Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soluble IGF 2 Receptor Rescues ApcMin / + Intestinal Adenoma Progression Induced by Igf 2 Loss of Imprinting

The potent growth-promoting activity of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is highly regulated during development but frequently up-regulated in tumors. Increased expression of the normally monoallelic (paternally expressed) mouse (Igf2) and human (IGF2) genes modify progression of intestinal adenoma in the Apc mouse and correlate with a high relative risk of human colorectal cancer susceptibility, respectively. We examined the functional consequence of Igf2 allelic dosage (null, monoallelic, and biallelic) on intestinal adenoma development in the Apc by breeding with mice with either disruption of Igf2 paternal allele or H19 maternal allele and used these models to evaluate an IGF-II–specific therapeutic intervention. Increased allelic Igf2 expression led to elongation of intestinal crypts, increased adenoma growth independent of systemic growth, and increased adenoma nuclear B-catenin staining. By introducing a transgene expressing a soluble form of the full-length IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor (sIGF2R) in the intestine, which acts as a specific inhibitor of IGF-II ligand bioavailability (ligand trap), we show rescue of the Igf2-dependent intestinal and adenoma phenotype. This evidence shows the functional potency of allelic dosage of an epigenetically regulated gene in cancer and supports the application of an IGF-II ligand–specific therapeutic intervention in colorectal cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(4): 1940-8)
Pathogenesis of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in mid-gestation sows and fetuses.

Two experiments were undertaken to evaluate whether porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus was able to cross the placenta and infect midgestation fetuses following intranasal inoculation of sows and whether PRRS virus directly infected fetuses following in utero inoculation. In experiment 1, eight sows between 45 and 50 days of gestation were intranasally inoculated with PRRS virus (ATCC VR-2332), and four control sows were inoculated with uninfected cell culture lysate. Virus inoculated sows were viremic on postinoculation (PI) days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, shed virus in their feces and nasal secretions, and became leukopenic. Sixty-nine of 71 fetuses from principal sows euthanized on PI day 7, 14 or 21 were alive at necropsy and no virus was isolated from any of the fetuses. Two principal sows that farrowed 65 and 67 days PI delivered 25 live piglets and three stillborn fetuses. The PRRS virus was isolated from two live piglets in one litter. In experiment 2, laparotomies were performed on five sows between 40 and 45 days of gestation and fetuses were inoculated in utero with either PRRS virus alone, PRRS virus plus a swine serum containing PRRS antibodies, or uninfected cell culture lysate. Three sows were euthanized on PI day 4 and two sows on PI day 11. Viral replication occurred in fetuses inoculated with virus alone and was enhanced in fetuses inoculated with virus plus antibody. No virus was isolated from control fetuses. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Religious Coping, Health, and Health Service Use among Bereaved Adults

Objective: This report examined associations between religious coping, health, and health service use among a sample of 265 recently bereaved adults. Method: Participants were interviewed an average of 6.3 (SD = 7.4) months after their loss and again 4 months later. Multivariate regression models and repeated measures ANOVA analyses estimated the influence of religious coping on health and health service use at baseline and follow-up, controlling for significant confounding influences, such as health promoting behaviors. Results: At baseline, those high on religious coping had significantly more functional disabilities than did those low on religious coping. Controlling for health status, participants with higher religious coping scores were significantly less likely to visit their doctor during the 60 days prior to the baseline interview. Despite worse health and less health service use at baseline, those high on religious coping had equivalent health status to those low on religious coping at follow-up. Conclusions: Greater use of religious coping is associated with more functional disabilities and fewer outpatient physical health care visits at baseline, but a lack of decline in health at 4-month follow-up among the bereaved, a sub-group at risk for numerous health impairments. Possible reasons for this association and its implications are discussed.
Householdsâ€™ Willingness to Pay for Improved Water Supply: Application of the Contingent Valuation Method; Evidence from Jigjiga Town, Ethiopia

