Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term tolerability and effectiveness of once-daily mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR) in children with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the long-term tolerability and effectiveness of extended-release mixed amphetamine salts (MAS XR; Adderall XR) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD This was a 24-month, multicenter, open-label extension of TWO placebo-controlled studies of MAS XR in children with ADHD aged 6 to 12 years. Subjects (N=568) began treatment with MAS XR 10 mg once daily, with 10-mg weekly dose increases to optimal effectiveness (maximum dose, 30 mg/d). Effectiveness was assessed with analysis of quarterly Conners Global Index Scale, Parent version (CGIS-P) scores. Tolerability was assessed by monitoring adverse events (AEs), vital signs, physical examinations, and serial laboratory tests. RESULTS Significant improvements (>30%, p < .001) in CGIS-P scores were maintained during long-term treatment. Treatment was well tolerated, and most AEs were mild. The most frequently reported drug-related AEs included anorexia, insomnia, and headache. The incidence of drug-related AEs increased with increasing MAS XR dose, suggesting a dose relationship. Changes in laboratory values and vital signs were modest and not clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS In children with ADHD, once-daily 10 mg-30 mg MAS XR was well tolerated and significant behavioral improvements were consistently maintained during 24 months of treatment.
HEPATORENAL TOXICITY STUDIES OF SUB-CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF CALYX AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA IN ALBINO RATS

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn has been reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects. Subchronic effects of calyces aqueous extracts of H. Sabdariffa were studied in albino rats. Twenty four (24) albino rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of four rats each. Group A, was fed with growers mesh and distilled water as control. Groups B to F were administered orally with the aqueous extract at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5g /kg body weight respectively and the treatment period was 28 days. A decreased in weights of the animals were observed at all dose levels. The activities of liver maker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and direct bilirubin increased significantly (p 0.05) increase in concentrations of total protein and albumin were observed in comparison to the control. The renal indices, urea, uric acid and creatinine in the treated groups were significantly increased compared to the control but a significant decrease (p<0.001) in sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) were noted in comparison to the control. Although the results revealed a dose dependant variation in the liver and renal indices, nonetheless these results suggest that high dose of calyx extracts of H.sabdariffa may be toxic to liver and kidney.
An Investigation of PCR Inhibition Using Plexor®‐Based Quantitative PCR and Short Tandem Repeat Amplification

A common problem in forensic DNA typing is PCR inhibition resulting in allele dropout and peak imbalance. In this paper, we have utilized the Plexor® real‐time PCR quantification kit to evaluate PCR inhibition. This is performed by adding increasing concentrations of various inhibitors and evaluating changes in melt curves and PCR amplification efficiencies. Inhibitors examined included calcium, humic acid, collagen, phenol, tannic acid, hematin, melanin, urea, bile salts, EDTA, and guanidinium thiocyanate. Results were plotted and modeled using mathematical simulations. In general, we found that PCR inhibitors that bind DNA affect melt curves and CT takeoff points while those that affect the Taq polymerase tend to affect the slope of the amplification curve. Mixed mode effects were also visible. Quantitative PCR results were then compared with subsequent STR amplification using the PowerPlex® 16 HS System. The overall results demonstrate that real‐time PCR can be an effective method to evaluate PCR inhibition and predict its effects on subsequent STR amplifications.
An Investigation into China's Export-Share Policy for Foreign-Invested Firms

