Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body mass index and chronic unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms: an adult endoscopic population based study

Background: We aimed to determine whether obese subjects experience more gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORS) symptoms than normal subjects, and further to determine if this association was explained by oesophagitis or medications that lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. Methods: In a representative Swedish population, a random sample (n = 1001, mean age 53.5 years, 51% women) had upper endoscopy. GORS was defined as any bothersome heartburn or acid regurgitation. Results: The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ⩾30) was 16%; oesophagitis was significantly more prevalent in obesity (26.5%) than in normal subjects (9.3%). There were associations between obesity and GORS (odds ratio (OR) 2.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39, 3.01)), epigastric pain (OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.05, 2.55)), irritable bowel symptoms (OR 1.58 (95% CI 1.05, 2.38)), any abdominal pain (OR 1.59 (95% CI 1.08, 2.35)), vomiting (OR 3.11 (95% CI 1.18, 8.20)), retching (OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.1.3, 2.67)), diarrhoea (OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.38, 3.46)), any stool urgency (OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.04, 2.47)), nocturnal urgency (OR 2.57 (95% CI 1.33, 4.98)), and incomplete rectal evacuation (OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.09, 2.47)), adjusting for age, sex, and education. When subjects with oesophagitis and peptic ulcer were excluded, only diarrhoea, incomplete evacuation, and vomiting were significantly associated with obesity. The association between GORS and obesity remained significant adjusting for medication use (OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.3, 3.0)). Conclusions: GORS is associated with obesity; this appears to be explained by increased upper endoscopy findings in obesity.
Expression of Endothelin-B Receptors by Gliain VivoIs Increased after CNS Injury in Rats, Rabbits, and Humans

Previous studies have demonstrated that neonatal cultures of astrocytes express functional endothelin (ET) receptors. To determine if similar ET receptors are expressed by adult glia we used 125I-ET-1 to examine the expression of ET receptors both in vivo in the normal and transected optic nerves of the rabbit and rat and in vitro in cultures of astrocytes, microglia, or oligodendrocytes. Additionally, we examined the expression of ET receptors in the human optic nerve. Moderate levels of ET(B) receptors were identified in the rabbit and rat forebrain, whereas in the normal rabbit, rat, and human optic nerves a low density of ET(B) receptors was observed, mainly in association with glial fibrillary acidic protein + (GFAP+) astrocytes. After unilateral optic nerve transection, or damage to the retina, the density of glial ET(B) receptors in the optic nerve is significantly increased in all species examined. Thus, at 7 days posttransection there is a significant increase in ET(B) receptors, and by 90 days posttransection the density of ET(B) receptors in the rabbit or rat optic nerve was among the highest of any area in the central nervous system (CNS). Primary cultures of astrocytes or microglia, but not oligodendrocytes, express 125I-ET-1 binding sites. These data demonstrate that in the normal CNS, astrocytes express low but detectable levels of ET(B) receptors, and, after CNS injury, both astrocytes and microglia express high levels of ET(B) receptors. ET(B) receptors provide a therapeutic target for regulating glial proliferation and the release of neurotrophic factors from glia that occur in response to neuronal injury.
Absence of relationship between MTTP haplotypes and longevity.

BACKGROUND Polymorphisms for the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) gene have been associated with longevity and with lower risk for cardiovascular mortality. However, the association of MTTP with longevity has been contested in a large German collection of nonagenarians and centenarians. METHODS We made a detailed characterization of MTTP haplotype carrier status in a cohort of 1398 old men and women (mean age 78 years) and a population-based cohort (n = 777) of younger controls (mean age 40 years) in Oxford, England. RESULTS There were no significant differences in haplotypes for MTTP gene between the younger and older age groups. CONCLUSION This study, which adopted a more detailed genetic analysis of the MTTP gene in a large case-control study of older people provides reliable evidence against any significant association of the MTTP gene with longevity.
Reelin signals survival through Src‐family kinases that inactivate BAD activity

