Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison between 99mTc-sestamibi gated myocardial perfusion SPECT and echocardiography in assessment of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction--effect of perfusion defect and small heart.

BACKGROUND Agreement between gated myocardial perfusion SPECT (GSPECT) and echocardiography (ECHO) in the calculation of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and LVEF was assessed. Effect of perfusion defect and small hearts on this agreement was obtained. Because ECHO is a routine and widely used noninvasive modality for this purpose, we chose this technique for comparison with GSPECT. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a prospective study, 50 consecutive patients (age = 59.7 ± 10.64 years) underwent rest Tc99m-sestamibi GSPECT and 2-D ECHO. The LVEF, EDV and ESV were calculated using QGS (Quantitative Gated SPECT) software. RESULTS Fourteen (28%) patients had perfusion defect in rest phase tomograms, while 36 (72%) had no perfusion defect. There was a significant correlation between two modalities in calculation of EDV, ESV and LVEF (all: p < 0.001, Pearson's correlation coefficients: r = 0.764, 0.831 and 0.813, respectively). A good correlation was noticed even in small hearts or in patients with or without previous myocardial infarction. There was a significant difference between GSPECT and ECHO in patients with no perfusion defect as well as in patients with small heart (ESV < 25 ml). On the other hand, no remarkable difference was noticed between two techniques in the presence of perfusion defect or in patients with ESV ≥ 25 ml. CONCLUSION There was a good agreement between EDV, ESV and LVEF derived from GSPECT and ECHO. There was a significant difference between two modalities in small hearts and in patients without perfusion defect, although in larger ventricles or in the presence of myocardial infarction no remarkable difference between two modalities was noticed.
Identification and Characterization of a Spliced C-Type Lectin-Like Gene Encoded by Rat Cytomegalovirus

ABSTRACT The English isolate of rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) encodes a 20-kDa protein with a C-type lectin-like domain that is expressed in the delayed-early and late phases of the viral replication cycle. Genomic sequence analysis of the restriction fragment KpnR of RCMV revealed significant homology to several C-type lectin-containing molecules implicated in natural killer (NK) and T-cell interactions, as well as genes from four poxviruses and African swine fever virus. The gene is spliced into five exons and shows a splicing pattern with exon boundaries similar to those observed in the human differentiation antigen CD69. The cap site of the gene was mapped by RNase protection, 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends, and primer extension experiments. This analysis demonstrated that the core promoter of the RCMV lectin-like gene contains a GATA rather than a TATA box. Splicing patterns were confirmed with isolates from an infected-cell cDNA library. A unique aspect of the protein is that its translation is not initiated by the canonical methionine but rather by alanine. To study its role in virus replication and pathogenesis, a recombinant virus was constructed in which the gene is interrupted. Replication in tissue culture was similar to that of wild-type virus.
Complementary and alternative medicine use by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: An Internet survey.

OBJECTIVES To determine the degree and determinants of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the use of the Internet and to compare the results with those found by using a similar survey in patients attending gastroenterology clinics in Calgary, Alberta. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 263 patients with IBD with the use of a World Wide Web-based, structured questionnaire was conducted. RESULTS Complementary therapies had been used by 46% of patients in the previous two years. Current use was reported by 34%. Vitamins, herbal products and natural health practices were the most commonly reported therapies. Side effects and lack of effectiveness of standard therapies were the most commonly cited reasons for seeking complementary medicine. However, despite this, respondents who had previously received surgery, or intravenous or oral steroids were less likely to be current CAM users. Important differences between the determinants of and reasons for CAM use in the present study and those of a similar study of IBD patients in a local tertiary care setting were noted. CONCLUSIONS Complementary medicine use is common in patients with IBD. Differences in the determinants of and reasons for CAM use noted between the present Internet sample and a gastroenterology clinic sample suggest that conclusions from the present study and from previous studies based only on clinic samples provide a limited view of CAM use by people with IBD. More comprehensive assessments are needed.
Truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the simian immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein alters the conformation of the external domain

We previously reported that truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the macaque simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein enhanced its ability to induce cell fusion in a variety of cell lines. In the present study, we examined the expression of the full-length and truncated SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein complex on cell surfaces. Using a membrane-impermeable reagent to biotinylate proteins on cell surfaces followed by immunoprecipitation, we found that under conditions in which the full-length TM protein could not be detected on the surfaces of CD4-positive or CD4-negative cell lines, the truncated TM protein was detected efficiently. In contrast, using a membrane-impermeable iodination reagent to label proteins on cell surfaces, we could detect both the full-length and truncated TM proteins. No difference between the full-length and truncated proteins was observed in the detection of the SU proteins in the biotinylation assay. Additionally, we used an assay in which SIV-specific antibodies are prebound to the native envelope proteins expressed on the cell surface and then the proteins are immunoprecipitated. Using this assay, we could not detect the truncated or full-length TM protein on the cell surface, whereas we could detect the SU subunits of both proteins. We also observed that the truncated TM protein formed more stable sodium dodecyl sulfate-resistant oligomers than the full-length TM protein did. These results indicate that truncation of the cytoplasmic domain of the SIVmac239 envelope glycoprotein affects the conformation of the external domain of the TM protein on the cell surface, even though the two proteins have no differences in the amino acid sequences of their external domains. This altered conformation could play a role in the enhanced fusion activity of the truncated SIV glycoprotein.
Craving and subjective responses to alcohol administration: validation of the desires for alcohol questionnaire in the human laboratory.