This thesis analyses China’s export-share policy; a policy that requires foreign-invested firms to export a certain minimum share of their production. The initial discussion focuses on the development of China’s foreign investment and foreign exchange control policies since the commencement of the Open Door Policy. Data on foreign-invested firms is analysed to determine whether (i) the export-share requirements affect investor behaviour, and (ii) the pattern of requirements has changed over time. The effect of export-share requirements on domestic welfare, foreign investment, and the level of foreign reserves are then examined within a partial equilibrium framework based on Herander and Thomas (1986). A more extensive general equilibrium analysis is then undertaken within a model that extends and unifies the analyses of Rodrik (1987) and Chao and Yu (1991, 1992, 1994). Urban unemployment is modelled using the framework of rural-urban migration proposed by Harris and Todaro (1970). The effect on welfare, foreign investment, and foreign reserves are analysed under both quota and tariff protection for the importable sector.Finally, the results of the theoretical analysis are applied to the earlier discussion on China’s foreign investment and foreign exchange control policies. It is found that the various policy goals pursued by China have conflicting optimal export-share requirements and, even though many of the theoretical results are ambiguous, the export-share policy implemented by China is likely to be non-optimal.
Structural evolution and membrane interactions of Alzheimer's amyloid‐beta peptide oligomers: New knowledge from single‐molecule fluorescence studies

Amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) oligomers may represent the proximal neurotoxin in Alzheimer's disease. Single‐molecule microscopy (SMM) techniques have recently emerged as a method for overcoming the innate difficulties of working with amyloid‐β, including the peptide's low endogenous concentrations, the dynamic nature of its oligomeric states, and its heterogeneous and complex membrane interactions. SMM techniques have revealed that small oligomers of the peptide bind to model membranes and cells at low nanomolar‐to‐picomolar concentrations and diffuse at rates dependent on the membrane characteristics. These methods have also shown that oligomers grow or dissociate based on the presence of specific inhibitors or promoters and on the ratio of Aβ40 to Aβ42. Here, we discuss several types of single‐molecule imaging that have been applied to the study of Aβ oligomers and their membrane interactions. We also summarize some of the recent insights SMM has provided into oligomer behavior in solution, on planar lipid membranes, and on living cell membranes. A brief overview of the current limitations of the technique, including the lack of sensitive assays for Aβ‐induced toxicity, is included in hopes of inspiring future development in this area of research.
Insurance coverage and subsequent utilization of complementary and alternative medicine providers.

BACKGROUND Since 1996, Washington State law has required that private health insurance cover licensed complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers. OBJECTIVE To evaluate how insured people used CAM providers and what role this played in healthcare utilization and expenditures. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of insurance enrollees from western Washington in 2002. METHODS Analysis of insurance demographic data, claims files, benefit information, diagnoses, CAM and conventional provider utilization, and healthcare expenditures for 3 large health insurance companies. RESULTS Among more than 600,000 enrollees, 13.7% made CAM claims. This included 1.3% of enrollees with claims for acupuncture, 1.6% for naturopathy, 2.4% for massage, and 10.9% for chiropractic. Patients enrolled in preferred provider organizations and point-of-service products were notably more likely to use CAM than those with health maintenance organization coverage. The use of CAM was greater among women and among persons 31 to 50 years of age. The use of chiropractic was more frequent in less populous counties. The CAM provider visits usually focused on musculoskeletal complaints except for naturopathic physicians, who treated a broader array of problems. The median per-visit expenditures were 39.00 dollars for CAM care and 74.40 dollars for conventional outpatient care. The total expenditures per enrollee were 2589 dollars, of which 75 dollars(2.9%) was spent on CAM. CONCLUSIONS The number of people using CAM insurance benefits was substantial; the effect on insurance expenditures was modest. Because the long-term trajectory of CAM cost under third-party payment is unknown, utilization of these services should be followed.
Clinicopathological study of originally non-lupus “full-house” nephropathy

