Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Growth Curve Analysis to Examine Challenges in Instrumentation in Longitudinal Measurement in Home Visiting

Home visitation programs aim to decrease child maltreatment, yet limited longitudinal data exists concerning their screening and assessment instruments. “At risk” families (N = 2,054) were screened using the Family Stress Checklist and referred to Healthy Families Indiana. The Home Observation Measurement of the Environment Scale (HOME) and Community Life Skills Scale (CLS) were administered at multiple intervals. Growth curve analyses indicate families with lower HOME and CLS scores received more home visits and visits between assessments. However, these instruments may have “ceiling effects” and may be unsuitable for longitudinal assessment and program evaluation. Programmatic changes were made based on evaluation results.
Lipids of plasma membranes prepared from oat root cells : effects of induced water-deficit tolerance.

Plasma membranes were isolated from oat (Avena sativa) roots by the phase-partitioning method. The membranes were exposed to repeated periods of moderate water-deficit stress, and a water-deficit tolerance was induced (acclimated plants). The plasma membranes of the controls (nonacclimated plants) were characterized by a high phospholipid content, 79% of total lipids, cerebrosides (9%) containing hydroxy fatty acids (>90% 24:1-OH) and free sterols, acylated sterylglucosides, sterylglucosides, and steryl esters, together amounting to 12%. Major phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine with lesser amounts of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidic acid. After the membranes were acclimated to dehydration, the lipid to protein ratio decreased from 1.3 to 0.7 micromoles per milligram. Furthermore, the cerebrosides decreased to 5% and free sterols increased from 9% (nonacclimated plants) to 14%. Because the total phospholipids did not change significantly, the free sterol to phospholipid ratio increased from 0.12 to 0.19. There was no change in the relative distribution of sterols after acclimation. The ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine changed from 1.1 in the nonacclimated plants to 0.69 in the acclimated plants. The results show that acclimation to dehydration implies substantial alterations in the lipid composition of the plasma membrane.
Cardioprotective and Antioxidant Influence of Aqueous Extracts from Sesamum indicum Seeds on Oxidative Stress Induced by Cadmium in Wistar Rats

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several acute and chronic diseases of the heart as a result of indiscriminate exposure to cardiotoxic heavy metals. The study reported here was designed to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of aqueous extracts from Sesamum indicum (SI) seeds on oxidative stress induced by cadmium (Cd) in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Daily administration of Cd (200 mg/L Cd as CdCl2) in the animals' main drinking water for 21 days led to oxidative stress. Thereafter, the ameliorative effects were assessed by measuring biochemical parameters such as extent of lipid peroxidation (LPO), lipid profile, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, as well as serum aminotransferase activities. Results: Treatment with SI extract elicited notable reduction in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as well as concomitant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. SI extract also reversed the elevations witnessed in serum aminotransferase activities, LPO level, and ameliorated enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant status in the heart of Cd-exposed rats. Conclusion: Thus, SI appears to be an attractive candidate with potential for the novel treatment of cardiotoxicity and management of oxidative stress arising from Cd exposure. SUMMARY Cadmium (200 mg/L) exposure in drinking water caused pronounced oxidative stress and cardiac tissue damage in animal model Aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum (SI) seeds at a dose of 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight exhibited a significant reversal effect in all biochemical parameters measured such as extent of lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, as well as serum aminotransferase activities Aqueous extract of SI seeds possess antioxidant and cardioprotective potential in a dose-dependent manner, thus conferring protection against oxidative stress induced by cadmium. Abbreviation used: SI: Sesamum indicum, Cd: Cadmium, CdCl2: Cadmium chloride, LPO: Lipid peroxidation, TBA: Thiobarbituric acid, ALT: Alanine aminotransferase, AST: Aspartate aminotransferase, ALP: Alkaline phosphatise, TC: Total cholesterol, TG: Triglyceride, HDL-C: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SD: Standard deviation, GSH: Glutathione, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, CAT: Catalase, GST: Glutathione-S-transferase, GPx: Glutathione peroxidise.
Transgenic overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase improves cardiac performance

