Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study Over Thiol Disulfide Homeostasis in Cord Blood in Women With Gestational Diabetes

Objective: To gain insight into the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on cord blood dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis. Materials and methods: A prospective case-control study was carried out for 132 pregnant women (62 GDM, 70 controls). The cord blood samples were collected from all the participants, and the native thiol-disulfide exchanges were examined by means of an automated method enabling to measure thiol-disulfide balance. In addition to investigating shifts in thiol disulfide balance between GDM and healthy pregnancies, we sought to correlate the thiol / disulfide homeostasis parameters with other clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with GDM and using insulin (n = 19) and on a diet only (n = 43). Results: Disulfide amounts, disulfide/native thiol and disulfide/total thiol rates increased (p < 0.001) while native thiol/total thiol decreased in the cord blood of infants born to diabetic mothers (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patient group administered with insulin and diet only was compared. Disulfide, Disulfide/Native thiol*100, Disulfide/total thiol*100, Native/total thiol*100 differ significantly according to the results (p < 0.05). Disulfide, Disulfide / native thiol * 100, Disulfide/total thiol*100, HbA1c and 75gr are higher than those in patients who do not use insulin. Only Native/total thiol*100 values are higher in patients who use insulin than those who do not. Conclusion: This study suggests that the infants born to diabetic mothers are exposed to increased oxidative stress. In addition, the patients who use insulin better control their blood glucose, thus reducing the need of newborns for intensive care.
Effects of Stimuli Repetition and Age in False Recognition

The aim of the current study is to examine the effects of stimuli repetition and age in false recognition using the Deese–Roediger–McDermott experimental paradigm. Two matched samples of 32 young adults and 32 healthy older adults studied 10 lists of six words associated with three non-presented critical words. On half of the lists, the words were presented once, and on the other five lists, the words were presented three times, always following a same sequential order. After each study list, participants performed a self-paced recognition test containing 12 words: the 6 studied words and 6 other non-studied words (the 3 critical words and 3 distractors). The results show that false recognition increases with age and declines in both samples with repetitions (although more in the young adults than in the older people). Results are discussed in relation to the dual-process theories of (false) memory.
Design and Performance of a Wideband Ka-Band 5-b MMIC Phase Shifter

In this letter, the design and performance of a Ka-band 5-b monolithic microwave integrated circuit phase shifter is presented. In the 180° phase bit, a developed switched-path-type topology is employed in order to extend the bandwidth and achieve good phase shifting characteristics. The fabricated phase shifter demonstrates an rms phase error of less than 4.7° and an rms amplitude error of less than 0.6 dB over the frequency band from 31 to 40 GHz. The input and output return loss is measured to be better than 9 dB, and the chip size is 2.55 mm <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times1.3$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm.
The Phosphoinositide-3-phosphatase MTMR2 Associates with MTMR13, a Membrane-associated Pseudophosphatase Also Mutated in Type 4B Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease*

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4B (CMT4B) is a severe, demyelinating peripheral neuropathy characterized by distinctive, focally folded myelin sheaths. CMT4B is caused by recessively inherited mutations in either myotubularin-related 2 (MTMR2) or MTMR13 (also called SET-binding factor 2). MTMR2 encodes a member of the myotubularin family of phosphoinositide-3-phosphatases, which dephosphorylate phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) and bisphosphate PI(3,5)P2. MTMR13 encodes a large, uncharacterized member of the myotubularin family. The MTMR13 phosphatase domain is catalytically inactive because the essential Cys and Arg residues are absent. Given the genetic association of both MTMR2 and MTMR13 with CMT4B, we investigated the biochemical relationship between these two proteins. We found that the endogenous MTMR2 and MTMR13 proteins are associated in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. MTMR2-MTMR13 association is mediated by coiled-coil sequences present in each protein. We also examined the cellular localization of MTMR2 and MTMR13 using fluorescence microscopy and subcellular fractionation. We found that (i) MTMR13 is a predominantly membrane-associated protein; (ii) MTMR2 and MTMR13 cofractionate in both a light membrane fraction and a cytosolic fraction; and (iii) MTMR13 membrane association is mediated by the segment of the protein which contains the pseudophosphatase domain. This work, which describes the first cellular or biochemical investigation of the MTMR13 pseudophosphatase protein, suggests that MTMR13 functions in association with MTMR2. Loss of MTMR13 function in CMT4B2 patients may lead to alterations in MTMR2 function and subsequent alterations in 3-phosphoinositide signaling. Such a mechanism would explain the strikingly similar phenotypes of patients with recessive mutations in either MTMR2 or MTMR13.
Type 2 Inflammatory Responses in Autoimmune Demyelination of the Central Nervous System: Recent Advances

