Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum cystatin C as a marker of glomerular filtration rate

Purpose of reviewGlomerular filtration rate is widely accepted as the best overall measure of kidney function. Currently available methods to estimate glomerular filtration rate have strengths and limitations. Cystatin C is a novel endogenous filtration marker being considered as a potential replacement for serum creatinine. This review summarizes the currently available glomerular filtration rate estimating equations based on cystatin C and the literature comparing cystatin C and creatinine as filtration markers. Recent findingsIn most cystatin C estimating equations, inclusion of age and sex did not substantially improve their performance. Equations yield different glomerular filtration rate estimates for the same level of cystatin C. Variation among equations may be due to differences among the assays or populations in the individual studies. Studies comparing cystatin C with creatinine or creatinine-based estimating equations show heterogeneous results, with some showing improved performance and others showing equivalent performance even in similar populations. These heterogeneous results may be due to inappropriate comparisons between equations developed in one population with those developed in another, or to the differences between assays or population characteristics. SummaryCystatin C shows promise as an alternative to serum creatinine but several important questions remain before it can be recommended for use in clinical practice.
Factors for Entry Timing Choices Using Principal Axis Factorial Analysis and Logistic Regression Model

International market expansion involves a strategic process of market entry decision through which a firm expands its operation from domestic to the international domain. Hence, entry timing choices require the needs to balance the early entry risks and the problems in losing opportunities as a result of late entry into a new market. Questionnaire surveys administered to 115 Malaysian construction firms operating in 51 countries worldwide have resulted in 39.1 percent response rate. Factor analysis was used to determine the most significant factors affecting entry timing choices of the firms to penetrate the international market. A logistic regression analysis used to examine the firms' entry timing choices, indicates that the model has correctly classified 89.5 per cent of cases as late movers. The findings reveal that the most significant factor influencing the construction firms' choices as late movers was the firm factor related to the firm's international experience, resources, competencies and financing capacity. The study also offers valuable information to construction firms with intention to internationalize their businesses. Keywords—Factors, early movers, entry timing choices, late movers, Logistic Regression Model, Principal Axis Factorial Analysis, Malaysian construction firms. I. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Genetic and Environmental Factors Associated With the Ganglion Cell Complex in a Healthy Aging British Cohort

Importance Measurement of ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness may be more sensitive than current methods for glaucoma diagnosis and research. However, little is known about the factors influencing GCC thickness in the general population. Objectives To investigate the heritability of and factors associated with GCC thickness in a healthy aging population. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional twin study was conducted from August 27, 2014, to March 31, 2016, among 1657 participants of white British ancestry from the TwinsUK study cohort without ocular pathologic conditions. Heritability analyses were conducted in 1432 twins (426 monozygous and 290 dizygous pairs). Association analyses were performed using univariable and multivariable stepwise linear regression models, taking family structure into account. Heritability analyses were conducted using maximum likelihood structural equation twin modeling. Main Outcomes and Measures Parameters measured included GCC thickness, autorefraction, intraocular pressure, blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol, creatinine, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and urea levels. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Results Among the 1657 participants (mean [SD] age, 56.0 [15.3] years; 89.5% women and 10.5% men), the mean [SD] inner GCC thickness was 96.0 [7.6] &mgr;m (95% CI, 95.1-96.2). In multivariable modeling, the mean inner GCC thickness was associated with advancing age (&bgr;, –0.14; P < .001), increased body mass index (&bgr;, –0.15; P = .001), spherical equivalent (&bgr;, 0.70; P < .001), and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (&bgr;, 0.03; P = .02). A 1-U increase in age or body mass index was associated with a 0.14-µm and 0.15-µm decrease in GCC thickness, respectively (P < .001), while a 1-U increase in spherical equivalent or estimated glomerular filtration rate was associated with a 0.70-µm (P < .001) and 0.03-µm (P = .02) increase in GCC thickness, respectively. Ganglion cell complex thickness was not associated with sex, intraocular pressure, or diabetes. Age-adjusted GCC thickness was highly heritable, with additive genetic effects explaining 81% (95% CI, 78%-84%) of phenotypic variance and individual environmental factors explaining the remaining 19% (95% CI, 16%-22%). Conclusions and Relevance Ganglion cell complex thickness appears to be highly heritable and further genetic analysis may help identify new biological pathways for glaucoma. The results suggest it may be important to account for age, body mass index, refractive error, and sex when using GCC thickness as a diagnostic tool. Replication of their results is required, as is further research to explain the association between renal function and GCC thickness.
Prevalent Polymorphisms in Wild-Type HIV-1 Integrase Are Unlikely To Engender Drug Resistance to Dolutegravir (S/GSK1349572)

