Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Racial Discrimination’s Influence on Smoking Rates among American Indian Alaska Native Two-Spirit Individuals: Does Pain Play a Role?

High rates of racial discrimination and non-ceremonial tobacco smoking exist among American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) Two-Spirit/LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) populations. The authors examined whether or not pain mediates between racial discrimination and smoking among Two-Spirits. Two-Spirit adults (n=447) from seven urban U.S. locations were surveyed during the HONOR project. The Indigenist stress coping model was used as framework in which to conduct descriptive, bivariate and regression analyses. A majority of the participants reported smoking (45.2%) and pain (57%). Pain was found to mediate the association between racial discrimination and smoking. Racial discrimination appears to be a significant factor influencing tobacco smoking and health behaviors within Two-Spirit populations. Effective tobacco cessation and/or prevention planning for Two-Spirits and others who experience frequent racial discrimination, stress, and trauma should also consider the influence of pain. Pain may serve as the embodiment of discrimination, and this possibility requires future research.
Measuring steps with the Fitbit activity tracker: an inter-device reliability study

Abstract Activity trackers like Fitbit are used for self-tracking of physical activity by an increasing number of individuals. Comparing physical activity scores with peers can contribute to the desired behavioural change. However, for meaningful social comparison a high inter-device reliability is paramount. This study aimed to determine the inter-device reliability of Fitbit activity trackers in measuring steps. Ten activity trackers (Fitbit Ultra) were worn by a single person (male, 46 years) during eight consecutive days. Inter-device reliability was assessed on three different levels of aggregation (minutes, hours, days) with various methods, including intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, limits of agreement (LOA) and Mixed Model Analysis. Results showed that the inter-device reliability of the Fitbit in measuring steps is good at all levels of aggregation (minutes, hours, days), but especially when steps were measured per day. This implies that individuals can reliably compare their daily physical activity scores with peers.
Evaluation of serum endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (endocan) levels as a biomarker in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and serum endocan levels. The study included 46 patients with a diagnosis of PTE and control group (25 healthy individuals). Serum endocan levels in all participants’ blood samples were measured. The average age of the individuals was 61.76 ± 16.39 years. There was a significant difference in the serum endocan levels between the patients and those of the control group [321.93 ng/l (111.35–2511.33) and 192.77 ng/l (118.30–309.02), respectively; P < 0.030]. The serum endocan levels in the submassive [469.41 ng/l (258.13–800.54)] and the massive PTE groups [719.18 ng/l (319.84–2511.33)] were statistically higher than those in the control group [192.77 ng/l (118.30–309.02)] (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the serum endocan levels of the nonmassive PTE group [188.57 ng/l (111.35–685.56)] and the submassive PTE group (P < 0.01). The serum endocan levels correlated with the international normalization ratio (INR), right ventricular dilatation (RVD) and SBP (r = 0.418, P = 0.004; r = 0.659, P < 0.001; r = −0.425, P = 0.003, respectively). In conclusion, serum endocan levels can be considered a practicable biomarker to determine the severity of PTEs and follow-up thrombolytic therapy.
Calculating pKa values for substituted phenols and hydration energies for other compounds with the first‐order fuzzy‐border continuum solvation model

We have computed pKa values for 11 substituted phenol compounds using the continuum Fuzzy‐Border (FB) solvation model. Hydration energies for 40 other compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, ketones, amines, alcohols, ethers, aromatics, amides, heterocycles, thiols, sulfides, and acids have been calculated. The overall average unsigned error in the calculated acidity constant values was equal to 0.41 pH units and the average error in the solvation energies was 0.076 kcal/mol. We have also reproduced pKa values of propanoic and butanoic acids within about 0.1 pH units from the experimental values by fitting the solvation parameters for carboxylate ion carbon and oxygen atoms. The FB model combines two distinguishing features. First, it limits the amount of noise which is common in numerical treatment of continuum solvation models by using fixed‐position grid points. Second, it uses either second‐ or first‐order approximation for the solvent polarization, depending on a particular implementation. These approximations are similar to those used for solute and explicit solvent fast polarization treatment which we developed previously. This article describes results of using the first‐order technique. This approximation places the presented methodology between the Generalized Born and Poisson‐Boltzmann continuum solvation models with respect to their accuracy of reproducing the many‐body effects in modeling a continuum solvent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DBZ, a CNS‐specific DISC1 binding protein, positively regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation

Recent studies have shown changes in myelin genes and alterations in white matter structure in a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Here we report that DBZ, a central nervous system (CNS)‐specific member of the DISC1 interactome, positively regulates the oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation in vivo and in vitro. In mouse corpus callosum (CC), DBZ mRNA is expressed in OL lineage cells and expression of DBZ protein peaked before MBP expression. In the CC of DBZ‐KO mice, we observed delayed myelination during the early postnatal period. Although the myelination delay was mostly recovered by adulthood, OLs with immature structural features were more abundant in adult DBZ‐KO mice than in control mice. DBZ was also transiently upregulated during rat OL differentiation in vitro before myelin marker expression. DBZ knockdown by RNA interference resulted in a decreased expression of myelin‐related markers and a low number of cells with mature characteristics, but with no effect on the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. We also show that the expression levels of transcription factors having a negative‐regulatory role in OL differentiation were upregulated when endogenous DBZ was knocked down. These results strongly indicate that OL differentiation in rodents is regulated by DBZ. GLIA 2014;62:709–724
Synthesis and Equation of State of (Mg,Fe) SiO3 Perovskite to Over 100 Gigapascals

Silicate perovskite of composition (Mg0.88Fe0.12) SiO3 has been synthesized in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell to a pressure of 127 gigapascals at temperatures exceeding 2000 K. The perovskite phase was identified and its unit-cell dimensions measured by in situ x-ray diffraction at elevated pressure and room temperature. An analysis of these data yields the first high-precision equation of state for this mineral, with values of the zero-pressure isothermal bulk modulus and its pressure derivative being K0T = 266 � 6 gigapascals and K'0T = 3.9 � 0.4. In addition, the orthorhombic distortion of the silicate-perovskite structure away from ideal cubic symmetry remains constant with pressure: the lattice parameter ratios are b/a = 1.032 � 0.002 and c/a = 1.444 � 0.006. These results, which prove that silicate perovskite is stable to ultrahigh pressures, demonstrate that perovskite can exist throughout the pressure range of the lower mantle and that it is therefore likely to be the most abundant mineral in Earth.
Poly(L‐lysine) as a model drug macromolecule with which to investigate secondary structure and microporous membrane transport, part 2: diffusion studies

