Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved Efficacy and Safety of Controlled-Release Diltiazem Compared to Nifedipine May Be Related to Its Negative Chronotropic Effect

&NA; The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of long-acting preparations of two commonly used calcium antagonists with particular reference to their effects on heart rate. Twenty patients with chronic stable angina were recruited to a double-blind, double-dummy crossover study of controlled-release diltiazem (diltiazem CR) versus sustained-release nifedipine (nifedipine SR) and underwent clinical assessment, symptom and adverse event reporting, and repeated treadmill exercise tests over a 10- to 11-week period. The main outcome measures were heart rate at rest and exercise, incidence of angina and nitroglycerin use, treadmill exercise performance (duration, time to angina, time to 1-mm ST-segment depression, heart rate at equivalent maximal exercise, and maximal ST-segment depression), and adverse events. Diltiazem CR significantly reduced heart rate at rest and equivalent exercise and incidence of angina and nitroglycerin use compared with nifedipine SR. Exercise duration time to angina and time to 1-mm ST-segment depression (but not maximal ST-segment depression) were all significantly improved by diltiazem CR. Diltiazem CR also caused significantly fewer adverse events than nifedipine SR. Calcium antagonists with negative chronotropic effects (eg, diltiazem CR) are safer and more efficacious as monotherapy in chronic stable angina than dihydropyridines (eg, nifedipine SR) even when a long-acting formulation of the latter is used.
Different types of microsatellite instability in ovarian carcinoma

Microsatellite instability at mono‐ and dinucleotide repeats is the hallmark of the hereditary non‐polyposis cancer syndrome (HNPCC) and is related to deficient DNA mismatch repair. In contrast, a distinct form of microsatellite instability at selective tetranucleotide repeats (EMAST or elevated microsatellite alterations at selected tetranucleotides) was described in several non‐HNPCC cancer types. EMAST is probably unrelated to mismatch repair defects. We investigated the frequency of microsatellite instability at mononucleotide, dinucleotide and tetranucleotide repeats in a series of 75 ovarian carcinomas (53 serous and 22 non‐serous). Microsatellite analysis was carried out using 5 mono‐ and dinucleotide markers from the National Cancer Institute Consensus Panel and 6 tetranucleotide markers, which have been reported as frequently unstable in the literature. High frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI‐H) at mono‐ and dinucleotide repeats was observed in 9% and a low frequency (MSI‐L) in 21% of serous carcinomas. MSI‐H was detected in 4% and MSI‐L in 18% of non‐serous carcinomas. Nine percent of serous carcinomas showed instability at multiple and 9% at single tetranucleotide loci. All non‐serous carcinomas were stable at tetranucleotide loci. In summary, EMAST (e.g., tumors with tetranucleotide instability without concomitant MSI‐H) was observed in 13% of ovarian serous carcinomas. All EMAST positive tumors were of advanced stage. We conclude that EMAST occurs as a distinct form of microsatellite instability in ovarian cancer. EMAST seems to be particularly frequent in advanced serous carcinomas. Its clinical significance needs to be investigated. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bcl‐2 overexpression decreases BCNU sensitivity of a human glioblastoma line through enhancement of catalase activity

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of bcl‐2 in 1,3‐bis(2‐chloroethyl)‐1‐nitrosourea (BCNU) sensitivity of the ADFS human glioblastoma cell line in vitro and in vivo. To this end, the ADFS line expressing a low level of the bcl‐2 protein was transfected with a bcl‐2 expression vector. We found that bcl‐2 overexpressing clones were less sensitive to in vitro BCNU treatment than the control clone. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that while BCNU induced a consistent block in S/G2‐M phases of the cell cycle in the control clone, it did not affect the cell cycle phase distribution of the two bcl‐2 transfectants. The different sensitivity to BCNU was unrelated to the ability of bcl‐2 to inhibit apoptosis, while bcl‐2 appeared to protect bcl‐2 transfectants from BCNU toxicity through an increase of catalase activity. The ability of the catalase inhibitor, sodium azide, to increase the BCNU sensitivity of the bcl‐2 transfectants to levels of the BCNU‐treated control clone substantiated the role of the catalase activity. The effect of bcl‐2 in reducing sensitivity to BCNU was also confirmed by in vivo experiments. Xenografts of bcl‐2 overexpressing tumors were less sensitive to BCNU treatment than xenografts originating from control cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 83: 473–483, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Similarity of TALLA‐1, a T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen, to GP37

