Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulatory Focus and Decision Rules: Are Promotion-Focused Consumers Utility Maximizers and Prevention-Focused Consumers Regret Minimizers?

This study aims to investigate the potential consumer-specific driver for decision rules between utility maximization or regret minimization in discrete choice modeling to gain a better understanding of consumers’ decision process, while introducing the random regret minimization (RRM) model in marketing to examine consumer choices. Drawing upon regulatory focus theory, we posit that promotion-focused consumers, who are inclined to maximize their opportunities, are more likely to be utility maximizers while prevention-focused consumers, who are inclined to minimize negative outcomes, are more likely to be regret minimizers. Using a finite mixture discrete choice model of utility-maximizing and regret-minimizing behavioral classes, we confirm our hypotheses with an online choice-based conjoint experiment data on US consumers. Our empirical findings further suggest that, while the RRM alone can perform as well as the conventional multinomial logit, it is important to incorporate structural heterogeneity to gain additional insights on consumer preference and the market structure.
Transient impairments in single muscle fibre contractile function after prolonged cycling in elite endurance athletes

Prolonged muscle activity impairs whole‐muscle performance and function. However, little is known about the effects of prolonged muscle activity on the contractile function of human single muscle fibres. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged exercise and subsequent recovery on the contractile function of single muscle fibres obtained from elite athletes.
Atrial fibrillation in elderly patients after cardiac surgery: postoperative hemodynamics and low postoperative serum triiodothyronine.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum triiodothyronine levels as a trigger of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to study the possible association of serum triiodothyronine levels with preoperative and postoperative hemodynamics. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING University hospital. PARTICIPANTS Forty-six consecutive nonemergency patients 65 years or older undergoing cardiac surgery during 1999 to 2000 in Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. INTERVENTIONS Free serum T3 concentration was used as a measure of serum triiodothyronine levels. Samples were taken preoperatively, on the fourth postoperative day, and at the 3-month follow-up. The hemodynamic state of the patients was estimated by whole-body impedance cardiography preoperatively, during the intensive care unit period, daily until the fourth postoperative day, and at the 3-month follow-up. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS AF occurred in 43% of the patients. The patients in the AF group had significantly more grafts (3.9 v 3.1, p = 0.02), and there was a small difference in age between the AF and non-AF groups (73 years v 69 years, p = 0.06). The free T3 concentration on the fourth postoperative day was significantly lower in the AF group (3.5 nmol/L v 4.6 nmol/L, p = 0.04). In logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of AF were age, number of grafts, and serum free T3 concentration on the fourth postoperative day. In the group with low T3 concentration, the cardiac index was lower (1.4 v 1.8, p = 0.05) and the systemic vascular resistance index was higher (4,064 v 2,969, p = 0.04) but only immediately after the operation. Although the AF mostly appeared during the second to fourth postoperative days, there were no longer any differences in the hemodynamic state at that time. CONCLUSIONS In a group of elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery, there was a strong association between a postoperative decrease of serum triiodothyronine levels and atrial fibrillation. The decrease of serum triiodothyronine levels was related to the changes of hemodynamic parameters only in the immediate postoperative period.
Quantification of bovine immunoglobulin G using transmission and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy

In this study, we evaluated and compared the performance of transmission and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared (IR) spectroscopic methods (in combination with quantification algorithms previously developed using partial least squares regression) for the rapid measurement of bovine serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and detection of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) in dairy calves. Serum samples (n = 200) were collected from Holstein calves 1–11 days of age. Serum IgG concentrations were measured by the reference method of radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay, transmission IR (TIR) and ATR-IR spectroscopy-based assays. The mean IgG concentration measured by RID was 17.22 g/L (SD ±9.60). The mean IgG concentrations predicted by TIR and ATR-IR spectroscopy methods were 15.60 g/L (SD ±8.15) and 15.94 g/L (SD ±8.66), respectively. RID IgG concentrations were positively correlated with IgG levels predicted by TIR (r = 0.94) and ATR-IR (r = 0.92). The correlation between 2 IR spectroscopic methods was 0.94. Using an IgG concentration <10 g/L as the cut-point for FTPI cases, the overall agreement between TIR and ATR-IR methods was 94%, with a corresponding kappa value of 0.84. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for identifying FTPI by TIR were 0.87, 0.97, 0.91, 0.95, and 0.94, respectively. Corresponding values for ATR-IR were 0.87, 0.95, 0.86, 0.95, and 0.93, respectively. Both TIR and ATR-IR spectroscopic approaches can be used for rapid quantification of IgG level in neonatal bovine serum and for diagnosis of FTPI in dairy calves.
Anthropogenic nitrogen deposition in boreal forests has a minor impact on the global carbon cycle