Reelin plays an important role in the migration of embryonic neurons, but its continuing presence suggests additional functions in the brain. We now report a novel function where reelin protects P19 embryonal cells from apoptosis during retinoic acid‐induced neuronal differentiation. This increased survival is associated with reelin activation of the phosphatidyl‐inositol‐3‐kinase (PI3 K)/Akt pathway. When PI3 K was inhibited with LY294002, reelin failed to protect against this retinoic acid‐induced apoptosis. The protective effect of reelin includes activating the Src‐family kinases/PI3 K/Akt pathway which then led to selective phosphorylation of Bcl‐2/Bcl‐XL associated death promoter (BAD) at serine‐136, while the phosphorylation‐incompetent mutation of BAD (S136A) suppressed this protection. These and additional studies define a novel pathway where reelin binds apoE receptors, significantly activates the PI3 K/Akt pathway causing phosphorylation of BAD which helps to protect cells from apoptosing, thus serving an important role in promoting the survival of maturing neurons in the brain.
Influence of Test Conditions on Antifungal Time-Kill Curve Results: Proposal for Standardized Methods

ABSTRACT This study was designed to examine the effects of antifungal carryover, agitation, and starting inoculum on the results of time-kill tests conducted with various Candida species. Two isolates each of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata were utilized. Test antifungal agents included fluconazole, amphotericin B, and LY303366. Time-kill tests were conducted in RPMI 1640 medium buffered with morpholinepropanesulfonic acid (MOPS) to a pH of 7.0 and incubated at 35°C. Prior to testing, the existence of antifungal carryover was evaluated at antifungal concentrations ranging from 1× to 16× MIC by four plating methods: direct plating of 10, 30, and 100 μl of test suspension and filtration of 30 μl of test suspension through a 0.45-μm-pore-size filter. Time-kill curves were performed with each isolate at drug concentrations equal to 2× MIC, using a starting inoculum of approximately 105 CFU/ml, and incubated with or without agitation. Last, inoculum experiments were conducted over three ranges of starting inocula: 5 × 102 to 1 × 104, >1 × 104 to 1 × 106, and >1 × 106 to 1 × 108 CFU/ml. Significant antifungal carryover (>25% reduction in CFU/milliliter from the control value) was observed with amphotericin B and fluconazole; however, carryover was eliminated with filtration. Agitation did not appreciably affect results. The starting inoculum did not significantly affect the activity of fluconazole or amphotericin B; however, the activity of LY303366 may be influenced by the starting inoculum. Before antifungal time-kill curve methods are routinely employed by investigators, methodology should be scrutinized and standardized procedures should be developed.
Carbamazepine Side Effects in Children and Adults

Summary: Most of the side effects associated with carbamazepine (Tegretol®, USP, Geigy Pharmaceuticals) therapy are mild, transient, and reversible with an adjustment in dosage or rate of dosage increase. Direct reports to Geigy Pharmaceuticals for the period 1975 to 1986 totaled 371 hematologic, 396 dermatologic, and 156 hepatic and pancreatic occurrences out of more than 4 million patients treated. These include 27 cases of aplastic anemia and 10 of agranulocytosis. In a study of the incidence of side effects in 220 children below the age of 16 years who were receiving carbamazepine, drowsiness, loss of coordination, and vertigo were the most commonly observed side effects and were almost always transient and dose related. The findings of this study are comparable with those of other series assessing carbam‐azepine‐associated adverse reactions in children and adults. Overall, 30 to 50% of children and adults were reportedly free of side effects in these studies. Recommendations for carbamazepine therapy include education of patients and parents in the nature and likelihood of possible serious adverse reactions and routine monitoring to detect laboratory abnormalities.
The Role of the S4-S5 Linker and C-terminal Tail in Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Function*