Water problem in developing countries like Ethiopia is twofold: low coverage levels and poor quality that require urgent attention to reduce associated health and social consequences. Understanding this fact, the government and NGOs are currently carrying out several activities to improve the coverage and quality of water supply. To this end, willingness to pay of households that are expected to be benefited from the project should be analysed. The central objective of this study is, hence, to estimate Willingness to Pay (WTP) of households for better-quality water service provision and identify its determinants by using Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) in Jigjiga city. We estimate Willingness to Pay (WTP) for better quality of water supply service on cross-sectional survey of households in Jigjiga city taking 210 sample households randomly drawn. The highest relative WTP for improved water supply service was found in the city with the highest percentage of respondents being unsatisfied with the current water supply both in terms of quality and quantity. Response to the hypothetical scenario shown that sampled households stated that their mean WTP of 94 cents per 20 litres. The results of logit model revealed that household income, family size, water source, age of the respondent and bid value have significant effects on WTP for improved water service provision. The implication is that it is better take into account the socio-economic characteristics of the households in planning and designing water supply projects, which may serve to set rigorous demand oriented projects that can sustain the service delivery.
Src phosphorylation of cortactin enhances actin assembly

Src kinase mediates growth factor signaling and causes oncogenic transformation, which includes dramatic changes in the actin cytoskeleton, cell shape, and motility. Cortactin was discovered as a substrate for Src. How phosphorylation of cortactin can enhance actin assembly is unknown. Here, using an actin assembly system reconstituted from purified components, we demonstrate for the first time a biochemical mechanism by which Src phosphorylation of cortactin affects actin assembly. The adaptor Nck is an important component of the system, linking phosphorylated cortactin with neuronal WASp (N-WASp) and WASp-interacting protein (WIP) to activate Arp2/3 complex.
Economic performance and carbon intensity of human well-being: empirical evidence from the MENA region

Our paper explores the effect of economic performance variables on the carbon intensity of human well-being (CIWB) for 13 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the period (1995–2013). We use a time-series cross-sectional Prais–Winsten regression model with panel-corrected standard errors (PCSEs). We find that economic performance has a statistically significant positive influence on CIWB over the period in question; thus, economic performance harms the environment, but the final effect deviates to a constant level after a while. This finding is not encouraging from the economic sustainability point of view. On the contrary, we find that total health expenditure has a statistically significant negative impact on CIWB by increasing life expectancy, which means less stress on the environment.
Teaching medical students about the appropriateness of social and sexual contact between doctors and their patients: evaluation of a programme

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on medical students' attitudes toward social and sexual contact with patients by doctors from three medical specialties (general practice, obstetrics/gynaecology and psychiatry). Medical students from two consecutive fifth year classes at one medical school participated in one 3 hour session that included instruction on the standards of the profession that prohibit doctor–patient sexual contact. Students were assigned to either intervention groups or control groups and responded to an anonymous questionnaire (overall response rate 66·8% ; n=141). As many as 14·5% of control group students thought it was (sometimes or usually) appropriate for general practitioners to date their own patients and at least 3% thought it appropriate for members of any of these three medical specialties to engage in sexual contact with their own patients. However, there were no significant differences in attitudes toward hugging, dating or sexual contact with current patients between those who had attended the seminar and the control groups. The session significantly influenced attitudes regarding obstetrician/gynaecologists and psychiatrists hugging and having sexual contact with former patients. These findings are discussed in relation to a need for expansion of such instruction.
Dopamine modulation of rod pathway signaling by suppression of GABAC feedback to rod‐driven depolarizing bipolar cells

