Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Release of mediators by DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells exposed to electric interferential current and the requirement of biochemical prestimulation

Purpose : Controversial results have been obtained with respect to the influence of biochemical prestimulation upon the action of electromagnetic fields on mammalian cells. Examined in detail has been the influence of a modulated low-frequency (interferential) current upon the release of four mediators by DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells with and without prestimulation by the chemotactic peptide N -formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Materials and methods : Human promyelocytes (HL-60) cells differentiated to granulocytes by dimethylsulphoxide were exposed to a so-called interferential current (IFC) in a suspension culture. The influence of IFC treatment, an amplitude-modulated 4000 Hz current used in therapeutic applications, on the release of prostaglandine E 2 (PGE 2) , leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4) , thromboxane B 2 (TXB 2) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) was investigated. Effects of a static magnetic field were also studied. Results : In no case were significant differences between exposed and sham-exposed samples observed after 15 min exposure to selected modulation frequencies (0-125Hz, 250 μ A cm -2) . Therefore, the influence of prestimulation with different concentrations of fMLP on the release of the four mediators was investigated. fMLP alone enhanced the release of PGE 2, LTB 4, TXB 2 and IL-8 with half of the maximum (ED 50) effective concentration of ~10nM. Prestimulation with various concentrations of fMLP and subsequent exposure to IFC 125Hz (15 min, 250 μ A cm -2) had no effect at low or high concentrations of fMLP, while in the middle range of concentration of ~100 pM fMLP a significant enhancement of PGE 2, LTB 4 and IL-8 was observed. This synergistic effect of fMLP and IFC was examined in detail in prestimulated cells (100pM fMLP) by varying the exposure time, current density and modulation frequency in the range 0-50 Hz. Window effects for the release of PGE 2, LTB 4 and IL-8 were obtained for exposure time, current density and modulation frequency whereas, in the release of TXB 2, no field effect was detected. Conclusion : The study has demonstrated the synergistic action of chemical stimulation and electric current exposure, and the existence of windows for cellular activation status, exposure time, current density and modulation frequency.
Learning from Exporting in China

Do exports increase the firm's productivity causally? Focusing on the matched information of highly disaggregated transaction and firm‐level data from 2000 to 2006 in China, we construct a new measure of firm‐specific demand shock as an instrument for firm exports, based on the GDP growth rate of destination countries. We find that a one percentage point expansion in exports raises firm total factor productivity (estimated by the Olley–Pakes method) by approximately 0.224 percentage points on average. Moreover, we find that exports to high‐income countries, more processing exports and scope expansion about variety contribute to the learning effect.
Importance of P53, Ki-67 expression in the differential diagnosis of benign/malignant phyllodes tumors of the breast.

BACKGROUND Conventionally growth pattern, stromal overgrowth, stromal cellularity and stromal mitotic activity are the main parameters in the grading of phyllodes tumors (PTs). Recent studies revealed that both p53 and Ki-67 expressions are correlated with grade of PTs of the breast. Expression of hormone receptors and overexpression/amplification of HER2 has been studied in PTs to discover the roles of these markers as new treatment modalities. MATERIALS AND METHOD We studied 26 PT cases. Seventeen benign and nine malignant PTs were re-evaluated as regards stromal cellularity mitotic activity, p53/Ki-67 expression rates and the relation between these parameters. Estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (ER, PR) positivity were determined by counting nuclear staining in five high-power fields. Also, the presence of any HER2 staining and staining patterns were documanted. RESULTS Stromal cellularity, mitotic rate, p53 and Ki-67 expression rates were all correlated with benign and malignant histologic subgroups (P = 0.000-0.001). Ki-67 and p53 expressions were statistically significantly correlated with histologic subgroups, stromal cellularity and mitotic rate (P < 0.005). ER and PR expressions in the epithelial component were not statistically significant between the two groups. HER2 showed different staining patterns in the epithelial component, and there was no staining in the stromal component. CONCLUSION Ki-67 and p53 expression rates were statistically significantly correlated with grade of mammary PTs; therefore, they can be used in the determination of tumor grade, especially for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant tumors. Malignant and benign tumors did not differ significantly in terms of hormone receptor and HER2 expression. HER2 expression showed different patterns in the epithelial component of the PTs.
Challenges, needs, and contributions of heritage language students in foreign language classrooms

