB, respectively. Both RB and phytase levels had an effect on the apparent digestibility of P in RB. Results of the regression analysis of ingested P originating from the RB and absorbed P indicated endogenous losses of 527mg of Pkg-1 of dry matter intake, independent of phytase. Additionally, the true digestibility of P in RB was 47%, and it was not influenced by the inclusion of phytase. We concluded that the addition of 750FTU of phytase does not affect endogenous losses or the true digestibility of P in RB.
Visual search and preferences concerning different types of guidance displays

This research evaluates the influence of different designs of in car guidance information on visual explorations and subjective preferences, taking into account the drivers characteristics. The results showed that each guidance information representation factors- the number of exit roads, the presence or absence of a landmark and the types of intersections- has a significant influence on the mean maximum duration of glances. Moreover, below a raised threshold of complexity, the number of glances remains stable and independent of the quantity of information presented, whereas passing this threshold demands extra glances from the driver. Lastly, the majority of drivers prefers the complex guidance designs, enabling them to form an unambiguous mental representation. Some effects of the age and gender factors are found. The overall results are interpreted in the framework of the perceptual processes and visuo-spatial working memory models. In conclusion, psycho-ergonomics recommendations are proposed.
Ruptured omphalocele with extracorporeal intestines mimicking gastroschisis in a fetus with Turner syndrome

*Correspondence to: Chih-Ping Chen MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92, Section 2, Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei, Taiwan. E-mail: cpc mmh@yahoo.com an abdominal wall defect in the fetus. Maternal serum screening at 17 gestational weeks revealed an elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein level of 2.479 multiples of the median (MoM). Obstetric ultrasound at 19 gestational weeks showed the abdominal wall defect with free bowel loops in the amniotic cavity consistent with gastroschisis or a ruptured omphalocele
Mechanisms underlying induced autoresuscitation failure in BALB/c and SWR mice.

Mechanisms underlying failure of autoresuscitation from hypoxic apnea were investigated. Failure was induced by repeated exposure to hypoxia. The influence of maturation was studied in adults, weanlings, and 10- and 5-day-old mice. Mice successful at autoresuscitation (BALB/c) as well as those prone to autoresuscitation failure (SWR weanlings) were studied. Hypoxic apnea was induced with 97% N2-3% CO2, and 21% O2 was given at its onset; electrocardiogram and ventilation were recorded. Hypoxic exposure was repeated if autoresuscitation (recovery of eupnea) occurred. Autoresuscitation failure (death) was induced in all mice. Young BALB/c mice tolerated more trials than older mice. SWR weanlings frequently failed to autoresuscitate on the initial exposure and tolerated fewer repeat trials overall than age-matched BALB/c mice. Induced autoresuscitation failure in all mice appeared to be unrelated to gasping regulation, because both gasp number and amplitude were similar during the failed trial and the previous successful trial. In most mice, failure was associated with absent recovery of heart rate during gasping. In BALB/c mice in particular, this persistent bradycardia was usually due to heart block, which occurred in 95% of failed trials. In addition, heart block occurred with increasing frequency on later successful trials, but conversion to sinus rhythm always preceded successful autoresuscitation. Heart block was also frequent in SWR mice and had similar consequences. BALB/c mice exposed to continuous anoxia survived longer than SWR mice, indicating increased endurance of components of the autoresuscitation mechanism not directly related to the ventilatory function of gasping (e.g., cardiovascular components). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
elf-titration of biphasic insulin aspart 30 / 70 improves lycaemic control and allows easy intensification in a Dutch linical practice

