Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of transabdominal and transcervical CVS and amniocentesis: Sampling success and risk

A total of 2931 women randomized to either transabdominal CVS, transceirvical CVS, or amniocentesis were studied. Unless intended or unintended abortion had occurred, they had completed up to 28 weeks of pregnancy. No significant difference was seen between total fetal loss in the transabdominal CVS group and the amniocentesis group (6.5 and 6.8 per cent, respectively, SE difference = 0.92 per cent, p = 0.01). The total fetal loss in the transcervical CVS group was 10.1 per cent. After pooling our data with data from the Canadian randomized study and the American non‐randomized study, the difference in risk between trans‐cervical CVS and amniocentesis was 1.8 per cent (SE difference = 0.64 per cent, p = 0.8). When the number of failed procedures and those cases evaluated as infeasible for the assigned method‐for anatomical reasons‐are compared, the overall sampling efficacy is poorer transcervically than transabdominally.
Inferring the thermochemical structure of the upper mantle from seismic data

SUMMARY We test a mineral physics model of the upper mantle against seismic observations. The model is based on current knowledge of material properties at high temperatures and pressures. In particular, elastic properties are computed with a recent self-consistent thermodynamic model, based on a six oxides (NCFMAS) system. We focus on average structure between 250 and 800 km. We invert normal modes eigenfrequencies and traveltimes to obtain best-fitting average thermal structures for various compositional profiles. The thermochemical structures are then used to predict long-period waveforms, SS precursors waveforms and radial profiles of attenuation. These examples show the potential of our procedure to refine the interpretation combining different data sets. We found that a mixture of MORB and Harzburgite, with the MORB component increasing with depth, is able to reproduce well all the seismic data for realistic thermal structures. If the proportions of MORB with depth do not change, unrealistic negative thermal gradients below 250 km would be necessary to explain the data. Equilibrium assemblages, such as pyrolite, cannot fit the seismic data. The elastic velocities predicted by the reference mineral physics model tested are too low at the top of the lower mantle, even for the fastest (and most depleted) composition, that is, harzburgite. An increase in V P of 1 per cent and in VS of 2 per cent improves the data fit significantly and is required to find models that fit both traveltimes and normal modes, indicating the need for further experimental measurements of these properties at the simultaneously elevated pressure–temperature conditions of the lower mantle. Extending our procedure to other seismic and density data and interpreting the 3-D structure holds promise to further improve our knowledge of the thermochemical structure of the upper mantle. In addition, the same database of material properties can be used in dynamic models to test whether the thermochemical structure inferred from geophysical observations is consistent with the Earth’s evolution.
The Arabidopsis thaliana 2‐D gel mitochondrial proteome: Refining the value of reference maps for assessing protein abundance, contaminants and post‐translational modifications

Mitochondria undertake the process of oxidative phosphorylation yielding ATP for plant cell maintenance and growth. The principles of isolation and fractionation of plant mitochondrial proteins have been improved over decades, and surveys of the mitochondrial proteome in a number of plants species have been performed. Over time, many quantitative analyses of changes in the plant mitochondrial proteome have been performed by 2‐D gel analyses revealing the induction, degradation and modification of mitochondrial proteins in responses to mutation, stress and development. Here, we present a saturating MS analysis of 2‐D gel separable protein spots from a typical purification of Arabidopsis mitochondria identifying 264 proteins, alongside an LC‐MS/MS survey by non‐gel methods identifying 220 proteins. This allowed us to characterise the major mitochondrial proteins that are not observed on 2‐D gels, the common contaminants and the abundance of the protein machinery of key mitochondrial biochemical pathways, and consider the impact of N‐terminal pre‐sequence cleavage and phosphorylation as explanations of multiple protein spots and the co‐ordinates of proteins on 2‐D gels.
Clinical Characterization and Frequency of Observation of Hereditary Retinal Diseases: Multicentric Study in Panama in 2012-2013

