Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Side Reactions and Slow Inhibition of Ribulose-bisphosphate Carboxylase Revealed by a Loop 6 Mutant of the Tobacco Enzyme*

The first directed mutant of a higher plant ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), constructed by chloroplast transformation, is catalytically impaired but still able to support the plant's photosynthesis and growth (Whitney, S. M., von Caemmerer, S., Hudson, G. S., and Andrews, T. J. (1999) Plant Physiol. 121, 579–588). This mutant enzyme has a Leu to Val substitution at residue 335 in the flexible loop 6 of the large subunit, which closes over the substrate during catalysis. Its active site was intact, as judged by its barely impaired competency in the initial enolization step of the reaction sequence, and its ability to bind tightly the intermediate analog, 2′-carboxy-d-arabinitol-1,5-bisphosphate. Prompted by observations that the mutant enzyme displayed much less slow inhibition during catalysis in vitro than the wild type, its tendency to catalyze side reactions and its response to the slow inhibitor d-xylulose-1,5-bisphosphate were studied. The lessening in slow inhibition was not caused by reduced production of inhibitory side products. Except for pyruvate production, these reactions were strongly enhanced by the mutation, as was the ability to catalyze the carboxylation of d-xylulose-1,5-bisphosphate. Rather, reduced inhibition was the result of lessened sensitivity to these inhibitors. The slow isomerization phase that characterizes inhibition of the wild-type enzyme by d-xylulose-1,5-bisphosphate was completely eliminated by the mutation, and the mutant was more adept than the wild type in catalyzing the benzylic acid-type rearrangement of d-glycero-2,3-pentodiulose-1,5-bisphosphate (produced by oxidation of the substrate, d-ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate). These observations are consistent with increased flexibility of loop 6 induced by the mutation, and they reveal the underlying mechanisms by which the side reactions cause slow inhibition.
How to Program Pulse Duration or Tilt in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

IRNICH, W. : How to Program Pulse Duration or Tilt in Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are available with independently programmable duration and tilt of the shock pulse waveform. Manufacturers do not, however, commonly advise how these parameters can be programmed for optimal clinical benefit. From theoretical considerations, the author recommends programming both parameters based on the measured lead system resistance R into which the shock is delivered. Assuming that the defibrillation pulse decline below the defibrillation threshold rheobase is undesirable because of the possibility of refibrillation. Mathematical relationships expressing optimal pulse duration and tilt as functions of the output time constant can be derived that are valid for monophasic pulses and the first phase of biphasic pulses. Two ICD manufacturers provide for programmable tilt (Medtronic GEM III, atrial channel) or both tilt T and pulse duration PD. (St. Jude Medical newest devices). Considering its output capacitance, it is recommended that the Medtronic Gem III should be programmed for T = 50% when R < 75 Ω and 65% when R < 38 Ω . The author considers programming tilt to 30% or 40% useless in clinical conditions. By the same reasoning, he recommends that the newer St. Jude Medical ICDs should be programmed to T = 50% if R < 75 Ω and 60% if R < 41 Ω , and PD = 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 , and 3.0 ms for R < 75, 73, 62, 51, 40 , and 32 Ω, respectively. PD = 6 ms was considered clinically unrealistic. Programmable shock pulse duration and tilt are useful in optimizing defibrillation, but it is suggested that this can best be accomplished by programming these parameters with the guidance of theory as described in this discussion. (PACE 2003; 26[Pt. II]:453–456)
Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy: a safe approach in difficult cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been recognized as the new "gold standard" for the treatment of symptomatic gallstone disease. In order to prevent serious bile duct and vascular injuries, conversion is advocated for unclear anatomy at the Calot’s. Our aim was to assess the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) in difficult cholecystectomy in order to reduce the incidence of bile duct injury and conversion rates.Methods: An analysis of retrospectively collected data of 452 patients who underwent LC was done at our Hospital during the period of January 2010 to December 2013. In few cases of difficult GB when Calot’s could not be dissected, laparoscopic retrograde cholecystectomy (LRC) was attempted and if that failed we adopted the technique of LSC.Results: A total of 452 patients were included. The median age was 48 years. All the 452 patients were posted for LC. Of the 452 patients, 404 patients underwent LC and the remaining 48 patients had difficult GB. Among the 48 patients having a difficult GB, 44 cases underwent LSC (3 cases underwent LSC Type-1 and 41 cases underwent LSC Type-2) and the remaining 4 cases underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy. The mean operative time was 130mins and median post op stay was 2 days.Conclusions: In our technique of LSC the conversion rates were <1% with no bile duct injury and believe that it is feasible and safe for operating on difficult GB’s.
Evaluation of the Costs and Benefits of Water and Sanitation Improvements at the Global Level