Type 2 immunity has long been confined to a restricted spectrum of responses, mostly including allergic reactions to innocuous environmental triggers. However, growing evidence suggests that cells and mediators typically associated with type 2 inflammation are involved in several physiopathological conditions, such as defense against toxic substances, anticancer immunity, and autoimmune diseases. In neuromyelitis optica, an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the spinal cord and optic nerve, eosinophils extensively infiltrate lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) and promote tissue pathology in experimental models of this disease. Next-generation sequencing of CD4+ T cells isolated from a specific subtype of multiple sclerosis plaque has uncovered an unexpectedly Th2 profile of these cells. Even mast cells and other allergic mediators have been implicated in the modulation and/or effector mechanisms of autoimmune reactions against the CNS. In this review article, the most recent developments showing the involvement of type 2 inflammatory components in CNS autoimmunity are summarised and possible lines of further investigation are discussed.
The Effect of Low-Dose Pravastatin in Metabolic Syndrome for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Japan

The Management of Elevated Cholesterol in the Primary Prevention Group of Adult Japanese (MEGA) Study demonstrated the beneficial effect of low-dose pravastatin treatment (10-20 mg/d) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Japanese patients with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia. However, it is not known whether mild lipid modification is effective even for patients at high risk. In this study, we evaluated low-dose pravastatin treatment in patients with metabolic syndrome in the MEGA Study. Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) was defined according to the modified US National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. There were 72 coronary heart disease (CHD) events and 130 CVD events in 2636 patients with MetSyn, and 70 CHD events and 125 CVD events in 5196 patients without MetSyn (hazard ratios 1.85 and 1.90, respectively). No significant risk reduction in CHD was found in the diet plus pravastatin group compared with the diet group patients with MetSyn (hazard ratio .78, P = .29). On the other hand, there was a significant 36% CVD risk reduction (P = .01) in the diet plus pravastatin group compared with the diet group patients with MetSyn, with a small number needed to treat (45). These results indicate that low-dose pravastatin provides a substantial beneficial effect for the prevention of CVD in Japanese patients with MetSyn without known CVD, a population at proportionally high risk in primary prevention.
Cancer support groups: a critical review of empirical studies

Support groups for adults affected by cancer are widely offered by local community and national agencies in North America. This type of psychosocial intervention is defined in terms of its structure and functions, and its theoretical underpinnings and models of practice are described. Forty‐four empirical studies of professionally led cancer support groups are summarized and critically reviewed. These studies include 32 outcome evaluations of randomized controlled trials, two process evaluations, and 10 consumer satisfaction studies. The findings reveal high levels of consumer satisfaction, and the outcome evaluations substantiate the morale and other quality of life benefits short of prolonging life. Discussion centers on priorities for future research and practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
αArg-237 in Methylophilus methylotrophus (sp. W3A1) Electron-transferring Flavoprotein Affords ∼200-Millivolt Stabilization of the FAD Anionic Semiquinone and a Kinetic Block on Full Reduction to the Dihydroquinone*

The midpoint reduction potentials of the FAD cofactor in wild-type Methylophilus methylotrophus (sp. W3A1) electron-transferring flavoprotein (ETF) and the αR237A mutant were determined by anaerobic redox titration. The FAD reduction potential of the oxidized-semiquinone couple in wild-type ETF (E′1) is +153 ± 2 mV, indicating exceptional stabilization of the flavin anionic semiquinone species. Conversion to the dihydroquinone is incomplete (E′2 < −250 mV), because of the presence of both kinetic and thermodynamic blocks on full reduction of the FAD. A structural model of ETF (Chohan, K. K., Scrutton, N. S., and Sutcliffe, M. J. (1998) Protein Pept. Lett. 5, 231–236) suggests that the guanidinium group of Arg-237, which is located over the si face of the flavin isoalloxazine ring, plays a key role in the exceptional stabilization of the anionic semiquinone in wild-type ETF. The major effect of exchanging αArg-237 for Ala in M. methylotrophus ETF is to engineer a remarkable ∼200-mV destabilization of the flavin anionic semiquinone (E′2 = −31 ± 2 mV, andE′1 = −43 ± 2 mV). In addition, reduction to the FAD dihydroquinone in αR237A ETF is relatively facile, indicating that the kinetic block seen in wild-type ETF is substantially removed in the αR237A ETF. Thus, kinetic (as well as thermodynamic) considerations are important in populating the redox forms of the protein-bound flavin. Additionally, we show that electron transfer from trimethylamine dehydrogenase to αR237A ETF is severely compromised, because of impaired assembly of the electron transfer complex.
Genetics of a Lessepsian sprinter: the bluespotted cornetfish, Fistularia commersonii

