Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 3B Is a Downstream Target of Protein Kinase B and May Be Involved in Regulation of Effects of Protein Kinase B on Thymidine Incorporation in FDCP2 Cells1

Wild-type (F/B), constitutively active (F/B*), and three kinase-inactive (F/Ba−, F/Bb−, F/Bc−) forms of Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) were permanently overexpressed in FDCP2 cells. In the absence of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), activities of PKB, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), and PDE4 were similar in nontransfected FDCP2 cells, mock-transfected (F/V) cells, and F/B and F/B− cells. In F/V cells, IGF-1 increased PKB, PDE3B, and PDE4 activities ∼2-fold. In F/B cells, IGF-1, in a wortmannin-sensitive manner, increased PKB activity ∼10-fold and PDE3B phosphorylation and activity (∼4-fold), but increased PDE4 to the same extent as in F/V cells. In F/B* cells, in the absence of IGF-1, PKB activity was markedly increased (∼10-fold) and PDE3B was phosphorylated and activated (3- to 4-fold); wortmannin inhibited these effects. In F/B* cells, IGF-1 had little further effect on PKB and activation/phosphorylation of PDE3B. In F/B− cells, IGF-1 activated PDE4, not PDE3B, suggesting that kinase-inactive PKB behaved as a dominant negative with respect to PDE3B activation. Thymidine incorporation was greater in F/B* cells than in F/V cells and was inhibited to a greater extent by PDE3 inhibitors than by rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor. In F/B cells, IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of the apoptotic protein BAD was inhibited by the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide. Activated PKB phosphorylated and activated rPDE3B in vitro. These results suggest that PDE3B, not PDE4, is a target of PKB and that activated PDE3B may regulate cAMP pools that modulate effects of PKB on thymidine incorporation and BAD phosphorylation in FDCP2 cells.
Clinical Significance of Azole Antifungal Drug Cross-Resistance in Candida glabrata

ABSTRACT Candida glabrata, which can become resistant to fluconazole, is a common cause of bloodstream infection. This study was performed to determine the significance of cross-resistance to new azole drugs among C. glabrata isolates recovered as a cause of infection in azole-treated hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Seven cases of invasive candidiasis caused by C. glabrata occurred in HSCT recipients who were receiving azole therapy between January 2000 and December 2004 in our institution. Case characteristics were ascertained. Sequential colonizing and invasive isolates were examined to determine susceptibilities to fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole, and molecular relatedness by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Twenty-three C. glabrata isolates were recovered from 4 patients who developed candidemia while receiving fluconazole and three patients who developed candidemia while receiving voriconazole. The mode MICs of fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole for these isolates were ≥64 μg/ml (range, 4 to ≥64 μg/ml), 2 μg/ml (range, 0.25 to ≥16 μg/ml), and 1 μg/ml (range, 0.03 to ≥16 μg/ml), respectively. Kendall tau b correlation coefficients demonstrated significant associations between the MICs of voriconazole with fluconazole (P = 0.005) and itraconazole (P = 0.008). Colonizing and invasive isolates exhibiting variable susceptibilities had similar RFLP patterns. These observations suggest that C. glabrata exhibits considerable clinically significant cross-resistance between older azole drugs (fluconazole and itraconazole) and voriconazole. Caution is advised when considering voriconazole therapy for C. glabrata candidemia that occurs in patients with extensive prior azole drug exposure.
Serum lipids and anticonvulsants

The serum lipid levels of 200 epileptics (aged 20 to 40 years) undergoing long‐term treatment with anticonvulsants were measured and compared with the levels of a normal population of the same age. The epileptics had higher serum lipid levels (especially of apolipoprotein B and HDL‐cholesterol) but no higher incidence of hyperlipemias. A correlation between LDL‐cholesterol and vitamin E has been found in epileptics, but it was not as significant as in normals. In male epileptics, positive correlations between the average daily dose of anticonvulsants (especially of those with a well‐known enzyme‐inducing effect) and triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol were found; in females there were no significant correlations.
Does Standing Protect Bone Density in Patients With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury?