Requests for permission to reproduce or translate WHO publications – whether for sale or for noncommercial distribution – should be addressed to Publications, at the above address (fax: +41 22 791 4806; email: permissions@who.int). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers' products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. The World Health Organization does not warrant that the information contained in this publication is complete and correct and shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of its use. The named authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this publication 3 Summary The aim of this study was to estimate the economic costs and benefits of a range of selected interventions to improve water and sanitation services, with results presented for 17 WHO sub-regions and at the global level. Interventions evaluated include (1) improvements required to meet the millennium development goals (MDG) for water supply (by halving by 2015 the proportion of those without access to safe drinking water), (2) meet the water MDG plus halving by 2015 the proportion of those without access to adequate sanitation, (3)increasing access to improved water and sanitation for everyone, (4) providing disinfection at point-of-use over and above increasing access to improved water supply and sanitation (5) providing regulated piped water supply in house and sewage connection with partial sewerage for everyone. Predicted reductions in the incidence of diarrhoeal disease were calculated for each intervention based on the expected population receiving these interventions. The costs of the interventions included the full investment and annual running costs. The benefits of the interventions included time savings associated with better access to water and sanitation facilities, the gain in productive time due to less time spent ill, health sector and patients costs saved due to less treatment of diarrhoeal diseases, and the value of prevented deaths. The results show that all water and …
Does corporate governance shape the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance

The theoretical and empirical relationships between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance are not without controversy. Yet, CSR activities are increasingly undertaken by a large number of firms, not only in developed countries but also in emerging countries. This paper aims to investigate the moderating effect of different aspects of corporate governance, which are foreign and state ownership, board size and board independence, on the relationship between CSR and financial performance. ,A sample of Vietnamese listed firms is analyzed. Robust regression analysis is performed using ordinary least squares as well as fixed-effects and two-stage least squares model. ,Ordinary least squares regression results show that CSR activities affect the financial performance of firms positively. Furthermore, corporate governance features like foreign ownership, board size and board independence strengthen the positive relationship between CSR and financial performance, but there is no such impact of state ownership. ,Previous studies mostly investigate the direct effect of CSR on financial performance. A few studies examine the moderating effect of corporate governance, which is ownership concentration and board gender diversity. As an emerging country, Vietnam has some specific characteristics on corporate governance. This paper contributes by investigating the moderating effect of few major aspects of corporate governance, which are foreign and state ownership, board size and board independence.
Use of low molecular weight heparin in preventing thromboembolism in trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety and effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in high-risk trauma patients, compared with mechanical methods of prophylaxis. DESIGN A prospective randomized trial conducted over a 19-month period in an urban, academic trauma center. METHODS All trauma patients with the following risk factors for the development of DVT were considered for enrollment in this study: any injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 3; major head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score < or = 8); spine, pelvic, or lower extremity fractures; acute venous injury; or age > 50 years. After a screening venous duplex examination, the patients were assigned to a Heparin versus No-Heparin group, depending upon the presence of injuries precluding the use of heparin. In the Heparin group, the patients were then randomized to receive either LMWH or optimal mechanical compression (defined as bilateral sequential gradient pneumatic compression (SCD) or, in the presence of lower extremity injuries precluding the use of the SCD, the arteriovenous impulse (AVI) compression system). All the patients in the No-Heparin group received optimal compression. Enrolled patients underwent sequential duplex examinations every 5 to 7 days until discharge. RESULTS Of the 487 consecutive patients initially enrolled in this study, 372 were available for at least the first two duplex examinations and comprise the study population. Only nine (2.4%) patients developed DVT, compared with the predicted 9.1% rate in high-risk trauma patients receiving no prophylaxis (p = 0.037). Of the 120 patients who were randomized to receive LMWH, only one (0.8%) developed DVT. In the SCD group, there were 5 of 199 patients (2.5%) with DVT, and 3 of 53 (5.7%) in the AVI group. One patient with DVT also had clinical symptoms of pulmonary embolism, but there were no deaths secondary to pulmonary embolism. There was one major bleeding complication potentially associated with the use of LMWH. CONCLUSIONS The administration of LMWH is a safe and extremely effective method of preventing DVT in high-risk trauma patients. When heparin is contraindicated, aggressive attempts at mechanical compression are warranted.
The utility of prior information and stratification for parameter estimation with two screening tests but no gold standard