In recent years, heritage language education has been receiving renewed interest by policy makers, applied linguists, and language educators in the United States, Canada, and many other countries all over the world. The number of publications and heritage language (HL) education initiatives are gradually increasing, as more universities start offering special language track courses designed for heritage language students (HLSs). However, there has been little research exploring how those students perceive their experiences learning their own HL in foreign language (FL) classrooms. This study attempted to better understand HLSs' experiences in FL classrooms in relation to those of instructors and non-heritage language students (nonHLSs). It examined heritage language students' weaknesses and needs, strengths, challenges, and ways of using them as a resource. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and e-mails and were analyzed by emerging themes guided by research questions. The data showed the HLSs strongly felt that they need to improve reading, writing, and oral skills so as to become proficient enough to be employed at the professional level. Also, HLSs considered kanji as one of the major problems while instructors did not perceive this difficulty. Instructors' challenges were identified to be related to affective factors, inappropriate placement, and the lack of resources, whereas HLSs' challenges were associated with the unfamiliarity of FL pedagogy, mismatch of their linguistic skills with available courses, and psychological factors such as peers' negative perception and the level of support received by instructors. Although HLSs appeared to be a great resource in FL classrooms, instructors found it difficult to integrate their abilities into classroom activities due to affective factors.
Development and Validation of a Heart Failure–Specific Health Literacy Scale

Background:Health literacy (HL) is an important concept for patient education and disease management with heart failure (HF). However, research on HL has predominantly focused on functional HL (ability to read and write). The World Health Organization advocates evaluating comprehensive HL, including the ability to access information (communicative HL) and critically evaluate that information (critical HL). Objective:We developed an instrument for measuring functional, communicative, and critical levels of HL in patients with HF. Methods:We evaluated the reliability and validity of those 3 HL scales in a sample of 191 outpatients with HF (mean [SD] age, 66.9 [13.9] years; 64.9% males). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge of HF, a well as motivation to obtain health information were assessed for each patient through a self-administered questionnaire and review of electronic medical records. Results:We constructed scale items to reflect directly the comprehensive World Health Organization definition of HL. We identified 3 interpretable factors by exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was marginally acceptable for total HL (Cronbach &agr; = 0.71), functional HL (&agr; = 0.73), communicative HL (&agr; = 0.68), and critical HL (&agr; = 0.69); the interclass correlation coefficients of the functional, communicative, and critical HL subscales were 0.882, 0.898, and 0.882, respectively. Low functional, communicative, and critical HL was characteristic of older patients, those with lower socioeconomic status, patients living alone, those without a high school education, and patients lacking HF knowledge. Conclusions:Our new HL scale was demonstrated to be a reliable, valid instrument for measuring functional, communicative, and critical HL in patients with HF. Exploring a patient’s HL level, including the ability to access, understand, and use health information as well as the ability to read and write, may provide better understanding of patients’ potential barriers to self-care.
Thorough QT/QTc Study of Ritonavir‐Boosted Saquinavir Following Multiple‐Dose Administration of Therapeutic and Supratherapeutic Doses in Healthy Participants

The effect of saquinavir‐boosted ritonavir at therapeutic (1000/100 mg twice daily [bid]) and supratherapeutic (1500/100 mg bid) doses was evaluated in a double‐blind, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) 4‐way crossover thorough QT/QTc study. Least squares mean estimated study‐specific QTc (QTcS) change from dense predose baseline (ddQTcSdense) was the primary endpoint. Greatest mean increase in ddQTcSdense occurred 12 hours postdose for the 1000/100‐mg group (18.9 ms) and 20 hours for the 1500/10‐mg group (30.2 ms). The upper 1‐sided 95% confidence interval was >20 ms from 2 to 20 hours postdose in both groups. ddQTcBdense and ddQTcFdense were similar to ddQTcSdense. No QTcS, QTcF, or QTcB measurements were >500 ms. One participant receiving 1000/100 mg and 3 receiving 1500/100 mg had a maximum ddQTcSdense >60 ms. More participants with ≥1 adverse event received saquinavir/ritonavir. PubMed search and Roche postmarketing data did not reveal publications or reports directly presenting the effect of saquinavir on QT/QTc or causing torsade de pointes.
Response of tropical elite maize accessions from Latin America with two Brazilian testers.

