Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“The Ghost of Health Services Past” Revisited: Comparing British Health Policy of the 1950s with the 1980s and 1990s

It has been argued repeatedly that British health policy in the 1990s had a number of similarities with that of the 1930s. This article, while accepting that a comparison of these two periods may be useful, argues that comparing policy in the 1950s with that in the 1980s and 1990s is even more illuminating. To demonstrate this the author outlines first the similarities in policy between the early and later periods, then the differences, and the events that led to each. These comparisons suggest that there is evidence of path dependency in British health policy, and although the United Kingdom appeared to break away from the policy path for a short time in the late 1980s, the changes proposed then do not appear to have been as radical as first suggested. Many of the issues highlighted in the 1950s seem to remain unresolved today.
Confirmation of the association between the TCF4 risk allele and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy in patients from the Midwestern United States

Purpose: To determine the role of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs613872) in the TCF4 gene in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) in patients from Iowa. Methods: A cohort of 82 patients with FECD and 163 normal control subjects from Iowa were genotyped at the SNP rs613872 using a real-time allelic discrimination assay. Results: The frequencies of the alleles of rs613872 were compared between FECD patients and control subjects. A highly significant association (p-value = 2.96 × 10−10) was detected between this SNP and FECD. Comparison of the genotypes of SNP rs613872 between FECD patients and control subjects produced a p-value of 2.43 × 10−10. Conclusion: Prior reports have shown that SNP rs613872 in the TCF4 gene is highly associated with FECD. Our study confirms this association and shows that the TCF4 gene has an important role in the pathogenesis of corneal disease in patients from Iowa.
Mutation spectra of epidermal p53 clones adjacent to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract: Foci of normal keratinocytes overexpressing p53 protein are frequently found in normal human skin. Such epidermal p53 clones are common in chronically sun‐exposed skin and have been suggested to play a role in skin cancer development. In the present study, we have analyzed the prevalence of p53 mutations in epidermal p53 clones from normal skin surrounding basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using laser‐assisted microdissection, 37 epidermal p53 clones adjacent to BCC (21) and SCC (16) were collected. Genetic analysis was performed using a multiplex/nested polymerase chain reaction followed by direct DNA sequencing of p53 exons 2–11. In total, 21 of 37 analyzed p53 clones consisted of p53‐mutated keratinocytes. The identified mutations were located in p53 exons 4–8, corresponding to the sequence‐specific DNA‐binding domain. All mutations were missense, and 78% displayed a typical ultraviolet signature. The frequency of p53 mutations was similar in skin adjacent to BCC compared to SCC. The presented data confirm and extend previous knowledge on the genetic background of epidermal p53 clones. The mutation spectra found in epidermal p53 clones resemble that of non‐melanoma skin cancer. Approximately, 40% of the epidermal p53 clones lacked an underlying p53 mutation, suggesting that other genetic events in genes up‐ or downstream of the p53 gene can generate foci of normal keratinocytes overexpressing p53 protein.
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta expression and regulation in mouse uterus during embryo implantation and decidualization

The aim of this study was to examine the expression and regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) PPARδ gene in mouse uterus during early pregnancy by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. PPARδ expression under pseudopregnancy, delayed implantation, hormonal treatment, and artificial decidualization was also investigated. There was a very low level of PPARδ expression on days 1–4 of pregnancy. On day 5 when embryo implanted, PPARδ expression was exclusively observed in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst. No corresponding signals were seen in the uterus on day 5 of pregnancy. There was no detectable PPARδ signal under delayed implantation. Once delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment and embryo implanted, a strong level of PPARδ expression was induced in the subluminal stroma surrounding the implanting blastocyst. Estrogen treatment induced a moderate level of PPARδ expression in the glandular epithelium, while progesterone treatment had no effects in the ovariectomized mice. A strong level of PPARδ expression was seen in the decidua on days 6–8 of pregnancy. PPARδ expression was also induced under artificial decidualization. These data suggest that PPARδ expression at implantation sites require the presence of an active blastocyst and may play an essential role for blastocyst implantation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66: 218–224, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long Distance Translocation of Sucrose, Serine, Leucine, Lysine, and CO2 Assimilates