When a gold standard screening or diagnostic test is not routinely available, it is common to apply two different imperfect tests to subjects from a study population. There is a considerable literature on estimating relevant parameters from the resultant data. In the situation that test sensitivities and specificities are unknown, several inferential strategies have been proposed. One suggestion is to use rough knowledge about the unknown test characteristics as prior information in a Bayesian analysis. Another suggestion is to obtain the statistical advantage of an identified model by splitting the population into two strata with differing disease prevalences. There is some division of opinion in the epidemiological literature on the relative merits of these two approaches. This article aims to shed light on the issue, by applying some recently developed theory on the performance of Bayesian inference in non‐identified statistical models. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal hypertension and neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants

AIM To determine the outcome of preterm infants born to mothers with hypertension during pregnancy, and preterm controls. METHODS 107 infants of 24–32 weeks gestation, born to hypertensive mothers, and 107 controls matched for gestational age, sex, and multiple pregnancy, born to normotensive mothers, were prospectively enrolled over 2 years. Information on maternal complications and medication was obtained and neonatal mortality and morbidities recorded. Survivors were followed up to at least 2 years, corrected for prematurity. RESULTS One third of the hypertensive mothers were treated with antihypertensive drugs, while 18% received convulsion prophylaxis with phenytoin. Magnesium sulphate was not prescribed. Both groups had a mean gestational age of 29.9 weeks, with the study infants having a significantly lower birthweight than the controls. Four study and three control infants died in the neonatal period. Cerebral palsy was not diagnosed in any infant of a hypertensive mother compared with five of the controls. The mean general quotient for the two groups was very similar and no difference in the incidence of minor neuromotor developmental problems was shown. CONCLUSIONS Maternal hypertension seems to protect against cerebral palsy in preterm infants without increasing the risk of cognitive impairment. This was independent of the use of maternally administered magnesium sulphate.
Neurochemistry of brain lesions determined by spectroscopic imaging in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE The significance and etiology of focal brain lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unknown. Our purpose was to determine whether the neurochemistry of focal lesions and normal appearing brain tissues in SLE were consistent with neuronal loss, demyelination, or ischemia. METHODS Patients with SLE (n = 14) and controls (n = 13) were studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopic imaging (SI) at 1.5 Tesla. RESULTS MRI detected fixed focal brain lesions (n = 16) and SI measured brain metabolites, including N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cre), choline (Cho), and lactate (Lac). NAA/Cre of normal appearing brain was decreased in patients with SLE compared to controls: grey matter (1.74 +/- 0.16 vs 1.92 +/- 0.18; p = 0.01), occipital white matter (1.98 +/- 0.22 vs 2.23 +/- 0.16; p = 0.004), and periventricular white matter (2.00 +/- 0.23 vs 2.33 +/- 0.23; p = 0.001). Lesions were characterized by markedly decreased NAA/Cre relative to normal appearing tissues in the same patient (1.67 +/- 0.22 vs 1.88 +/- 0.14; p = 0.0002). Elevated Cho/Cre was observed in 25% of focal lesions and 21% of normal appearing tissues. No elevation of lactate was observed in lesions or normal appearing tissues. CONCLUSION SI detects focal and generalized brain abnormalities in SLE characterized by decreased NAA, elevated choline, and normal lactate. These findings are consistent with widespread neuronal injury and demyelination, but are not consistent with anaerobic metabolism.
The Record Power Profile to Assess Performance in Elite Cyclists

The purpose of this study was to assess the Record Power Profile (RPP) of cyclists, i. e. , the relationship between different record Power Output (PO) and the corresponding durations through a whole race season. We hypothesized that PO of different effort durations could differ according to the cyclist's category and race performance profile. 17 cyclists (9 professionals and 8 elites) performed all trainings and competitions during 10 months with a mobile power meter device (SRM) mounted on their bike. The results show that the cyclists' RPP is a hyperbolic relationship between the different record PO and time durations. It significantly reflects the characteristics of different skills: (1) sprinters have the highest record PO within zone 5, (2) climbers present the highest record PO within zones 2-3 and, (3) climbers and flat specialists have higher zone 1 record PO than sprinters. These results suggest that the RPP represents "a signature" of the cyclists' physical capacity and that it allows the determination of different training intensities. The RPP appears as a new concept that is interesting for coaches and scientists in order to evaluate performance in cycling.
Effect of integrated nutrient management on production of seed tubers from true potato (Solanum tuberosum) seed