ABSTRACT The majority of HIV-1 integrase amino acid sites are highly conserved, suggesting that most are necessary to carry out the critical structural and functional roles of integrase. We analyzed the 34 most variable sites in integrase (>10% variability) and showed that prevalent polymorphic amino acids at these positions did not affect susceptibility to the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir (S/GSK1349572), as demonstrated both in vitro (in site-directed mutagenesis studies) and in vivo (in a phase IIa study of dolutegravir monotherapy in HIV-infected individuals). Ongoing clinical trials will provide additional data on the virologic activity of dolutegravir across subject viruses with and without prevalent polymorphic substitutions.
Dextrans in microsurgery: A review

This articles reviews the use of dextrans in free tissue transfer. Current recommended regimes, indications, and complications are discussed. In conclusion, dextrans cannot be used as a substitute for good surgical technique, and should be utilized cautiously, especially in the elderly. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 23:78–80 2003
Inhibition of Leishmania donovani promastigote internalization into murine macrophages by chemically defined parasite glycoconjugate ligands

Leishmania donovani, the agent of human visceral leishmaniasis, is an intracellular parasite that must be recognized and internalized by host macrophages to complete its biological cycle. In a search for possible ligands for macrophage surface receptors, glycoconjugates were obtained from Leishmania promastigotes by aqueous, phenol-aqueous, and alkaline extraction. A fucose-mannose glycoproteic ligand, a lipopeptidephosphoglycan, and a phosphate mannogalactan ligand were purified from promastigotes and analyzed for their chemical contents, with special attention to their glycidic moieties. Sugars that were identified as components of these glycoconjugates were tested for their capacity to inhibit promastigote internalization by BALB/c peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Neutral hexoses showed little inhibitory activity; fucose, charged monosaccharides, and a mannose polymer showed the highest activity. Two of the glycoconjugates (fucose-mannose glycoproteic ligand and phosphate mannogalactan ligand) purified from promastigotes were potent inhibitors of internalization, 75% inhibition being obtained at concentrations of 6 to 10 micrograms/ml. The simultaneous presence of both ligands in low concentrations yielded an increase in inhibitory activity above that found for each ligand alone, indicating that promastigotes may use at least two receptor sites for penetration into macrophages. These ligands are specific inhibitors of L. donovani promastigote phagocytosis, since 10 micrograms of each ligand per ml interfered neither with internalization of yeast cells nor with phagocytosis of Leishmania adleri promastigotes.
The use of mastoid vibration with canalith repositioning procedure to treat persistent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A case report

ABSTRACT The Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) was originally described as a non-invasive treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by Epley. Since its inception, the maneuver has undergone several modifications; and currently is performed in the absence of induced mastoid vibration (oscillation). Clinically, mastoid vibration may be used to assist in treatment of persistent cases of BPPV, where a simple CRP may fail to improve symptoms. This case describes a patient with a three-month history of BPPV (right posterior canalithiasis), who was previously treated unsuccessfully with standard CRP. Mastoid vibration was introduced as part of the treatment due to persistent BPPV. After one treatment utilizing CRP with mastoid vibration, the patient had complete resolution of symptoms, and remained symptom free at a six-month follow-up. It can be concluded that introducing mastoid oscillation via vibration to the CRP in persistent cases of semicircular canalithiasis BPPV may produce positive patient outcomes.
Ubiquitination Is Required for the Retro-translocation of a Short-lived Luminal Endoplasmic Reticulum Glycoprotein to the Cytosol for Degradation by the Proteasome*

