Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Yeast Prion Ure2p Native-like Assemblies Are Toxic to Mammalian Cells Regardless of Their Aggregation State*

The yeast prion Ure2p assembles in vitro into oligomers and fibrils retaining the α-helix content and binding properties of the soluble protein. Here we show that the different forms of Ure2p native-like assemblies (dimers, oligomers, and fibrils) are similarly toxic to murine H-END cells when added to the culture medium. Interestingly, the amyloid fibrils obtained by heat treatment of the toxic native-like fibrils appear harmless. Moreover, the Ure2p C-terminal domain, lacking the N-terminal segment necessary for aggregation but containing the glutathione binding site, is not cytotoxic. This finding strongly supports the idea that Ure2p toxicity depends on the structural properties of the flexible N-terminal prion domain and can therefore be considered as an inherent feature of the protein, unrelated to its aggregation state but rather associated with a basic toxic fold shared by all of the Ure2p native-like assemblies. Indeed, the latter are able to interact with the cell surface, leading to alteration of calcium homeostasis, membrane permeabilization, and oxidative stress, whereas the heat-treated amyloid fibrils do not. Our results support the idea of a general mechanism of toxicity of any protein/peptide aggregate endowed with structural features, making it able to interact with cell membranes and to destabilize them. This evidence extends the widely accepted view that the toxicity by protein aggregates is restricted to amyloid prefibrillar aggregates and provides new insights into the mechanism by which native-like oligomers compromise cell viability.
Bone Mineral in Prepubertal Children: Gender and Ethnicity

Previous reports of gender and ethnic differences in bone mineral in prepubertal children have been inconsistent due to different methodologies, the problematic nature of bone density by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) calculated as the ratio of bone mineral mass to projected bone area (BA), and the generally small study populations. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that gender and ethnic differences in bone mineral by DXA are present in prepubertal children. The subjects were 336 healthy Asian, black, and white prepubertal children (172 females and 164 males). Total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) was adjusted for total body BA (TBBA), age, height, and weight. Adjusted mean TBBMC was greater in males than in females (p = 0.01). The gender difference was independent of ethnicity. Adjusted mean TBBMC was different for black compared with nonblack children (p = 0.001). The ethnic difference was a function of TBBA and weight. This study in a multiethnic population of prepubertal children shows (1) a gender difference in TBBMC and (2) an ethnic difference in TBBMC.
Dry matter accumulation in citrus fruit is not limited by transport capacity of the pedicel.

The vascularization of the pedicel in Marisol clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tanaka) has been characterized in relation to fruit growth. Phloem and xylem formation occurred during the first half of the period of fruit growth. Phloem cross-sectional area reached its maximum value by the end of fruitlet abscission, 78 d after anthesis (DAA), shortly after the rate of accumulation of dry matter in fruitlets reached its maximum value. Secondary xylem formation occurred until day 93, well after the end of fruitlet abscission. At fruit maturity, xylem accounted for 42-46 % of the cross-section of the pedicel. Vessels differentiated in this late-formed xylem. Formation of phloem and early xylem was directly related to fruitlet size (and growth rate). Differences in the rate of formation of conductive tissues in the pedicel of the developing fruitlets followed rather than preceded the differences in growth rate. Specific mass transfer (SMT) in the phloem was highest in the fastest growing fruitlets, and peaked during the late stages of fruitlet abscission (72-78 DAA) and during the main period of fruit growth (107-121 DAA). Application of a synthetic auxin to developing fruits, either at the end of flowering (2,4-D) or by day 64 after flowering (2,4-DP), increased the growth rate of the fruit and fruit size at maturity (8-13 % increase in fruit diameter at maturity). These auxin applications also enhanced the formation of conductive tissues in the pedicel, with a specific effect on phloem formation. Applying auxin at flowering resulted in a reduction in the phloem SMT by days 72-78, whereas auxin application on day 64 increased this parameter. Despite this difference in behaviour, which resulted from the different time-course of the growth response of the fruit to auxin applications, these applications increased fruit size to a similar extent. Severing 37 % of the phloem of the pedicel during the main period of fruit growth resulted in an increase in the specific mass transfer in the phloem but had no influence on fruit growth. These observations demonstrate that the transport capacity in the phloem of the pedicel does not limit fruit growth and, within the limits of our experiments, an increase in demand by the fruit appeared to be matched by an increase in SMT. The dependence of late xylem formation (after the period of fruitlet abscission) on fruitlet growth was demonstrated in Salustiana orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] by means of controlling fruit growth through the manipulation of leaf area. Fruit growth at this time was more closely related to leaf area than to carbohydrate levels, suggesting that it may be limited by current photosynthesis.
Treatment of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections with 3 days of lomefloxacin compared with treatment with 3 days of norfloxacin