Retinal dystrophies are genetically determined diseases, implying the loss of function of the retina with a wide phenotypic and genotypic variability. There are very few phenotypic, genotypic and epidemiological data on retinal dystrophies in Latin America. The Objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hereditary retinal and choroidal diseases, in retina practices in Panama. A descriptive study, from 2012 to 2013, was performed in the main retina practices in Panama. All detected patients were given a free appointment to gather their phenotypic characteristics and pedigrees. An incidence of five new cases per year, and an accumulated incidence of 5.35 patients per 10,000 was calculated for the public hospitals. A frequency of 2.7 cases per 1,000 patients was observed in the main retina practices, where 69% had rod-cone dystrophies, 14.3% cone-rod dystrophies, 7.1% Stargardt disease, 4.8% Stargardt-like macular dystrophy and two patients presented other dystrophies. Blindness was the main family antecedent (45.2%). Retinal pigment was present in 59% and strabismus in 21.4% of the patients. Rod-cone and cone-rod dystrophies had similar geographic distribution and the autosomal recessive inheritance pattern was the most frequently observed. This study gives the first phenotypic data of retinal dystrophies in Panama to orient clinicians for a better diagnosis and phenotyping-genotyping correlation for retinal dystrophies in Central America.
The Adoption of E-Commerce in Manufacturing SMEs: Determinants and Effect on Growth

This study attempts to unveil the determinants of E-commerce (EC) adoption and investigate how the EC adoption influences the firmpsilas growth. A proposed model was tested using data via an empirical analysis carried out with a sample of 94 manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in China, applying a structural equation linear model to the partial least squares (PLS) methodology. The findings indicate that the perceived innovative attributes of EC and organizational context as well as entrepreneurship are all positively associated with the adoption of EC, while the perceived cost of EC and competitive intensity have negative impact on the EC adoption. The results confirm that the EC adoption is significantly related to the firmpsilas growth.
Identification of myeloperoxidase, alpha-defensin and calgranulin in calcium oxalate renal stones.

BACKGROUND In order to understand the mechanism of stone genesis, it is essential to determine the characteristics of macromolecules constituting the urinary stones. We characterized proteins from the inner core and outer matrix of calcium oxalate (CaOx) renal stones. METHODS Inner core and outer matrix of CaOx renal stones were separated and proteins were extracted with a buffer containing SDS and beta-mercaptoethanol. Proteins were analyzed and purified by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC respectively. The protein bands from gel and protein fractions were sequenced by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. ELISA, western and slot blot immunoassays were performed to confirm the identity of the proteins in stones and urine of the stone formers. The potential of the identified protein as an effective promoter or inhibitor was assessed by observing their effects on CaOx crystallization using aggregometer. RESULTS The inner core extract predominantly exhibited protein species in the molecular weight range of 12-14 kDa. However, a 66 kDa band, identified as osteopontin was also detected in the inner core along with outer matrix and in the urine of stone formers and non stone formers. Purification of low molecular weight proteins was carried out by reversed phase HPLC. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified them as myeloperoxidase chain A (MPO-A), alpha-defensin, and calgranulin. ELISA, western blot and slot-blot immuno-assays further confirmed their presence restricted to the inner core and not in the outer matrix. Turbidity assays showed that low molecular weight renal stone proteins promoted the aggregation of CaOx crystals. CONCLUSIONS Persistent hyperoxaluria leads to tubular epithelial injury, resulting in the release of these anti-inflammatory proteins. These proteins could have been first adsorbed on CaOx crystals thereby become a part of nucleation process leading to inner matrix formation.
An Immunohistochemical Study of the Rabbit Suprapatella, a Sesamoid Fibrocartilage in the Quadriceps Tendon Containing Aggrecan