OBJECTIVE The abbreviated Desires for Alcohol Questionnaire (DAQ) is a self-report assessment of craving comprising the following subscales: (a) strong desires/intentions to drink, (b) negative reinforcement, and (c) positive reinforcement and ability to control drinking. Although the DAQ is sensitive to changes in alcohol craving precipitated by alcohol administration and/or cue exposure, no studies to date have examined the relationship between DAQ scores and subjective responses to alcohol. This study addresses this gap in the literature by testing the relationship between subjective responses to alcohol during alcohol administration and DAQ scores assessed 1 month later. METHOD Individuals with alcohol dependence (n = 32) completed a randomized, single-blinded, intravenous alcohol administration in the laboratory in which subjective responses to the alcohol were measured, followed by a visit to the laboratory 1 month later to complete the DAQ. RESULTS Analyses revealed robust associations between DAQ scores and alcohol craving during alcohol administration (partial correlations: r = .43-.50, ps < .01), with the exception of the positive reinforcement subscale (r = .20, p = .30). Subjective intoxication and sedation were only associated with the negative reinforcement subscale of the DAQ (r = .38, p < .05 and r = .33, p < .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Craving, captured by the DAQ, is reliably and positively associated with alcohol-induced craving. The DAQ is also associated with specific dimensions of subjective responses to alcohol. These results support the clinical utility of the DAQ, particularly in large samples where experimental manipulations may not be feasible.
Impact of Cognitive Loading on Postural Control in Parkinson’s Disease With Freezing of Gait

Objective:To assess standing balance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with and without freezing of gait (FOG) during cognitive loading. Method:A balance assessment with cognitive loading, reading (RE) and counting backward (CB), was performed by the Nintendo Wii Fit in 60 PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. The participants were grouped into FOG and non-FOG according to the Freezing of Gait–Questionnaire (FOG-Q) scores. The center of pressure (CoP) in terms of path length (PL), sway area (SA), root mean square (RMS), medio-lateral (ML), and antero-posterior (AP) were analyzed. Results:Significant increases of PL were observed in both groups of PD patients during cognitive loading (p < .001). Meanwhile, the increased differences of PL during cognitive loading in PD-FOG were larger than in PD-non-FOG. The ML displacement during counting backward was significantly increased in PD-FOG (p = .012). Conclusion:Cognitive loading influenced standing balance and postural sway of PD patients. The effects were more prominent in PD-FOG. These findings represent the interactions between cognitive function, postural control, and FOG in PD.
Muscle injections with lidocaine improve resting fatigue and pain in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Objective Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) complain of long-lasting fatigue and pain which are not relieved by rest and worsened by physical exertion. Previous research has implicated metaboreceptors of muscles to play an important role for chronic fatigue and pain. Therefore, we hypothesized that blocking impulse input from deep tissues with intramuscular lidocaine injections would improve not only the pain but also fatigue of CFS patients. Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 58 CFS patients received 20 mL of 1% lidocaine (200 mg) or normal saline once into both trapezius and gluteal muscles. Study outcomes included clinical fatigue and pain, depression, and anxiety. In addition, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia were assessed and serum levels of lidocaine were obtained after the injections. Results Fatigue ratings of CFS patients decreased significantly more after lidocaine compared to saline injections (p = 0.03). In contrast, muscle injections reduced pain, depression, and anxiety (p < 0.001), but these changes were not statistically different between lidocaine and saline (p > 0.05). Lidocaine injections increased mechanical pain thresholds of CFS patients (p = 0.04) but did not affect their heat hyperalgesia. Importantly, mood changes or lidocaine serum levels did not significantly predict fatigue reductions. Conclusion These results demonstrate that lidocaine injections reduce clinical fatigue of CFS patients significantly more than placebo, suggesting an important role of peripheral tissues for chronic fatigue. Future investigations will be necessary to evaluate the clinical benefits of such interventions.
Evaluation of nutrient management and mulching strategies for vegetable production on an extensive green roof