To determine the selectivity of movement of amino acids from source leaves to sink tissues in soybeans (Glycine max [L.] Meff. 'Wells'), 14C-bbeled serine, leucine, or lysine was applied to an abraded spot on a fully expanded trifoliolate leaflet, and an immature sink leaf three nodes above was monitored with a GM tube for arrival of radioactivity. Com-parisons were made with 14C-sucrose and 14CO2 assimiltes. Radioactivity was detected in the sink leaf for all compounds applied to the source leaflet. A beat girdle at the source leaf petiole essentially blocked movement of applied compounds, suggesting phloem transport. Transport velocities were similr (ranged from 0.75 to 1.06 cm/min), but mass trnsfer rates for sucrose were much higher than those for amino acids. Hence, the quantity of amino acids entering the phloem was much smaller than that of sucrose. Extraction of source, path, and sink tissues at the condusion of the experiments revealed that 80 to 90% of the radioactivity remained in the source leaflet. Serine was partialy metabo-lized in the ranport path, whereas lysine and leucine were not. Although serine is found in greater quantities than leucine and lysine in the source leaf and path of soybeans, applied leucine and lysine were trans- ported at comparable velocities and in only slightly lower quantities than was applied serine. Thus, no selective barrier against entry of these amino acids into the phloem exists.
In Vivo Reconstitution of γ-Secretase in Drosophila Results in Substrate Specificity

ABSTRACT The intramembrane aspartyl protease γ-secretase plays a fundamental role in several signaling pathways involved in cellular differentiation and has been linked with a variety of human diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Here, we describe a transgenic Drosophila model for in vivo-reconstituted γ-secretase, based on expression of epitope-tagged versions of the four core γ-secretase components, Presenilin, Nicastrin, Aph-1, and Pen-2. In agreement with previous cell culture and yeast studies, coexpression of these four components promotes the efficient assembly of mature, proteolytically active γ-secretase. We demonstrate that in vivo-reconstituted γ-secretase has biochemical properties and a subcellular distribution resembling those of endogenous γ-secretase. However, analysis of the cleavage of alternative substrates in transgenic-fly assays revealed unexpected functional differences in the activity of reconstituted γ-secretase toward different substrates, including markedly reduced cleavage of some APP family members compared to cleavage of the Notch receptor. These findings indicate that in vivo under physiological conditions, additional factors differentially modulate the activity of γ-secretase toward its substrates. Thus, our approach for the first time demonstrates the overall functionality of reconstituted γ-secretase in a multicellular organism and the requirement for substrate-specific factors for efficient in vivo cleavage of certain substrates.
Tacrolimus rescue therapy for cyclosporine‐induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract Following renal transplantation, the long‐term use of cyclosporine can cause nephrotoxicity. This small study of ten patients looks at the effects of tacrolismus rescue therapy over a 6‐month period. After conversion to tacrolismus, renal function improved in seven pateints, progressive graft dysfunction slowed and almost stabilized in two patients, and, in the remaining patient, deterioration continued and hemodialysis treatment was initiated at the end of the study period. A greater number of patients and a longer follow up are necessary to confirm these initially impressive results.
Bracketed generic inactivation of rodent retroviruses by low pH treatment for monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins.

Viral safety is a predominant concern for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other recombinant proteins (RPs) with pharmaceutical applications. Certain commercial purification modules, such as nanofiltration and low-pH inactivation, have been observed to reliably clear greater than 4 log(10) of large enveloped viruses, including endogenous retrovirus. The concept of "bracketed generic clearance" has been proposed for these steps if it could be prospectively demonstrated that viral log(10) reduction value (LRV) is not impacted by operating parameters that can vary, within a reasonable range, between commercial processes. In the case of low-pH inactivation, a common step in mAb purification processes employed after protein A affinity chromatography, these parameters would include pH, time and temperature of incubation, the content of salts, protein concentration, aggregates, impurities, model protein pI, and buffer composition. In this report, we define bracketed generic clearance conditions, using a prospectively defined bracket/matrix approach, where low-pH inactivation consistently achieves >or=4.6 log(10) clearance of xenotropic murine leukemia virus (X-MLV), a model for rodent endogenous retrovirus. The mechanism of retrovirus inactivation by low-pH treatment was also investigated.
The Depiction of True and Pure Love in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre

The current study aims at studying true and pure love in Jane Eyre. Charlotte never underestimates the power of love. In all her novels, it overcomes formidable barriers of wealth and rank, and endures through hopelessness and pain. In this story, the writer’s idea about true and pure love expressed as an independent woman who needs to be loved by a companionate couple, with some kind of’ equality between the ideal couples. Love in Charlotte’s concept is pure, perfect and true and cannot be measured by jewels, riches, wealth, or position. Also, in this story the writer attempts a more ideal scheme of marriage which without love is lifeless, hence Jane rebuffs and rejects any proposal except that of her beloved lover, Mr. Rochester.
Liver transplantation in adults coinfected with HIV.

OBJECTIVE To report our experience of prospectively identifying and transplanting livers into HIV-positive patients. DESIGN Liver transplantation in HIV-positive patients remains controversial. The finding of HIV is usually considered a contraindication to any form of transplantation. Previously reported cases are few and refer to patients who tested HIV positive after they had their liver transplantations or who seroconverted in the posttransplantation period. This is, to our knowledge, the only report of patients who were known to be HIV positive at the time of decision for listing for transplantation. METHODS The medical records of five HIV-positive patients who received liver transplants in King's College Hospital, London, during a 5-year period (January 1995-December 1999) were reviewed. All five were known to be HIV positive at the time of listing for liver replacement. Three of them had end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis C (two of them had underlying Hemophilia A) while the other two had acute liver failure, one due to hepatitis B infection and one due to nonA-nonB-nonC hepatitis. In all but one patient the HIV infection had been asymptomatic. RESULTS All patients survived the immediate posttransplantation period, but the three patients with hepatitis C died of complications of recurrent hepatitis C between 6 and 25 months posttransplantation. The other two patients are currently alive 4 and 34 months posttransplantation with good graft function and without complications from their HIV infection. CONCLUSION The early outcome of liver transplantation in HIV seropositive patients can be good, and patients should not be excluded from transplantation if their liver disease determines their prognosis. More effective antiviral therapy for hepatitis C given posttransplantation, and for hepatitis B reinfection, should improve the longer-term outcome of HIV patients with end-stage liver disease due to hepatitis.
Prognostic significance of additional chromosome abnormalities in adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

The clinical and biological significance of additional chromosome aberrations was investigated in a large series of 66 adult patients with Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Additional chromosome changes were observed in 71% of the cases. 9p abnormalities were identified in 26%, and monosomy 7 as well as hyperdiploid karyotypes >50 were both found in 17% of cases. 9p anomalies were characterized by a low complete remission (CR) rate (58%) and an extremely short median remission duration (MRD; 100 d). In patients with monosomy 7, the poor treatment outcome was confirmed (CR rate 55%; MRD 113 d). In contrast, all patients with hyperdiploid karyotypes >50 achieved CR, and the overall survival was superior to all other Ph‐positive ALL patients except those without additional chromosome aberrations. Exclusive rearrangement of the minor breakpoint cluster region of the BCR gene and lack of coexpression of myeloid‐associated antigens in cases with 9p anomalies as well as a high frequency of rearrangements of the major breakpoint cluster region of the BCR gene in patients with monosomy 7 (89%) further substantiated that additional chromosome aberrations may characterize distinct subgroups of Ph‐positive ALL. Moreover, the necessity of the complementing use of chromosome banding analyses, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and fluorescence in situ hybridizations in the accurate identification of Ph‐positive patients has become evident due to variant Ph translocations in 3%, and negative PCR assays in 4% of the cases.
Auto- and cross-spectral analysis of cardiovascular fluctuations during pentobarbital anesthesia in the rat.