Peptide drugs are hydrophilic in nature and so their preferred pathway of membrane transport is by the paracellular route, which primarily involves passive diffusion across intercellular pores. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of secondary structure on the aqueous diffusion of a model polypeptide, poly(l‐lysine), through a microporous membrane. The primary aim was to systematically evaluate the variables (e.g. viscosity and/or hydrodynamic radius) that may contribute to the difference, if any, in the calculated values of the aqueous diffusion coefficient (Daq) for each conformer of poly(l‐lysine). Variations in pH and temperature of the medium were used to induce secondary structural changes in poly(l‐lysine). Transport studies were conducted for 3 h at 25 or 37°C using side‐by‐side diffusion cells. Hydrophilic microporous polyester membranes with a 1‐μm pore diameter were used to measure the free diffusion of each conformer. The values for the apparent permeability (Papp) and Daq were calculated using standard equations. The viscosity of each conformer solution was determined and the hydrodynamic radius of each conformer was then estimated. At 25°C, both Papp and Daq of the α‐helix conformer were approximately the same as those of the random coil conformer. In contrast, at 37°C, the Papp and the Daq of the β‐sheet conformer were significantly (P < 0.05) less than those of the random coil conformer. At 25°C, the solutions containing primarily either the random coil or the α‐helix conformers had approximately the same viscosity. On the other hand, at 37°C, the solutions containing the β‐sheet conformer had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher viscosity than when this conformer was absent. The random coil and the α‐helix conformers appeared to have comparable sizes, whereas the hydrodynamic radius estimated for the β‐sheet conformer was significantly (P < 0.05) larger than those for the other two conformers. In summary, changing the secondary structure of poly(l‐lysine) from the random coil to the α‐helix did not affect its Papp and intrinsic Daq. On the other hand, appearance of the β‐sheet conformer significantly decreased the values of Papp and Daq. The differences appeared to result from the significantly higher solution viscosity as well as the extended structure associated with the β‐sheet conformer of poly(l‐lysine). This strategy may represent a potential mechanism to sustain the delivery of therapeutic peptide drugs from a controlled drug delivery device.
Novel hepato‐preferential basal insulin peglispro (BIL) does not differentially affect insulin sensitivity compared with insulin glargine in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel PEGylated basal insulin with a flat pharmacokinetic and glucodynamic profile and reduced peripheral effects, which results in a hepato‐preferential action. In Phase 3 trials, patients with T1DM treated with BIL had lower prandial insulin requirements, yet improved prandial glucose control, relative to insulin glargine (GL). We hypothesized that this may be because of an enhanced sensitivity to prandial insulin with BIL resulting from lower chronic peripheral insulin action.
Complementarity of high-resolution COSMO-SkyMed and medium-resolution Sentinel-1 SAR interferometry: Quantitative analysis of real target displacement and 3D positioning measurement precision, and potential operational scenarios

The availability of several sensors with complementarity characteristics, in terms of spatial resolution and tasking flexibility, offers new opportunities for SAR interferometry applications. In this work, we quantitatively discuss the complementarity of C-band low-resolution sensors (Sentinel-1 and Envisat) and the X-band high-resolution COSMO-SkyMed SAR constellation, both with theoretical analyses and experiments, focusing the comparison on interferometric measurements on real targets, in terms of density, deformation precision, and 3D positioning precision. Moreover, we provide a characterization of the measurement precision as a function of the interferometric baseline values. The obtained results confirm that whereas Sentinel-1 can systematically cover very large areas, COSMO-SkyMed can guarantee a more detailed analysis, which can be fundamental for building and infrastructure monitoring.
Blood levels of homocysteine and increased risks of cardiovascular disease: causal or casual?

BACKGROUND Accumulating data from epidemiological studies suggest that individuals with elevated blood levels of homocysteine have increased risks of cardiovascular disease. We reviewed the currently available evidence of an association between homocysteine and cardiovascular disease and examined whether the strength of the evidence varies according to study design. METHODS We used a computerized MEDLINE literature search, 1966 through September 1998, to identify all epidemiological studies that examined the relationship of homocysteine level with risks of coronary heart or cerebrovascular disease. Two measures of plasma homocysteine level and its association with risk of cardiovascular disease were extracted: mean homocysteine level in cases and controls, and relative risk of cardiovascular disease for elevated homocysteine level. RESULTS A total of 43 studies were reviewed. Most crosssectional and case-control studies indicated higher mean homocysteine levels (either fasting or after methionine load) and/or a greater frequency of elevated homocysteine level in persons with cardiovascular disease as compared with persons without cardiovascular disease. Results of most prospective studies, however, indicated smaller or no association. The few prospective studies that reported a positive association between homocysteine level and risks of cardiovascular disease included patients with preexisting vascular disease. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to cross-sectional and case-control studies, results of prospective studies indicated less or no predictive ability for plasma homocysteine in cardiovascular disease. Instead, elevated homocysteine level may be an acute-phase reactant that is predominantly a marker of atherogenesis, or a consequence of other factors more closely linked to risks of cardiovascular disease. Randomized trials are necessary to test reliably whether lowering homocysteine levels will decrease risks of cardiovascular disease.
S3 – Guidelines on the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris (English version). Update