The bacteriologic and clinical efficacies of 3 days of lomefloxacin therapy were compared with those of 3 days of norfloxacin therapy for the treatment of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. One hundred sixty-four subjects were enrolled at five Canadian centers; 84 received lomefloxacin, and 80 received norfloxacin. Escherichia coli (84%) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (11%) were the most common organisms isolated. Forty subjects (24%) had low quantitative counts in their pretherapy urine specimens. In the intent-to-treat analysis, 76 lomefloxacin subjects (91%) and 76 norfloxacin subjects (95%) were cured or improved at follow-up 5 to 9 days posttreatment and 73 (87%) and 71 (89%) subjects from the lomefloxacin and norfloxacin groups, respectively, were cured or improved at 4 to 6 weeks posttreatment. Bacteriologic eradication occurred in 61 of 63 lomefloxacin subjects (97%) with > or = 10(8) CFU/liter in their pretherapy specimens and 56 of 59 norfloxacin subjects (95%) at 5 to 9 days and 55 (87%) and 53 (90%) subjects from the lomefloxacin and norfloxacin groups, respectively, at 4 to 6 weeks. There were no statistically significant differences in outcome. Adverse effects which were potentially related to the study medications were reported by 26% of the subjects who received lomefloxacin and 25% of the subjects who received norfloxacin. There were no severe adverse events, and only one subject discontinued therapy. These data suggest that 3 days of therapy with either lomefloxacin or norfloxacin is effective in the treatment of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Pharmacokinetics of Terbinafine After Single Oral Dose Administration in Red-Tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis)

Abstract To determine pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered terbinafine hydrochloride for potential treatment of aspergillosis in raptors, 10 adult red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were used in single dose trials by using 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg doses with a 2-week washout period between trials. After administration of 15 mg/kg terbinafine, mean (± SD) plasma concentration peaked in approximately 5 hours at 0.3 ± 0.24 µg/mL, whereas a 30 mg/kg dose resulted in peak mean (± SD) plasma concentration of 1.2 ± 0.40 µg/mL in 3 hours and a 60 mg/kg dose resulted in mean (± SD) concentration of 2.0 ± 0.75 µg/mL in 5 hours. The volume of distribution decreased with increasing doses, averaging 76.8 ± 38.06 mL/kg for the 15 mg/kg dose and falling to 55.2 ± 17.4 mL/kg for the 30 mg/kg dose. This suggests that terbinafine accumulated in deep tissues, limiting further distribution at higher doses. The harmonic mean (± SD) half-life was biphasic, with initial values of 14.7 ± 6.67 hours, 17.5 ± 8.7 hours, and 13.3 ± 5.03 hours for 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg doses, respectively. A rapid first-elimination phase was followed by a slower second phase, and final elimination was estimated to be 161 ± 78.2 and 147 ± 65.6 hours for 15 and 30 mg/kg doses, respectively. Linearity was demonstrated for the area under the curve but not for peak plasma concentrations for the 3 doses used. Calculations based on pharmacokinetic parameter values indicated that a dosage of 22 mg/kg terbinafine q24h would result in steady-state trough plasma concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration of terbinafine (0.8–1.6 µg/mL). This dosage is recommended as a potential treatment option for aspergillosis in raptors. However, additional research is required to determine both treatment efficacy and safety.
The treatment of temporomandibular disorders with stabilizing splints in general dental practice: one-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND The authors evaluated temporomandibular disorder (TMD) outcomes in general dental practice one year after treatment with stabilizing splints (SS) or nonoccluding control splints (CS). METHODS Seventy-two randomly allocated subjects completed initial treatment. The outcomes measures were a pain visual analog scale (VAS), muscle tenderness, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tenderness, interincisal opening, TMJ clicks and headaches. After initial treatment, 81 percent of the subjects were found to have been treated satisfactorily. The dentists referred the remaining subjects to a dental hospital. At one year, the authors recalled 52 of the original subjects for evaluation. RESULTS Improvements after initial treatment were maintained at one year for all outcomes, except for TMJ clicking, which returned to pretreatment levels. Eighty-one percent of the subjects rated their treatment as either good or excellent in reducing jaw pain. The authors found that subjects were aware of more of their TMJ clicks than dentists observed at the one-year clinical examination, but most subjects thought their clicking or the associated pain had been reduced. Fifty-five percent subjects had used their splints in the previous six months, but only 31 percent of these had done so daily. There were no significant differences between splint groups. CONCLUSION At one year, a good response to TMD treatment in general practice had been maintained, but many subjects still had clicking TMJs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Trained dentists can manage TMD satisfactorily, with only a small proportion of patients needing specialist attention.
Personal memory function in mild cognitive impairment and subjective memory complaints: results from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle (AIBL) Study of Ageing.