We previously demonstrated that cardiac myosin can use 2-deoxy-ATP (dATP) as an energy substrate, that it enhances contraction and relaxation with minimal effect on calcium-handling properties in vitro, and that contractile enhancement occurs with only minor elevation of cellular [dATP]. Here, we report the effect of chronically enhanced dATP concentration on cardiac function using a transgenic mouse that overexpresses the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (TgRR), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in de novo deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis. Hearts from TgRR mice had elevated left ventricular systolic function compared with wild-type (WT) mice, both in vivo and in vitro, without signs of hypertrophy or altered diastolic function. Isolated cardiomyocytes from TgRR mice had enhanced contraction and relaxation, with no change in Ca2+ transients, suggesting targeted improvement of myofilament function. TgRR hearts had normal ATP and only slightly decreased phosphocreatine levels by 31P NMR spectroscopy, and they maintained rate responsiveness to dobutamine challenge. These data demonstrate long-term (at least 5-mo) elevation of cardiac [dATP] results in sustained elevation of basal left ventricular performance, with maintained β-adrenergic responsiveness and energetic reserves. Combined with results from previous studies, we conclude that this occurs primarily via enhanced myofilament activation and contraction, with similar or faster ability to relax. The data are sufficiently compelling to consider elevated cardiac [dATP] as a therapeutic option to treat systolic dysfunction.
Impact of diatomaceous biofilms on the frictional drag of fouling-release coatings

Skin-friction results are presented for fouling-release (FR) hull coatings in the unexposed, clean condition and after dynamic exposure to diatomaceous biofilms for 3 and 6 months. The experiments were conducted in a fully developed turbulent channel flow facility spanning a wide Reynolds number range. The results show that the clean FR coatings tested were hydraulically smooth over much of the Reynolds number range. Biofilms, however, resulted in an increase in skin-friction of up to 70%. The roughness functions for the biofilm-covered surfaces did not display universal behavior, but instead varied with the percentage coverage by the biofilm. The effect of the biofilm was observed to scale with its mean thickness and the square root of the percentage coverage. A new effective roughness length scale (keff) for biofilms based on these parameters is proposed. Boundary layer similarity-law scaling is used to predict the impact of these biofilms on the required shaft power for a mid-sized naval surface combatant at cruising speed. The increase in power is estimated to be between 1.5% and 10.1% depending on the biofilm thickness and percentage coverage.
Validation of tissue microarray technology in endometrioid cancer of the endometrium

Aim: To validate tissue microarray (TMA) for endometrial cancer by comparing immunohistochemical staining results of triplicate core biopsies on TMA with the results of full-section analysis. Methods: The study material consisted of slides and selected tissue blocks of 41 patients with endometrioid cancer of the endometrium. A TMA was constructed. Both the TMA and the slides were stained with the same antibodies against progesterone receptor (PR), oestrogen receptor, p53 and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). Concordance between results was expressed as the κ statistic. Results: Concordance between the staining results of TMA and whole slides was good for PR (κ = 0.69), oestrogen receptor (κ = 0.78), p53 (κ = 0.81) and EMA (κ = 0.72). Concordance between the results on TMA and slides depends on the number of assessable cores per tumour. Three assessable cores per case result in outcomes that are at least 94% similar to those achieved using conventional tissue sections with a two-class scoring system. This is independent of focal or diffuse staining patterns. Conclusion: TMA is a useful tool for further analysis of the molecular pathways in endometrial cancer. The effect of selection has to be taken into account when the prognostic value of protein expression on TMA is determined.
A Prospective Randomised Comparison of the LMA ProSeal™ versus Endotracheal tube on the Severity of Postoperative Pain following Gynaecological Laparoscopy

Pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common problems after gynaecologic laparoscopy. Two recent studies have shown that morphine requirements and PONV are lower when a LMA ProSeal™ is used, rather than an endotracheal tube (ETT), for female patients undergoing breast and gynaecological surgery. We conducted a patient and observer-blinded randomised controlled trial, recruiting non-obese women without gastro-oesophageal reflux undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. Patients received a standardised relaxant general anaesthetic and then were randomised to receive either an LMA ProSeal or an endotracheal tube. Patients were assessed at two and 24 hours post-anaesthesia. The primary outcome was postoperative pain score and secondary endpoints included morphine consumption, postoperative emesis and adverse upper airway symptoms. We recruited 116 patients to the study, 57 patients in the ETT group and 59 patients in the LMA ProSeal group. The patients were similar in demographic and surgical characteristics. At two hours, the ETT group was similar to the LMA ProSeal group in regards to pain scores (verbal rating scale 3.0 vs 3.5, P=0.86), morphine consumption (7.2 vs 7.4 mg, P=0.56) and PONV (47.4 vs 47.5%, P=0.99). After 24 hours, pain scores and PONV rates were also similar. No significant difference in rates of sore throat or dysphagia was observed between the ETT and LMA ProSeal groups. No significant complications were attributable to either airway device. The LMA ProSeal did not decrease pain or PONV in patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopy when compared to endotracheal intubation.
Cesarean Birth for Failed Progress in Labor