Background: Glomerular “full-house” immunofluorescence staining commonly indicates lupus nephritis. However, some non-lupus nephropathy also can present with a “full-house” immunofluorescence pattern mimicking lupus nephritis. The goal of this study is to define the clinicopathological spectrum of originally non-lupus “full-house” nephropathy. Methods: Records of 24 patients with “full-house” nephropathy in the absence of clinical or serological evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the time of renal biopsy were abstracted for demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory data, renal biopsy findings, and clinical follow-up. Results: The clinicopathological diagnoses included membranous glomerulonephritis (GN) (46%), IgA nephropathy (21%), membranoproliferative GN (12.5%), postinfectious GN (12.5%), C1q nephropathy (4%), and unclassified mesangial GN (4%). No one had endothelial tubuloreticular inclusions. One patient originally diagnosed as IgA nephropathy developed anti-DNA antibody and another one patient with membranous GN developed hypocomplementemia 8 months and 10 months after renal biopsy, respectively. The two patients also developed clinical symptoms of lupus subsequently. Conclusions: There was a broad spectrum of glomerular histological findings in non-lupus “full-house” nephropathy. The possibility of “full-house” nephropathy preceding the emergence of overt systemic lupus erythematosus remained to be elucidated.
How clergy experience preparing to move jobs in the Church of England

This research project sought to find out more about how clergy experience preparing to move jobs in the Church of England. This is important and timely for several reasons. First, there has been limited theoretical and empirical attention paid to the process and tasks of preparing for a career transition. Second, clergy are contemplating job moves in a dynamic institutional context which is affecting how they perceive and construct their future career trajectory. Third, I set out to investigate clergy as members of a workforce facing some of the same issues and concerns as those in other occupations rather than viewing them as being in any way special by virtue of their ordained status. The study is framed by career theories which attend to transition, turnover and the determinants and antecedents of career and job mobility. A total of 31 clergy from three Church of England dioceses were interviewed as part of a qualitative study. A social constructivist method was adopted and thematic analysis applied to the data with attention being paid to the reflexive research process. The findings indicate that a religious context is an important site for enhancing our understanding of the complex relationship between individual agency, structural constraints and the antecedents to preparing to move jobs. Following structural changes to how clergy are recruited, selected and appointed to posts participants are found to be experiencing cognitive dissonance as they anticipate a move. This is explained by a shift in the delegation of authority to individual clergy and the erosion of strategic ambiguity as a mode of communication between different parties. These are changes which undermine value systems rooted in history, tradition, custom and practice and calling which clergy rate highly. The study identifies facets of calling and vocation which clergy correlate with preparing to move jobs rather than an original call to ministry.
Compensation in the neural circuitry of fear conditioning awakens learning circuits in the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is thought to be essential for fear learning. However, extensive training can overcome the loss of conditional fear evident following lesions and inactivation of the BLA. Such results suggest the existence of a primary BLA-dependent and a compensatory BLA-independent neural circuit. We tested the hypothesis that the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) provides this compensatory plasticity. Using extensive context-fear conditioning, we demonstrate that combined BLA and BST lesions prevented fear acquisition and expression. Additionally, protein synthesis in the BST was critical only for consolidation of BLA-independent but not BLA-dependent fear. Moreover, fear acquired after BLA lesions resulted in greater activation of BST regions that receive hippocampal efferents. These results suggest that the BST is capable of functioning as a compensatory site in the acquisition and consolidation of context-fear memories. Unlocking such neural compensation holds promise for understanding situations when brain damage impairs normal function or failure to regulate compensatory sites leads to anxiety disorders.
Association Between Single Gene Polymorphisms and Bone Biomarkers and Response to Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Young Adults Undergoing Military Training