BACKGROUND Autobiographical memory (ABM) refers to the recollection of individual experiences, while personal semantic memory (PSM) refers to personally relevant, but shared, facts. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is routinely diagnosed with the aid of neuropsychological tests, which do not tap the ABM and PSM domains. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the nature of ABM and PSM retrieval in cognitively healthy (HC) memory complainers, non-memory complainers, and MCI participants, and to investigate the relationship between neuropsychological tests and personal memory. METHODS Gender- and education-matched participants (HC = 80 and MCI = 43) completed the Episodic ABM Interview (EAMI) and a battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS ABM and PSM did not differ between complainers and non-complainers, but were poorer in MCI participants, after accounting for age and depressive symptomatology. There were significant associations between personal memory and objective memory measures were found in MCI participants, but standard cognitive measures were more sensitive to MCI. CONCLUSION Personal memory was compromised in MCI, reflected by lower scores on the EAMI. Memory complaining, assessed by current approaches, did not have an impact on personal memory. Standard subjective questionnaires might not reflect the sorts of concerns that bring individuals to clinical attention. Understanding personal memory function in the elderly may aid in the development of a more sensitive measure of subjective memory concerns.
Unconventional Monetary Policies: A Re-Appraisal

We explore the effectiveness and balance of benefits and costs of so-calledÂ â€˜unconventionalâ€™ monetary policy measures extensively implemented in the wake ofÂ the financial crisis: balance sheet policies (or â€˜quantitative easingâ€™),Â forward guidance and negative policy rates. We reach three main conclusions: thereÂ is ample evidence that, to varying degrees, these measures have succeeded inÂ influencing financial conditions even though their ultimate impact on output andÂ inflation is harder to pin down; the cost-benefit balance is likely toÂ deteriorate over time; and the measures are generally best regarded as exceptional,Â for use in very specific circumstances. Whether this will turn out to be the case,Â however, is doubtful at best and depends on more fundamental features of monetaryÂ policy frameworks. We also provide a critique of prevailing analyses ofÂ â€˜helicopter moneyâ€™ and explore in more depth the role of negative nominal interestÂ rates in our fundamentally monetary economies, highlighting some risks.
Imaging of chorioretinal anastomoses in vascularized retinal pigment epithelium detachments.

OBJECTIVE To identify specific features of pigment epithelium detachments with limited hyperfluorescent lesions (hot spots). DESIGN One hundred eighty-two consecutive patients (186 eyes) who had vascularized pigment epithelium detachments and recent onset of symptoms were examined with indocyanine green and fluorescein videoangiography using the scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The choroidal neovascularization complex and macular retinal vessels were studied. The natural history and the effect of laser treatment were evaluated. RESULTS Fifty-four eyes had hot spots on indocyanine green angiography. In 50 of these 54 eyes, the video analysis showed an anastomosis of one or more retinal vessels, with the choroidal neovascularization within the hot spot. One or two retinal veins or arteries or both filled with both dyes and were seen to enter into the hot spot. Results of indocyanine green-guided photocoagulation of the hot spot in 28 eyes were disappointing. CONCLUSION Continuous recording of the early phases of fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography allowed identification of chorioretinal anastomoses in vascularized pigment epithelium detachments with hot spots at an early exudative stage of age-related macular degeneration in 50 (26.8%) of 186 eyes. The poor outcome of laser photocoagulation could be related not only to the development of an overlying pigment epithelium detachment, but also to the retinal and choroidal vascularization of the lesion.
Developing the border effects theory in international trade

