Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship of serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and haplotypes to mRNA transcription

The serotonin transporter (5HTT; chromosomal location 17q12) is an important regulator of serotonergic neurotransmission and is the site of action for a number of antidepressant medications. Sequence variation at a VNTR known as the 5HTTLPR, which is 1.4 kb upstream of the translation start of 5HTT, has been associated in some studies with increased vulnerability to depression, neuroticism, and autism. Support for these clinical observations has included laboratory findings that 5HTTLPR variation is associated with changes in 5HTT gene translation. We re‐examined these earlier laboratory findings by directly measuring 5HTT mRNA levels and genotyping four loci spanning the 5HTT gene using RNA and DNA prepared from 85 independent lymphoblast cell lines. Using this data, haplotypes were inferred and the resulting single point and haplotypes data analyzed by univariate and regression analyses. Consistent with the original findings, we found a significant effect of the 5HTTLPR on mRNA production. In contrast to previous reports, the effect on 5HTT mRNA production appeared to be mediated through an additive, not dominant, mechanism. Neither genotype nor haplotype at three other 5HTT loci were associated with alterations in mRNA production, although the small number of samples homozygous for the three most common haplotypes limits these findings. We conclude that further examination of the role of 5HTT sequence variation in regulating 5HTT mRNA production is warranted. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors associated with the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis 1

Beuron D.C., Cortinhas C.S. , Botaro B.G. , Macedo S.N. , Gonçalves J.L. , Brito M.A.V.P. & Santos M.V. 2014. Risk factors associated with the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 34(10):947-952. Departamento de Nutrição e Produção Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Duque de Caxias Norte 225, Pirassununga, SP 13635-900, Brazil. E-mail: mveiga@usp.br The objective of this study was to evaluate herd management practices and mastitis treatment procedures as risk factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus antimicrobial resistance. For this study, 13 herds were selected to participate in the study to evaluate the association between their management practices and mastitis treatment procedures and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 1069 composite milk samples were collected aseptically from the selected cows in four different periods over two years. The samples were used for microbiological culturing of S. aureus isolates and evaluation of their antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 756 samples (70.7%) were culture-positive, and S. aureus comprised 27.77% (n=210) of the isolates. The S. aureus isolates were tested using the disk-diffusion susceptibility assay with the following antimicrobials: ampicillin 10mg; clindamycin 2μg; penicillin 1mg; ceftiofur 30μg; gentamicin 10mg; sulfa-trimethoprim 25μg; enrofloxacin 5μg; sulfonamide 300μg; tetracycline 30μg; oxacillin 1mg; cephalothin 30μg and erythromycin 5μg. The variables that were significantly associated with S. aureus resistance were as follows: the treatment of clinical mastitis for ampicillin (OR=2.18), dry cow treatment for enrofloxacin (OR=2.11) and not sending milk samples for microbiological culture and susceptibility tests, for ampicillin (OR=2.57) and penicillin (OR=4.69). In conclusion, the identification of risk factors for S. aureus resistance against various mastitis antimicrobials is an important information that may help in practical recommendations for prudent use of antimicrobial in milk production.
The excitatory amino acid receptors: their classes, pharmacology, and distinct properties in the function of the central nervous system.