Aims: This 18-month study assessed the improvement in glycaemic control and proportion of patients reaching glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) targets with biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in clinical practice. Methods: Type-2 diabetes patients failing on oral antidiabetic drugs (n = 90) or existing insulin regimens (n = 59) started or switched to BIAsp 30. Thiazolidinediones were stopped, metformin was continued. BIAsp 30 was given once daily (n = 41), twice daily (n = 96), or three times daily (n = 12). Patients were taught self-monitoring and self-titration using an algorithm, adding daily doses of BIAsp 30 when necessary. Results: Mean baseline HbA1c was 8.4%, weight 85.4 kg, and age 57.9 years. All patients experienced significant reductions in HbA1c (mean 1.9% ± 0.1), fasting plasma glucose (mean 2.8 mmol/l), and post-prandial glycaemia (mean 2.9 mmol/l); 91% of patients achieved HbA1c < 7% and 52% achieved HbA1c ≤ 6.5%. No major or nocturnal hypoglycaemia were reported; 15% of patients reported minor hypoglycaemia. Insulin-naïve patients gained mean 2.7 kg; patients who switched from another insulin lost weight (mean −0.6 kg). Conclusion: The results from this study from routine care suggest that BIAsp 30 may allow a large proportion of type-2 diabetes patients (90%) to improve glycaemic control and reach target HbA1c < 7%, using self-titration. ry Ca (to control mealtime glucose excursions) and intermediate© 2009 Prima
A Rapid Screening Method to Detect Specific Inhibitors of Pyruvate Orthophosphate Dikinase as Leads for C₄ Plant-Selective Herbicides

Plants using the C4 photosynthetic pathway are highly represented among the world’s worst weeds, with only 4 C4 species being agriculturally productive (maize, sorghum, millet, and sugar cane). With the C4 acid cycle operating as a biochemical appendage of C3 photosynthesis, the additional enzymes involved in C4 photosynthesis represent an attractive target for the development of weed-specific herbicides. The rate-limiting enzyme of this metabolic pathway is pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK). PPDK, coupled with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-malate dehydrogenase, was used to develop a microplate-based assay to detect inhibitors of enzymes of the C4 acid cycle. The resulting assay had a Z′ factor of 0.61, making it a high-quality assay able to reliably identify active test samples. Organic extracts of 6679 marine macroscopic organisms were tested within the assay, and 343 were identified that inhibited the 3 enzyme-coupled reaction. A high confirmation rate was achieved, with 95% of these hit extracts proving active again upon retesting. Sequential addition of phosphoenolpyruvate and oxaloacetate to the assay facilitated identification of 83 extracts that specifically inhibited PPDK. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2005:67-75)
Cross-functional Teams and Informal Social Networks: A Case Study of Project Development and Performance in a Multidisciplinary Science and Technology National Laboratory

The present study focuses on a single cross-functional project team in a multidisciplinary science and technology national laboratory in the United States, with particular emphasis on the contribution of teammember networks to project success. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of the subject team and with project stakeholders to identify how this factor, namely network-embeddedness, along with other organizational and individual variables, had an impact on team productivity and success. The study’s findings indicate that, while there is growing emphasis on the use of cross-functional teams in this laboratory as elsewhere, customary institutional support mechanisms fail to sustain teamwork when they are not specifically aimed at the utilization of networks to generate knowledge and other resources. Management support for team networking, on the basis of conscious awareness of the importance of networks, determines the extent to which network engagement may influence group performance.
Fear of falling and associated activity curtailment among middle aged and older adults with multiple sclerosis

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with increased likelihood of reporting fear of falling (FoF) among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and factors associated with activity curtailment among the subset of individuals reporting FoF. Cross-sectional data from telephone interviews with 1064 individuals with MS, aged 45—90 years living in the Midwestern United States were used. Logistic regression models examined factors associated with FoF and with activity curtailment among individuals reporting FoF. Of the participants, 63.5% reported FoF. Increased likelihood of reporting FoF was associated with being female, experiencing greater MS symptom interference during everyday activities, history of a fall in the past 6 months, and using a walking aid. Among participants reporting FoF, 82.6% reported curtailing activity. Increased likelihood of activity curtailment among people reporting FoF was associated with using a walking aid, needing moderate or maximum assistance with instrumental activities of daily living, and having less than excellent self-reported mental health. We concluded that FoF and associated activity curtailment are common among people aged 45—90 with MS. While FoF and associated activity curtailment may be appropriate responses to fall risk, the findings suggest that factors beyond realistic appraisal of fall risk may be operating. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1168—1175. http://msj.sagepub. com
The Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire: Development and Preliminary Validation of a Community Version