The rabbit suprapatella is a sesamoid fibrocartilage in the deep surface of the tendon of vastus intermedius and an integral part of the knee joint. We report the presence of a variety of proteoglycans (aggrecan and versican), glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin 4 and 6 sulfate, dermatan sulfate, keratan sulfate) and glycoproteins (tenascin) in its extracellular matrix and the intermediate filament vimentin in the fibrocartilage cells. The most significant finding is the presence of aggrecan in the extracellular matrix, along with its associated link protein and several of its integral glycosaminoglycans. Aggrecan probably enables the suprapatella to withstand compression. Although it can be assumed that aggrecan metabolites detected in synovial fluid from some human joints are predominantly associated with articular hyaline cartilage, the presence of aggrecan in the rabbit suprapatella means that this cannot be assumed for all animal knee joints. We conclude that it is important for orthopedic researchers who use animal models for arthritis research to check for the presence of a suprapatella when joint fluid analyses are interpreted.
Human breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) show caveolin-1 down-regulation and RB tumor suppressor functional inactivation: Implications for the response to hormonal therapy

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the tumor micro-environment plays a critical role in human breast cancer onset and progression. Therefore, we isolated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from human breast cancer lesions and studied their properties, as compared with normal mammary fibroblasts (NFs) isolated from the same patient. Here, we demonstrate that 8 out of 11 CAFs show dramatic down-regulation of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) protein expression; Cav-1 is a well-established marker that is normally decreased during the oncogenic transformation of fibroblasts. Next, we performed gene expression profiling studies (DNA mircoarray) and established a CAF gene expression signature. Interestingly, the expression signature associated with CAFs encompasses a large number of genes that are regulated via the RB-pathway. The CAF gene signature is also predictive of poor clinical outcome in breast cancer patients that were treated with tamoxifen mono-therapy, indicating that CAFs may be useful for predicting the response to hormonal therapy. Finally, we show that replacement of Cav-1 expression in CAFs (using a cell-permeable peptide approach) is sufficient to revert their hyper-proliferative phenotype and prevent RB hyper-phosphorylation. Taken together, these studies highlight the critical role of Cav-1 down-regulation in maintaining the abnormal phenotype of human breast cancer-associated fibroblasts.
Management of Idiopathic Clubfoot by Ponseti Technique in Children Presenting After One Year of Age.

We conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of the Ponseti technique in the management of idiopathic congenital clubfoot in patients older than 1 year of age. A total of 19 patients with 28 clubfeet (16 males [84.2%], 3 females [15.8%]) were included in the present study. The mean age at presentation was 2.7 (range 1 to 3.5) years. The results of treatment using the Ponseti technique were evaluated using the Pirani and Dimeglio scoring systems. The mean precorrection total Pirani score was 4.84 (range 3.5 to 5.5) and the mean precorrection Dimeglio score was 12.96 (range 10 to 14). The mean postcorrection total Pirani score was 0.55 (range 0 to 1), and the mean postcorrection Dimeglio score was 2.32 (range 2 to 3). These differences were statistically significant (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). In 92.8% of the feet, satisfactory correction of the deformity was achieved. The mean number of casts applied was 8 (range 5 to 12). All but 1 (3.6%) of the clubfeet required tenotomy to achieve correction. The mean follow-up duration was 2.7 (range 1.5 to 3.5) years. We have concluded that the Ponseti technique is an effective method for the management of idiopathic congenital clubfoot, even in toddlers.
Inhalation, persistence and dispersal of foot-and-mouth disease virus by man

SUMMARY Sampling of human subjects, who had been in contact with animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus, showed that virus could be recovered from the nose, throat, saliva and from air expelled during coughing, sneezing, talking and breathing. The amounts of virus recovered paralleled those collected with a large-volume sampler and multistage impinger and these findings confirmed that the highest recovery of airborne virus was from infected pigs followed by cattle and sheep. More virus was found in the noses of those examining infected animals than in those operating the samplers, but there was variation between the subjects. In the majority there was a 1·8 log fall in titre by 3·5 hr. , but virus persisted in the nose of one subject for 28 hr. Nose blowing or washing the nostrils did not remove virus completely, nor were cloth or industrial masks completely effective in preventing inhalation of virus. It was possible to transmit virus from infected subjects to others on one occasion. No clinical cases of FMD in man resulted from exposure, nor was there any rise in antibody. Use was made of these findings in determining sites of aerosol excretion in animals, and the results are discussed in relation to FMD in man and to the spread of respiratory viruses by the airborne route.
G‐protein coupled activation of potassium channels by endogenous neuropeptides in snail neurons