We read with interest the report of Takagi et al. (1995) that described a putatively new T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T A L L ) antigen, termed TALLA-I. However, I wish to document that we have previously identijied and reported the same or a very similar antigen. We generated and characterized 3 monoclonal antibodies ( M b s ) , termed SN2, SN2a and SN26, that showed a highly selective reactivity with T A L L cells (Seon et al., 1984, 1986). These M b s reacted strongly with all or most of the T A L L cell lines and fresh (uncultured) T A L L specimens tested but did not react with normalperiphera1 blood T cells nor with PHAand Con A-activated T cells. In recent studies, SN2 reacted with neuroblastoma cells and normal brain tissues (data not shown). The antigen defined by the SN2 series MAbs was identified as a cell su$ace glycoprotein with an approximate molecular mass of 37 kDa (Seon et al., 1984, 1986). Therefore, the antigen was designated as GP37 (orgp37). Specificity of the SN2 series MAbs is identical or very similar to the M b s of Takagi et al. (1995). Furthermore, the molecular mass of GP37 and TALLA-I is very similar-i.e., 37 kDa vs. 3 8 4 5 kDa when analyzed by SDSPAGE. Therefore, the evidence strongly indicates that GP37 and TALLA-I are the same antigen. Ricin A chain conjugates of SN2 showed spec$c and effective killing of T A L L cells both in v i t r o and in vivo (Seon, 1984; Hara and Seon, 1987; Yokota et al., 1990, 1993). In addition, we generated anti-idiotype M b s (Ab$) mimicking GP37 (Bhattacharya-Chatterjee e t al., 1987, 1988). Pertaining to another relevant matter, we reported previously another T ALL-associated antigen, termed TALLA (Seon et al., 1983; Matsuzaki and Seon, 1987). However, the molecular mass of this antigen is approximately 150 kDa; therefore, TALLA is different from TALLA-I. I hope that TALLA and TALLA-I do not confuse readers. Sincerely yours, Ben K. SEON Department of Molecular Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY14263, USA.
Tellurium δ-doped 120nm AlSb/InAs HEMTs: towards sub-100mV electronics

In this paper, we have investigated f<inf>T</inf> variations under ultra low drain bias conditions of state of the art 120nm gate length AlSb/InAs HEMT featuring a f<inf>T</inf> / f<inf>max</inf> of 303GHz /227GHz under high bias conditions and a f<inf>T</inf> of 143GHz at 100mV drain bias voltage. A nearly linear dependence of f<inf>T</inf> versus V<inf>ds</inf> up to 100mV was observed and explained. This dependence means that f<inf>T</inf> could be easily tailored with V<inf>ds</inf> for a given application. Some points should now be investigated like the dependence of noise parameters under these low bias conditions. Unpublished studies on previous devices let us expected to obtain equal or better minimum Noise Figure NF<inf>min</inf> (1.56dB) and associated Gain G<inf>ass</inf> (5.32dB) at 30 GHz for a 100mV drain bias.
Ethnicity in America and Feeling “American”

Abstract Ethnic group acculturation remains a concern in the United States today. In the present study, the authors explored the extent to which members of three ethnic groups (White American women, African American women, and Cuban American women) perceived themselves to be “American,” how much each group felt that its members were perceived as being American by White Americans, and how these perceptions related to beliefs about their own group's economic and social status. The results showed that African Americans felt American but felt that they were not perceived as such by White Americans. African Americans also reported feeling economically and socially excluded. In contrast, Cuban Americans reported neither feeling they were American nor believing they were perceived as such by White Americans, but feelings of inclusion increased with length of residence. Implications of these results for the common ingroup identity model are discussed.
Comparison of Two Methods of Vagina Construction in Transsexuals

Twenty-seven male-to-female transsexuals underwent genital transformation. The cosmetic and functional results of 11 vagina constructions using only inverted penile skin were compared with 16 constructions using penile and scrotal skin flaps. Subjective (interview) and objective (physical examination) results are presented. The main conclusions are that vaginal width and subjective evaluation of functional aspects were clearly better after penile and scrotal skin inversion, especially when there was adequate dilatation by the patient. In addition, fewer complications were encountered. Cosmesis was judged better in the penile skin inversion group.
Hereditary Defects in Fibrinolysis Associated with Thrombosis

The plasminogen-plasmin system involves proteolytic enzymes which are primarily responsible for the degradation of fibrin deposits in blood vessels. Through intricate interactions between the various components and inhibitors, a balance is maintained between profibrinolysis and impaired fibrinolytic activity. Several hereditary defects have been described affecting functional plasminogen concentrations, plasminogen activator levels, and plasminogen activator inhibitor activity. These defects have been implicated as risk factors for thrombosis based on a multitude of case reports associating impaired fibrinolysis with thrombosis. However, under close scrutiny, the role of decreased fibrinolysis as an etiologic factor in thrombosis has not been firmly established. Rather, dysfibrinolysis may manifest itself through an accentuation of an underlying thrombophilic state such as recurrent thrombotic episodes. Further evaluation of impaired fibrinolytic activity in conjunction with an underlying thrombophilic condition is warranted.
Reversal of Profound Neuromuscular Block by Sugammadex Administered Three Minutes after Rocuronium: A Comparison with Spontaneous Recovery from Succinylcholine