Psoriasis vulgaris is a common and often chronic inflammatory skin disease. The incidence of psoriasis in Western industrialized countries ranges from 1.5% to 2%. Patients afflicted with severe psoriasis vulgaris may experience a significant reduction in quality of life. Despite the large variety of treatment options available, surveys have shown that patients still do not received optimal treatments. To optimize the treatment of psoriasis in Germany, the Deutsche Dermatologi sche Gesellschaft (DDG) and the Berufsverband Deutscher Dermatologen (BVDD) have initiated a project to develop evidence‐based guidelines for the management of psoriasis. They were first published in 2006 and updated in 2011. The Guidelines focus on induction therapy in cases of mild, moderate and severe plaque‐type psoriasis in adults including systemic therapy, UV therapy and topical therapies.
The Salt-Stress Signal Transduction Pathway That Activates the gpx1 Promoter Is Mediated by Intracellular H2O2, Different from the Pathway Induced by Extracellular H2O2[w]

Several genes encoding putative glutathione peroxidase have been isolated from a variety of plants, all of which show the highest homology to the phospholipid hydroperoxide isoform. Several observations suggest that the proteins are involved in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Previous studies on the regulation of gpx1, the Citrus sinensis gene encoding phospholipid hydroperoxide isoform, led to the conclusion that salt-induced expression of gpx1 transcript and its encoded protein is mediated by oxidative stress. In this paper, we describe the induction of gpx1 promoter:uidA fusions in stable transformants of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cultured cells and plants. We show that the induction of gpx1 by salt and oxidative stress occurs at the transcriptional level. gpx1 promoter analysis confirmed our previous assumption that the salt signal is transduced via oxidative stress. We used induction of the fusion construct to achieve better insight into, and to monitor salt-induced oxidative stress. The gpx1 promoter responded preferentially to oxidative stress in the form of hydrogen peroxide, rather than to superoxide-generating agents. Antioxidants abolished the salt-induced expression of gpx1 promoter, but were unable to eliminate the induction by H2O2. The commonly employed NADPH-oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride and catalase inhibited the H2O2-induced expression of gpx1 promoter, but did not affect its induction by salt. Our results led us to conclude that salt induces oxidative stress in the form of H2O2, its production occurs in the intracellular space, and its signal transduction pathway activating the gpx1 promoter is different from the pathway induced by extracellular H2O2.
Osteoarthritis of the knee following meniscectomy.

The relationship between age at meniscectomy and the time to developing OA requiring an operation was studied. A total of 63 patients (7.8% of those presenting for an operation for OA) had had a previous meniscectomy. It was found that there was a strong correlation between the age at meniscectomy and the time delay (r = -0.68, P < 0.0001). The equation for the regression line was y = -0.68x + 41.8, where y = the delay in years between meniscectomy and operation for OA, and x = the age at meniscectomy. It was noted that there were two distinct populations, those < or = 35 yr old with a mean delay of 26 yr (95% CI 20.8-31.4), and those > 35 yr old with a mean delay of 9.8 yr (95% CI 7.5-12.2). The development of OA requiring an operation following meniscectomy depends on the age at meniscectomy and the time delay. To show an increase rate of OA following meniscectomy in a young population would require follow-up of at least 26 yr.
Door to balloon and door to needle: temporal trends in delays to reperfusion.