&NA; “Failure to progress” is the leading indication for primary cesarean section and has a major impact on the escalating cesarean birth rate in the United States. We investigated the labor and delivery records of nulliparous women at term with vertex presentations admitted to the clinic and private services of our hospital to determine the importance of different management strategies associated with operative deliveries. Birth weights and immediate neonatal outcome were identical between the clinic and private services. The cesarean birth rate on the clinic service was 5.2%, compared with 17.1% on the private service; 80% of the abdominal deliveries on the private service were for “failure to progress. ” Epidural use rates were similar on both services and were associated with a 70% incidence of oxytocin augmentation. Once oxytocin augmentation became part of labor management, a 14‐fold increase in cesarean sections was observed for the private service, but oxytocin had no impact on the cesarean birth rate in the clinic service. The placement of an intrauterine pressure catheter and an approach to the use of oxytocin that might be characterized as “selective active management” were necessary to achieve efficient uterine action in a timely fashion, permitting a high likelihood of vaginal birth on the clinic service. (Obstet Gynecol 73:915, 1989)
The Good the Bad and the Ugly of Glycosaminoglycans in Tissue Engineering Applications

High sulfation, low cost, and the status of heparin as an already FDA- and EMA- approved product, mean that its inclusion in tissue engineering (TE) strategies is becoming increasingly popular. However, the use of heparin may represent a naïve approach. This is because tissue formation is a highly orchestrated process, involving the temporal expression of numerous growth factors and complex signaling networks. While heparin may enhance the retention and activity of certain growth factors under particular conditions, its binding ‘promiscuity’ means that it may also inhibit other factors that, for example, play an important role in tissue maintenance and repair. Within this review we focus on articular cartilage, highlighting the complexities and highly regulated processes that are involved in its formation, and the challenges that exist in trying to effectively engineer this tissue. Here we discuss the opportunities that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) may provide in advancing this important area of regenerative medicine, placing emphasis on the need to move away from the common use of heparin, and instead focus research towards the utility of specific GAG preparations that are able to modulate the activity of growth factors in a more controlled and defined manner, with less off-target effects.
TWO-SIDED TOLERANCE INTERVALS FOR BALANCED AND UNBALANCED RANDOM EFFECTS MODELS

ABSTRACT A procedure for constructing two-sided β-content, γ-confidence tolerance intervals is proposed for general random effects models, in both balanced and unbalanced data scenarios. The proposed intervals are based on the concept of effective sample size and modified large sample methods for constructing confidence bounds on functions of variance components. The performance of the proposed intervals is evaluated via simulation techniques. The results indicate that the proposed intervals generally maintain the nominal confidence and content levels. Application of the proposed procedure is illustrated with a one-fold nested design used to evaluate the performance of a quantitative bioanalytical method.
Lenalidomide is safe and active in Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Lenalidomide is manageable and effective in multiple myeloma, particularly in elderly patients. Surprisingly, the combination of lenalidomide with rituximab produced clinically significant anemia at 25 mg/day for 21/28 days, the highest possible dose, in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (WM). We aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of single agent lenalidomide and determine its impact on WM. RV‐WM‐0426 is a multicenter dose escalation open label phase 1/2 study of lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory WM (RRWM). Lenalidomide was given orally 21/28 days per cycle for 1 year, at escalated dose of 15 to 20 mg during phase 1 to determine the MTD; the phase 2 part was conducted at the MTD. Seventeen RRWM patients were included. The MTD was established at 15 mg/day 21/28. By ITT analysis, the overall response rate was 29%. With a median follow‐up of 36 months, median TTP was 16 months (95% CI 5.5–26), the 5‐year OS was 91%. The most frequent adverse events ≥ grade 3 at 15 mg were 14% anemia and 43% neutropenia. The MTD of lenalidomide is 15 mg/day 21/28 days in RRWM. Lenalidomide is active in the treatment of RRWM and the safety profile appears manageable. Future studies may look into combinations of lenalidomide and continuous dosing. Am. J. Hematol. 90:1055–1059, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early-stage hip involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A Chinese study based on magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and identify potential factors of the early-stage hip involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study of 655 consecutive patients was performed. Patients with hip pain or limited hip function but lacking definitive evidence of hip involvement on radiography underwent hip MRI. Based on the results of the imaging tests, the patients were classified into three categories: (1) no hip involvement; (2) early-stage hip involvement according to MRI but not radiography; (3) advanced-stage hip involvement according to a Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index-hip score ≥2. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight patients had early-stage hip involvement and 103 patients had advanced-stage hip involvement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that younger age at onset, worse BASMI score, and more active inflammation in the sacroiliac joints were associated with the occurrence of early-stage hip involvement. Conclusion: Negative plain radiography results cannot be used to rule out hip involvement. MRI was superior to radiography for the detection of early-stage hip involvement. Susceptible AS patients with symptoms or risk factors for hip involvement should undergo hip MRI to test for lesions in the early stage.
What caused what? An irreducible account of actual causation