Members of the mytilus inhibitory peptide (MIP) family play an important role in the modulation of many physiological processes in molluscs. The signal transduction pathways affected by the MIP effect have not, however, been elucidated. Application of guanosine 5′‐[γ‐thio]triphosphate tetralithium salt (GTPγS), guanosine 5′‐[β‐thio]diphosphate trilithium salt (GDPβS), the G‐protein inhibitor suramin and pertussis toxin (PTX) demonstrated the involvement of the PTX‐insensitive G‐protein in the signal transduction pathway mediating MIP effects. Both G‐protein αi and βγ subunits were identified in D‐neurons of Helix pomatia by immunoblotting. Their role in signal transduction was shown in electrophysiological experiments, which supported the notion that, in addition to the Gα subunit, the βγ dimer also participates in the neuropeptide‐induced activation of K‐channels in snail neurons. Finally, neuropeptide‐activated responses were inhibited by the activation of adenylyl cyclase and by blockers of the phospholipase pathway. We suggest that bifurcation of the signal transduction takes place at the level of G‐protein subunits. The α subunit may have a direct effect on adenylyl cyclase, while the βγ subunit may have a direct effect on phospholipase enzymes.
Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Nuclear Antigens Can Induce Metastasis in a Nude Mouse Model

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus associated with the development of both lymphoid and epithelial tumors. The EBV critical latent antigens EBNA1 and EBNA3C interact with Nm23-H1, a known suppressor of cell migration and tumor metastasis. This interaction is critical for the regulation of downstream cellular genes involved in tumorigenesis and cell migration. The significance of these interactions was determined in nude mice using cancer cells expressing both EBV antigens and Nm23-H1. The EBV antigens promoted the growth of transformed cells in vivo, but their expression was less critical during the later stage of tumor development. The expression of Nm23-H1 affected the growth of cancer cells and suppressed their metastatic potential. This effect was effectively rescued by the expression of both EBV antigens. Interestingly, the prometastatic potential of EBNA3C was greater than that of EBNA1, which triggered a dramatic immune response, as indicated by increased spleen size and development of ascites in the mice. These studies now bridge the expression of the EBV antigens with tumorigenesis and metastasis and widen the range of potential targets for development of therapies for EBV-associated malignancies.
Quantitative susceptibility mapping of the midbrain in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is marked pathologically by dopamine neuron loss and iron overload in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Midbrain iron content is reported to be increased in PD based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) R2* changes. Because quantitative susceptibility mapping is a novel MRI approach to measure iron content, we compared it with R2* for assessing midbrain changes in PD.
Use of a prefilled insulin syringe (Novolin Prefilled) by patients with diabetes.