ABSTRACT Substrate nutrient and moisture management are two major concerns in green roof agriculture, especially when using extensive systems, but there are currently no recommendations or best management practices. The purpose of this study was to explore three mulching strategies (pine bark, living sedum, and no mulch) and three fertilization regimens (25, 50, and 100 g∙m−2 of 14-14-14 N-P-K slow release fertilizer applied twice each growing season) over two growing seasons to determine their benefits to rooftop agriculture. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), cucumbers (Cucumis sativus), peppers (Capsicum annuum), basil (Ocimum basilicum), and chives (Allium schoenoprasum) were grown. The 2010 crops outperformed those grown in 2011, likely because of the more extreme temperature and precipitation variations during 2011. When there were differences among mulch treatments, pine bark usually resulted in higher productivity than live sedum mulch. The effects of live sedum mulch on crop production were mixed, consistent with previous literature on the use of live mulches in agriculture. With the exception of whole plot, tomato, and cucumber grades, there was a positive dose response to fertilizer. Further research into more types of mulch, their effects on the green roof microclimate, and fertilizer composition and release rates is required.
A-to-I editing of microRNAs in the mammalian brain increases during development

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing targets double-stranded RNA stem–loop structures in the mammalian brain. It has previously been shown that miRNAs are substrates for A-to-I editing. For the first time, we show that for several definitions of edited miRNA, the level of editing increases with development, thereby indicating a regulatory role for editing during brain maturation. We use high-throughput RNA sequencing to determine editing levels in mature miRNA, from the mouse transcriptome, and compare these with the levels of editing in pri-miRNA. We show that increased editing during development gradually changes the proportions of the two miR-376a isoforms, which previously have been shown to have different targets. Several other miRNAs that also are edited in the seed sequence show an increased level of editing through development. By comparing editing of pri-miRNA with editing and expression of the corresponding mature miRNA, we also show an editing-induced developmental regulation of miRNA expression. Taken together, our results imply that RNA editing influences the miRNA repertoire during brain maturation.
Association of the ABCB1 gene polymorphisms 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T with clinical outcomes of paclitaxel monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND ABCB1 is responsible for multidrug resistance, the principal mechanism by which many cancers develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. There is a controversy whether ABCB1 gene polymorphisms correlate with survival and response in cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. We evaluated the association between clinical outcome (safety and efficacy) of paclitaxel monotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients with ABCB1 gene polymorphisms 2677G>T/A or 3435C>T. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with metastatic breast cancer were treated with 175 mg/m(2) paclitaxel per 3-week cycle. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients were used to genotype ABCB1 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T polymorphisms. Genotypes were investigated for their association with tumor response, survival, toxicity, and chemoresistance. RESULTS ABCB1 3435 CT showed a significantly lower disease control rate than the CC genotype (P = 0.025). ABCB1 3435 CT was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) in Cox regression analysis (P = 0.026). The 2677 GG genotype showed a significant association with chemoresistance to paclitaxel and anthracycline (P = 0.04 and 0.04, respectively). None of the ABCB1 genotypes correlated with toxicity. CONCLUSIONS ABCB1 genotypes may be a predictor of paclitaxel activity as well as a prognostic factor in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Mapping sites responsible for interactions of agrin with neurons

The multidomain proteoglycan agrin is a critical organizer of postsynaptic differentiation at the skeletal neuromuscular junction. Agrin is also abundant in the brain, but its roles there are unknown. As a step toward understanding these roles, we mapped sites responsible for interactions of neurons with agrin. First, we used a series of recombinant agrin fragments to show that at least four sites on agrin interact with chick ciliary neurons. Use of blocking antibodies and peptides indicated that neurons adhere to a site in the second of three G domains by means of αVβ1 integrin, and to a site in the last of four epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats via a distinct β1 integrin. A third, integrin‐independent adhesion site is near to but distinct from the site that induces postsynaptic differentiation in muscles. These domains are insufficient, however, to account for neurite outgrowth‐inhibiting properties of full‐length agrin, which are mediated by the N‐terminal half of the molecule. We then used a second set of agrin mutants to demonstrate and map a transmembrane domain in the amino‐terminus of the SN‐isoform of agrin. The extracellular matrix‐bound form of agrin, called LN, bears an amino‐terminus required for secretion and binding to laminin. The SN form, which is selectively expressed by neurons, bears a variant amino terminus that converts agrin from a secreted, matrix‐associated protein to a type‐II transmembrane protein, providing a mechanism for presenting agrin in central, as opposed to neuromuscular, synaptic clefts. The SN‐amino terminus can mediate externalization and membrane anchoring of heterologous proteins, but is insufficient to target them to the synapse. Together, these studies define sites that contribute to the subcellular localization of and signaling by neuronal agrin.
Posttraumatic stress disorder in an urban population of young adults: risk factors for chronicity.

