Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Common Polymorphisms in the MDM2 and TP53 Genes and the Relationship between TP53 Mutations and Patient Outcomes in Glioblastomas

MDM2 SNP309 is associated with younger age of tumor onset in patients with Li‐Fraumeni syndrome, and TP53 codon 72 polymorphism decreases its apoptotic potential. Glioblastomas frequently show genetic alterations in the TP53 pathway. In the present study, we assessed MDM2 SNP309 in 360 glioblastomas, and correlated these with patient age and survival, as well as other alterations in the TP53 pathway. Frequencies of the MDM2 SNP309 T/T, T/G and G/G genotypes in glioblastomas were 40%, 46% and 14%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that MDM2 SNP309 G/G allele was significantly associated with favorable outcome in female glioblastoma patients (hazard ratio 0.54; 95% CI = 0.32–0.92). There was a significant association between MDM2 SNP309 G alleles and TP53 codon 72 Pro/Pro in glioblastomas. Glioblastoma patients with TP53 codon 72 Pro/Pro genotype were significantly younger than Arg/Arg carriers (mean 50.2 vs. 56.1 years; P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis showed that those with TP53 codon 72 Arg/Pro allele had significantly shorter survival than those with Arg/Arg allele (hazard ratio 1.35; 95% CI = 1.07–1.71). Detailed analyses revealed that TP53 codon 72 Pro allele was significantly associated with shorter survival among patients with glioblastomas carrying a TP53 mutation, and among those treated with surgery plus radiotherapy.
Using run-time randomization against memory corruption attacks on legacy binaries

Many reverse engineering techniques for data structures rely on the knowledge of memory allocation routines. Typically, they interpose on the system’s malloc and free functions, and track each chunk of memory thus allocated as a data structure. However, many performance-critical applications implement their own custom memory allocators. Examples include webservers, database management systems, and compilers like gcc and clang. As a result, current binary analysis techniques for tracking data structures fail on such binaries. We present MemBrush, a new tool to detect memory allocation and deallocation functions in stripped binaries with high accuracy. We evaluated the technique on a large number of real world applications that use custom memory allocators. We demonstrate that MemBrush can detect allocators/deallocators with a high accuracy which is 52 out of 59 for allocators, and 29 out of 31 for deallocators in SPECINT 2006. As we show, we can furnish existing reverse engineering tools with detailed information about the memory management API, and as a result perform an analysis of the actual application specific data structures designed by the programmer. Our system uses dynamic analysis and detects memory allocation and deallocation routines by searching for functions that comply with a set of generic characteristics of allocators and deallocators.
Antithrombotic effect of enoxaparin in clinically healthy cats: a venous stasis model.

BACKGROUND Systemic arterial thromboembolic events are a serious complication of cardiac disease in cats. OBJECTIVES To determine if enoxaparin induces an antithrombotic effect in cats at a dosage of 1 mg/kg SC q12h and if this antithrombotic effect is predicted by anti-Xa activity. ANIMALS Fourteen clinically healthy cats were divided into 3 groups: control (4 cats), treated and assessed at 4 hours (5 cats), and treated and assessed at 12 hours (5 cats). METHODS A venous stasis model was used and the extent of thrombus formation estimated by measuring thrombus weight and accretion of 125I-fibrinogen. Plasma anti-Xa activity was measured in treated cats. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in thrombus formation in the 4 h group compared with control (median weight, 0.000 versus 0.565mg/mm, P < .01; median % 125I-fibrinogen accretion, 0.0 versus 42.0%, P < .01). There was a reduction in thrombus formation in the 12 h group (median weight, 0.006 mg/mm, P = .09; median % 125I-fibrinogen accretion, 3.83%, P = .09) but this reduction was not significant. The median percent thrombus inhibition for treated cats was 100.0% at 4 hours and 91.4% at 12 hours. Plasma anti-Xa activity was not significantly correlated with thrombus formation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE This pilot study demonstrates that enoxaparin, when administered at a dosage of 1 mg/kg SC q12h, produces an antithrombotic effect in a venous statsis model in clinically healthy cats. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that anti-Xa activity is a poor predictor of enoxaparin's antithrombotic effect.
Comparing endurance- and resistance-exercise training in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized pilot study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare adaptations in functional and quality of life measures following endurance- and resistance-exercise training in people with multiple sclerosis. Design: Cross-over design with an eight-week washout period. Setting: Community health centre. Subjects: Sixteen individuals with multiple sclerosis. Intervention: Subjects completed both an eight-week endurance- and an eight-week resistance-exercise training programme in a randomized order. The exercise training comprised individualized progressive programmes that were completed twice weekly in a supervised group setting. Main measures: Grip strength, functional reach, four step square, timed up and go and six-minute walk tests, Multiple Sclerosis Impact and Modified Fatigue Impact Scales, Becks Depression Inventory and the Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36. Results: Sixteen of 21 (76%) subjects completed the study. Subjects attended 13.2 ± 1.6 endurance- and 15.8 ± 1.9 resistance-exercise training sessions. No adverse events were reported. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in any outcome measures were observed between the two exercise training programmes either at baseline or following the completion of both training programmes. Conclusion: Both endurance- and resistance-exercise training were well tolerated and appear to provide similar effects for people with multiple sclerosis, but larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
The Imperfect Substitutes Model in South Asia