It is proposed that increases in anthropogenic reactive nitrogen (Nr) deposition may cause temperate and boreal forests to sequester a globally significant quantity of carbon (C); however, long‐term data from boreal forests describing how C sequestration responds to realistic levels of chronic Nr deposition are scarce. Using a long‐term (14‐year) stand‐scale (0.1 ha) N addition experiment (three levels: 0, 12.5, and 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1) in the boreal zone of northern Sweden, we evaluated how chronic N additions altered N uptake and biomass of understory communities, and whether changes in understory communities explained N uptake and C sequestration by trees. We hypothesized that understory communities (i.e. mosses and shrubs) serve as important sinks for low‐level N additions, with the strength of these sinks weakening as chronic N addition rates increase, due to shifts in species composition. We further hypothesized that trees would exhibit nonlinear increases in N acquisition, and subsequent C sequestration as N addition rates increased, due to a weakening understory N sink. Our data showed that understory biomass was reduced by 50% in response to the high N addition treatment, mainly due to reduced moss biomass. A 15N labeling experiment showed that feather mosses acquired the largest fraction of applied label, with this fraction decreasing as the chronic N addition level increased. Contrary to our hypothesis, the proportion of label taken up by trees was equal (ca. 8%) across all three N addition treatments. The relationship between N addition and C sequestration in all vegetation pools combined was linear, and had a slope of 16 kg C kg−1 N. While canopy retention of Nr deposition may cause C sequestration rates to be slightly different than this estimate, our data suggest that a minor quantity of annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions are sequestered into boreal forests as a result of Nr deposition.
Effective Recruitment Strategies and Community-Based Participatory Research: Community Networks Program Centers' Recruitment in Cancer Prevention Studies

Background: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches that involve community and academic partners in activities ranging from protocol design through dissemination of study findings can increase recruitment of medically underserved and underrepresented racial/ethnic minority populations into biomedical research. Methods: Five cancer screening and prevention trials in three National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD)–funded Community Networks Program Centers (CNPC), in Florida, Kansas, and South Carolina, were conducted across diverse populations. Data were collected on total time period of recruitment, ratios of participants enrolled over potential participants approached, selected CBPR strategies, capacity-building development, and systematic procedures for community stakeholder involvement. Results: Community-engaged approaches used included establishing colearning opportunities, participatory procedures for community–academic involvement, and community and clinical capacity building. A relatively large proportion of individuals identified for recruitment was actually approached (between 50% and 100%). The proportion of subjects who were eligible among all those approached ranged from 25% to more than 70% (in the community setting). Recruitment rates were very high (78%–100% of eligible individuals approached) and the proportion who refused or who were not interested among those approached was very low (5%–11%). Conclusions: Recruitment strategies used by the CNPCs were associated with low refusal and high enrollment ratios of potential subjects. Adherence to CBPR principles in the spectrum of research activities, from strategic planning to project implementation, has significant potential to increase involvement in biomedical research and improve our ability to make appropriate recommendations for cancer prevention and control programming in underrepresented diverse populations. Impact: CBPR strategies should be more widely implemented to enhance study recruitment. See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Community Network Program Centers. ” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 416–23. ©2014 AACR.
Experimental Therapies in Renal Replacement: The Effect of Two Different Potassium Acetate‐free Biofiltration Protocols on Striated Muscle Fibers

Abstract: Dramatic removal of potassium during hemodialysis sessions can induce changes in the electrical properties of nerve cells or muscle fibers, which may underlie neuromuscular symptoms referred by end‐stage renal disease patients. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the effects of acetate‐free biofiltration (AFB) on the amplitude of compound motor action potential (cMAP) obtained after stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. The secondary aim was to compare the effect of two different potassium removal modalities on cMAP amplitude and to analyze the effects on muscular force by specific dynamometric tests. Twenty‐eight patients received dialysis for 4 h, 3 times per week, first with standard AFB with constant potassium (AFB) and then with AFB with a variable concentration of potassium in the dialysis bath (AFBK). The amplitude of cMAP was determined after ulnar nerve stimulation at the wrist at different time intervals: at the start of dialysis; at 15, 45, 90, and 120 min after beginning the session; and at the end of treatment. At the same time intervals, muscle force generation was determined using a dynamometer. Finally, we measured plasma electrolytes, intraerythrocytic potassium, and the electrical membrane potential at rest (REMP) of the erythrocytic membrane. The main finding of this study was a significant reduction of cMAP amplitude in the first 45 min after AFB, which paralleled the reduction in serum potassium levels. Moreover, there was a reduction of muscular strength determined with dynamometric measurements. Potassium removal induced by the two different modalities of AFB may significantly affect myocardial and fibromuscular cells by modulating the electrochemical balance of cell membranes. The transient alteration of the electrical properties on voluntary striated muscle fibers may contribute to the brief reduction in muscular strength we detected in patients who underwent AFB. AFBK can minimize the negative effects of standard AFB treatment on neuromuscular excitability, most likely through a more gentle variation of potassium levels during dialysis.
Bronchial Hyperreactivity to Methacholine in Atopic Versus Nonatopic Asthmatic Schoolchildren and Preschoolers