Abstract Background/Objective: To compare the t-scores of proximal femur and lumbar spine of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) with different levels of weight bearing. Methods: Cross-sectional study comparing 3 groups of patients with SCI: patients with daily standing times of more than 1 hour, patients with daily standing times of less than 1 hour, and nonstanding patients. Seventy-one patients with chronic SCI were recruited. They were assigned to 1 of 3 groups according to their reported daily standing time. The bone density of lumbar and proximal femoral regions was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results: The 3 groups were similar in terms of demographics and clinical variables. No significant difference was found among the mean t-scores of lumbar and proximal femoral regions of the groups. However, the patients in the group that stood more than 1 hour daily had a slight tendency to have higher t-scores than those in the control group. Conclusions: There was no significant difference among the 3 groups. However, standing might be partially helpful in protecting the bone density in SCI by opposing the effects of immobilization.
Size at Birth and Gestational Age as Predictors of Adult Height and Weight

Background: Both birth length and birth weight are associated with height in adulthood and may have independent contributions to adult body size, but the effects of gestational age on these associations have not been fully evaluated. Our objective was to examine the independent contributions of gestational age, and of length and weight at birth, on adult (age 18 years) height and weight, with a special focus on the effects of being born preterm. Methods: In this nationwide cohort study, records of 348,706 male infants included in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (1967–1979) were linked to the Norwegian Conscripts Service (1984–1999). Complete follow-up information, including deaths, emigration, and disability pension, was obtained for 94%. We analyzed length and weight at birth using standardized (z-scores) values and stratified by gestational age. Results: The positive association between birth length and adult height was stronger than between birth weight and adult weight (R2 = 7–9% compared with <0.1%, respectively). The strongest associations were seen among those born at gestational age 39 to 41 weeks. The effects of birth length on adult height, and of birth weight on adult weight, were considerably less among preterm births than among term births. Length and weight at birth each contributed independently to adult stature and body weight. The increase in adult weight per relative birth weight category was greatest for infants who were both heavy and long at birth. Conclusions: Birth length is perhaps a better predictor of adult height and weight than birth weight, and should be considered as a possible risk factor for adult morbidity and mortality.
The Yung Percutaneous Mastoid Vent: Results of a Multicenter Trial

Objective: The primary goal of the study was to find out whether the Yung vent would remain patent long-term. The secondary goal was to find out whether mastoid ventilation could overcome permanent ventilation disorder within the middle ear. Study Design: The study was an open prospective investigation. Setting: The study was a multicenter study involving three tertiary referral centers. Patients: Twenty-three subjects older than 12 years were included. The inclusion criteria were complete atelectasis, failed tympanoplasty because of persistent eustachian tube dysfunction, and persistent otitis media with effusion in spite of repeated ventilation tube insertion. Intervention: Tympanoplasty with insertion of the Yung percutaneous mastoid vent. Main Outcome Measures: Patency of the vent, adverse effects, patient acceptance, hearing results, and appearance of the tympanic membrane were assessed every 3 months up to 18 months postoperatively. Results: At 18 months, 20 of 23 vents were still patent. Overall, there had been no unacceptable adverse effect on any patient. Eighteen of 23 ears had improved hearing. The tympanic membrane had returned from a collapsed state to near normal in 13 of 17 completely atelectatic ears. There were five patients who had no benefit from the vent because of blockage within the epitympanum or middle ear effusion. Conclusion: The Yung percutaneous mastoid vent can maintain long-term patency. It is effective in the treatment of complete atelectasis as an adjunct to tympanoplasty.
The Distribution of Teacher Quality and Implications for Policy

It has become commonplace to measure teacher quality in terms of teacher value-added. Operationally, this means evaluating teachers according to the learning gains of students on various achievement tests. Existing research consistently shows large variations in teacher effectiveness, much of which is within schools as opposed to between schools. The policy implications of these variations are dramatic. But the underlying statistical modeling has become the subject of intense research, in part because of this direct use of value-added measures in policy discussions.
Immunization against tuberculosis: what kind of vaccine?