'The following abbreviations have been used in the text; I3-L-ODAP, I3-N-uxalyl-L-a,l3diaminu-prupiunic acid; ACPD, Trans-l-aminu-cydupentyl-I,3-dicarbuxylate; AMPA, a­ aminu-3-hydruxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionate; AP4, 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate; AP5, 2-amino-5-phuphonovalerate; ASP, aspartate; CNQX, 6-cyano-7-nitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione; CPP, 3-(2-earboxypiperazin-4-yl)prupyl-l -phosphate; cyelo-Leu, eydo-Ieucine; DAA, D-a­ amino-adipate; DGG, y-D-glutamylglycine; DNQX, 6,7-dinitro-quinoxaline-2,3dione; EAA, excitatory amino acids; GABA, gamma-aminu-butyric acid; GDEE, glutamate diethyl ester; GLU, glutamate; GL Y, glycine; HA-966, 3-amino-l-hydroxypyrrolidone-2; lBO, ibotenate; IP, inositol phosphate; KA, kainate; KYN, kynurenate; MK-801, dibenzoeyclohepteneimine; NMDA, N-methyl-D-aspartate; PCP, phencyclidine; QA, quisqualate; SER, serine; SOP, serine­ O-phosphate; TCP, 1-[1-(2-thienyl)-eyclohexyIJpiperidine
Associations between psychological factors and the presence of deleterious oral habits in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the associations between psychological factors and the presence of deleterious oral habits in children and adolescents. STUDY DESIGN 147 students aged 8 to 14-years-old were divided in two groups concerning the presence and absence of DOH Habit group (HG) and Habit free group (HFG). Participants were asked about the presence of DOH using the domain III (Oral Habits) of the Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Brazilian Portuguese versions of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. Saliva was collected 30 min after waking and at night to determine the diurnal decline in salivary cortisol (DDSC). Data were analyzed using the Chi-squared, Mann-Whitney, Spearman's correlation and logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalence of DOH was higher in females than males (65.1 vs 34.9; p < 0.05). The most frequent DOH was nail biting (58.7%). HG presented more depressive symptoms than HFG (p < 0.05). There was positive correlation between salivary cortisol levels and age (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis found association between symptoms of anxiety and the presence of DOH (OR = 2.35; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, children and adolescents with DOH presented more symptoms of depression than their counterparts. Moreover, they were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety.
Global Commons, Domestic Decisions: The Comparative Politics of Climate Change

Climate change represents a "tragedy of the commons" on a global scale, requiring the cooperation of nations that do not necessarily put the Earth's well-being above their own national interests. And yet international efforts to address global warming have met with some success; the Kyoto Protocol, in which industrialized countries committed to reducing their collective emissions, took effect in 2005 (although without the participation of the United States). Reversing the lens used by previous scholarship on the topic, Global Commons, Domestic Decisions explains international action on climate change from the perspective of countries' domestic politics. In an effort to understand both what progress has been made and why it has been so limited, experts in comparative politics look at the experience of seven jurisdictions in deciding whether or not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and to pursue national climate change mitigation policies. By analyzing the domestic politics and international positions of the United States, Australia, Russia, China, the European Union, Japan, and Canada, the authors demonstrate clearly that decisions about global policies are often made locally, in the context of electoral and political incentives, the normative commitments of policymakers, and domestic political institutions. Using a common analytical framework throughout, the book offers a unique comparison of the domestic political forces within each nation that affect climate change policy and provides insights into why some countries have been able to adopt innovative and aggressive positions on climate change both domestically and internationally.
Fracture resistance of endodontically-treated premolars adhesively restored.

PURPOSE To investigate the cusp fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, adhesively restored with various materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS MOD preparations and endodontic treatment was carried out on extracted sound maxillary premolars. The cavities were restored with the amalgam Valiant in combination with Superbond or Panavia bonding, the resin composites Z100, Herculite XRV or Clearfil RP with their respective bonding systems, Z100 in combination with the glass ionomers Ketac Fil, Fuji II and Vitremer, and Tetric in combination with Compoglass. Fracture resistance was measured by axial loading in an Instron testing machine. RESULTS One of the restorative methods, resin composites in combination with dentin bonding systems in beveled MOD preparations rendered the tooth a cusp fracture resistance which did not differ significantly from that of sound natural teeth. Two other restorative methods, bonded amalgam and a sandwich of glass ionomer cement/resin composite in beveled preparations were significantly weaker in resisting cusp fracture than sound natural teeth, but still significantly stronger than the unrestored tooth with a MOD preparation. It was statistically apparent that several adhesive restorative systems could satisfactorily be used to restore teeth after endodontic therapy.
Kinetic analysis of developmental changes in vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 function