Maize genetic biodiversity is great and the importance of genetic resources has long been emphasized for increasing the genetic base of cultivated maize by their use in breeding programs (Brown, 1953; Salhuana & Sevilla, 1995). The use of maize genetic resources, however, is still limited due to the lack of agronomic information, poor adaptation, tendency for root and stalk lodging and time required to obtain improved cultivars (Brown, 1975; Uhr & Goodman, 1995). Despite these problems a few breeders have worked with exotic populations and reported an increase in yield when crossing exotic with adapted populations due to the genetic diversity between the parental populations Information about heterotic patterns, essential to maximize the use of genetic resources in breeding programs, has been increasing in recent years for tropical regions. The Latin American Maize Project (LAMP) provided an excellent oportunity to select the best tropical accessions for participating countries (Salhuana & Sevilla, 1995), and now each country can utilize selected accessions as new gene pools for developing improved varieties and hybrids. The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify among tropical elite maize accessions from the LAMP those that could contribute to increased levels of heterosis with the best heterotic pattern from Brazil; and (ii) incorporate the selected accessions into breeding programs.
Chromosomal Imbalances in Brain Metastases of Solid Tumors

Metastases account for approximately 50% of the malignant tumors in the brain. In order to identify structural alterations that are associated with tumor dissemination into the central nervous system we used Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) to investigate 42 brain metastases and 3 primary tumors of 40 patients. The metastases originated from lung cancer (14 cases), melanomas (7), carcinomas of breast (5), colon (5), kidney (5), adrenal gland (1) and thyroid (1). In addition, tumors of initially unknown primaries were assessed in 3 cases. The highest incidence of DNA gains were observed for the chromosomal regions 1q23, 8q24, 17q24‐q25, 20q13 (>80% of cases) followed by the gain on 7p12 (77%). DNA losses were slightly less frequent with 4q22, 4q26, 5q21, 9p21 being affected in at least 70% of the cases followed by deletions at 17p12, 4q32‐q34, 10q21, 10q23‐q24 and 18q21‐q22 in 67.5% of cases. Two unusual narrow regional peaks were observed for the gain on 17q24‐q25 and loss on 17p12.The incidence at individual loci can be viewed at our CGH online tumor database at http://www.amba. charite.de/cgh. The metastases of each tumor type showed a recurrent pattern of changes. In those cases with primary tumor and metastases available, the CGH pattern exhibited a high degree of conformity. In conclusion, our data suggests that specific genetic lesions are associated with tumor dissemination into the nervous system and that CGH analysis may be a useful supplementary tool for classification of metastases with unknown origin.
Similar Metabolic Effects of Pulsatile Versus Continuous Human Insulin Delivery During Euglycemic, Hyperinsulinemic Glucose Clamp in Normal Man