In previous studies we have suggested that spatial proximity of the C- and N-terminal domains of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) may be critical for the channel gating mechanism. In the present study we have examined the sites of C-N interaction in more detail. We report that deletion mutations within the S4-S5 linker (amino acids 2418–2437) prevent co-immunoprecipitation of the C- and N-terminal domains, inhibit channel activity and enhance IP3 binding. We also show that a region of the C-terminal tail (amino acids 2694–2721), predicted to be a coiled-coil, is also required for channel activity. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and gel filtration studies confirm that this region has a helical structure with the ability to form tetramers. We propose a model in which IP3-induced conformational changes in the N-terminal domain are mechanically transmitted to the opening of the pore through an attachment to the S4-S5 linker. The coiled-coil domain in the C-terminal tail may play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of the channel.
Physostigmine in familial ataxias

Article abstract Physostigmine was given to 12 patients with various spinocerebellar degenerations, and neurologic examinations were recorded on video tapes and assessed on a semiquantitative scale. Forty minutes after a single dose, the scores improved by 35.7 ± 4.7 percent (means ± SEM). Eight patients were then studied over sequential 3-month periods by a randomized double-blind trial of physostigmine versus placebo. With physostigmine, scores were 33.9 ± 8.3 percent better than before treatment or with placebo. Further investigations of cholinergic drugs seem warranted in patients with these diseases.
The fetal origins of coronary heart disease

Animal studies have shown that undernutrition before birth programmes persisting changes in a range of metabolic, physiological and structural parameters. Studies in humans have shown that men and women whose birthweights were at the lower end of the normal range, who were thin or short at birth or small in relation to placental size have increased rates of coronary heart disease. We are beginning to understand something of the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Humanized system to propagate cord blood-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells for clinical application.

BACKGROUND Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an easily accessible alternative source for multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and is generally believed to provide MSCs with a higher proliferative potential compared with adult bone marrow. Limitations in cell number and strict dependence of expansion procedures from selected lots of fetal bovine serum have hampered the progress of clinical applications with UCB-derived MSCs. METHODS We analyzed the isolation and proliferative potential of human UCB MSCs compared with bone marrow MSCs under optimized ex vivo culture conditions. We further investigated human platelet lysate as an alternative to replace fetal bovine serum for clinical-scale MSC expansion. Clonogenicity was determined in colony-forming units-fibroblast assays. MSC functions were tested in hematopoiesis support, vascular-like network formation and immune modulation potency assays. RESULTS MSCs could be propagated from UCB with and without fetal bovine serum. MSC propagation was effective in 46% of UCB samples. Once established, the proliferation kinetics of UCB MSCs did not differ significantly from that of bone marrow MSCs under optimized culture conditions, resulting in more than 50 population doublings after 15 weeks. A clinical quantity of 100 million MSCs with retained differentiation potential could be obtained from UCB MSCs within approximately 7 weeks. Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic UCB-derived CD34+ cells as well as immune inhibition and vascular-like network formation could be shown for UCB MSCs propagated under both culture conditions. CONCLUSION We demonstrate for the first time that human MSCs can be obtained and propagated to a clinical quantity from UCB in a completely bovine serum-free system. Surprisingly, our data argue against a generally superior proliferative potential of UCB MSCs. Functional data indicate the applicability of clinical-grade UCB MSCs propagated with human platelet lysate-conditioned medium for hematopoiesis support, immune regulation and vascular regeneration.
Ambulatory infusion suite: pre- and post-occupancy evaluation