This paper describes 2 studies that evaluated a new instrument, the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire–Community Version (PEDQ-CV). The PEDQ-CV can be used across ethnic groups to assess perceived racism or ethnic discrimination. The scales measure several subdimensions of racism, permitting the examination of different forms of this race-related stressor. The first study evaluated the psychometric properties of the PEDQ-CV in a large sample of community-dwelling adults. The second evaluated psychometric properties of a brief version of the PEDQ-CV, developed for research protocols requiring a shorter administration time. Tests were made of reliability and several forms of construct validity. Both versions of the PEDQ-CV have good reliability and construct validity. The PEDQ-CV can facilitate the development of an integrative body of knowledge across different ethnic groups regarding the existence, determinants, and consequences of discrimination.
Immunohistochemical study of c‐erbB‐2 expression in carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma

A series of 19 cases of carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma was studied for the immuno‐expression of c‐erbB‐2 oncoprotein. Twelve tumours showed a malignant component with only one histological type; in the remaining seven there was co‐existence of areas of various carcinoma types, adenocarcinoma NOS being the most frequent. Membranous c‐erbB‐2 reactivity was found in 21.1% of the cases, all corresponding to high‐grade adenocarcinomatous areas. The low‐grade carcinoma types that formed the malignant mixed tumours components were negative. Benign pleomorphic adenoma areas, either adjacent or intermingled with carcinomatous areas, were also consistently negative, proving that c‐erbB‐2 accumulation is associated with the acquisition of the malignant phenotype. The finding of a preferential association between c‐erbB‐2 overexpression and high‐grade malignant mixed tumour may indicate prognostic implications for the oncogene protein and may also be indicative of its specific relationship with the putative pathway of malignant transformation in pleomorphic adenomas.
Examining Physiological Responses Across Different Driving Maneuvers During an On-road Driving Task: A Pilot Study Comparing Older and Younger Drivers

Objective: This pilot study aimed to investigate physiological responses during an on-road driving task for older and younger drivers. Methods: Five older drivers (mean age = 74.60 years [2.97]) and 5 younger drivers (mean age = 30.00 years [3.08]) completed a series of cognitive assessments (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA], Mini Mental Status Examination [MMSE]; Trail Making Test [Trails A and Trails B]) and an on-road driving task along a predetermined, standardized urban route in their own vehicle. Driving performance was observed and scored by a single trained observer using a standardized procedure, where driving behaviors (appropriate and inappropriate) were scored for intersection negotiation, lane changing, and merging. During the on-road driving task, participants’ heart rate (HR) was monitored with an unobtrusive physiological monitor. Results: Younger drivers performed significantly better on all cognitive assessments compared to older drivers (MoCA: t(8) = 3.882, P <. 01; MMSE: t(8) = 2.954, P <. 05; Trails A: t(8) = −2.499, P <. 05; Trails B: t(8) = −3.262, P <. 05). Analyses of participants’ performance during the on-road driving task revealed a high level of appropriate overall driving behavior (M = 87%, SD = 7.62, range = 73–95%), including intersection negotiation (M = 89%, SD = 8.37%), lane changing (M = 100%), and merging (M = 53%, SD = 28.28%). The overall proportion of appropriate driving behavior did not significantly differ across age groups (younger drivers: M = 87.6%, SD = 9.04; older drivers: M = 87.0%, SD = 6.96; t(8) = 0.118, P =. 91). Conclusions: Although older drivers scored lower than younger drivers on the cognitive assessments, there was no indication of cognitive overload among older drivers based on HR response to the on-road driving task. The results provide preliminary evidence that mild age-related cognitive impairment may not pose a motor vehicle crash hazard for the wider older driver population. To maintain safe mobility of the aging population, further research into the specific crash risk factors in the older driver population is warranted.
Do Firms Undertake Self-Tender Offers to Optimize Capital Structure?

This study investigates capital structure around 286 self-tender offers from 1980 to 1997. Firms that undertake self-tender offers generally have debt ratios below their predicted levels before the offers. The debt ratios following nondefensive self-tender offers are close to predicted levels, while the ratios following defensive self-tender offers are above predicted levels. Further, 20% and 43% of the debt ratings are downgraded following nondefensive and defensive self-tender offers, respectively. Finally, the increases in debt ratios around the offers are negatively related to the difference from the predicted debt ratio before the offers.
A Dose‐Escalation Study of the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Gatifloxacin in Healthy Adult Men

Study Objectives. To examine single‐ and multiple‐dose safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of gatifloxacin administered as daily 1‐hour intravenous infusions for 14 days, and to determine the effect of gatifloxacin on glucose tolerance, pancreatic β‐cell function, and electrocardiogram (ECG).