Contrary to popular belief, tuberculosis is a severe health problem (30, 31, 36) that is getting worse rather than better (27, 30, 31, 36, 66). It is perpetuated and exacerbated by poor living conditions, rising bacillary resistance to multiple antituberculosis drugs, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and especially lack of a suitable vaccine. Recent international conferences convened to analyze this urgent problem (2, 65a, 74) reached two important conclusions about antituberculosis immunization. One was that it be given highest priority in a renewed attack on the disease, and the other was that the currently used vaccine, Mycobacteriium bovis BCG, must be replaced by something considerably better and safer (see also reference 64). BCG has not proved usefully effective in developing countries, where immunization is most needed. Furthermore, as a living, attenuated tubercle bacillus, it is dangerous to anyone with human immunodeficiency virus infection, in whom it can cause a progressive, fatal bacillemia (32, 36, 55, 70). Thus, after a hiatus lasting a full generation, basic research aimed toward better antituberculosis immunization is once again being done (31, 59). Radically new vaccines are being made possible by gene cloning techniques, modern molecular biology, and greatly improved understanding of cellular immunology (31). Most attractive for a new antituberculosis vaccine would be a Trojan horse vector (37; see also reference 63). A gene for the immunizing antigen would be cloned and put into a virus
CLASS PREDICTION OF CANCER USING PROBABILISTIC NEURAL NETWORKS AND RELATIVE CORRELATION METRIC

Accurate diagnosis and classification is the key issue for the optimal treatment of cancer patients. Several studies demonstrate that cancer classification can be estimated with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity from microarray-based gene expression profiling using artificial neural networks. In this paper, a comprehensive study was undertaken to investigate the capability of the probabilistic neural networks along with a feature selection method in the application of cancer classification. The feature selection method is based on the correlation with the class distinction. The experimental results show that the conjugation of the probabilistic neural network and the feature selection method can achieve 100% recognition accuracy in the ALL/AML classification, and also attain satisfactory results in two colon cancer data sets.
THE VALIDITY OF THE MOOD DISORDER QUESTIONNAIRE FOR SCREENING BIPOLAR DISORDER: A META‐ANALYSIS

We conducted a meta‐analysis to review the diagnostic accuracy of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) among patients with mood disorders. We used a bivariate random effects model to calculate summary sensitivity and specificity. Twenty‐one studies were included. At the standard or modified cutoff value of 7, summary sensitivity was . 62 and summary specificity was . 85. When we pooled 11 studies including both patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and those with unipolar depression, the summary sensitivity was . 76 and summary specificity was . 81. However, among the six studies that excluded patients with known BD, the summary sensitivity was significantly reduced to . 37 and summary specificity was . 88. There were no significant differences on the diagnostic accuracy of the MDQ between studies from Eastern and Western countries after adjusting for various clinical correlates. The overall diagnostic accuracy of the MDQ was relatively good. However, when the MDQ is applied among patients with depression without previous diagnoses of BD, its sensitivity was significantly reduced. This suggests that when the MDQ is applied among this population, its optimal cutoff value should be adjusted to enhance its sensitivity.
Gaussian measures of dilatations of convex symmetric sets

We prove that the inequality Ψ -1 (μ(tA)) ≥ tΨ -1 (μ(A)) holds for any centered Gaussian measure μ on a separable Banach space F, any convex, closed, symmetric set A ⊂ F and t ≥ 1, where Ψ(x) = γ 1 (-x, x) = (2π) -1/2 ∫ -x x exp(-y 2 /2)dy. As an application, the best constants in comparison of moments of Gaussian vectors are calculated.
Clinical features and efficacy of antimalarial treatment for reticular erythematous mucinosis: a case series of 11 patients.