In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an efficient “quality control system” operates to ensure that mutated and incorrectly folded proteins are selectively degraded. We are studying ER-associated degradation using a truncated variant of the rough ER-specific type I transmembrane glycoprotein, ribophorin I. The truncated polypeptide (RI332) consists of only the 332 amino-terminal amino acids of the protein corresponding to most of its luminal domain and, in contrast to the long-lived endogenous ribophorin I, is rapidly degraded. Here we show that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is involved in the destruction of the truncated ribophorin I. Thus, when RI332that itself appears to be a substrate for ubiquitination was expressed in a mutant hamster cell line harboring a temperature-sensitive mutation in the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 affecting ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, the protein is dramatically stabilized at the restrictive temperature. Moreover, inhibitors of proteasome function effectively block the degradation of RI332. Cell fractionation experiments indicate that RI332 accumulates in the cytosol when degradation is prevented by proteasome inhibitors but remains associated with the lumen of the ER under ubiquitination-deficient conditions, suggesting that the release of the protein into the cytosol is ubiquitination-dependent. Accordingly, when ubiquitination is impaired, a considerable amount of RI332 binds to the ER chaperone calnexin and to the Sec61 complex that could effect retro-translocation of the polypeptide to the cytosol. Before proteolysis of RI332, its N-linked oligosaccharide is cleaved in two distinct steps, the first of which might occur when the protein is still associated with the ER, as the trimmed glycoprotein intermediate efficiently interacts with calnexin and Sec61. From our data we conclude that the steps that lead a newly synthesized luminal ER glycoprotein to degradation by the proteasome are tightly coupled and that especially ubiquitination plays a crucial role in the retro-translocation of the substrate protein for proteolysis to the cytosol.
Autophagy and TrkC/NT-3 signaling joined forces boost the hypoxic glioblastoma cell survival

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor, is characterized by a high degree of hypoxia and resistance to therapy because of its adaptation capacities, including autophagy and growth factors signaling. In this study, we show an efficient hypoxia-induced survival autophagy in four different GBM cell lines (U87MG, M059K, M059J and LN-18) and an activation of a particular neurotrophin signaling pathway. Indeed, the enhancement of both TrkC and NT-3 was followed by downstream p38MAPK phosphorylation, suggesting the occurrence of a survival autocrine loop. Autophagy inhibition increased the hypoxia-induced expression of TrkC and its phosphorylated form as well as the phosphorylation of p38, suggesting a complementary effect of the two processes, leading to cell survival. Alone, autophagy inhibition reduced cellular growth without inducing cell death. However, the double inhibition of autophagy and TrkC signaling was necessary to bring cells to death as shown by PARP cleavage, particularly important in hypoxia. Moreover, a very high expression of TrkC and NT-3 was found in tumor sections from GBM patients, highlighting the importance of neurotrophic signaling in GBM tumor cell survival. These data suggest that a combined treatment targeting these two pathways could be considered in order to induce the death of GBM cells.
Epstein‐Barr virus expression within keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Three stages of maturation can be seen in keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinomas. These stages are similar morphologically to basal cells, intermediate and superficial squamous cells seen in normal squamous epithelium. Taking advantage of such a diverse tumour cell population, 10 keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were examined by in situ hybridization for the presence of latent Epstein‐Barr Virus (EBV) using EBV encoded RNAs (EBERs) and by immunohistology for the presence of EBV early antigen‐diffuse (EA‐D) and the 350/220 kd membrane glycoprotein of the EBV. The basal cell‐like tumour cells are mainly infected latently with the virus; viral replication was found in isolated intermediate squamous cells, whilst superficial squamous cells are largely depleted of all the viral markers. We used a control series of non‐keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinomas composed of undifferentiated and poorly differentiated tumour cells and EBV latency was present in these tumours. Viral replication was detected by RT‐PCR, in the undifferentiated tumours but viral replication was not seen by immunohistology. The possible relationship between EBV life cycle in these tumours and tumour cell differentiation is discussed in the light of these findings. J. Med. Virol. 55:227–233, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
NP Predicates Computable in the Weakest Level of the Grzegorczyck Hierarchy