Background. Atopy and bronchial hyperreactivity are factors related to severe and unremitting asthma of childhood; however, the prevalence of these factors could be different according to age of the child. Objective. To determine if methacholine bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) differs between atopic and nonatopic preschoolers and schoolchildren with mild-moderate asthma. Methods. Data obtained from 340 children with diagnosis of asthma or recurrent wheezing, matched by atopic conditions (positive or negative skin prick test) and age, and who underwent a methacholine bronchial challenge test (by spirometry in schoolchildren and by transcutaneous oxygen pressure [TcPo2] in preschoolers) were reviewed. Results. Among 136 schoolchildren (9.07 ± 2.5 years), the prevalence of positive BHR was significantly higher among atopics than nonatopics (75% versus 48.5%, p = .001, respectively), even after controlling for gender and nutritional status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.2129, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5–6.8; p = .002). In addition, atopic schoolchildren had lower PC20 and required a lower threshold dose of methacholine to induce a reaction (0.53 versus 0.82 mg/ml, p = .055 and .5 versus 1 mg/ml, p = .02, respectively) than nonatopics. Nevertheless, basal and predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were similar between groups. In contrast, among 204 preschoolers (4.74 ± 1.1 years), there were no differences in the prevalence of positive BHR between atopics and nonatopics (74.5% versus 72.5%, p = .75, respectively). Furthermore, basal TcPo2, a higher fall of TcPo2 and lower threshold doses of methacholine required for induction as measured by TcPo2 were similar between the atopic and nonatopic preschoolers. Conclusions. Atopic asthmatic schoolchildren have greater hyperresponsiveness to methacholine than nonatopics (only among those with normal nutritional status). However, atopic and nonatopic asthmatic preschoolers have similar hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Therefore, factors different from atopy may be responsible for wheeze in younger children.
Evaluation of serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in subjects with asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease.

BACKGROUND Asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) are characterised by airway inflammation. Paraoxonasel (PON1) and arylesterase (AE) enzymes have the ability to protect HDL from oxidation and may have antiatherogenic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory features. We carried out a study to assess if there is a difference between PON1 and AE activities and biochemical values between asthmatics and COPD patients and if there is a difference between comorbid or pure COPD patients. METHODS 40 asthmatics, 20 pure COPD, 20 comorbid COPD patients, and 20 healthy controls were included. We excluded patients with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, thyroid, renal, hepatic, rheumatic, cardiac, cerebrovascular, malignant, and infectious diseases to establish the asthma and pure COPD groups. Patients using drugs which could affect PON1 and AE were excluded in these groups. There were 11 hypertensive, 5 diabetic, and 4 cardiac patients in the comorbid COPD group. PON1 and AE activities were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS Mean age was higher and male gender was more prevalant in COPD than other groups. Fasting blood glucose, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, leucocyte counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and hs-CRP levels were higher in COPD patients. Although PON1 and AE were lower in patients than controls, no difference was found between the asthma and COPD groups, nor between pure and comorbid COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS Although asthma and COPD are two different conditions PON1 and AE activities cannot be markers of differantial diagnosis as they overlap. Comorbid COPD patients may have similar enzyme levels because of the drugs such as statins and aspirin.
Simultaneous use of amniotic membrane and Mitomycin C in trabeculectomy for primary glaucoma

Purpose: This study aimed to propose the role of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) as an additional modulator in primary Mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented trabeculectomy. Methods: This was a randomized prospective interventional study. Forty eyes of 39 adult patients with uncontrolled primary glaucoma were randomly divided into two equal groups. Control group underwent trabeculectomy augmented with MMC while the study group underwent additional AMT. Patients were followed up for 12 months and outcomes measured were intraocular pressure (IOP), need for additional intervention, and bleb morphology. Results: Complete success (defined as IOP <16 mmHg on no medication) could be achieved in 85% eyes in study group while it was 60% in control group (P = 0.04). IOP reduced by 71.1% in study group from 41.9 ± 10.6 to 12.1 ± 2.7 mmHg and from 40.5 ± 8.5 to 12.8 ± 4.5 mmHg in control group, a decline of 68.29%. Blebs in AMT group showed better bleb morphology in terms of significantly better extent (E3) on day 1 (P = 0.03) and better height (H2 and H3) (P = 0.04), according to the Indiana Bleb Appearance Grading Scale, at all follow-up visits along with normal vascularity. The study group required significantly lesser (P = 0.03) bleb needlings as compared to control group. Conclusion: Amnion enhanced the efficacy of MMC-modulated trabeculectomy in terms of eyes with complete success and lesser interventions such as bleb needling. This reiterates the role of amnion as a safe and effective bleb modulator. A diffusely elevated bleb with healthier conjunctiva can go a long way in predicting better health and longevity of the bleb.
SV40 large T antigen expression driven by col2a1 regulatory sequences immortalizes articular chondrocytes but does not allow stabilization of type II collagen expression.