An evaluation is presented of the experience of patients, families and staff in two infusion suites. One infusion suite was a facility occupied until 2009 and the other suite was the replacement for that facility. The primary design objectives of the new facility were to support social interaction, provide opportunities for privacy and provide visual access to nature. The effectiveness of the new facility relative to the old facility with regard to these three design objectives served as the source of hypotheses for the study. Using a Likert-style survey and open-ended questions, the findings suggest that the new facility was successful at addressing these design goals. Subjects were also queried regarding whether these design objectives were important in an infusion suite. The vast majority of the respondents in the new facility indicated that social interaction, privacy and access nature were important in this setting. Il est présenté une évaluation de l'expérience vécue par les patients, les familles et les employés dans deux centres de perfusion. L'un des centres de perfusion était un établissement occupé jusqu'en 2009 et l'autre centre était celui qui a remplacé cet établissement. Les principaux objectifs de conception du nouvel établissement étaient de favoriser l'interaction sociale, de fournir des possibilités de vie privée et d'assurer un accès visuel à la nature. L'efficacité du nouvel établissement par rapport à l'ancien du point de vue de ces trois objectifs de conception a servi d'hypothèse pour l'étude. Obtenus en utilisant une enquête basée sur l'échelle de Likert et des questions ouvertes, les résultats suggèrent que le nouvel établissement a réussi à satisfaire à ces objectifs de conception. Il a également été demandé aux sujets de l'étude si ces objectifs de conception avaient de l'importance dans un centre de perfusion. La grande majorité des personnes interrogées dans le nouvel établissement ont indiqué que l'interaction sociale, la vie privée et l'accès à la nature étaient des éléments importants dans ce contexte. Mots clés: établissement de lutte contre le cancer, évaluation d'établissement, soins de santé, centre de perfusion, occupation, vie privée, interaction sociale
Immunohistochemical analysis of magnocellular elements in rat hypothalamus: Distribution and numbers of cells containing neurophysin, oxytocin, and vasopressin

A cell‐by‐cell analysis of the magnocellular elements in hypothalami of fifty Long‐Evans (normal) and Brattleboro (diabetes insipidis) rats was done using the unlabeled antibody enzyme technique (PAP) with primary antisera directed against oxytocin (OXY), vasopressin (ADH), and the neurophysins.
Commuting and Reimbursement of Residential Relocation Costs

We develop an equilibrium job search model in which employees incur commuting costs, and residential relocation is costly. We demonstrate that firms partially compensate workers for the incurred relocation costs to avoid paying compensation for commuting costs when house prices do not fully compensate the commuting costs. Taxing reimbursement of relocation costs at a higher rate than reimbursement of commuting costs raises the length of the average journey to work and this tax structure should therefore be avoided if one of the governments' policy objectives is to reduce the (external) costs of commuting. © 2007 LSE and the University of Bath
The Effect of Chromium Picolinate on Muscular Strength and Body Composition in Women Athletes

Fifteen women softball athletes were randomly divided into 2 groups, the chromium treatment group (n = 8) and the placebo control group (n = 7) to examine the effect of chromium, in the form of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation, on muscular strength, body composition (body weight, percent body fat, and lean body mass), and urinary excretion. The CrPic supplementation consisted of a 500 ug dosage taken once per day. All participants trained 3 times per week with 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions at 80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) using variable resistance machines and free weights. No significant (p < 0.05) differences in muscular strength or body composition were found after 6 weeks of resistance training. In addition, chromium excretion (μg per 24 every hours) was examined and increased significantly with the treatment group after the 6-week period.
An Investigation of Radial Vibration Modes of Embedded Double-Curved-Nanobeam-Systems

The vibration of two curved nanobeams with coupling radial springs is considered. A nonlocal Euler-Bernoulli curved nanobeam model has been assumed in order to investigate the radial vibration of the double-curved-nanobeam-system (DCNBS) embedded in an elastic medium. Natural frequencies for the DCNBS are obtained by using the Navier Method. Moreover, the effect of the angle of curvature on the natural frequencies is discussed. Comparison studies are also performed to verify the present formulation and solutions. It is shown that the results are in excellent agreement with the previous studies. Furthermore, it is shown that considering the effects of the curvature decreases the natural frequency of the DCNBS and that the natural frequency decreases by increasing the small scale coefficient. In addition, the variation of the frequency has been investigated based on the stiffness of the springs in a radial direction.
Dalfampridine Treatment in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.