Our current understanding of the mechanisms that lead to successful biological invasions is limited. Although local adaptation plays a central role in biological invasions, genetic studies have failed to produce a unified theory so far. The bluespotted cornetfish, a recent invader of the Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal, provides an ideal case study to research the mechanisms of invasive genetics. Previous genetic work based on mitochondrial markers has shown the genetic diversity of the Mediterranean population was greatly reduced in comparison to the natural population in the Red Sea. In the current study, we expand upon these studies by adding mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Mitochondrial results confirm previous findings. The nuclear marker, however, does not show evidence of reduction in diversity. We interpret these results as either a differential dispersal capability in males and females, or the presence of selection on the invading Mediterranean population.
Digital danger: a review of the global public health, patient safety and cybersecurity threats posed by illicit online pharmacies.

BACKGROUND Amidst the rise of e-commerce, there has been a proliferation of illicit online pharmacies that threaten global patient safety by selling drugs without a prescription directly to the consumer. Despite this clear threat, little is known about the key risk characteristics, central challenges and current legal, regulatory and law enforcement responses. SOURCES OF DATA A review was conducted of the English literature with search terms 'online pharmacies', 'Internet pharmacies', 'cyber pharmacies', 'rogue pharmacies', and 'e-pharmacies' using PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar from 1999-2005. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Illicit online pharmacies are a rapidly growing public health threat and are characterized by a number of complex and interrelated risk factors. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Solutions are varied and are of questionable utility in the face of evolving technology that enables this form of transnational cybercrime. GROWING POINTS Legal, regulatory and technology solutions must address the entire illicit online pharmacy ecosystem in order to be effective. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH There is a critical need to build international consensus, conduct additional research and develop technology to combat illicit online pharmacies.
Experiences of bullying victimisation in female interuniversity athletes

The purpose of the study was to explore interuniversity student-athletes’ experiences with bullying victimisation. Eleven female athletes from a range of individual and team sports volunteered to be interviewed about their personal experiences as targets and witnesses of bullying behaviours from their teammates. The interviews elicited stories that were analysed using narrative thematic analysis. The athletes discussed a range of negative repercussions associated with bullying victimisation including reduced enjoyment of sport, isolation from their teams, reduced self-esteem, negative emotions including sadness, embarrassment, and fear, and detriments to sport and academic performance. Interpretation of the athletes’ stories led us to conclude that bullying represents a form of peer-to-peer interpersonal conflict in the sport context that has serious negative effects on athlete mental health and well-being. Bullying between teammates should be included in the broader conversation regarding identifying and preventing harassment and abuse to foster safe and inclusive sport environments. Future research should explore roles beyond that of the victim to inform effective strategies to intervene and prevent bullying in interuniversity sport contexts.
Platelet rich plasma and dentine effect on sheep dental pulp cells regeneration/revitalization ability (in vitro)

BACKGROUND Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a scaffold for pulp regeneration/revitalization instead of a blood clot. The aim of the following in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of PRP scaffold on proliferation, migration and differentiation of cultured ovine (sheep) dental pulp cells (ODPC) in the presence of dentine . METHODS PRP was prepared by centrifuging blood at 140 g for 12 min. ODPC were cultured on PRP or platelet poor plasma (PPP) scaffolds with and without dentine discs. Cell proliferation, migration and differentiation rates were assessed. RESULTS ODPC cultured on PRP scaffold showed significantly greater proliferation rates, migration and mineralization compared with cells on PPP or without a scaffold. Dentine discs reduced the proliferation and mineralization potential of the cells. CONCLUSIONS A PRP scaffold has a positive effect on the proliferation, migration and differentiation of ODPC; however, dentine discs have an adverse effect on the activity of ODPC.
Essays on euro area enlargement