Seven normal volunteers were studied on two different occasions during which 4-h pulsatile (PULS: 0.8 mU · kg−1 · min−1, 7.5 min of 15) and continuous (CONT: 0.4 mU · kg−1 · min1) intravenous (i.v.) infusions of human insulin (Actrapid HM, Novo) were randomly compared. A euglycemic glucose clamp was performed and a 3-3H-glucose infusion was used for determination of endogenous glucose production (EGP) and metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of glucose. Plasma glucose was similar in both conditions; plasma insulin was stable at about 29 mU/L (CONT) and fluctuated between 10 and 45 mU/L (mean: 28, PULS). Exogenous glucose infused was 1.137 ± 0.058 and 1.088 ± 0.099 g · kg−1 · 4h−1 in CONT and PULS, respectively (NS). EGP was totally suppressed in both conditions. Glucose MCR increased similarly to a maximum of 6.71 ± 0.19 (CONT) and 6.79 ± 0.59 (PULS) ml · kg−1 · min−1 during the fourth hour. C-peptide plasma levels remained stable, whereas plasma glucagon, free fatty acids, and 3-hydroxybutyrate were similarly suppressed in both tests. Thus, under these conditions, pulsatile and continuous insulin infusions have similar metabolic effects. These data contrast with those of Matthews et al. (1983) who reported that, at lower plasma concentrations (5–19 mU/L), pulsatile insulin had greater hypoglycemic effect than did continuous delivery. It is concluded that pulsatile insulin shows no greater activity under normoglycemic, moderately hyperinsulinemic conditions in man.
Prospective Memory Training

Prospective memory (PM) tasks are those that must be performed in the future (e.g., attend an appointment). While these everyday tasks can be especially relevant for older adults (i.e., medication adherence), and have been associated with age-related decline, PM has been virtually overlooked in the cognitive training domain. This article describes the first comprehensive PM training intervention. Older adults (age 55 to 75) who received training completed 8 weekly PM training sessions that consisted of variable PM training tasks, strategy-focused discussion, and homework assignments. Those assigned to a control group completed only the first and last training task. On both a real-world proxy PM transfer task and the training tasks detailed here, there was a positive impact of PM training, suggesting practical benefits of the current training package for older adults. Benefits may also extend to other special populations who experience PM impairments (e.g., traumatic brain injury [TBI], Parkinson’s).
Vasopressin‐stimulated CFTR Cl− currents are increased in the renal collecting duct cells of a mouse model of Liddle's syndrome

Liddle's syndrome is a genetic form of hypertension linked to Na+ retention caused by activating mutations in the COOH terminus of the β or γ subunit of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). In this study, we used the short‐circuit current (Isc) method to investigate the effects of deamino‐8‐d‐arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) on Na+ and Cl− fluxes in primary cultures of cortical collecting ducts (CCDs) microdissected from the kidneys of mice with Liddle's syndrome carrying a stop codon mutation, corresponding to the β‐ENaC R566 stop mutation (L) found in the original pedigree. Compared to wild‐type (+/+) CCD cells, untreated L/+ and L/L CCD cells exhibited 2.7‐ and 4.2‐fold increases, respectively, in amiloride‐sensitive (Ams) Isc, reflecting ENaC‐dependent Na+ absorption. Short‐term incubation with dDAVP caused a rapid and significant increase (∼2‐fold) in Ams Isc in +/+, but not in L/+ or L/L CCD cells. In sharp contrast, dDAVP induced a greater increase in 5‐nitro‐2‐(3‐phenylpropamino)benzoate (NPPB)‐inhibited apical Cl− currents in amiloride‐treated L/L and L/+ cells than in their +/+ counterparts. Isc recordings performed under apical ion substituted conditions revealed that the dDAVP‐stimulated apical secretion of Cl−, which was absent in cultured CCDs lacking CFTR, was 1.8‐fold greater in L/+ and 3.7‐fold greater in L/L CCD cells than in their +/+ CCD counterparts. After the basal membrane had been permeabilized with nystatin and a basal‐to‐apical Cl− gradient had been imposed, dDAVP also stimulated larger Cl− currents across L/L and L/+ CCD layers than +/+ CCD layers. These findings demonstrate that vasopressin stimulates greater apical CFTR Cl− conductance in the renal CCD cells of mice with Liddle's syndrome than in wild‐type mice. This effect could contribute to the enhanced NaCl reabsorption observed in the distal nephron of patients with Liddle's syndrome.
Endoscopic argon plasma trimming of biliary and gastrointestinal metallic stents.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficiency of plasma argon trimming of gastrointestinal and biliary metallic stents. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 31 patients underwent plasma argon trimming of their metallic stents (14 women, 17 men; mean +/- SD age 73 +/- 12.2 years, range 46 - 96 years). Of these 31 patients, 24 had had covered or noncovered Unistep Wallstents placed in the biliary tract (13 patients with pancreatic neoplasms, five patients with Vater ampulloma, five patients with biliary tract carcinoma and one patient with chronic calcifiying pancreatitis); three patients had noncovered Enteral Unistep Wallstents (pyloroduodenal); two patients with obstructive colorectal carcinoma had a noncovered Bard Memotherm stent inserted; and two patients had noncovered Ultraflex stents placed for esophageal carcinoma. Endoscopic trimming of the stents was performed under propofol-induced general anesthesia, with the power set at 70 - 80 watts and an argon flow of 0.8 liters/minute. RESULTS Complete and satisfactory trimming of the stents was possible, without complications (mean follow-up 15.8 months), in all patients except one, a patient with a covered biliary Wallstent. In 13 patients with biliary or Enteral Wallstents the trimming procedure was preventive. In eight patients with ulceration and/or hemorrhage (duodenal or rectal), healing was achieved after stent trimming and epinephrine (adrenaline) injection followed by electrocoagulation. Stent trimming restored patency of the duodenal lumen in six patients and of the esophageal lumen in two patients, and was done to allow insertion of a biliary stent in one patient whose duodenal stent was covering the papilla. In one patient with rectal tenesmus, stent shortening resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Endsocopic plasma argon trimming of metallic stents is an efficient procedure which allows easy, reproducible and well-tolerated correction of complications that arise due to these prostheses.
Oxidative stability and microbial growth of turkey breast fillets during refrigerated storage as influenced by feed supplementation with olive leaves, oregano and/or α -tocopheryl acetate

1. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory potential of feed supplementation with olive leaves, oregano and/or α-tocopheryl acetate on microbial growth and lipid oxidation of turkey breast fillets during refrigerated storage. 2. A total of 40 turkeys, allocated to 5 groups of 8 birds each, were fed on diets supplemented with olive leaves at 10 g/kg, oregano at 10 g/kg or α-tocopheryl acetate at 150 or 300 mg/kg. Following slaughter, fillets from breast were stored at 4°C in the dark for 12 d, and lipid oxidation and microbial growth were assessed. 3. Results showed that dietary olive leaves were more effective than oregano at inhibiting lipid oxidation, but were inferior to dietary supplementation of 300 mg α-tocopheryl acetate/kg. In turn, α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation at 150 mg/kg was effective at inhibiting lipid oxidation compared to the control but inferior to oregano supplementation. 4. Total viable counts, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacteria counts were all increased in breast fillets of all groups throughout the refrigerated storage. Diet supplementation with α-tocopheryl acetate had no effect on the bacterial counts recorded in the control group, but diet supplementation with olive leaves or oregano resulted in a decrease of all bacterial counts at d 2 of storage and thereafter; during this period, oregano was more effective at inhibiting bacterial growth compared with olive leaves. 5. Therefore, if shown clinically to be safe and having beneficial effects in vivo, olive leaves and oregano might be utilised in novel applications as nutritional supplements or functional food components.
Getting bang for your buck: the specificity of compensation and benefits information in job advertisements*

Abstract Even though some organizations are trying to attract high-level applicants through offering superior compensation and benefits, reward statements in job advertisements are sometimes rather general and vague. On the basis of person-environment fit theories, we examine whether providing more specific information on attractive reward packages in job advertisements leads to higher perceived person-reward fit and subsequent job pursuit intentions. Furthermore, based on signaling theory, we propose that person-reward fit allows job seekers to make inferences about broader person-organization fit. Applying an online experimental design among 283 experienced potential applicants, we find that more specific compensation and benefits information results in higher job pursuit intentions and that this relationship is fully mediated by person-reward fit perceptions. In turn, the effect of person-reward fit is partially mediated by perceptions of person-organization fit, indicating that people might use reward information as signals for other organizational attributes in early stages of recruitment.