The vesicular monoamine transporter‐2 (VMAT‐2) sequesters cytoplasmic dopamine (DA) into vesicles and may thus protect neurons from DA‐associated oxidative damage. VMAT‐2 function, as assessed by measuring [3H]DA uptake, is less in adolescent when compared with young adult rats and VMAT‐2 susceptibility to methamphetamine also changes with age. Thus, developmental alterations in VMAT‐2 function warrant further investigation. The current study extends these findings by showing that the initial velocities of both DA uptake and methamphetamine‐induced DA efflux are less in adolescent postnatal day (PND 38–42) vs. young adult (PND 88–92) rats as assessed in nonmembrane associated (presumably cytoplasmic) vesicles purified from rat striatal synaptosomes. The decrease in DA uptake velocities is due to a decrease in the Vmax of DA uptake with no change in the Km. The density of kinetically active VMAT‐2 and VMAT‐2 immunoreactivity are less in adolescent vs. young adult rats while both the turnover number (2.4–2.8 s−1) and rate constant for the association of DA with VMAT‐2 (˜1 × 107 M−1 s−1) are similar in these age groups. These results suggest that the kinetics of DA binding and translocation across the membrane are unaltered in the vesicles of PND 38–42 vs. PND 88–92 rats. However, decreased VMAT‐2 density in PND 38–42 rats reduces Vmax, which in turn lowers DA uptake. Synapse 60:474–477, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific and durable elimination of antibody to donor HLA antigens in renal-transplant patients

Background. Donor-specific antibody (DSA) is the major barrier to success of kidney transplants. Attempts to deal with this problem have used plasmapheresis to remove antibodies or high-dose pooled immunoglobulin (IVIg) to down-regulate DSA. However, elimination of antibodies by these methods has been limited in duration or scope. Methods. We have confirmed the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody to one or more donor HLA antigens in 49 patients treated with alternate-day, single-volume plasmapheresis followed by low-dose cytomegalovirus (CMV) hyperimmune globulin (CMV-Ig) combined with quadruple immunosuppression. We examined the effect of the treatment protocol on antibodies to donor HLA, third-party HLA, and nominal antigens. Results. At the end of treatment, 63% of patients had lost antibody to donor HLA, whereas only 27% had lost antibody to third-party HLA (P <0.001). More strikingly, loss of antibody to donor and third-party HLA antigens occurred in 89% and 19%, respectively, of patients followed for 2 or more months after end of treatment (P <0.0001). No elimination of antiviral antibodies tested was seen. With one exception, elimination of DSA appeared to be independent of antibody titer or specificity, the number of different antibody specificities, or whether or not the target antigen was a repeat mismatch. The effect appears to be long lasting, with no return of DSA observed in patients followed for an average of 13 months. Conclusions. Plasmapheresis and low-dose CMV-Ig combined with traditional immunosuppression is effective in producing a specific and durable elimination of antibody to donor HLA.
The evaporation of water from Helix aspersa. IV. Loss from the mantle of the inactive snail.

1. Data is presented which suggest that inactive specimens of Helix aspersa are able to regulate evaporative water loss from the mantle. 2. Evaporation is reduced following the cessation of glandular extrusion, by the concentration of solutes in partially dehydrated superficial mucus. 3. Methods are described for determining vapour pressure gradients across living and freshly killed mantle tissue and for calculating permeabilities. 4. Osmotic permeability measurements using isolated and intact body wall were made. 5. The permeability of regulating mantle tissue was 0.039 mg. /cm. 2 /hr. per mm. Hg vapour pressure difference. Living body wall and freshly killed mantle were at least forty times more permeable to water. 6. Low permeability seems to be a unique property of living mantle tissue.
The Influence of Renal Function on Hydroxyurea Pharmacokinetics in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