In large number of circumstances, trade policy modellers turn to partial equilibrium modelling in an imperfect substitutes framework. This article develops a formal representation of this imperfect substitutes model and applies it to trade liberalization within the negative list between Pakistan and India following Pakistan’s decision to grant most favoured nation (MFN) status to India. It provides estimates for ranges of output and welfare effects for a number of sectors of interest. It sets these results within the history of Pakistan–India trade and the political economy of the negative list.
Hemodialysis Graft Infections Treated with Cryopreserved Femoral Vein

Introduction: Treatment of infected hemodialysis grafts is associated with prolonged hospitalization and wound care. The use of cryopreserved femoral vein (CFV) for angioaccess in infected hemodialysis grafts was prospectively evaluated. Methods: Forty-three CFV arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) were placed in 43 patients with prosthetic AVG infections. Thirty-two of the CFV AVGs were constructed adjacent to the infected AVG using a parallel tunnel tract, while 11 were placed into the infected field. All patients were prospectively followed at three-month intervals for graft complications and recurrent infections. Results: With a mean follow-up of 418 days, there was one recurrent infection (2.3%). The one-year primary and secondary graft patency rates were 42% and 68%, respectively. The two-year primary and secondary patency rates were 31% and 63%. respectively. Conclusions: Cryopreserved femoral vein proved useful in the treatment of infected hemodialysis grafts. The absence of infection after implantation around an infected area shows promise for salvaging an angioaccess site that would otherwise have been abandoned.
Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors increases the rate of fusion of cultured human myoblasts.

1. Fusion of myogenic cells is important for muscle growth and repair. The aim of this study was to examine the possible involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in the fusion process of myoblasts derived from postnatal human satellite cells. 2. Acetylcholine‐activated currents (ACh currents) were characterized in pure preparations of freshly isolated satellite cells, proliferating myoblasts, myoblasts triggered to fuse and myotubes, using whole‐cell and single‐channel voltage clamp recordings. Also, the effect of cholinergic agonists on myoblast fusion was tested. 3. No nAChR were observed in freshly isolated satellite cells. nAChR were first observed in proliferating myoblasts, but ACh current densities increased markedly only just before fusion. At that time most mononucleated myoblasts had ACh current densities similar to those of myotubes. ACh channels had similar properties at all stages of myoblast maturation. 4. The fraction of myoblasts that did not fuse under fusion‐promoting conditions had no ACh current and thus resembled freshly isolated satellite cells. 5. The rate of myoblast fusion was increased by carbachol, an effect antagonized by alpha‐bungarotoxin, curare and decamethonium, but not by atropine, indicating that nAChR were involved. Even though a prolonged exposure to carbachol led to desensitization, a residual ACh current persisted after several days of exposure to the nicotinic agonist. 6. Our observations suggest that nAChR play a role in myoblast fusion and that part of this role is mediated by the flow of ions through open ACh channels.
Size‐dependence of the potential for metal biomagnification in early life stages of marine fish

We investigated the bioaccumulation of metals (Cd, Se, and Zn) in different juvenile sizes of black sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegeli by applying a biokinetic model. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the physiological kinetic parameters, including uptake rate constant of waterborne metals, ingestion rate, assimilation efficiency of dietary metals, efflux rate constant, and specific growth rate as a function of fish size. Body concentration of metals as a function of body size was then simulated by the kinetic model and compared with the actual measurements. The uptake rate constants decreased with increasing fish size, with an allometric exponent (b) of 0.615 to 0.662. Ingestion rate was also negatively correlated with the fish size (b = −0.604). Assimilation efficiencies of Cd were independent of body size, whereas those of Se and Zn increased with fish size. In contrast, efflux rate constants and growth rate constants for metals were comparable in different sizes of fish. Predicted concentrations of Cd and Zn were comparable to actual measurements and were negatively correlated with fish size. Ingestion rate was the most important parameter accounting for the size‐dependent bioaccumulation of metals, followed by dietary assimilation. We further showed that the trophic transfer potentials of Se and Zn were >1 in smaller fish but then reduced to <1 in larger ones, suggesting that trophic transfer potentials are highly size dependent in marine fish.
Treatment discontinuation in multiple sclerosis: The French Web-based survey ALLIANCE