Background:Rocuronium in intubation doses provides similar intubation conditions as succinylcholine, but has a longer duration of action. This study compared time to sugammadex reversal of profound rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block with time to spontaneous recovery from succinylcholine. Methods:One hundred and fifteen adult American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I-II surgical patients were randomized to this multicenter, safety-assessor–blinded, parallel group, active-controlled, Phase IIIa trial. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol and an opioid. Neuromuscular transmission was blocked and tracheal intubation facilitated with 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium or 1 mg/kg succinylcholine. Sugammadex (16 mg/kg) was administered 3 min after rocuronium administration. Neuromuscular function was monitored by acceleromyography. The primary efficacy endpoint was the time from the start of relaxant administration to recovery of the first train-of-four twitch (T1) to 10%. Results:One hundred and ten patients received study treatment. Mean times to recovery of T1 to 10% and T1 to 90% were significantly faster in the rocuronium-sugammadex group (4.4 and 6.2 min, respectively), as compared with the succinylcholine group (7.1 and 10.9 min, respectively; all P < 0.001). Timed from sugammadex administration, the mean time to recovery of T1 to 10%, T1 to 90%, and the train-of-four (T4/T1) ratio to 0.9 was 1.2, 2.9, and 2.2 min, respectively. Reoccurrence of the block was not observed. There were no serious adverse events related to study treatments. Conclusion:Reversal of profound high-dose rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block (1.2 mg/kg) with 16 mg/kg sugammadex was significantly faster than spontaneous recovery from 1 mg/kg succinylcholine.
Natural regulatory T cells and parasites: a common quest for host homeostasis

Summary: This review discusses the roles played by natural CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (natural Tregs) during parasitic infections. Natural Tregs may limit the magnitude of effector responses, which may result in failure to adequately control infection. However, natural Tregs also help to limit collateral tissue damage caused by vigorous antimicrobial immune responses. We discuss the hypothesis that parasites have evolved means to manipulate the host's natural Treg population, thereby generating conditions that secure survival in their vertebrate host for an extended period of time.
Systematic Methods for the Computation of the Directional Fields and Singular Points of Fingerprints

The first subject of the paper is the estimation of a high resolution directional field of fingerprints. Traditional methods are discussed and a method, based on principal component analysis, is proposed. The method not only computes the direction in any pixel location, but its coherence as well. It is proven that this method provides exactly the same results as the "averaged square-gradient method" that is known from literature. Undoubtedly, the existence of a completely different equivalent solution increases the insight into the problem's nature. The second subject of the paper is singular point detection. A very efficient algorithm is proposed that extracts singular points from the high-resolution directional field. The algorithm is based on the Poincare index and provides a consistent binary decision that is not based on postprocessing steps like applying a threshold on a continuous resemblance measure for singular points. Furthermore, a method is presented to estimate the orientation of the extracted singular points. The accuracy of the methods is illustrated by experiments on a live-scanned fingerprint database.
Epidemiologic studies of beta agonists and asthma deaths.

From their inception in the modern treatment of asthma, the history of beta agonists has been marked by reports of their undoubted efficacy as bronchodilator drugs, yet dogged by controversy concerning their possible adverse side effects. In particular, two relatively nonselective full agonists, isoprenaline forte and fenoterol, have been associated with epidemics of asthma deaths in six countries during the 1960s (isoprenaline forte) and again in New Zealand during the late 1970s and 1980s (fenoterol). In addition, there has been continuing concern about the possible hazards of beta agonists as a class. In this presentation we review the epidemiologic evidence linking isoprenaline forte with asthma mortality epidemics in six countries during the 1960s, and the evidence linking fenoterol with an epidemic of asthma deaths in New Zealand during the 1970s and 1980s. Finally, we consider the epidemiologic evidence on the possibility of a class effect of beta agonists on asthma mortality. Although we also consider evidence from studies of time trends in beta agonist sales and asthma mortality, we concentrate on analytic (cohort and case-control) studies of beta agonists and asthma deaths, and particularly on the methodological issues involved. In doing so, we have particularly drawn on our experience of involvement in the New Zealand studies of fenoterol and asthma deaths (NP) and on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Saskatchewan (Canada) study of fenoterol, beta agonists, and asthma death (MJH). We emphasize that there are important pharmacologic differences between beta agonists, and it is therefore essential to distinguish between different beta agonists when considering the epidemiologic evidence.
Barycentric straightening and bounded cohomology

We study the barycentric straightening of simplices in irreducible symmetric spaces of non-compact type. We show that, for an n-dimensional symmetric space of rank r>1, the p-Jacobian has uniformly bounded norm, as soon as p is at least n-r+2. As a consequence, for a non-compact, connected, semisimple real Lie group G, in degrees n-r+2 and higher, every cohomology class has a bounded representative. This answers Dupont's problem in small codimension. We also give examples of symmetric spaces where the barycentrically straightened simplices of dimension n-r have unbounded volume, showing that the range in which we obtain boundedness of the p-Jacobian is very close to optimal.
Getting home on time: predicting timely permanence for young children.