BACKGROUND Reperfusion practices have changed markedly over the last few years with the introduction of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. This technique has gained growing popularity in Israel, but little published data are available regarding the delays to primary PCI in real life in this country. OBJECTIVES To examine temporal trends in time to reperfusion achieved in a large tertiary center over 6 years. RESULTS Between 1997 and 2002, 1,031 patients were admitted to our hospital with ST elevation myocardial infarction. Of these, 62% underwent thrombolysis and 38% primary PCI. The proportion of patients referred for primary PCI increased steadily, from 14% in 1997 to 68% in 2002. Door to treatment time among patients referred for thrombolysis or primary PCI was 54 +/- 42 and 117 +/- 77 minutes, respectively (P < 0.00001). The door to needle time in patients given thrombolysis remained virtually unchanged during the study period at around 54 minutes. In contrast, the door to balloon time progressively and substantially decreased, from 175 +/- 164 minutes in 1997 to 96 +/- 52 minutes in 2002. CONCLUSIONS There is a steady increase in the proportion of patients referred for primary PCI than for thrombolysis. The door to needle delay in patients given thrombolysis substantially exceeds the recommended time. The door to balloon time has declined considerably but still slightly exceeds the recommended time. Given the inherent delay between initiation of lysis and arterial recanalization, it appears from our experience that PCI does not substantially delay arterial reperfusion as compared to thrombolysis. Efforts should continue to minimize delays to reperfusion therapy.
Microemboli Detection and Classification by Innovative Ultrasound Technology During Simulated Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Bypass at Different Flow Rates, Perfusion Modes, and Perfusate Temperatures

The objective of this study was to detect and classify the number and size of gaseous microemboli in a simulated pediatric model of cardiopulmonary bypass. Tests were conducted at five different flow rates (400–1,200 ml/min in 200 ml/min increments), pulsatile versus nonpulsatile perfusion modes, and under normothermic, hypothermic, and deep hypothermic (35°C, 25°C, and 15°C) conditions, yielding 180 total experiments. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer’s solution and filled with heparinized bovine blood. At the beginning of each experiment, 5 ml of air were injected into the venous line via the luer port of the oxygenator. Microemboli were quantified and classified by size for 5 minute segments at three transducer sites: postpump, postoxygenator, and postarterial filter. The purge line of the arterial filter was closed during all experiments. In all but one experiment, 90% of emboli at the postpump site were found to be smaller than 40 &mgr;m. At the postarterial filter site, nearly 99% of the emboli were smaller than 40 &mgr;m. Additionally, increasing microemboli counts were observed when the flow rate was increased and when the temperature was decreased. Lower temperatures, higher flow rates, and pulsatile perfusion were all associated with higher emboli counts. The majority of gaseous microemboli found in the simulated circuit was significantly below 40 &mgr;m; the smallest level detectable by traditional Doppler devices.
Nonlinear disposition of lithium in rats and saturation of its tubular reabsorption by the sodium‐phosphate cotransporter as a cause

We previously reported the contribution of sodium‐phosphate cotransporter to the tubular reabsorption of lithium in rats. In the present study, the dose dependency of the renal handling of lithium was examined in rats. When lithium chloride at 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg was intravenously injected as a bolus, the areas under the plasma concentration‐time curve of lithium until 60 minutes were calculated to be 6.23 mEq·min/l, 8.77 mEq·min/l and 64.6 mEq·min/l, respectively. The renal clearance of lithium and its fractional excretion increased with increments in the dose administered. The renal clearance of lithium strongly correlated with the urinary excretion rate of phosphate in the 1.25 mg/kg group (r = 0.840) and 2.5 mg/kg group (r = 0.773), whereas this correlation was weak in the 25 mg/kg group (r = 0.306). The infusion of foscarnet, a typical inhibitor of sodium‐phosphate cotransporter, decreased the fractional reabsorption of lithium in rats administered lithium chloride at 2.5 mg/kg, but did not affect it in rats administered 25 mg/kg. These results demonstrate the nonlinearity of the renal excretion of lithium in rats, with the saturation of lithium reabsorption by the sodium‐phosphate cotransporter potentially being involved.
The SMG5–SMG7 heterodimer directly recruits the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex to mRNAs containing nonsense codons via interaction with POP2

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a quality control mechanism to detect aberrant mRNAs and induce their degradation. Loh et al. now show that mRNA decay enzyme SMG7 directly binds POP2, a catalytic subunit of the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex, and promotes deadenylation-dependent decapping and decay of NMD targets. The authors further show that mRNA surveillance complex component UPF1 provides multiple binding sites for mRNA decapping factors. This study unveils a missing physical link between NMD and the general mRNA decay machinery.