Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Iron in the Enameloid of Perciform Fish

It is known that a high concentration of iron is deposited in the enameloid of some teleostean fish. Previously, Suga et al. (1989) pointed out that the iron concentration in the enameloid is related to the phylogeny of fish rather than to the feeding habits, according to the results of quantitative iron analyses on the teeth of marine teleost fish of the Tetraodontiformes. In the present study, in order for the previous idea to be verified, quantitative iron analysis was made with an electron microprobe on the enameloid offish belonging to the Perciformes, which is the largest group of teleostean fish in the world and consists of both marine and freshwater species. The enameloid of all the fish examined (57 species) contained high iron concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 10.2% at the surface or middle layer, whereas that of an advanced suborder, Tetraodontoidei, of the Tetraodontiformes was very low in iron, at a level which could not be discriminated from the background value of the emission intensity. The distribution pattern of iron in the enameloid was classified into at least two types, namely, type A, in which a high iron concentration was observed mainly in the surface layer, and type B, in which iron was deposited throughout the entire layer, although there were differences in concentration. There were some differences in the concentration and distribution of iron in the enameloid for the families; for example, those of the Scaridae had a type A distribution, with about 0.2% iron only at the surface layer, whereas those of the Cichlidae, Centrarchidae, and Acanthuridae, which showed a type B distribution, contained iron ranging from 2.9% to 10.5% at the surface or middle layer of enameloid. Such differences seemed to be associated with the difference in timing of the commencement of the iron deposition into the developing enameloid, which is probably related to the phylogeny of fish. There was no evidence to support the idea that the iron concentration in the enameloid is associated with the feeding habits offish, as proposed by previous investigators.
Providing a Voice: Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of a First‐Year Engineering Experience on Students' Efficacy Beliefs

This qualitative study explored the engineering self‐efficacy beliefs held by students enrolled in their first engineering course at Purdue University. Findings from the thematic analysis of one‐on‐one interviews with 12 students enrolled in the course are presented. Results demonstrate the susceptibility of first‐year engineering students' self‐efficacy beliefs to the influence of performance comparisons based on the speed with which students were able to perform various tasks, the degree of contribution they were able to achieve when working with others, how much material they had mastered, and their grades. Gender differences were also identified in the way in which men and women were influenced by these experiences. Descriptions of how students made performance comparisons, including the logical progression from a specific experience through the modification of confidence in success, are offered.
Modeling the Determinants of Fertility among Women of Childbearing Age in Nigeria: Analysis Using Generalized Linear Modeling Approach

Apart from proximate determinants, certain sociodemographic factors have been reported to inform fertility in some developing nations but a comprehensive report for Nigeria is lacking in the literature. This study tested effects of some determinants of fertility on the level of fertility in Nigeria using data from the 2008 Nigerian Demographic Health Survey (NDHS). Data on 20,974 women were extracted from the 2008 NDHS data and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Poisson regression. Women with no education and those with secondary school education had 1.36 times risk and 17% increases in fertility (respectively) over those with higher education. Rural women were 1.02 times more likely to be at risk of high fertility compared to women in urban areas. Fertility level in Nigeria is higher in the rural areas than in the urban areas while level of education of women negatively impacted on their risk of having high fertility.
Solubilization of A1 adenosine receptor from pig brain: Characterization and evidence of the role of the cell membrane on the coexistence of high‐ and low‐affinity states