BACKGROUND Reticular erythematous mucinosis (REM syndrome) is a rare cutaneous disease that predominantly affects the chest and upper back area of middle-aged women. Although antimalarial treatment is generally considered the most effective approach, only a few case reports exist on its use in REM syndrome. OBSERVATIONS A total of 11 patients with REM syndrome (10 women and 1 man), mean age, 44 years (age range, 37-54 years), were included in this retrospective analysis. Ten of the 11 patients were cigarette smokers (91%), and 6 had concomitant autoimmune diseases (55%). Since no clinical score exists for REM syndrome, we used the validated Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) to evaluate the efficacy of antimalarial treatment. Overall, a significant decrease in the clinical score was observed from a median of 4 (range, 2-8) before initiation of treatment to 0 (range, 0-4) after 3 months of antimalarial therapy and to 0 (range, 0-4) after 12 months of therapy (P < .001). Two patients withdrew from the study owing to adverse gastrointestinal tract effects (nausea and vomiting); 2 relapsed after finishing their antimalarial regimens; 3 patients were free of disease 2 years after the end of treatment; and 4 patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION Antimalarial agents significantly improve or completely clear the skin lesions of patients with REM syndrome and should be considered as a first-line therapy for this rare disease.
Molecular Characterization in the VP7, VP4 and NSP4 Genes of Human Rotavirus Serotype 4 (G4) Isolated in Japan and Kenya

The VP7, VP4 and NSP4 genes of human rotavirus serotype 4 (G4) were analyzed to investigate intraserotypic variations. The techniques used included reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with subtype specific primers, restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequence analysis. Twelve isolates (nine from Japan and three from Kenya) and two standard strains (Hochi, Odelia) were G4A P[8] Wa group NSP4. A standard strain (ST3) was G4A P[6] Wa group NSP4 and a strain (VA70) was G4B P[8] Wa group NSP4. These results show G4 rotaviruses can be divided into three combinations at the moment.
A High-Sensitivity Micromechanical Electrometer Based on Mode Localization of Two Degree-of-Freedom Weakly Coupled Resonators

This paper reports a high-sensitivity resonant electrometer based on the mode localization of two degree-of-freedom weakly coupled resonators (WCRs). When charges are applied to the input electrodes, the effective stiffness of a specific resonator of the WCRs will be perturbed, leading to a drastic change in mode shape owing to the mode localization phenomenon. By measuring the shift of the amplitude ratio, the small charge fluctuation can be accurately sensed. The theoretical mode of the electrometer is established based on the transfer functions of the WCRs. In particular, we establish the design rules of the coupling factor according to the -3-dB bandwidth, amplitude ratio measurement errors, and frequency misalignment between the resonators. The experimental results show that the amplitude ratio-based sensitivity is ~2151 times higher than the frequency-based sensitivity. The amplitude ratio-based resolution of the electrometer is approximately 1.269 fC.
Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of end stage renal disease worldwide. Prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) varies in the different ethnic groups. Nepal is country with great ethnic diversity. This study has been done to find the prevalence of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in the two ethnic groups Jyapu and Brahmin. METHODS In our study we have included two ethnic groups Jyapu and Brahmin type 2 diabetic patients. INCLUSION CRITERIA Age ≥ 30 years, clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Patients with a history of urinary tract infection, hematuria, renal failure, intercaste marriage and women with menstruation at the time of sample collection. RESULTS The overall prevalence of albuminuria was 49.05%. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 35.89% in Jyapu and 37.73% in Brahmin which was comparable. There was significantly higher prevalence of macroalbuminuria in Jyapu 20.75% and Brahmin 3.77%. Association of dietary habit was seen with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in both ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS The overall prevalence of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes of our study was high and there was significantly higher macroalbuminuria in Jyapu compared with Brahmin. It, therefore, predicts a higher risk of having kidney disease in Jyapu population.
A psychological study of the personalities of XYY- and XXY-men.