Reducing signal gain in the highly sensitive rod pathway prevents saturation as background light levels increase, allowing the dark‐adapted retina to encode stimuli over a range of background luminances. Dopamine release is increased during light adaptation and is generally accepted to suppress rod signaling in light‐adapted retinas. However, recent research has suggested that dopamine, acting through D1 receptors, could additionally produce a sensitization of the rod pathway in dim light conditions via gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) type C receptors. Here, we evaluated the overall activity of the depolarizing bipolar cell (DBC) population in vivo to ensure the integrity of long‐distance network interactions by quantifying the b‐wave of the electroretinogram in mice. We showed that dopamine, acting through D1 receptors, reduced the amplitude and sensitivity of rod‐driven DBCs during light adaptation by suppressing GABA type A receptor‐mediated serial inhibition onto rod DBC GABA type C receptors. Block of D1 receptors did not suppress rod‐driven DBC sensitivity when GABAA‐mediated serial inhibition was blocked by gabazine, suggesting that the reduction in rod‐driven DBC sensitivity in the absence of D1 receptors was due to disinhibition of serial inhibitory GABAergic circuitry rather than a direct facilitatory effect on GABA release onto rod‐driven DBC GABA type C receptors. Finally, the large population of GABAergic A17 wide‐field amacrine cells known to maintain reciprocal inhibition with rod DBCs could be excluded from the proposed disinhibitory circuit after treatment with 5,7‐dihydroxytryptamine.
Field Evaluation of the Human Exposure From Multiband, Multisystem Mobile Phones

Mobile phones present the strongest source of radiofrequency electromagnetic held exposure to the human head. Mobile phones are routinely assessed with respect to safety by specihc absorption rate measurements at maximum output power. The difference of the exposure due to power control during normal usage was evaluated. A mobile measurement system to assess the effect of the power control in real networks was developed. It presents a realistic load to the phone and is able to measure the output power and band synchronously for the GSM900, DCS1800, and UMTS1950 bands. The system has a dynamic range of 60 dB and a measurement uncertainty of <;1 dB for GSM and <;1.5 dB for UMTS. Using the system, three mobile phones were evaluated in the three Swiss networks in urban and rural areas. The phones were tested in dual system (GSM and UMTS) and GSM only modes. The results show a small change of the mean output power in GSM mode (from -2 to -10 dB) compared to 30-dB power control dynamic range. The mean output power in UMTS was a factor >100 lower than GSM. In urban areas, UMTS was generally available and preferably used by the phones with rare fall backs to GSM. In the suburban/rural area, UMTS was hardly available or used by the phones.
A novel sub-half micron Al-Cu via plug interconnect using low dielectric constant material as inter-level dielectric

A novel Al-Cu via plug interconnect using low dielectric constant (low-/spl epsiv/) material as inter-level dielectric (ILD) has been demonstrated. The interconnect structure was fabricated by spin-on deposition of the low-/spl epsiv/ ILD and physical vapor deposition (PVD) of the Al-Cu. Excellent local ILD planarization was achieved by a two-step spin-on coating process. The dielectric constant of the low-/spl epsiv/ no is about 2.7, which leads to significant interconnect wiring capacitance reduction. For the first time, completely filled Al-Cu:0.5% plugs with nearly vertical sidewalls were fabricated in organic low-/spl epsiv/ ILD. Excellent via fill was observed with via size down to 0.30 /spl mu/m. Low via resistance and excellent via reliability have been observed.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the neurodevelopmental outcome of childhood cancer survivors treated at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC). METHODS Study participants were children treated at EWMSC from January 2003 to March 31, 2012 for various childhood cancers. All had completed treatment and were in remission. The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) was administered. The study was conducted from December 2011 to March 31, 2012. RESULTS Twenty-six children were evaluated, a response rate of 74%. There were 12 males and 14 females. Ages ranged from 3.25 to 9.00 years. Four (15.4%) children scored a general cognitive index (GCI) < 68. One child (3.8%) scored a GCI > 132. The children's mean estimated mental age was found to be significantly lower than their mean actual age (p = 0.0086). Children treated for solid tumours had the least difference between their actual ages and estimated mental ages (p = 0.0301). The mean GCI for the genders was 97.4 for females and 81.0 for males; this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0302). Age at diagnosis, type and length of treatment were not found to significantly affect development. CONCLUSION The paediatric cancer survivors in this survey were found to have delays in their development. This group of children should have their development closely monitored. This would ensure that any delays in development can be discovered early and appropriate interventions instituted, so that childhood cancer survivors are adequately prepared for adult life beyond cancer.
Design, characterization, and evaluation of intranasal delivery of ropinirole-loaded mucoadhesive nanoparticles for brain targeting