This dissertation examines issues related to the adoption of the euro by the new Central and Eastern European EU Member States. The rst essay studies the interaction between scal policy and the price level in di¤erent exchange rate regimes. The theoretical framework is based on the Fiscal Theory of the Price Level (FTPL). The results show that a credibly xed exchange rate is inconsistent with scal irresponsibility, which implies that scal discipline is a prerequisite for successful participation in the exchange rate mechanism ERM II, while countries unable to commit to sound scal policies, probably should not commit to a xed exchange rate either. Paradoxically, adoption of the common currency enables a country to conduct irresponsible policies, with the result that a rise in the debt level of one country raises the common price level of the monetary union. In the second essay, a small open economy model is constructed, which allows the examination of the e¤ects of Balassa-Samuelson-type growth i.e. faster productivity growth in the traded goods sector than in the non-traded goods sector in an intertemporal xed exchange rate framework with a focus on the external balance, which has gained less attention in earlier research. The numerical simulations imply that the Balassa-Samuelson e¤ect may increase the vulnerability of the economy. However, trade account de cits would appear to be a temporary phenomenon, as the de cits are decreased by the natural shift in the composition of consumption towards non-traded goods that is characteristic of catch-up. The focus of the third essay is the e¤ects of the EU scal policy rules on the scal variables, namely de cit and debt, and the external balance in the new Member States participating in ERM II. The numerical simulations show that a scal rule based on debt may be better at providing stability into the economy, while a de cit rule implies a smoother response to a transitory increase in output. External imbalances appear to be a natural part of the convergence process, which cannot be eliminated through the use of scal rules alone. Key words: ERM II, Fiscal Theory of the Price Level, Balassa-Samuelson e¤ect, small open economy, external balance, scal rules
Preterm infants born at less than 31 weeks' gestation have improved growth in cycled light compared with continuous near darkness.

OBJECTIVES Our purpose was to evaluate the benefits of cycled light (CL) versus near darkness (ND) on health in preterm infants born at <31 weeks' gestational age. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, interventional study comparing infants receiving (1) CL from birth, (2) CL at 32 weeks' postconceptional age (PCA), and (3) CL at 36 weeks' PCA in transition for discharge home. Statistical significance was assessed with segmented mixed general linear models, analysis of covariance, general estimating equations, chi(2), and Fisher's exact procedure. RESULTS Infants receiving CL at birth and 32 weeks' PCA gained weight faster than infants not receiving CL until 36 weeks' PCA. There were no differences among the groups in length of hospitalization stay or number of ventilator days, but the power was low for these variables. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that CL has significant weight gain benefits over ND, and there are no short-term advantages of ND over cycled light for health in preterm infants.
Do black family headship structures make a difference in teenage pregnancy? A comparison of one-parent and two-parent families.

"The black communities of the United States have a disproportionate number of single-parent families: In point of fact, over one half of all black families with children are single-parent families; the great majority of these single-parent families are headed by females. The fastest growing segment of single parent families is young never-married females who.have incomes below the poverty line. Using a causal model analysis, this particular study undertook to compare subsamples of continuous two-parent and one-parent families to find out what intra-familial dynamics 'cause' early versus late teenage pregnancy. The results suggest that positive child-parent affect is generally associated with delayed teenage pregnancy, and negative child-parent affect is generally associated with early teenage pregnancy. Moreover, the father's influence is significant in both two-parent and one-parent families. "
Insulin Sensitizers for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The findings that insulin resistance has important implications in the pathogenesis of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and that insulin-sensitizing drugs are a useful therapeutic approach are relatively recent. Nevertheless, multiple well-designed clinical trials have been published in the past decade, and there is now sufficient evidence in the literature to support clinical recommendations. The management of PCOS includes short-term objectives, such as treatment of infertility and control of androgen excess, as well as long-term considerations, such as prevention of endometrial cancer and management of the dysmetabolic syndrome with its associated risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The present review will address the rationale for the use of insulin-sensitizing drugs to treat both the short-term and long-term issues in PCOS. Since it has been only sparsely reviewed in the literature, we will emphasize the importance of preventing the long-term risks associated with PCOS, if possible, when choosing a pharmacologic therapy.
Protein‐A antibody‐binding (PAAB) technique for detection of tumor‐associated membrane antigen (TAMA) of lewis lung carcinoma

Xenoantisera were prepared in rabbits against intact paraformaldehyde‐fixed Lewis lung carcinoma (LLCa) cells and membrane solubilized proteins extracted with Triton X‐100 and 3M KCI. The antisera were analyzed for antibodies to tumor‐associated membrane antigens (TAMA) by means of a solid‐phase radioimmunoassay (RIA). The immunoassay employed 125I‐labelled Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SPA) to detect specific antibody binding to glutaraldehyde‐fixed Lewis lung tumor target cells. The protein‐A antibody‐binding (PAAB) method is rapid, sensitive and reproducible. The PAAB revealed a possible LLCa‐TAMA as evidenced by the reactivity of xenoantisera raised to LL paraformaldehyde tumor cell vaccine (TCV) and LL tumor Triton X‐I00 (TTri) and 3M KCI (TKCI) extracts of membrane preparations. The reactivity of our antisera followed linear dose‐response kinetics but the degree of reactivity decreased from anti‐TCV to anti‐TTri to anti‐TKCI respectively. The LL‐TAMA demonstrated specificity since our antisera did not significantly cross‐react with normal C57BL/6 cellular antigens or other known murine tumor‐associated surface antigens of virally and chemically‐induced tumor systems.