Objective: To assess whether dalfampridine can improve visual function in patients with NAION over 6 months out. Background: Based on the benefits of dalfampridine in MS and stroke, we hypothesized that patients with chronic stable deficits after NAION would have improved visual function with administration of dalfampridine. Therefore, we performed a pilot clinical trial to determine whether this was true. Design/Methods: The pilot study employed a double masked crossover design. Patients with NAION at least 6 months old were randomized to a 2 weeks course of either dalfampridine 10 mg bid orally or 2 weeks of placebo (Period 1). This was followed by a 2 week washout period with no treatment, followed by 2 weeks with the alternative treatment (Period 2). Results: The primary outcome of the study was visual acuity (VA). During treatment with drug, VA improved on average by 0.10 logMAR(Diff=−0.10 95% CI:−0.22 to 0.01). By contrast, there was no evidence of change in logMAR under placebo (Diff=0.01 95% CI:−0.10 to 0.13). There was no significant difference between treatments (Drug-Placebo: −0.12 (−0.28, 0.04); p=0.15). Seven patients did show improvement in VA of 0.1 logMAR or more on drug and not placebo, and 5 patients showed improvement of VA of 0.3 logMar or more on drug and not placebo. Conclusions: This study failed to find a statistically significant benefit of dalfampridine in NAION, an infarct in the optic nerve. However, 7 patients did show improvement as defined by VA of 0.1 logMAR or more on drug and not placebo, and 5 patients showed an improvement of VA as defined by 0.3 logMar or more on drug and not placebo. This suggests a possible subgroup of “responders” similar to the findings of dalfampridine in MS. A larger and perhaps longer clinical trial might clarify whether dalfampridine is beneficial for a subgroup of NAION patients. Study Supported by: Acorda Therapeutics Disclosure: Dr. Moster has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sergott has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen-Idec, EMDSerono, Teva, Lundbeck, Pfizer, Thrombogenics, Sanofi-Aventis, Novartis, BioClinica, Covance, Basilea, Heidelberg Engineering, Merck and Co., Glaxo, and United States Department of Defense. Dr. Leiby has nothing to disclose.
Diffusion processes in composite porous media and their numerical integration by random walks: Generalized stochastic differential equations with discontinuous coefficients

Discontinuities in effective subsurface transport properties commonly arise (l) at abrupt contacts between geologic materials (i.e., in composite porous media) and (2) in discrete velocity fields of numerical groundwater‐flow solutions. However, standard random‐walk methods for simulating transport and the theory on which they are based (diffusion theory and the theory of stochastic differential equations (SDEs)) only apply when effective transport properties are sufficiently smooth. Limitations of standard theory have precluded development of random‐walk methods (diffusion processes) that obey advection dispersion equations in composite porous media. In this paper we (1) generalize SDEs to the case of discontinuous coefficients (i.e., step functions) and (2) develop random‐walk methods to numerically integrate these equations. The new random‐walk methods obey advection‐dispersion equations, even in composite media. The techniques retain many of the computational advantages of standard random‐walk methods, including the ability to efficiently simulate solute‐mass distributions and arrival times while suppressing errors such as numerical dispersion. Examples relevant to the simulation of subsurface transport demonstrate the new theory and methods. The results apply to problems found in many scientific disciplines and offer a unique contribution to diffusion theory and the theory of SDEs.
Online Social Networks as a Source and Symbol of Stress: An Empirical Analysis

This research examines the sources and consequences of stress when using online social networks (OSN). In a first step, the five OSN-induced stressors invasion, pattern, complexity, uncertainty, and disclosure are identified. In a second step, the Model of Continuous OSN Usage is developed in order to examine the influence of these five stressors. Therefore, the model is based on the Model of Adoption of Technology in Households and the Post-Acceptance Model. Results of an empirical analysis with 154 OSNs users reveal that 57 per cent of satisfaction and 64 per cent of continuous usage intention can be explained within the Model of Continuous OSN Usage. Notably, the five stressors have a higher strength of effect on satisfactions than the three attitudinal beliefs hedonic, utilitarian, and social outcomes altogether. In summary, the results offer a theoretical foundation for recent practical observations that OSNs are a source and symbol of stress.