A field experiment was conducted during autumn seasons of 2011 and 2012 at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong, to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on production of seed tubers of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) from true potato seed. There were 6 treatments of integrated nutrient management, viz. 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF 120 kg N +52.8 kg P + 50 kg K/ha), 75% RDF and 25% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (FYM), 50% RDF and 50% RDN through FYM, 25% RDF and 75% RDN through FYM, 100% RDN through FYM and control (without application of fertilizer and manure). Integrated use of synthetic fertilizers and organic manures showed the significant impact on growth and yield attributes of potato. Highest average number (984.2 × 103/ha) and yield of tubers (12.4 t/ha) were recorded with application of 75% RDF through fertilizers and 25% RDN through FYM which was significantly superior over rest of treatments. However, the lowest tuber numbers (478.3 × 103/ha) and tuber yield (3.3 t/ha) were observed in control plot (no application of any nutrients). Similarly, the maximum net returns were with application of 75% RDF and 25% RDN through FYM. The application of 100% RDN through FYM on nitrogen basis significantly improved soil-fertility status over 100% RDF through fertilizers and control plot but remained at par with other integrated nutrient sources. Application of 75% RDF through synthetic fertilizers and 25% RDN through FYM was more remunerative for sustainable production of potato.
Surveying the Environmental Footprint of Urban Food Consumption

Assessments of urban metabolism (UM) are well situated to identify the scale, components, and direction of urban and energy flows in cities and have been instrumental in benchmarking and monitoring the key levers of urban environmental pressure, such as transport, space conditioning, and electricity. Hitherto, urban food consumption has garnered scant attention both in UM accounting (typically lumped with “biomass”) and on the urban policy agenda, despite its relevance to local and global environmental pressures. With future growth expected in urban population and wealth, an accounting of the environmental footprint from urban food demand (“foodprint”) is necessary. This article reviews 43 UM assessments including 100 cities, and a total of 132 foodprints in terms of mass, carbon footprint, and ecological footprint and situates it relative to other significant environmental drivers (transport, energy, and so on) The foodprint was typically the third largest source of mass flows (average is 0.8 tonnes per capita per annum) and carbon footprint (average is 2.1 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents per capita per annum) in the reviewed cities, whereas it was generally the largest driver of urban ecological footprints (average is 1.2 global hectares per capita per annum), with large deviations based on wealth, culture, and urban form. Meat and dairy are the primary drivers of both global warming and ecological footprint impacts, with little relationship between their consumption and city wealth. The foodprint is primarily linear in form, producing significant organic exhaust from the urban system that has a strong, positive correlation to wealth. Though much of the foodprint is embodied within imported foodstuffs, cities can still implement design and policy interventions, such as improved nutrient recycling and food waste avoidance, to redress the foodprint.
The obstetric performance of United Kingdom asylum seekers from Somalia: a case-control study and literature review.

BACKGROUND Little published research exists regarding obstetric performance of immigrant women in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to evaluate the obstetric performance and fetal outcomes of Somalian women who received prenatal care and requested to deliver at a teaching hospital in North London. METHOD This is a case-control study in which consecutive Somalian women were identified as index cases and the subsequent British-born Caucasian women listed in the delivery book served as controls. RESULTS 69 index and 69 control cases were analyzed. Fifty-five percent of the Somalian women spoke little or no English. Half (50%) had undergone circumcision, the majority being type I WHO classification of female genital circumcision, which did not require significant surgical intervention prior to labor; 13% had cesarean sections, 13% instrumental vaginal deliveries, and 74% had vaginal deliveries. The Somalian women had higher parity (2.35 vs. 1.18) and were more likely to be grand multiparous (9/69 vs. 1/69) compared to controls. Epidural use was less frequent in Somalian women, but otherwise there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to maternal age, rates of induction of labor, cesarean sections, duration of labor, premature deliveries, instrumental deliveries, and birth weights. CONCLUSIONS The demographic characteristics of the Somalian female population appear to exert minimal effect on obstetric and fetal outcomes. This may be due to the increased vigilance exercised by health professionals as well as to the fact that recent arrivals are from more urban and westernized areas in Somalia.