OBJECTIVE Despite progress in epidemiologic research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), little is known about factors that distinguish chronic from nonchronic PTSD. In a previous report, the authors identified a set of personal predispositions associated with PTSD following traumatic events in a general population sample of young adults. The purpose of this analysis was to identify characteristics of chronic PTSD and examine whether any of the suspected risk factors for PTSD was associated specifically with chronic PTSD. METHOD A random sample of 1,007 21- to 30-year-old members of a large health maintenance organization in the Detroit area was interviewed, using the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), revised for DSM-III-R. The analysis was performed on data from 394 respondents who reported traumatic events, of whom 93 met criteria for PTSD. Chronic PTSD was defined as duration of symptoms for 1 year or more. RESULTS Persons with chronic PTSD (N = 53) had, on the average, a significantly higher total number of PTSD symptoms and higher rates of overreactivity to stimuli that symbolized the stressor and interpersonal numbing than persons with nonchronic PTSD. The rates of one or more additional anxiety or affective disorders and a variety of medical conditions were higher in persons with chronic than nonchronic PTSD. Family history of antisocial behavior and female sex were associated specifically with chronic PTSD. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that chronic PTSD may be associated with specific risk factors and clinical features. Longitudinal data on the course of PTSD are needed to determine whether the distinct features and the medical and psychiatric histories of persons with chronic PTSD are complications attendant on a chronic course or coexisting disturbances that inhibit recovery.
The European Market Abuse Directive: Has it Worked?

In this paper, we examine whether the Market Abuse Directive (MAD) has been effective in achieving its objectives of deterring the market manipulation activities, increasing the timeliness of information and decreasing the disclosure of inside information to select groups. Our sample consists of firms listed on Frankfurt Stock Exchange. We use stock prices and analysts' forecast-based proxies to examine the impact and effectiveness of MAD. The analysis based on these two set of proxies provides evidence that the adoption of MAD has been effective. In particular, we find that after the implementation of MAD, on average, (1) the volatility of stock prices around earnings announcement declines, (2) stock prices remain closer to their post earnings announcement level during the period before earnings announcement, (3) the accuracy of analyst forecasts improves, (4) the dispersion of analyst forecasts decreases, and (5) the number of analysts following a company declines.
Relevance of improved epidemiological knowledge to sustainable control of Haemonchus contortus in Nigeria

Abstract Nigeria experiences losses in small ruminant production as a result of a high prevalence of infection with Haemonchus contortus, but there have been very few investigative studies into the epidemiology of H. contortus in Nigeria, particularly in the south and western parts of the country. For successful planning and execution of control of hemonchosis in Nigeria, there is a need for insight into the epidemiology of free-living stages under the prevailing local conditions and models for climatic and environmental factors that control the risk of hemonchosis and distribution of H. contortus. In this review, we assess previous studies on the epidemiology of H. contortus in Nigeria, evaluate the present climatic and epidemiological situation, and highlight areas that require further investigative studies. The goal is to identify factors that underpin better control strategies and holistic integrated farm-management practice. Previous studies on H. contortus provided important information for formulation of control strategies and development toward integrated parasite management. However, this review has revealed the need for holistic evaluation of the current epidemiology and prevalence of H. contortus in Nigeria, particularly in relation to climate change. Accurate information is needed to build useful predictive models of the population dynamics of all free-living stages, particularly the L3.
Esophageal atresia in Bremen, Germany--evaluation of preoperative risk classification in esophageal atresia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The current study enrolled 113 patients with esophageal atresia (EA) accompanying tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) (Vogt type IIIb) who were treated at the Central Hospital St. Jürgen Strasse, Department of Pediatric Surgery in Bremen, Germany between 1978 and 1997. METHODS These EA patients were classified into patients preoperatively complicated by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or pneumonia and those without complications. In each group, risk factors were classified according to the risk classification described by Spitz et al, and the prognoses and therapeutic problems were evaluated. Based on these results, a new preoperative risk classification consisting of risk factors described by Spitz et al supplemented with RDS and pneumonia was evaluated. RESULTS When the prognoses of EA were evaluated, the survival rate was markedly decreased when RDS or pneumonia alone or more than 2 of 3 factors including major cardiac anomalies and low birth weight were present as preoperative risk factors. Concerning therapeutic problems, the necessity of treatment with delayed primary repair tended to increase when RDS or pneumonia was present as risk factors. However, it was suggested that secure and safe blockage of TEF was still difficult during the initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS During selection of therapeutic strategies for EA, RDS and pneumonia are still considered to be essential as preoperative risk factors for EA. Our new preoperative risk classification consisting of risk factors described by Spitz et al supplemented with RDS and pneumonia appears to clearly reflect the prognoses and therapeutic problems of EA.