Initial military training (IMT) is associated with increased stress fracture risk. In prior studies, supplemental calcium (Ca) and vitamin D provided daily throughout IMT reduced stress fracture incidence, suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH), and improved measures of bone health compared with placebo. Data were analyzed from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to determine whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Ca and vitamin D–related genes were associated with circulating biomarkers of bone metabolism in young adults entering IMT, and whether responses to Ca and vitamin D supplementation were modulated by genotype. Associations between SNPs, including vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D binding protein (DBP), and 1‐alpha‐hydroxylase (CYP27B1), and circulating biomarkers were measured in fasting blood samples from volunteers (n = 748) starting IMT. Volunteers were block randomized by race and sex to receive Ca (2000 mg) and vitamin D (1000 IU) or placebo daily throughout Army or Air Force IMT (7 to 9 weeks). Total Ca and vitamin D intakes were calculated as the sum of supplemental intake based on intervention compliance and dietary intake. Relationships between SNPs, Ca, and vitamin D intake tertile and change in biomarkers were evaluated in trial completers (n = 391). At baseline, the minor allele of a DBP SNP (rs7041) was positively associated with both 25OHD (B = 4.46, p = 1.97E‐10) and 1,25(OH)2D3 (B = 9.63, p < 0.001). Combined genetic risk score (GRS) for this SNP and a second SNP in the VDR gene (rs1544410) was inversely associated with baseline 25OHD (r = –0.28, p < 0.001) and response to Ca and vitamin D intake differed by GRS (p < 0.05). In addition, presence of the minor allele of a second VDR SNP (rs2228570) was associated with lower P1NP (B = –4.83, p = 0.04) and osteocalcin (B = –0.59, p = 0.03). These data suggest that VDR and DBP SNPs are associated with 25OHD status and bone turnover and those with the highest GRS require the greatest vitamin D intake to improve 25OHD during IMT. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Progressively promoting metacognition in a case of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder treated with metacognitive interpersonal therapy.

BACKGROUND Many persons with personality disorders (PD) have problems contemplating mental states and using psychological knowledge to cope with their suffering and solve social problems, the skill termed metacognition in this article. Therapists can focus on metacognitive dysfunctions in order to tailor PD treatment to clients' metacognitive skills. AIMS To briefly summarize procedures for promoting clients' abilities to define problems in mentalistic terms and use this knowledge to develop new paths towards living an adapted social life, within the context of a continuous regulation of the therapy relationship. METHOD Qualitative analysis of session transcript excerpts from a good-outcome case treated with metacognitive interpersonal therapy. CONCLUSION A therapeutic focus on metacognitive dysfunctions and a regulation of the therapy relationship can lead to improvements in symptoms and interpersonal functioning. The possibility of generalizing the procedure and testing it empirically is discussed.
Combined magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopic imaging approach to molecular imaging of prostate cancer

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) provides a noninvasive method of detecting small molecular markers (historically the metabolites choline and citrate) within the cytosol and extracellular spaces of the prostate, and is performed in conjunction with high‐resolution anatomic imaging. Recent studies in pre‐prostatectomy patients have indicated that the metabolic information provided by MRSI combined with the anatomical information provided by MRI can significantly improve the assessment of cancer location and extent within the prostate, extracapsular spread, and cancer aggressiveness. Additionally, pre‐ and post‐therapy studies have demonstrated the potential of MRI/MRSI to provide a direct measure of the presence and spatial extent of prostate cancer after therapy, a measure of the time course of response, and information concerning the mechanism of therapeutic response. In addition to detecting metabolic biomarkers of disease behavior and therapeutic response, MRI/MRSI guidance can improve tissue selection for ex vivo analysis. High‐resolution magic angle spinning (1H HR‐MAS) spectroscopy provides a full chemical analysis of MRI/MRSI‐targeted tissues prior to pathologic and immunohistochemical analyses of the same tissue. Preliminary 1H HR‐MAS spectroscopy studies have already identified unique spectral patterns for healthy glandular and stromal tissues and prostate cancer, determined the composition of the composite in vivo choline peak, and identified the polyamine spermine as a new metabolic marker of prostate cancer. The addition of imaging sequences that provide other functional information within the same exam (dynamic contrast uptake imaging and diffusion‐weighted imaging) have also demonstrated the potential to further increase the accuracy of prostate cancer detection and characterization. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;16:451–463. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of abnormal glucose tolerance in renal transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE We investigated and compared diets and physical activity levels of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT), and we identified clinical risk factors for AGT. DESIGN This study was cross-sectional and observational. SETTING This study took place in a hospital's renal outpatient department. PATIENTS Patients included adult RTRs with NGT and AGT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE All patients were assessed regarding age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist/hip ratio (WHR), percent body fat (measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), dietary intake (3-day diet diary), and physical activity (PA) levels (total minutes/week, using the Physical Activity Statewide Questionnaire). RESULTS The RTRs with AGT (n = 47) were significantly more obese (P = .04) and more centrally obese (P = .05) than RTRs with NGT (n = 35). The mean self-reported dietary macronutrient and energy intake was not significantly different between groups. However, the total amount of PA (median) was significantly lower in RTRs with AGT versus RTRs with NGT (255 [median, range 0 to 1940] versus 580 [median, 75 to 1095] minutes/week, respectively, P = .03), particularly in female RTRs (P = .007). After logistic regression analysis, total PA was identified as an independent predictor of AGT in all RTRs (beta = 0.940, R(2) = 0.090, P = . 04). Percent body fat according to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was inversely associated with a high level of PA (>300 minutes/week) (beta = 0.906, R(2) = 0.211, P = . 003). CONCLUSIONS A higher amount of PA is associated with a lower risk of AGT in RTRs (particularly in females). An emphasis on increasing PA should be encouraged for all RTRs.
Deficient In Vitro and In Vivo Phagocytosis of Apoptotic T Cells by Resident Murine Alveolar Macrophages1