Actual causation is concerned with the question "what caused what? ". Consider a transition between two subsequent observations within a system of elements. Even under perfect knowledge of the system, a straightforward answer to this question may not be available. Counterfactual accounts of actual causation based on graphical models, paired with system interventions, have demonstrated initial success in addressing specific problem cases. We present a formal account of actual causation, applicable to discrete dynamical systems of interacting elements, that considers all counterfactual states of a state transition from t-1 to t. Within such a transition, causal links are considered from two complementary points of view: we can ask if any occurrence at time t has an actual cause at t-1, but also if any occurrence at time t-1 has an actual effect at t. We address the problem of identifying such actual causes and actual effects in a principled manner by starting from a set of basic requirements for causation (existence, composition, information, integration, and exclusion). We present a formal framework to implement these requirements based on system manipulations and partitions. This framework is used to provide a complete causal account of the transition by identifying and quantifying the strength of all actual causes and effects linking two occurrences. Finally, we examine several exemplary cases and paradoxes of causation and show that they can be illuminated by the proposed framework for quantifying actual causation.
Ligamentization of Autogenous Hamstring Grafts After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: In previous studies, unimodal, small-diameter collagen fibrils have been commonly observed as the final collagen ultrastructure of the implanted grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the native ACL and hamstring tendon show bimodal collagen fibril distribution, consisting of both large- and small-diameter collagen fibrils. Hypothesis: Bimodal collagen fibril distribution of the graft is a common phenomenon after ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon grafts and is time dependent. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 52 patients who underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction using autogenous hamstring tendons and who also underwent second-look arthroscopic surgery were enrolled. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the time interval between the 2 operations: the midterm group (27 patients), with a 13- to 30-month time interval between operations, and the long-term group (25 patients) with a 31- to 62-month interval. During the second-look arthroscopic procedures, ACL graft biopsies were performed. Normal ACL tissues were harvested from 9 patients who underwent total knee replacement, and biopsy specimens of the to-be-grafted semitendinosus tendon tissues were also harvested from another 9 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendons, which were designated as normal controls. Graft vascularity, cellularity, metaplasia, cellular metabolism, and collagen fibril distribution were analyzed. Results: Large-diameter (>100 nm) collagen fibrils were detected in 81.5% of the specimens in the midterm group and in 68.0% of the specimens in the long-term group. A typical bimodal distribution mode was observed in 62.6% of the specimens in the midterm group and in 52.0% of the specimens in the long-term group. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to the presence of large-diameter collagen fibrils, bimodal distribution, graft vascularity, cellularity, metaplasia, or cellular metabolic status. Conclusion: Graft ultrastructural maturation, characterized by large-diameter collagen fibrils and a bimodal collagen fibril distribution, is a common phenomenon and is not time dependent in the midterm to long term. Clinical Relevance: After hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction, the implanted grafts can transform into ACL-like tissue with a similar ultrastructure and metabolism, implying their usefulness as grafts.
Characterization of the Zymomonas mobilis glucose facilitator gene product (glf) in recombinant Escherichia coli: examination of transport mechanism, kinetics and the role of glucokinase in glucose transport

Zymomonas mobilis is known to transport glucose by a facilitated diffusion process. A putative glucose facilitator gene (glf), closely related to a large family of glucose transporters, is located in a cluster of genes that code for enzymes of glucose metabolism. The Z. mobilis glf gene is able to complement glucose transport in an Escherichia coli strain that is defective in native glucose transport and glucokinase. In this study, the recombinant E coli was shown to be capable of influx counterflow when preloaded with glucose and had an apparent Km for glucose of approximately 1.1 ‐ 2.9 mM, consistent with the function of Gif as a low‐affinity glucose facilitator. The ability of glucokinase mutants expressing glf to transport glucose made it clear that glucokinase activity was not required for Glf‐dependent glucose transport. The possibility that glucokinase can interact with Glf to improve the affinity for glucose was not supported since expression of the Z mobilis glucokinase gene, in addition to glf, did not affect the Km of Glf for glucose in recombinant E. coli The inability of various sugars to compete with glucose during glucose transport by recombinant E. coli expressing glf indicated that Glf is specific for glucose. While the results of fructose transport assays did not completely rule out the possibility of very low affinity for fructose, the apparent specificity of Gif for glucose makes it possible that Z. mobilis utilizes a different transporter(s) for fructose.