Abstract Context: Parkinson disease (PD) is a common, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by marked depletion of striatal dopamine and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possibility of targeting an anti-Parkinson’s drug ropinirole (RH) to the brain using polymeric nanoparticles. Materials and methods: Ropinirole hydrochloride (RH)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were prepared by an ionic gelation method. The RH-CSNPs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, loading capacity, entrapment efficiency in vitro release study, and in vivo distribution after intranasal administration. Results and discussion: The RH-CSNPs showed sustained release profiles for up to 18 h. The RH concentrations (% Radioactivity/g) in the brain following intranasal administration (i.n.) of RH-CSNPs were found to be significantly higher at all the time points compared with RH solution. The concentration of RH was highest in the liver (7.210 ± 0.52), followed by kidneys (6.862 ± 0.62), intestine (4.862 ± 0.45), and lungs (4.640 ± 0.92) in rats following i.n. administration of RH-CSNPs. Gamma scintigraphy imaging in rats was performed to ascertain the localization of drug in the brain following intranasal administration of formulations. The brain/blood ratios obtained (0.251 ± 0.09 and 0.386 ± 0.57 of RH (i.n.) and RH-CSNPs (i.n.), respectively) at 0.5 h are indicative of direct nose to brain transport, bypassing the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Conclusion: The novel formulation showed the superiority of nose to brain delivery of RH using mucoadhesive nanoparticles compared with other delivery routes reported earlier.
Comparison of Apheresis and Other Methods for Separation and Purification of Hemopoietic Stem Cells: Initial Experience with a Blood Buffy Coat Model for the use of Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation

With an increasing number of bone marrow transplantations (BMT) being contemplated in leukemia and cancer patients, it is prudent for blood banks to develop a suitable program within their resources for harvesting, purifying and freezing bone marrow stem cells. In order to do this, initially a prototype has been developed involving buffy coat model (BC) using normal donor blood. Centrifugation, sedimentation and machine apheresis methods were separately evaluated leading to a combined and sequential handling procedure. Blood was passed through a cell separator resulting collection of BC with 90% reduction of the volume showing 80% recovery of total leucocytes and 87% yield of mononuclear cells. Following centrifugation the cells with DMSO were frozen in a controlled freezing system and stored in liquid nitrogen. After thawing 94% cells were recovered with 93% viability. The initial experience gained in the model system could be incorporated in autologous BMT program in patients but requires modifications for improved results; the latter will be described separately.
Mechanism of Action of an Epidural Top-Up in Combined Spinal Epidural Anesthesia

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of action by which an epidural top-up reinforces anesthesia in combined spinal epidural anesthesia. Thirty patients scheduled to undergo lower limb orthopedic surgery were randomly allocated to three groups of 10 patients each. In all patients, a 16-gauge Tuohy needle was introduced into the epidural space. Using the needle through needle technique, each patient received a subarachnoid injection of 10 mg plain bupivacaine 0.5% through a long 27-gauge Whitacre spinal needle introduced into the subarachnoid space through the Tuohy needle. After withdrawal of the spinal needle, an epidural catheter was introduced into the epidural space. After the maximum level of sensory block after the subarachnoid injection had been established, an epidural top-up with 10 mL bupivacaine 0.5% (Group 1) or 10 mL saline (Group 2) was administered; patients in Group 3 received no epidural top-up. The maximum level of sensory block was then assessed for an additional 30 min. After the epidural top-up the maximum level of sensory block increased significantly by 4.8 +/- 1.6 segments in Group 1 and 2.0 +/- 2.0 segments in Group 2. In Group 3 there was a nonsignificant increase of 0.3 +/- 0.5 segments. Intergroup comparisons showed that this increase in Group 1 was significant compared with those in Groups 2 and 3, and that the increase in Group 2 was significant compared with that in Group 3. We conclude that the mechanism of action by which an epidural top-up reinforces anesthesia in combined spinal epidural anesthesia can be explained partly by an epidural volume effect and partly by an effect of the local anesthetic itself. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:382-6)
A DEAE-cellulose batch technique for antilymphyocyte globulin preparation.