This psychological study of the personalities of XYY- and XXY-men is part of a multidisciplinary investigation of non-institutionalized males with sex chromosome aberrations. Past and present views on these conditions have presented contradictory statements reflecting the enthusiasm with which abnormalities have been sought and recorded in studies of newly discovered conditions - not always with due respect to the validity of the methods applied. Methodological flaws include sampling bias, generalizations unacceptably made on single cases, lack of control groups, lack of a blind evaluation procedure and finally lack of sufficient broad-spectred data. Thus an impetus to reassessment of the sex aneuploid groups presents itself. Though four hypotheses have been set forth, it has not necessarily been in search of one universally appropriate theory. In matters as complicated as these concerning interrelations of biological, psychological and social factors, it does not enhance scientific thinking to try to make straight-line cause-and-effect connections; it is important to attack the question from different perspectives, and one theory does not make another redundant. This procedure has not elicited a cacophony of ideas from so many diverse sources, that it is difficult to distinguish the nature of the issues, which are under discussion. On the contrary, in the attempt to examine the four hypotheses a picture has emerged: This does not show any inconsistencies or controversies regardless of the perspective from which it is seen - thus manifesting the force of inner coherence. The first hypothesis deals with the question whether or not distinctive XYY- and XXY-syndromes of psychological features exist. The comparisons of the total amount of data stemming from the XYY-men and the XXY-men lead to the statement, that the two groups are more alike than different. Both groups show a slight general deficit in global intelligence, but a wide spectrum of IQ scores is possible in both conditions. There is no evidence of different cognitive styles. Regarding personality both sex aneuploid groups seem to have more than less characteristics in common. There is a slight difference concerning the defensive pattern; the XYY's seem more rigid in their thinking, the XXY's being more indecisive. The latter group tends to be more submissive and dependent than the former, they are inclined to show less aggression against others, and criminal acts committed by XXY's point to be less impulsive than in the case of XYY's. The diversities manifesting themselves belong mainly to the sexual domain: the gender role and the sexual behaviour. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
ASSOCIATION OF BLOOD GROUP A WITH INCREASED RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN THE PAKISTANI POPULATION

Background: Many reports have appeared in recent years showing an association between blood groups and cardiovascular diseases. Clinical studies in developed countries have shown that individuals of the A blood group phenotype are more susceptible to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). Methods: The present study was designed to investigate the correlation of ABO blood groups and CHD in the South Asian population. 252 CHD patients and 75 healthy controls were recruited from Karachi and Nawabshah, Pakistan. Results: The results obtained in this study show that the prevalence of CHD in blood group A is invariably higher than in all other ABO blood groups. It is striking that despite the fact that the most prevalent blood group among Pakistanis is phenotype B, the incidence of CHD is highest in individuals with blood group phenotype A. Conclusion: This suggests that a certain CHD risk is associated with phenotype A. Thus, we conclude that, in the Pakistani cohort investigated in the present study, blood group phenotype A is associated with a substantially increased risk for CHD, which seems independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
A Comparative Study of Undoped NaI Scintillators With Different Purity

The performance of undoped NaI crystal of a high purity of 7 N grade, developed by Saint-Gobain Crystals for a dark matter search, was studied at liquid nitrogen temperature using an avalanche photodiode. The measured quantities covered light output expressed in the electron-hole (e-h) pair number, non-proportionality characteristics, energy resolution and finally intrinsic resolution of the studied crystals. In contrast to the previous study, the new crystals showed comparable non-proportionality curves to that known for NaI(Tl) at room temperature and a poor energy resolution of about 8% for 662 keV gamma rays from a 137Cs source. The performed study highlights a role of undoped NaI crystals in a better understanding of limitations of energy resolution in scintillation detectors. A high sensitivity to traces of doping may help to find the way of a modification of non-proportionality of other scintillators by a selective doping or co-doping. A further study of slow components of NaI light pulses and their influence on the energy resolution may clear up its possible deterioration caused by defects in the crystal structures.