A study was conducted to assess patients' acceptance of a new insulin injection system, Novolin Prefilled, and to record their opinions about its use during a 4-week study period. Sixty-four patients, aged 20 to 69 years, with type I (n = 19) or type II (n = 45) diabetes mellitus entered and completed the study; 22 were new insulin users and 42 had been treated previously for 6 months to 43 years. Patients received insulin treatment via a prefilled syringe that was designed to provide a convenient alternative method for injecting insulin. The syringe is prefilled with 150 U of insulin and can deliver up to 58 U per dose. After 2 to 4 days of using the new system, patients reported no major problems when asked about mechanical difficulties, and the percentage reporting mild hypoglycemic events was comparable to baseline. During the 4-week study, no patients reported moderate or severe hypoglycemic episodes. The results of attitude questionnaires revealed that after treatment significantly more patients (P < 0.05) reported feeling energetic and full of pep, in good control, and not worried about giving themselves insulin injections. The increase in positive attitudes was most apparent among the patients new to insulin use. Most of the study patients (98%) reported that the prefilled syringe was convenient and easy to use, 95% found it took less time to use at home, and 91% wished to continue using it for insulin delivery. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Impact of complications of single tooth restorations on oral health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVE To compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among subjects who received implant-supported crowns (ISC) and 2-unit cantilevered resin-bonded bridges (cRBB) in a bounded single tooth space (BSTS) after at least 5 years and to investigate factors associated with their OHRQoL. METHODS A case-control study among 78 subjects who received ISC or cRBB rehabilitation at a teaching hospital (39 ISCs and 39 cRBBs). OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) and compared between treatment modality. Variations in OHIP scores with respect to "minor complications" (repair of the original "survived" restorations) and "major complications" (replacement of "failed" restorations); and number of complications were determined in bivariate and multivariate analyses (negative binominal regression) controlling for socio-demographic and clinical factors. RESULTS Oral Health Impact Profile scores were similar among those who received ISC and cRBB (P = 0.53). Among subjects with complicated restorations, those with major complications reported significantly higher OHIP scores (poorer OHRQoL) than those with minor complications (P = 0.02). Subjects who experienced multiple complications had significantly higher OHIP scores (poorer OHRQoL) than those with a single complication (P = 0.04). In regression analyses (which considered OHIP scores of those with complications), the nature of complications (P < 0.01), treatment modality (P = 0.04), and gender (P = 0.02) emerged as significant factors. CONCLUSION In the rehabilitation of a BSTS patients, OHRQoL was similar irrespective of treatment modality (ISC or cRBB). Among those who experienced complications their OHRQoL was associated with the nature of complications, treatment modality and gender.
Selective Impairment of Glucose but Not Fatty Acid or Oxidative Metabolism in Brown Adipose Tissue of Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

Spontaneous glucose uptake by brown adipose tissue (BAT) is lower in overweight or obese individuals and in diabetes. However, BAT metabolism has not been previously investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes during controlled cold exposure. Using positron emission tomography with 11C-acetate, 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose (18FDG), and 18F-fluoro-thiaheptadecanoic acid (18FTHA), a fatty acid tracer, BAT oxidative metabolism and perfusion and glucose and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) turnover were determined in men with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and age-matched control subjects under experimental cold exposure designed to minimize shivering. Despite smaller volumes of 18FDG-positive BAT and lower glucose uptake per volume of BAT compared with young healthy control subjects, cold-induced oxidative metabolism and NEFA uptake per BAT volume and an increase in total body energy expenditure did not differ in patients with type 2 diabetes or their age-matched control subjects. The reduction in 18FDG-positive BAT volume and BAT glucose clearance were associated with a reduction in BAT radiodensity and perfusion. 18FDG-positive BAT volume and the cold-induced increase in BAT radiodensity were associated with an increase in systemic NEFA turnover. These results show that cold-induced NEFA uptake and oxidative metabolism are not defective in type 2 diabetes despite reduced glucose uptake per BAT volume and BAT “whitening. ”
Characteristics Valued by the Pharmacy Practice Community When Hiring a Recently Graduated Pharmacist

Objective. To determine those characteristics that are most valued by members of the pharmacy practice community when hiring a new pharmacist. Methods. A survey instrument describing 20 characteristics that a pharmacy graduate may possess was created and sent to pharmacists licensed in Colorado. Respondents were asked to select and prioritize the top 5 characteristics considered most important in hiring a new graduate pharmacist. Responses were segregated by practice (retail vs. institutional) and/or by pharmacist role (manager vs. staff). Results. Three hundred eighteen survey instruments were received. Having good/strong communication skills was the characteristic ranked highest by all groups. Professional behavior and being adaptable were also ranked highly. The characteristics of using the literature and punctuality ranked low overall. Differences were identified in how the groups valued some characteristics. Conclusions. Characteristics preferred in a new pharmacist varied depending on practice site and the managerial responsibilities of the potential employer. Some characteristics, such as communication skills and professional behavior, were considered of high value by all pharmacist groups.