Background In multiple sclerosis (MS), treatment discontinuation leads to a higher risk of relapse, poorer quality of life and greater economic impact. Objective The objective of this work is to evaluate treatment discontinuation in MS, the reasons for this and the reasons for treatment resumption. Methods A French national Web-based survey was carried out between May and August 2011. A total of 602 MS patients answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, medical follow-up, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), symptomatic treatments, care given, factors involved in treatment discontinuation and reasons for resuming treatment. Results Among 413 patients using DMTs, 54% have considered discontinuing their treatment, primarily because of anger (61%), side effects (61%) and fatigue (57%). Sixty-eight patients have actually discontinued their treatment because of side effects (43%), lack of observed outcomes (32%), exasperation (29%) or fatigue (29%). The reasons for symptomatic treatment discontinuation were fear of addiction (32%–46%) and lack of efficacy (28%–45%). Physiotherapy was discontinued because of fatigue (37%), stress (34%) or inefficiency (31%). According to patients, treatment discontinuation could have been prevented by psychological support, care team empathy and support from family. Conclusion The major factor that could prevent treatment discontinuation is psychological support. Initiating and monitoring treatment in MS leads to emotional and personality changes, requiring adaptations that may improve compliance.
The Ideology of U.S. Agriculture: How Are Integrated Management Approaches Envisioned?

ABSTRACT The ease and affordability of the herbicide glyphosate and the development of glyphosate tolerant crops has encouraged a simplified weed management system in the U.S. However, the overuse of this technological package in recent years has led to an explosion in the number of herbicide resistant weeds and a decrease in the effectiveness of glyphosate. In addition to this bio-chemical problem, many growers appear to be stuck within a farming ideology that focuses on a reduction in time/labor, an increase in profitability and a vision of ever-increasing efficiencies of scale. This may prevent them from conceptualizing and implementing solutions that fall outside of a simple herbicide application plan. The objective of this paper is to begin describing the current ideology of industrial corn and soybean farmers in the United States, as well as how this ideology contributes to farmers’ resistance to complex weed management strategies.
CD4 cell counts at the third month of HAART may predict clinical failure.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of immunological and virological markers on clinical outcome in patients receiving their first highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. DESIGN AND METHODS Observational study of 585 patients initiating HAART in a clinical setting. Clinical failure was defined as the occurrence of new or recurrent AIDS-defining events or death, and was analysed by means of intention-to-treat, univariate and multivariate analyses. An adjusted Cox regression model was used to evaluate the effect of 3-month CD4 cell counts on clinical outcome. RESULTS Clinical failure occurred in 55 patients (9.4%) during a median follow-up of 483 days (range 33-1334 days): 45 new AIDS-defining events (ADEs) in 38, ADE recurrence in six, and death in 11. Twenty-four of the 45 new ADEs (53.4%) occurred during the first 3 months of HAART, and 11 of 45 (24.4%) in the presence of CD4 cell counts > 200 x 10(6) cells/l. The mean (median, range) CD4 counts were 144 x 10(6) cells/l (128, 4-529) in patients with and 322 x 10(6) cells/l (288, 14-1162) in patients without clinical failure (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the proportion of patients with mean CD4 cell counts < 200 x 10(6) cells/l was higher in those experiencing subsequent clinical failure (X2 test: 26.75; P < 0.00001). Multivariate analysis showed that baseline CD4 cell counts < 50 x 10(6) cells/l and AIDS at enrolment predicted failure; after adjusting for 3-month CD4 cell counts, this marker was the only one independently associated with clinical failure (hazard risk, 4.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-16.47). CONCLUSIONS The 3-month immunological response is a reliable predictor of long-term clinical outcome.
Asthma prevalence in 1973, 1988 and 2003

Background: A study was undertaken to see whether the prevalence of asthma has changed since a survey was conducted in 1988, using the same methods that showed an increase during the previous 15 years. Methods: A survey of 12 year old children was conducted in schools in South Wales where surveys had taken place in 1973 and 1988. The survey comprised a parentally completed questionnaire and an exercise challenge test, performed when no bronchodilator had been recently used. Results: In 1973, 1988, and 2003, questionnaires were obtained for 817, 965 and 1148 children, respectively; the exercise test was performed by 812, 960 and 1019 children, respectively. The prevalence of reported wheeze in the last year rose during each 15 year period (9.8%, 15.2%, 19.7%), with an even steeper rise in reported asthma ever (5.5%, 12.0%, 27.3%). There was a continued increase in wheeze attributed to running, in terms of all children (5.8%, 10.5%, 16.0%) and also as the proportion of those with a history of wheeze (34.1%, 47.0%, 57.3%). The use of inhaled corticosteroids (not available in 1973) increased fourfold between 1988 and 2003. The prevalence of exercise induced bronchoconstriction rose between 1973 and 1988 but had declined by 2003. Conclusions: The rise in the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms has continued since 1988. This appears to conflict with a reported recent decline, unless asthma prevalence peaked in the 1990s. The decline in exercise induced bronchoconstriction is probably attributable to better control of the disease as more children are now using inhaled corticosteroids as preventive treatment.
Effects of antioxidant stobadine on protein carbonylation, advanced oxidation protein products and reductive capacity of liver in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats: Role of oxidative/nitrosative stress