The present solubilization strategy recognizes the important role of detergent cocktails in the solubilization and subsequent stability of adenosine A1, receptors from pig brain cortical membranes. The 3‐[3‐(cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]‐1‐propane‐sulfonate‐digitonin mixture produced the extraction of up to 52% of the receptor with an enrichment of 1.2‐fold with respect to crude membranes. The binding activity of the soluble extract was very stable even in the absence of glycerol. In crude membranes the existence of high‐ and low‐affinity states was detected, but in the soluble extract and in the detergent‐treated membranes only the high‐ affinity state was detected. Association‐dissociation curves showed that in crude membranes no interconversion between high‐ and low‐affinity sites is produced by the association of the ligand [3H]R‐N6 ‐phenylisopro‐pyladenosine. These results suggest that the high‐ and the low‐affinity states are different conformations induced by the structure of the membrane. The modulation of the binding activity by (Gpp(NH)p)5′ ‐guanylylimidodiphosphate and Mg2+ was studied. In crude membranes Gpp(NH)p shifted the high‐affinity state to the low‐affinity state, whereas the contrary occurred when Mg2+ was used. The effect of both Mg2+ and Gpp(NH)p was also assayed with the soluble extact and with the detergent‐treated membranes. In addition to a decrease of the overall binding capacity, Gpp(NH)p promoted a conversion to all low‐affinity states in the detergent‐treated membranes or to all very‐low‐affinity sites in the soluble extract. Mg2+ and Gpp(NH)p counteracted their effects in intact membranes, whereas Mg2+ could not reverse the uncoupling effect of Gpp(NH)p with solubilized or detergent‐treated membranes. Thus, it is suggested that Mg2+ acts at sites other than guanine‐nucleotide sites. If high‐affinity states correspond to receptor/G protein complexes and low‐affinity states correspond to the uncoupled receptor, we should conclude that Mg2+, as well as the loss of membrane integrity, favours the interaction of A1 receptor molecule with G protein.
Antioxidant supplementation and immunoendocrine responses to prolonged exercise.

PURPOSE Antioxidant supplementation may modulate systemic cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) responses to prolonged exercise, but it is unclear whether such effects are also associated with a reduction in the magnitude of immunodepression. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of daily vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, 1000 mg x d(-1)) and vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol, 400 IU x d(-1)) supplementation on immunoendocrine responses to prolonged exercise. METHODS Twenty healthy, recreationally active males cycled for 2.5 h at approximately 60% of maximal oxygen uptake after 4 wk of placebo (PLA, N=10) or antioxidant (AO, N=10) supplementation. RESULTS A significant group x time interaction was observed for plasma cortisol concentration (P=0.008), and the postexercise increase was greater (P<0.05) in the PLA compared with AO group (approximately 170% compared with an approximately 120% increase above baseline). Plasma IL-6 concentration was significantly increased after exercise to a similar extent in both groups. Plasma free F2-isoprostane concentration was significantly increased after exercise and was unaffected by AO supplementation, whereas plasma TBARS was unaffected by exercise in the PLA group but was lower after exercise in the AO group than in the PLA group. Circulating neutrophil count was significantly increased after exercise, and in vitro bacteria-stimulated elastase release per neutrophil was significantly decreased to a similar extent in both groups. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that 4 wk of AO supplementation may blunt the cortisol response to a single 2.5-h bout of prolonged exercise independently of changes in oxidative stress or plasma IL-6 concentration, but it is not effective at modulating the exercise-induced neutrophilia or depression of neutrophil function.
AXONAL TRANSPORT OF CATECHOLAMINE SYNTHESIZING AND METABOLIZING ENZYMES

The rates of accumulation of the catecholamine synthesizing and metabolizing enzymes proximal to a ligation on the sciatic nerve of the rat were studied. Dopamine‐β hydroxylase (EC 1.14.2.1) and tyrosine hydroxylase (EC 1.14.3a) accumulated at a similar rapid rate, and catechol‐O‐methyl‐transferase (EC 2.1.1.6), choline acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.6) and monoamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.4) accumulated at the same slow rate, whereas DOPA decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.26) accumulated at an intermediate rate. Based on clearance of the rapidly accumulating enzymes, absolute flow rates were estimated to be: 106‐167 mm/24 h for tyrosine hydroxylase; 138‐185 mm/24 h for dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase; and 36‐86 mm/24 h for DOPA decarboxylase. In contrast, the mean rate of transport of the slowly accumulating enzymes (monomine oxidase, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase and choline acetyltransferase) was approximately 3 mm/24 h. Colchicine and vinblastine completely blocked the axonal transport of both the rapidly and slowly transported enzymes. Studies of the subcellular distribution of each enzyme failed to confirm the suggestion that particulate enzymes are transported rapidly and soluble enzymes slowly. Our results suggest that the transport and inactivation of dopamine‐β‐hydroxylase, DOPA decarboxylase, and tyrosine hydroxylase are under different controls than monoamine oxidase and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase.
Effects of Multiple Factorial Intervention on Ambulatory BP Profile and Renal Function in Hypertensive Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Overt Nephropathy – A Pilot Study