This was an open‐label, nonrandomized, 2‐center study conducted to assess the influence of renal function on the pharmacokinetics of hydroxyurea in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). Seventeen patients were divided into 5 groups: normal renal function (n = 7), mild renal impairment (n = 2), moderate renal impairment (n = 3), severe renal impairment (n = 2), and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD, n = 3). Except for patients with ESRD, all the patients received a 15‐mg/kg single oral dose of hydroxyurea. Patients with ESRD received a 15‐mg/kg oral dose of hydroxyurea on 2 occasions. Blood and urine samples were collected for the assessment of hydroxyurea pharmacokinetics. The results indicate that the systemic exposure increases and the urinary recovery decreases as the degree of renal insufficiency worsens. On the basis of the exposure and the apparent clearance from the current and 2 historical studies, the authors have proposed an initial dosing regimen of hydroxyurea (7.5 mg/kg/day) for SCD patients with CLcr <60 mL/min. This dosing strategy is anticipated to provide a safe dose for SCD patients with renal impairment.
Design and Realization of a Linearly Polarized Eleven Feed for 1-10 GHz

A new linearly polarized eleven feed for operation between 1 and 10 GHz is presented. This frequency band is higher than the realized before, and the input reflection coefficient is better than ${-}8$ dB over the frequency range, which also is an improvement over previous models. The log-periodic dipole petals have been designed by using a simple one-by-one parameter optimization scheme with a simulation tool based on moment method. The final analysis has been improved by applying an finite-difference time-domain (FDTD)-based solver for the central part of the feed and then a circuit network program to combine the results of the center part with the result of the dipole panels. The antenna has been manufactured by printed circuit board (PCB) technology on a metalized Kevlar sheet in order to obtain better tolerances and smaller dimensions than in previous models. Measurements show agreement with the analysis.
Increased melatonin and delayed offset in menopausal depression: role of years past menopause, follicle-stimulating hormone, sleep end time, and body mass index.

CONTEXT The constellation of endocrine patterns accompanying menopausal depression remains incompletely characterized. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to test the hypothesis that the amplitude or phase (timing) of melatonin circadian rhythms differs in menopausal depressed patients (DP) vs. normal controls women (NC). DESIGN We measured plasma melatonin every 30 min from 1800-1000 h in dim light (<30 lux) or dark, serum gonadotropins and steroids (1800 and 0600 h), and mood (Hamilton and Beck depression ratings). SETTING The study was conducted at a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Twenty-nine (18 NC, 11 DP) peri- or postmenopausal women participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured plasma melatonin (onset, offset, synthesis offset, duration, peak concentration, and area under the curve) and mood. RESULTS Multi- and univariate analyses of covariance showed that melatonin offset time was delayed (P = 0.045) and plasma melatonin was elevated in DP compared with NC (P = 0.044) across time intervals. Multiple regression analyses showed that years past menopause predicted melatonin duration and that melatonin duration, body mass index, years past menopause, FSH level, and sleep end time were significant predictors of baseline Hamilton (P = 0.0003) and Beck (P = 0.00004) depression scores. CONCLUSIONS Increased melatonin secretion that is phase delayed into the morning characterized menopausal DP vs. NC. Years past menopause, FSH, sleep end time, and body mass index may modulate effects of altered melatonin secretion in menopausal depression.
Upregulation of EphA Receptor Expression in the Injured Adult Rat Spinal Cord

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the inability of supraspinal neurons to regenerate or reform functional connections is likely due to proteins in the surrounding microenvironment restricting regeneration. EphAs are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that are involved in axonal guidance during development. These receptors and their ligands, the Ephrins, act via repulsive mechanisms to guide growing axons towards their appropriate targets and allow for the correct developmental connections to be made. In the present study, we investigated whether EphA receptor expression changed after a thoracic contusion SCI. Our results indicate that several EphA molecules are upregulated after SCI. Using semiquantitative RT-PCR to investigate mRNA expression after SCI, we found that EphA3, A4, and A7 mRNAs were upregulated. EphA3, A4, A6, and A8 receptor immunoreactivity increased in the ventrolateral white matter (VWM) at the injury epicenter. EphA7 had the highest level of immunoreactivity in both control and injured rat spinal cord. EphA receptor expression in the white matter originated from glial cells as coexpression in both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes was observed. In contrast, gray matter expression was localized to neurons of the ventral gray matter (motor neurons) and dorsal horn. After SCI, specific EphA receptor subtypes are upregulated and these increases may create an environment that is unfavorable for neurite outgrowth and functional regeneration.
Are Innovating Firms Victims or Perpetrators? Tax Evasion, Bribe Payments, and the Role of External Finance in Developing Countries