Immortalization of chondrocytes by SV40 T Ag has often been reported to trigger the loss of expression of type II collagen, one of the main differentiation markers, although some immortalized chondrocyte lines maintaining a differentiated phenotype have also been described. Here, we show using transient cotransfections in differentiated chondrocytes that, in contrast to c-src, neither SV40 T Ag, nor c-myc, decreases col2a1 transcriptional activity. Then, we report the possibility of immortalizing rabbit articular chondrocytes by expression of SV40 T Ag controlled by the col2a1 promoter and enhancer (pCol2SV). This strategy allows one to select within a population of differentiated chondrocytes those which are able to maintain functional regulation of the col2a1 gene through long-term culture. In precrisis pCol2SV-transfected chondrocytes, all-trans-retinoic acid, a down-regulator of col2a1 expression, induced apoptosis, strongly suggesting the strict control of T Ag expression by col2a1 regulatory sequences. Some pCol2SV-transfected chondrocytes were definitively immortalized, after a short crisis period. However, type II collagen synthesis was restricted to a small proportion of cells, which went on to decrease with subculture, while the proportion of cells expressing T Ag was not affected. In these postcrisis cells, T Ag remained at least partially under the control of functional col2a1 regulatory elements as assessed by all-trans-retinoic acid down-regulation.
Degradation of Cross-Linked and Non-Cross-Linked Arabinoxylans by the Intestinal Microbiota in Children

ABSTRACT In humans, nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP), such as arabinoxylans (AX), are not digested in the upper gut and provide fermentable carbon sources for bacteria growing in the large bowel. Despite the ubiquity of AX in nature, the microbiologic and physiologic consequences of AX digestion in the gut are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the breakdown of ferulic acid-cross-linked AX (AXF) and non-cross-linked AX in children's intestinal microbiotas, using starch as a readily fermentable polysaccharide for comparative purposes. The experiments were performed using pH-controlled fermentation vessels under anaerobic conditions. The results demonstrated that there was variation in the metabolism of these polysaccharides by colonic microbiotas. AX was always degraded more slowly than starch, while ferulic acid cross-linking reduced the rate of AX fermentation, as shown by fermentation product measurements. Starch digestion was associated with significant acetate and butyrate production, whereas AX breakdown resulted in increased propionate formation. In general, the presence of fermentable carbohydrate significantly increased the total anaerobe counts and eubacterial rRNA concentrations (P < 0.01), while non-cross-linked AX digestion was principally associated with increased viable counts of Bacteroides fragilis group organisms, which was supported by increases in Bacteroides-Porphyromonas-Prevotella group rRNA (P < 0.01). Starch was considerably more bifidogenic than AX in these fermentations. In conclusion, in this study we found that the effects of AX and AXF on the microbial ecology and metabolism of intestinal microbiotas are similar in children and adults.
Is vitamin B6 deficiency an under‐recognized risk in patients receiving haemodialysis? A systematic review: 2000–2010

Vitamin B6 is a water‐soluble vitamin, important for the normal functioning of multiple organ systems. In patients receiving haemodialysis, vitamin B6 deficiency has been reported. The impact of ongoing advances in renal medicine on vitamin B6 status has not been evaluated. The aims of this review were (i) to determine the current level of vitamin B6 deficiency in the haemodialysis population; (ii) to determine the effect of current haemodialysis prescriptions on vitamin B6 levels; and (iii) to consider the impact of recent medical advances in haemodialysis on vitamin B6 levels. Electronic databases were used to locate studies with biochemical measures of vitamin B6 between the years 2000 and 2010. Inclusion exclusion criteria were applied by two independent reviewers. Of 316 articles identified, 53 were selected for detailed review. Appropriate vitamin B6 measures and information were extracted. Eleven final studies were included. Vitamin B6 deficiency was shown to be between 24% and 56%. Dialysis reduced plasma levels by 28–48% depending on the dialyser used. Advances in renal medicine including the use of erythropoietin stimulating agents and ion exchange phosphate binding resins were shown to negatively affect vitamin B6 status. Current recommendations for supplementation range from 10–50 mg. These figures are based on older studies often with small numbers of patients. Suboptimal vitamin B6 status is common in the haemodialysis population. Advances in renal medicine and engineering of dialysis membranes may contribute to increased levels of deficiency.