Abstract Accumulating evidence has shown that diabetic patients are increasing in number, and renal and cardiovascular complications are the most common cause of death in diabetic patients. Thus, it would be of considerable value to identify the mechanisms involved in the progression of renal impairment and cardiovascular injury associated with diabetes. Recent evidence also indicated that multifactorial intervention is able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death among patients with diabetes and microalbuninuria. In this pilot study, we examined the effects of intensified multifactorial intervention, with tight glucose regulation and the use of valsartan and fluvastatin on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) profile, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), in 20 hypertensive patients (16 male and 4 female) with type 2 diabetes mellitus and overt nephropathy. After 12 months of intensified treatment, office BP, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) were significantly decreased compared to baseline (systolic blood pressure (SBP), 130 ± 2 vs. 150 ± 1 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure (DBP), 76 ± 1 vs. 86 ± 1 mmHg; FPG, 117 ± 5 vs. 153 ± 7 mg/dl; LDLC, 116 ± 8 vs. 162 ± 5 mg/dl, P < 0.0001). Also, compared to the baseline values, the daytime and nighttime ambulatory BP and short-term BP variability were significantly decreased after 12 months. Furthermore, while eGFR was not altered (44.3 ± 5.1 vs. 44.3 ± 6.5 ml/min/1.73 m2, not significant (NS)), UACR showed a significant reduction after 12 months of intensified treatment (1228 ± 355 vs. 2340 ± 381 mg/g-cr, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the intensified multifactorial intervention is able to improve ambulatory BP profile, preserve renal function, and reduce urinary albumin excretion in type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients with overt nephropathy.
Issues, Challenges, and Solutions in Translating Study Instruments

Cross-cultural adaptation of study instruments is a difficult, time-consuming, but arguably cost-effective process. If conducted properly, it has the advantage that the translated study instruments are accurate, easy to understand, accessible, and culturally appropriate to the target audience and produce reliable and valid data. This article explores issues, challenges, and solutions for translating a set of research instruments used in a randomized, controlled trial for four separate community languages (Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Italian).
Minimal Acute Rejection after Lung Transplantation: A Risk for Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a major cause of lung allograft dysfunction. Although previous studies have identified mild to severe rejection (grade ≥A2) as a risk factor for BOS, the role of minimal rejection (grade A1) remains unclear. To determine if A1 rejection by itself is a risk factor for BOS, we performed a retrospective cohort study on 228 adult lung transplant recipients over a 7‐year period. Cohorts were defined by their most severe rejection episode (none, A1 only, and ≥A2) and analyzed for the subsequent development and progression of BOS using univariate and multivariate time‐dependent Cox regression analysis. In the univariate model, the occurrence of isolated minimal rejection was a risk factor for all stages of BOS. Similarly, multivariate models that included HLA mismatch, cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, community acquired viral infection, underlying disease and type of transplant demonstrated that A1 rejection was a distinct risk factor for BOS. Furthermore, the associated risk with A1 rejection was slightly greater than the risk from ≥A2 and treatment of A1 rejection decreased the risk for subsequent BOS stage 1. We conclude that minimal rejection is associated with an increased risk for BOS development and progression that is comparable to A2 rejection.
Truncation completion of MR-based PET attenuation maps using time-of-flight non-attenuation-corrected PET images