Let (er)r∈N be the hierarchy of Grzegorczyk. Its weakest level, e0 is indeed quite weak, as it doesn't even contains functions such as max(x, y) or x + y. In this paper we show that SAT ∈ e0 by developing a technique which can be used to show the same result holds for other NP problems. Using this technique, we are able to show that also the Hamiltonian Cycle Problem is solvable in e0.
Tonically active neurons in the primate striatum and their role in the processing of information about motivationally relevant events

Analysis of recordings of single neuronal activity in the striatum of monkeys engaged in behavioural tasks has shown that tonically active neurons (TANs) can be distinguished by their distinct spontaneous firing and functional properties. As TANs are assumed to be cholinergic interneurons, the study of their physiological characteristics allows us to gain an insight into the role of a particular type of local‐circuit neuron in the processing of information at the striatal level. In monkeys performing various behavioural tasks, the change in the activity of TANs, unlike the diversity of task‐related activations exhibited by the phasically active population of striatal neurons, involves a transient depression of the tonic firing related to environmental events of motivational significance. Such events include primary rewards and stimuli that have acquired a reward value during associative learning. These neurons also respond to an aversive air puff, indicating that their responsiveness is not restricted to appetitive conditions. Another striking feature of the TANs is that their responses can be modulated by predictions about stimulus timing. Temporal variations in event occurrence have been found to favour the responses of TANs, whereas the responses are diminished or abolished in the presence of external cues that predict the time at which events will occur. These data suggest that the TANs respond as do detectors of motivationally relevant events, but they also demonstrate that these neurons are influenced by predictive information based on past experience with a given temporal context. TANs represent a unique subset of striatal neurons that might serve a modulatory function, monitoring for temporal relationships between environmental events.
The effects and consequences of very large explosive volcanic eruptions

Every now and again Earth experiences tremendous explosive volcanic eruptions, considerably bigger than the largest witnessed in historic times. Those yielding more than 450 km3 of magma have been called super-eruptions. The record of such eruptions is incomplete; the most recent known example occurred 26 000 years ago. It is more likely that the Earth will next experience a super-eruption than an impact from a large meteorite greater than 1 km in diameter. Depending on where the volcano is located, the effects will be felt globally or at least by a whole hemisphere. Large areas will be devastated by pyroclastic flow deposits, and the more widely dispersed ash falls will be laid down over continent-sized areas. The most widespread effects will be derived from volcanic gases, sulphur gases being particularly important. This gas is converted into sulphuric acid aerosols in the stratosphere and layers of aerosol can cover the global atmosphere within a few weeks to months. These remain for several years and affect atmospheric circulation causing surface temperature to fall in many regions. Effects include temporary reductions in light levels and severe and unseasonable weather (including cool summers and colder-than-normal winters). Some aspects of the understanding and prediction of super-eruptions are problematic because they are well outside modern experience. Our global society is now very different to that affected by past, modest-sized volcanic activity and is highly vulnerable to catastrophic damage of infrastructure by natural disasters. Major disruption of services that society depends upon can be expected for periods of months to, perhaps, years after the next very large explosive eruption and the cost to global financial markets will be high and sustained.
cARAcTeRÍSTicAS de LOS PROGRAmAS eficAceS PARA LA PReVenciÓn eScOLAR deL cOnSUmO de dROGAS.