We applied auto- and cross-spectral analysis of systemic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) signals to quantify the effects of pentobarbital sodium on short-term cardiovascular fluctuations in adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Intravenous administration of pentobarbital, delivered as a bolus injection (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) or continuous infusion (10, 20, or 40 mg.kg-1.h-1), elicited only mild hypotension and tachycardia. This was accompanied by a dose-related depression of the very low (0-0.25 Hz) and low (0.25-0.8 Hz)-frequency components of both SAP and HR signals and high (0.8-2.4 Hz)-frequency component of HR signals. Cross-spectral analysis of SAP and HR signals during intravenous infusion of pentobarbital revealed a maintained coherence in the high-frequency range, together with a gradual and dose-related decrease in magnitude of transfer function and baro-receptor reflex sensitivity. Stable plasma concentration and all hemodynamic parameters were observed during 120 min of infusion at 20 mg.kg-1.h-1. Under this dosing condition, autonomic blockade by phentolamine, propranolol, or atropine still evoked discernible but differential reductions in the SAP and HR spectral components. Our data suggest that continuous intravenous administration of pentobarbital at 20 mg.kg-1.h-1 offers maintained anesthesia while preserving the capacity of cardiovascular regulation.
Analytical Derivation of the Closed-Form Power Law $J$ –$V$ Model of an Illuminated Solar Cell From the Physics Based Implicit Model

Recently, we introduced a simple power law model (PLM) to represent the J-V characteristics of an illuminated solar cell with parasitic resistances. The model is useful for design, characterization, and parameter extraction of solar cells and modules. The form of this model was arrived at by intuition, and its applicability to a few moderate-quality cells with bias-independent photocurrent was demonstrated by curve fitting to theoretical and measured J-V data. In this paper, we present an analytical derivation of the closed-form PLM from a physics-based implicit J-V equation having a bias-dependent photocurrent and an exponential term. Apart from providing a theoretical basis for the hitherto empirical PLM, the derivation expands the scope of this model significantly to cover poor- to high-quality cells with different physical phenomena and provide new insights.
Controlled exposures of volunteers to respirable carbon and sulfuric acid aerosols.

Respirable carbon or fly ash particles are suspected to increase the respiratory toxicity of coexisting acidic air pollutants, by concentrating acid on their surfaces and so delivering it efficiently to the lower respiratory tract. To investigate this issue, we exposed 15 healthy and 15 asthmatic volunteers in a controlled-environment chamber (21 degrees C, 50 percent relative humidity) to four test atmospheres: (i) clean air; (ii) 0.5-microns H2SO4 aerosol at approximately 100 micrograms/m3, generated from water solution; (iii) 0.5-microns carbon aerosol at approximately 250 micrograms/m3, generated from highly pure carbon black with specific surface area comparable to ambient pollution particles; and (iv) carbon as in (iii) plus approximately 100 micrograms/m3 of ultrafine H2SO4 aerosol generated from fuming sulfuric acid. Electron microscopy showed that nearly all acid in (iv) became attached to carbon particle surfaces, and that most particles remained in the sub-micron size range. Exposures were performed double-blind, 1 week apart. They lasted 1 hr each, with alternate 10-min periods of heavy exercise (ventilation approximately 50 L/min) and rest. Subjects gargled citrus juice before exposure to suppress airway ammonia. Lung function and symptoms were measured pre-exposure, after initial exercise, and at end-exposure. Bronchial reactivity to methacholine was measured after exposure. Statistical analyses tested for effects of H2SO4 or carbon, separate or interactive, on health measures. Group data showed no more than small equivocal effects of any exposure on any health measure. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A role for SENSITIVE TO FREEZING2 in protecting chloroplasts against freeze-induced damage in Arabidopsis.