In this study an attempt was made to produce a less toxic heterologous antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) by first improving the absorption of the raw serum (ALS) and then by attempting to remove from it only the gamma G globulin (ALGG) with a diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) cellulose batch technique. The serum was obtained from horses which had been immunized with dog or human splenic lymphocytes (1).
Optoelectronic moire projector for real-time shape and deformation studies of the tympanic membrane.

Moire´ topography is a valuable technique for studying the shape and deformation of delicate biological structures such as the tympanic membrane. A projection moire´ method is described that can produce both shape and deformation fringes in real time, at a rate of 25 interferograms per second. The apparatus is based on electronic subtraction of the projected grating line image of the object and a reference grating line image stored in digital memory. The image field and fringe plane distance can be adjusted to the object dimensions. Using a fringe plane distance of 82 mm, a precision of 5 mm over a measuring depth of 0.4 mm is demonstrated by measurements on a spherical calibration object. The application to in vitro shape and deformation measurements of the gerbil tympanic membrane is demonstrated.
Use of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension–Approved Therapy in the Treatment of Non–Group 1 Pulmonary Hypertension at US Referral Centers

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent complication of left heart disease and parenchymal lung disease, and it portends increased mortality. A growing number of medications are approved for the treatment of World Health Organization (WHO) group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, they are not well studied in PH of other etiologies (WHO groups 2–5). We sought to assess treatment approaches used by PAH referral centers in this diverse group of patients. We developed a semiquantitative online survey designed to evaluate the use of PAH-approved therapy by pulmonary vascular disease centers in the United States for management of non–group 1 PH. Thirty of 50 centers completed the survey. Almost all centers (93%) reported using PAH therapy for patients with non–group 1 PH, including 77% with group 2 PH and 80% with group 3 PH. Elevated transpulmonary gradient or pulmonary vascular resistance and the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction were commonly cited as supporting use of PAH therapy in patients with PH secondary to left heart disease. For patients with PH and concomitant parenchymal lung disease, degree of pulmonary function impairment and RV dysfunction were most important in influencing use of PAH therapy. In conclusion, pulmonary vascular disease treatment centers use PAH-approved therapy for patients with WHO group 2–5 PH, mostly relying on hemodynamics and assessment of RV function to identify candidates for therapy. Clinical trials designed to test the efficacy of PAH therapy in PH due to left heart and lung disease are needed, as clinical practice has extended beyond the evidence for these etiologies of PH.
Family Involvement in the Care of Hospitalized Elderly Patients

Family participation in caregiving to elderly inpatients is likely to improve the quality of care to older patients. This qualitative design study applied semi-structured interviews to elicit experiences from nurses, families, and patients on the notion of family participation in the care of elderly patients in two general teaching hospitals in Iran. Data were gathered using individual interviews, field notes, and participant observations. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using manifest and latent content analysis. The following main themes emerged through the data analysis process: (a) safety and quality in patient care and (b) unplanned and unstructured patient care participation. The study concludes that family involvement in caregiving to elderly patients is important, yet the participation should be based upon a planned and structured framework to ensure a safe and satisfying experience for patients, families, and health care team.