En las ultimas dos decadas, muchos profesionales han manifestado la necesidad de hacer de la prevencion una disciplina cientifica, en la que se trabaje en base a la evidencia objetiva, sin dejar lugar a practicas intuitivas y/o basadas simplemente en la buena voluntad. Como resultado, hoy disponemos de una solida base empirica acerca de las estrategias escolares que obtienen resultados en el consumo y las que no, e incluso las que resultan contrapreventivas. Sin embargo, al revisar las investigaciones desarrolladas en esta area, se constata una amplia variabilidad en los tamanos de los efectos de las intervenciones, lo que nos indica la necesidad de comprobar que caracteristicas de los programas preventivos son las responsables de esta variabilidad. El objetivo del estudio es describir las caracteristicas de las intervenciones mas efectivas, desarrolladas en el ambito escolar. Para ello se sintetizan los resultados de cuatro revisiones de revisiones que han compendiado de forma sistematizada la evidencia arrojada por diversos estudios de revisiones y meta-analisis.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in patients with acoustic neuromas.

BACKGROUND To diagnose acoustic neuromas (ANs), the auditory brainstem response test and the caloric test have been used in addition to magnetic resonance imaging. The auditory brainstem response and the caloric tests mainly reflect functions of the auditory pathway, ie, the cochlear nerve and the superior vestibular nerve, respectively. Because the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) has been thought to originate in the inferior vestibular nerve, we hypothesized that the VEMP could provide different information from the auditory brainstem response and the caloric test and that it could be helpful in diagnosing ANs. In other words, we hypothesized that the VEMP could provide information concerning inferior vestibular nerve involvement in patients with ANs. OBJECTIVE To find out if the VEMP could be useful in classifying ANs according to the involved nerves. DESIGN We reviewed preoperative clinical tests, including VEMPs, in 21 patients (8 men, 13 women) with ANs confirmed surgically and histopathologically, comparing them with VEMPs in 8 normal subjects (5 men, 3 women). RESULTS Whereas the first positive-negative peak of the VEMP, P13-N23, was ipsilaterally present on stimulation of the unaffected side in all patients with ANs and both sides in all normal subjects, it was absent on the affected side in 15 patients (71%) and significantly decreased in amplitude in 2 patients (9%). Thus, 17 (80%) of the 21 patients showed abnormal VEMPs. Three patients had abnormal VEMPs although they had normal caloric responses. Three patients had abnormal caloric responses although they had normal VEMPs. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the VEMP could be useful for the diagnosis of AN, especially for classifying ANs according to the involved nerves.
Prevalence rates of gallstone disease in Italy. The Chianciano population study.

The prevalence of gallstone disease and associated factors in the entire population of subjects aged 15-65 years born and resident in Chianciano Terme (Siena - Tuscany) was examined in the years 1985 and 1986. The investigation included gallbladder ultrasonography, administration of a questionnaire on personal and family history, physical examination and blood chemistry. A total of 1809 subjects (attendance rate 87.7%) participated in the study. Personal history and physical examination showed that Chianciano inhabitants have a low prevalence of obesity (4.3%) and only 4.4% of the female population had more than two pregnancies. Overall prevalence of gallstone disease (cholecystectomy+cholelithiasis) was 5.9% (3.7% for males and 8.4% for females). Age standardized relative risk of gallstone disease for females was 2.25 (95% confidence limits = 1.68-2.68). Prevalence of cholelithiasis was 3.5% (2.7% for males and 4.2% for females). Prevalence of gallstone disease increased with increasing age in both sexes, being extremely low in the age interval of 15-29 years (0.25%). The overall gallstones/cholecystectomy ratio was found to be lower (1:1) in females than in males (2.7:1). Although subjects with gallstones reported more frequently biliary colics and non-specific dyspeptic symptoms, the diagnostic power of all symptoms in identifying cholelithiasis was very poor due to low sensitivity. Only one third of subjects with gallstones was aware of having the disease. Age, obesity and number of pregnancies were positively associated with gallstone disease in univariate analyses. The association with obesity and parity disappeared in multivariate analysis. Blood lipids and glucose were not associated with the disease both in univariate and multivariate analyses. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)