Background: Increased oxidative/nitrosative stress is important in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, and the protective effects of antioxidants are a topic of intense research. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a pyridoindole antioxidant stobadine (STB) have a protective effect on tissue oxidative protein damage represented by the parameters such as protein carbonylation (PC), protein thiol (P‐SH), total thiol (T‐SH) and non‐protein thiol (Np‐SH), nitrotyrosine (3‐NT), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats.
Fibroblast subpopulations in intra‐oral wound healing

The objective of this study was to characterize fibroblasts at sequential time points during intra‐oral wound healing in the rat. Experimental wounds were made at several time points in the mucoperiosteum of the palate of 35‐day‐old Wistar rats. Fibroblasts were cultured from the biopsies under standard conditions for the same number of passages. The expression of the integrin subunits α1, α6, and β1; and the intermediate filaments α‐smooth muscle actin and vimentin were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed at 0, 8, and 60 days postwounding to confirm the expression of both intermediate filaments. The phenotypic profiles of fibroblasts cultured from subsequent stages in the wound healing process differed considerably. We conclude that distinct fibroblast phenotypes can be isolated from different stages in wound healing. These phenotypes remained stable during in vitro culturing. In addition, cryosections of the wound areas were made at identical time points and were immunohistochemically stained for the same antigens. The immunohistochemical staining correlated well to the flow‐cytometric data. These results suggest the occurrence of multiple subpopulations of fibroblasts with a specialized function during wound healing. We hypothesize that undesirable consequences of wound healing might be prevented through the modulation of specific fibroblast subpopulations. (WOUND REP REG 2003;11:55–63)
Regional tax evasion and audit enforcement

ABSTRACT Regional tax evasion and audit enforcement. Regional Studies. Using an original panel dataset on tax gap and audits, this paper sheds light on the impact of audit and enforcement on the Italian regional tax evasion over the period 2001–11. Spatial econometric models were used to model regional tax gaps and to control for endogeneity issues and spatial patterns. Results provide evidence that greater enforcement increases tax compliance. A higher probability of targeted audits and additional schemes to increase the disclosure of declared income decrease the tax gap. The paper provides a general framework to study determinants of tax evasion at the regional level.
Coping Strategies and Social Participation in Older Adults

Background: Social participation refers to daily activities, such as personal care and mobility, and social roles, such as interpersonal relationships and leisure. Although restrictions in participation in normal aging have been recognized, little research has been done to study the coping strategies used to alleviate those restrictions. Objective: The objective of the present study was to explore the relationships between cognitive and behavioural coping strategies and the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: The Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H) and the Inventory of Coping Strategies Used by the Elderly (ICSUE) were used to document social participation and coping strategies of 350 randomly recruited older adults living at home independently. Sociodemographic and health-related characteristics were also assessed. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between social participation, coping strategies and the other variables. Results: Behavioural coping strategies were the most important factor associated with daily activities, social roles and total participation, followed by the type of living environment and age. These variables explained 33% (p = 0.04), 13% (p = 0.02), and 28% (p = 0.00) of the variance of the models, respectively. The absence of any relationship between the cognitive coping strategies and social participation was a striking result. Conclusion: Our study suggests expanding current geriatric approaches to integrate knowledge on useful, safe and appropriate behavioural changes and to help older people acquire such strategies when they are lacking.
Remittances in Ukraine Using Household Data

This paper analyzes remittances sent by Ukrainian emigrants to their country of origin. It explores the main factors in uencing the probability of obtaining remittances from abroad as well as the amount of remittances. We investigate how theplanned future usage of remittances a ects the likelihood of receiving them. The results of a survey of households in Ukraine were used to investigate the main defining factors for obtaining financial in ows from abroad, in addition to exploring the expenditures financed by remittances. Although the results of our analysis show that few factors have a significant in uence on the probability of obtaining remittances and on their size, this topic warrants further investigation. The findings are important for policymakers as the Ukrainian government might design and implement policies that increase the development potential of remittances, while eliminating their negative side effects.