This paper investigates corruption and tax evasion and their firm-level determinants across 25,000 firms in 57 countries, a large fraction of which are small and medium enterprises in developing countries. Firms that pay more bribes also evade more taxes. Corruption acts as a tax on innovation, particularly that of small and young firms. Innovating firms pay a larger percentage of their revenues in bribes to government officials than non-innovating firms. They do not, however, pay more protection money to private parties than other firms. Comparing the magnitudes of bribes and taxes evaded, innovating firms and firms that use formal finance are more likely to be net victims. The findings point to the challenges facing innovators in developing countries and the role of banks in curbing corruption and tax evasion.
Patients' perceptions of and emotional outcome after intensive care: results from a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND Recovery from critical illness can be prolonged and can result in a number of significant short- and long-term psychological consequences. These may be associated with the patient's perception of the intensive care experience. AIM The aims of the study were to assess patients' perceptions of their intensive care unit (ICU) experience and the effect of these on anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress up to 6 months after discharge. METHOD One hundred and three participants were recruited from six ICUs from one Critical Care Network in the United Kingdom. A prospective, longitudinal study was designed to assess anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptomatology and patients' perceptions of their intensive care experience. Data were collected on three occasions: after intensive care discharge and before hospital discharge, and 2 months and 6 months later. Measures included the impact of events scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale and intensive care experience questionnaire. RESULTS Anxiety, depression, avoidance and intrusion scores did not significantly reduce over time. At hospital discharge there was a significant association between patients' perceptions of their intensive care experience and anxiety, depression, avoidance and intrusion scores at hospital discharge. CONCLUSION Standardised assessment of an intensive care experience is important. It provides information about the patient experience which can inform care practice within ICU, following discharge to the ward and, in the longer term, rehabilitation.
The association of radiographic progression with serum R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) levels or Dickkopf-1 (DKK1)/RSPO1 ratios in rheumatoid arthritis patients: clinical evidence for reciprocal inhibition between DKK1 and RSPO1

Objectives: To investigate the clinical implications of serum levels of R-spondin 1 (RSPO1), a natural antagonist for Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and of DKK1/RSPO1 ratios in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Method: Serum DKK1 and RSPO1 levels were measured in 102 RA patients and 39 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, DKK1 and RSPO1 levels were determined prior to and 3 months after anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-α) therapy in 15 RA patients. Clinical and laboratory data and baseline radiographs of the hands and feet were obtained. Serial radiographs were evaluated in 83 RA patients. Radiographic joint damage was assessed by the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS). Results: Serum RSPO1 levels were significantly reduced whereas serum DKK1 levels and DKK1/RSPO1 ratios were significantly increased in RA patients compared with controls (all p < 0.0001). Anti-TNF-α treatment significantly suppressed DKK1/RSPO1 ratios (p < 0.01). In contrast to DKK1 or RSPO1 levels, the ratios were significantly associated with erosive disease, elevated acute phase reactants, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) > 3.2, and radiographic progression rate (all p < 0.05). Although the RA patients with radiographic progression exhibited significantly increased DKK1 and reduced RSPO1 levels (p < 0.05), only the DKK1/RSPO1 ratio (log-transformed) was found to be a significant predictor of subsequent radiographic progression [odds ratio (OR) 2.07, p < 0.01]. Conclusions: In this study, the presence of RSPO1 in the circulation was shown for the first time. Our results suggest that the serum DKK1/RSPO1 ratio represents a better predictor of structural progression than either DKK1 or RSPO1 levels alone in RA patients.