The timelines of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) (P.L. 105-89) require increased attention to the timing of permanent placement, regardless of the type of placement outcome. This study examines the multivariate predictors of timely permanence for children served by Colorado's Expedited Permanency Planning (EPP) project. EPP has used an intensive concurrent planning model aimed at reaching permanency within 12 months of initial placement for children aged 6 and younger. The EPP requirement that children be living in the permanent home by 12 months postplacement is more stringent than the technical ASFA requirements. This article uses qualitative interviews with child welfare and court personnel to identify critical barriers to and supports for effective permanency planning.
Adiposity Elevates Plasma MCP-1 Levels Leading to the Increased CD11b-positive Monocytes in Mice*

Obesity is currently considered as an epidemic in the western world, and it represents a major risk factor for life-threatening diseases such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Taking advantage of DNA microarray technology, we tried to identify the molecules explaining the relationship between obesity and vascular disorders, comparing mRNA expression of about 12,000 genes in white adipose tissue between normal, high fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) and d-Trp34 neuropeptide Y-induced obesity in mice. Expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA displayed a 7.2-fold increase in obese mice as compared with normal mice, leading to substantially elevated MCP-1 protein levels in adipocytes. MCP-1 levels in plasma were also increased in DIO mice, and a strong correlation between plasma MCP-1 levels and body weight was identified. We also showed that elevated MCP-1 protein levels in plasma increased the CD11b-positive monocyte/macrophage population in DIO mice. Furthermore, infusion of MCP-1 into lean mice increased the CD11b-positive monocyte population without inducing changes in body weight. Given the importance of MCP-1 in activation of monocytes and subsequent atherosclerotic development, these results suggest a novel role of adiposity in the development of vascular disorders.
Sino-Nasal Outcome Test Tool Assessment in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Objective: The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) is a rhinosinusitis quality of life instrument. Nonrhinologic illnesses like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may elevate SNOT-20 scores. We compared SNOT-20 outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) to those in patients with OSA. Methods: We analyzed prospectively collected data of patients with CRS and OSA. Pretreatment SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores were obtained. Scores and patterns of SNOT-20 symptom distribution were compared. Results: Fifty-seven patients had CRS and 65 patients had OSA. Both groups had elevated mean total SNOT-20 scores (28 ± 12.2 and 29 ± 10.7, respectively). Higher scores were noticed for OSA patients on the wellness section of the SNOT-20 and for CRS patients on the sinonasal section of the SNOT-20 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: CRS and OSA patients present with elevated total SNOT-20 scores but differ in their symptom distribution pattern. This study demonstrates that other disorders can elevate SNOT-20 scores and confirms the need for additional objective data to confirm CRS diagnosis.
Metabolism of chloramphenicol by the producing organism. Some properties of chloramphenicol hydrolase.

A cell-free enzyme preparation which catalyzed the hydrolysis of chloramphenicol was obtained from Streptomyces species 3022a, a chloramphenicol-producing actinomycete. The enzyme was difficult to release from the mycelium and had low substrate affinity (Ks 0.2 mM) and activity (Vmax 2.86 nmoles/h) towards chloramphenicol. Activity was present in chloramphenicol-sensitive non-producing cultures not previously exposed to the antibiotic and did not increase during development of resistance. The results suggest that inactivation of chloramphenicol may be a subsidiary function of the enzyme.
Symptomatic and syndromal anxiety and depression

The diagnosis of anxiety disorders and major depression can be reliably made based on signs and symptoms. However there are significant limitations to the current system of classification including overlapping criteria, high comorbidity, and the issue of subthreshold syndromes. The literature on treatment response documents that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are effective in the treatment of the various anxiety disorders, including when comorbid major depression is present. The literature also suggests that tricyclic antidepressant medications have superior benefits over selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in major depression. Examination of the functional anatomy of the fear and reward systems may shed light on the underlying processes in the anxiety and depressive disorders. Such an approach points out the importance of addressing avoidance behaviors, which may be more responsive to cognitive behavioral treatments than pharmacological agents. Depression and Anxiety 14:79–85, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychotic major depression in older people: a systematic review

This study aimed to systematically review available evidence relevant to the following issues: (1) whether psychotic major depression (PMD) in older people differs in overall severity from non‐PMD, besides the presence of psychotic symptoms; (2) whether it constitutes a distinct clinical entity from non‐PMD; and (3) whether it differs from PMD in younger adults.