SUMMARY The sensitive to freezing2 (SFR2) gene has an important role in freezing tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that homologous genes are present, and expressed, in a wide range of terrestrial plants, including species not able to tolerate freezing. Expression constructs derived from the cDNAs of a number of different plant species, including examples not tolerant to freezing, are able to complement the freezing sensitivity of the Arabidopsis sfr2 mutant. In Arabidopsis the SFR2 protein is localized to the chloroplast outer envelope membrane, as revealed by the analysis of transgenic plants expressing SFR2 fusions to GFP, by confocal microscopy, and by the immunological analysis of isolated chloroplasts treated with thermolysin protease. Moreover, the chloroplasts of the sfr2 mutant show clear evidence of rapid damage after a freezing episode, suggesting a role for SFR2 in the protection of the chloroplast.
The role of skin cancer knowledge in sun-related behaviours: A systematic review

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in many Western countries. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between skin cancer knowledge and sun-protective, exposure and tanning behaviours in the general population. A total of 34 studies, published in peer-reviewed journals over three decades, were reviewed and synthesised. Sun-protective behaviour was positively associated with skin cancer knowledge in most cases. Findings were inconsistent regarding other sun-related behaviours. Heterogeneity in measurement compromised the capacity to definitively link knowledge and sun-related behaviours. There is a need for development and utilisation of a standardised skin cancer knowledge scale, and guidelines are suggested.
Hepatite B: percepção de risco e adoção de medidas de biossegurança por manicures/pedicures de Itaúna-MG

Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal, exploratorio, descritivo e observacional que teve como objetivo analisar a percepcao de risco de contaminacao com o virus da hepatite B (HBV) e a adocao de medidas de biosseguranca dos manicures e pedicures do municipio de Itauna-MG . A pesquisa foi realizada partindo-se do numero total de saloes de beleza que possuem alvara de funcionamento junto a Secretaria Municipal de Saude. O calculo amostral forneceu um numero de 127 estabelecimentos que foram selecionados de forma aleatoria atraves de sorteio , onde apenas um profissional de cada estabelecimento participou da pesquisa. Os dados foram obtidos atraves de questionario estruturado e os resultados mostraram que 79,5% dos profissionais afirmaram conhecer as formas de transmissao do HBV, contudo, houve consideravel falta de adesao ao uso de luvas descartaveis (87,4%) e apenas 1,1% dos profissionais que utilizavam estufa seguiram a relacao adequada de tempo e temperatura necessaria para esterilizacao efetiva. Percebeu-se um desconhecimento sobre a importância do esquema vacinal completo para a hepatite B. Concluimos que a percepcao de risco dos manicures e pedicures com relacao a contaminacao com o HBV e falha, evidenciando a necessidade da elaboracao de cursos de capacitacao que promovam uma maior conscientizacao sobre biosseguranca nestes profissionais.
Teori-teori komunikasi:Dalam pengaruh psikologi

Ada tiga aliran psikologi paling dominan yang memberikan pengaruh pada ilmu komunikasi, yaitu psikoanalisis, behaviorisme dan psikologi kognitif. Pengaruh psikoanalis pada teori-teori propaganda, pesuasif, mazhab Chicago, palo alto. Untuk behaviorisme ada pada teori-teori pembelajaran, teori kognisi sosial dari bandura, dan teori-teori yang berhubungan dengan damapk media. Pengaruh psikologi kognitif tampak pada teori-teori komunikasi yang mempelajari bagaimana arus informasi yang ditangkap dan diproses dengan teori seperti disonansi kognitif, teori kemungkinan elaborasi, teori penilaian sosial. Pembahasan diawali dengan komunikasi dalam perspektif ilmu, diikuti oleh materi pengaruh psikoanalisis pada komunikasi. Berikutnya materi pengaruh behaviorisme pada komunikasi, pengaruh aliran kognitif pada komunikasi. Dibahas juga tentang persuasi dalam komunikasi, teori model kemungkinan elaborasi, teori disonansi kognitif dan teori selective exposure. Kata Kunci : penelitian sakai, penelitian heine dan lehman, penelitian markus dan kitayam, penelitian etsuko, teori akododasi, teori atribusi, teori propaganda.