TOF-NAC PET images produce a superior body contour as compared to non-TOF NAC PET images, thereby leading to more accurate truncation completion in the MR-derived attenuation map. We developed and systematically evaluated a procedure for truncation completion of MR-bases PET attenuation maps using body contours generated from TOF-NAC PET images. Fourteen clinical PET/CT and MR datasets from a tri-modality setup and fourteen PET/CT dual-modality datasets were used for this study.
Characterization of labeled neural progenitor cells for magnetic targeting

For many diseases and injuries of the central nervous system, transplantation of neural progenitor cells is being evaluated as a possible treatment option. Although local, intravenous and subarachnoid injections have been reported as administration methods of neural progenitor cells, each of these methods has limitations. More effective and minimally invasive cell delivery systems are necessary for transplanting neural progenitor cells. In this study, we have developed a technique to form magnetically labeled neural progenitor cells for a magnetic targeting system. We demonstrated that neural progenitor cells can couple with magnetic beads, and that the labeled neural progenitor cells preserve the characteristics of non-labeled neural progenitor cells, and that they can be localized by magnetic force in vitro. Labeled neural progenitor cells have the potential to be used in magnetic targeting systems in-vivo models.
Distinct populations of quiescent and proliferative pancreatic β-cells identified by HOTcre mediated labeling

Pancreatic β-cells are critical regulators of glucose homeostasis, and they vary dramatically in their glucose stimulated metabolic response and levels of insulin secretion. It is unclear whether these parameters are influenced by the developmental origin of individual β-cells. Using HOTcre, a Cre-based genetic switch that uses heat-induction to precisely control the temporal expression of transgenes, we labeled two populations of β-cells within the developing zebrafish pancreas. These populations originate in distinct pancreatic buds and exhibit gene expression profiles suggesting distinct functions during development. We find that the dorsal bud derived β-cells are quiescent and exhibit a marked decrease in insulin expression postembryonically. In contrast, ventral bud derived β-cells proliferate actively, and maintain high levels of insulin expression compared with dorsal bud derived β-cells. Therapeutic strategies to regulate β-cell proliferation and function are required to cure pathological states that result from excessive β-cell proliferation (e.g., insulinoma) or insufficient β-cell mass (e.g., diabetes mellitus). Our data reveal the existence of distinct populations of β-cells in vivo and should help develop better strategies to regulate β-cell differentiation and proliferation.
INVITED REVIEW SERIES: UNRAVELLING THE MANY FACES OF COPD TO OPTIMIZE ITS CARE AND OUTCOMES

COPD is defined as airflow limitation that is not reversed by treatment. In asthma, airflow limitation is not only reversible, but also inducible. This is called ‘airway hyperresponsiveness’ (AHR) and is associated with thickening of the airway wall, predominantly the layer of airway smooth muscle, due to more cells, bigger cells and more extracellular matrix (ECM) in proportion to the increase in smooth muscle. AHR is also observed in COPD if the changes in airflow are expressed as a percent of the baseline lung function. However, the absolute change in baseline lung function that can be induced in COPD is actually less than that seen in normal subjects, suggesting that the airways in COPD are resistant not only to opening, but also to closing. This observation agrees with physiological measures showing increased airway wall stiffness in COPD. Like asthma, airway wall thickness is increased in COPD, including the layer of smooth muscle. Unlike asthma, however, fixed airflow obstruction appears to be characterized by a disproportionate increase in the ECM within the smooth muscle layer. In this review, we summarize the studies of airway matrix deposition in COPD and put forward the proposal that the airway remodelling in COPD is different from that in asthma and call for a systematic analysis of airway matrix deposition in COPD.
Phase I study of everolimus plus weekly paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer pretreated with trastuzumab.