Apoptotic lymphocytes are readily identified in murine lungs, both during the response to particulate Ag and in normal mice. Because apoptotic lymphocytes are seldom detected in other organs, we hypothesized that alveolar macrophages (AMφ) clear apoptotic lymphocytes poorly. To test this hypothesis, we compared in vitro phagocytosis of apoptotic thymocytes by resident AMφ and peritoneal macrophages (PMφ) from normal C57BL/6 mice. AMφ were deficient relative to PMφ both in percentage containing apoptotic thymocytes (19.1 ± 1% vs 96 ± 2.6% positive) and in phagocytic index (0.23 ± 0.02 vs 4.2 ± 0.67). This deficiency was not due to kinetic differences, was seen with six other inbred mouse strains, and was not observed using carboxylate-modified polystyrene microbeads. Annexin V blockade indicated that both Mφ types cleared apoptotic T cells by a mechanism involving phosphatidylserine expression. By contrast, neither mAb blockade of a variety of receptors (CD11b, CD29, CD51, and CD61) known to be involved in clearance of apoptotic cells, nor the tetrapeptide RGDS (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine) blocked ingestion by either type of macrophage. To confirm these studies, apoptotic thymocytes were given intratracheally or i.p. to normal mice, and then AMφ or PMφ were recovered 30–240 min later. Ingestion of apoptotic thymocytes by AMφ in vivo was significantly decreased at all times. Defective ingestion of apoptotic lymphocytes may preserve AMφ capacity to produce proinflammatory cytokines in host defense, but could contribute to development of autoimmunity by failing to eliminate nucleosomes.
Against Their Apparent Self-Interest: The Authorization of Independent State Legislative Ethics Commissions, 1973–96

Why do state legislators enact policies that conflict with their immediate self-interest? I address this question by assessing the impact of traditional and non-traditional policy determinants on ethics policy adoption. Specifically, I use event history analysis to identify the factors that explain the authorization of independent state legislative ethics commissions from 1973 to 1996. I find that the determinants of ethics policy are substantially, but not completely, different from those of other policies, with ethics policy fitting into an agenda-setting model better than many other policies. Scandals and the actions of other states played a prominent role in setting the agenda and facilitating the authorization of ethics commissions. The agenda-setting process transforms the immediate self-interest of legislators on this issue from one of concern about their own economic well being to one of concern about re-election. In addition, political culture, institutional power arrangements, legislative compensation, and party competition had small but discernible effects on the likelihood of a state establishing a legislative ethics commission.