PURPOSE To determine the recommended dose of everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, combined with paclitaxel and trastuzumab in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer pretreated with trastuzumab. METHODS In this phase Ib, multicenter, dose-escalation study, patients were treated with everolimus 5 mg/d, 10 mg/d, or 30 mg/wk in combination with paclitaxel (80 mg/m(2) days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks) and trastuzumab (2 mg/kg weekly). End points included end-of-cycle 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) rate (primary end point), safety, relative dose intensity of study drugs, overall response rate (ORR), and pharmacokinetics. RESULTS Of 33 patients enrolled, 31 were pretreated with taxanes, and 32 were resistant to trastuzumab. Patients received a median of two lines of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting (range, 0 to 17 lines). Three patients experienced cycle 1 DLTs: febrile neutropenia (5 mg/d), stomatitis (10 mg/d), and confusion (30 mg/wk). Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia was the most common toxicity observed (n = 17 patients [52%]). On the basis of observed DLTs and overall safety, 10 mg/d was recommended for additional development. Twenty-seven patients had measurable disease and were evaluable for efficacy. Among these patients, ORR was 44%. Overall disease was controlled for 6 months or more in 74%. Median progression-free survival was 34 weeks (95% CI, 29.1 to 40.7 weeks). Among 11 patients who were resistant to both trastuzumab and taxane, a similar level of antitumor activity was observed (ORR, 55%). CONCLUSION Everolimus combined with weekly paclitaxel and trastuzumab was generally well tolerated and had encouraging antitumor activity in patients with trastuzumab-pretreated and -resistant metastatic HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
Do lower socioeconomic groups use more health services, because they suffer from more illnesses?

BACKGROUND The more diseases one suffers from, the higher the number of health care services attended. This study aims to examine the role this association plays in socio-economic differences in multiple health care utilization. METHODS The study population derived from the Netherlands Health Interview Surveys (1990-1998) and was 25 years or older (N=53,339). Socio-economic position was indicated by educational level. Comorbidity was defined as the concurrence of multiple health conditions in the same person. Multiple health care utilization was measured by the number of different health care services contacted in the preceding year. Logistic multiple regression was used, adjusted for age, gender and year of interview. RESULTS The lower the socioeconomic status, the more often people used multiple health care services (OR 1.46) and the higher the prevalence of comorbidity (OR 2.47). CONCLUSIONS Lower socioeconomic groups use more health care services, partly because they suffer from more illnesses.
Gilbert's syndrome in patients with gallbladder stones.

Patients with Gilbert's syndrome suffer from an abnormality which makes them jaundiced from time to time. A number also develop gallstones and come to cholecystectomy. If this condition has not been recognized these patients may subsequently run the risk of unnecessary operations on their bile ducts from the mistaken assumption that the intermittent episodes of jaundice which are a feature of the syndrome are due to a stone which has been left behind. Such a case history is reported here.In an attempt to determine how frequently these conditions coexist a prospective study was carried out on patients about to undergo cholecystectomy for stones in the gallbladder. Gilbert's disease was found to be present in 2 of 67 males (3.2% +/- 0.8%) but not in 184 females. Hence it seems that about 1 in every 30 males subjected to cholecystectomy may be expected to have this abnormality.It is suggested that this places an obligation on the clinician to have liver function tests done on at least two occasions preoperatively in male patients with cholelithiasis in an attempt to detect this abnormality and avoid this surgical pitfall.
The discrepancy of rationality between the options and equity markets : Evidence from price pressure driven by “ Mad Money ”

This paper examines the discrepancy of rationality between the options and equity markets based on the price pressure driven by a pop ular CNBC show, Mad Money. Literature has intensively tested the information c ontained in the stock and options trading activities in terms of cause-effect relatio ns and price discovery processes. However, the difference between investors’ rational ity in these two markets has never been explored. This paper uses the effect of a sho rt-lived analyst’s recommendations on stock prices to study this issue. We find that the stock market experiences a transient price pressure effect from Mad Money, while the eff ect is absent in the options market. Our results also reveal that informed investors ten d to use short-term in-the-money put options to trade against the stock market naïve cro wd. We conclude that the options market behaves more rationally than the stock marke t. Furthermore, informed traders could benefit from this discrepancy of rationality. JEL Classification: G1, G13, G14