Research on the impact o f national borders on trade has shown that internal trade within a country is several times more intensive than cross-border trade between countries. The relative intensity o f the two types o f trade is usually called the border effect, which is generally acknowledged to be high (between 10 and 22). In this thesis, we first conduct a chronological literature review to survey the developments that took place since M cCallum’s (1995) seminal paper on border effects. Our findings allow us to argue that the typical gravity models used in this area are not well grounded in theory and often generate biased results. We also hypothesize that the diversity o f estimated border effects is due to the differences in study methods and characteristics. To verify this hypothesis we next conduct a meta-analysis o f the literature, which features an enhanced variable selection process leading to a better meta-analytic specification; these benefits result from preceding the meta-analysis with the survey. The results o f the meta-analysis confirm our hypothesis. We explain most o f the variance in the literature estimates and show that the Canada-U.S. border effects are higher than elsewhere. Based, in part, on the results o f meta-analysis, we subsequently derive a model o f regional trade in differentiated goods that produces a specification for estimating border effects between Canada and the U.S. The model controls for output, prices, adjacency, distance, and government, and produces estimates superior to those found in existing literature. This is because the methodology used is consistent with trade theory, but does not require the inclusion o f remoteness variables or calibration o f parameters. The
Development and Validation of a Lung Cancer Risk Prediction Model for African-Americans

Because existing risk prediction models for lung cancer were developed in white populations, they may not be appropriate for predicting risk among African-Americans. Therefore, a need exists to construct and validate a risk prediction model for lung cancer that is specific to African-Americans. We analyzed data from 491 African-Americans with lung cancer and 497 matched African-American controls to identify specific risks and incorporate them into a multivariable risk model for lung cancer and estimate the 5-year absolute risk of lung cancer. We performed internal and external validations of the risk model using data on additional cases and controls from the same ongoing multiracial/ethnic lung cancer case-control study from which the model-building data were obtained as well as data from two different lung cancer studies in metropolitan Detroit, respectively. We also compared our African-American model with our previously developed risk prediction model for whites. The final risk model included smoking-related variables [smoking status, pack-years smoked, age at smoking cessation (former smokers), and number of years since smoking cessation (former smokers)], self-reported physician diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or hay fever, and exposures to asbestos or wood dusts. Our risk prediction model for African-Americans exhibited good discrimination [75% (95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.82)] for our internal data and moderate discrimination [63% (95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.69)] for the external data group, which is an improvement over the Spitz model for white subjects. Existing lung cancer prediction models may not be appropriate for predicting risk for African-Americans because (a) they were developed using white populations, (b) level of risk is different for risk factors that African-American share with whites, and (c) unique group-specific risk factors exist for African-Americans. This study developed and validated a risk prediction model for lung cancer that is specific to African-Americans and thus more precise in predicting their risks. These findings highlight the importance of conducting further ethnic-specific analyses of disease risk.
Politics of Hospitality, Peace and Tourism: Review and Analysis

The hospitality has been discussed only in the model of social, private and commercial domain. It has been argued that there are two school of thoughts: one sees the host-guest relationship entirely based on the commercial transaction between them and another sees hospitality as a social phenomenon. This paper highlights the correlation between hospitality, peace and tourism with context to the behaviors of nationstates as political actors towards migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in terms of ethics, human rights and citizenship with special focus on the difference in approach of hospitality between the rich and poor countries. However, it is also evident that peace can only be achieved through the acceptance of the outsiders without prejudices, although this has been rejected by the thinkers who believe that it is impossible for any nation to fully welcome the guests which will require them to compromise their national sovereignty. Attention has been given to the concept of hospitality with special reference to Kant’s thought of universal hospitality, Levinas’s concept of the ethics and politics of hospitality, and Derrida’s notion of absolute or unconditional and conditional hospitality. The issues thus discussed are the various forms of discrimination in terms of the hospitable behaviors by the hosts (nations) towards the guests (migrants) by analyzing the host-guest relationship and further reflecting it upon the current global political scenario. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Education 8 (2018) 1-29
Changes in physical fitness profile in female volleyball players during the competitive season.

Nine members of a female volleyball team served as experimental subjects in order to examine changes in a physical fitness profile during the competitive season consisting of a first season (I) for 10 weeks followed by season II for 11 weeks. The entire season was characterized by 4-5 weekly sessions for playing drills and competitive games and by 2-3 weekly sessions for physical conditioning mostly for strength and explosive strength training. The control group consisted of eight other female volleyball players who trained for physical conditioning during the competitive season 1-2 times per week. The present findings showed that the entire competitive season in experimental subjects led to no changes (from 47.3 +/- 1.7 to 48.1 +/- 3.4 ml x kg-1 x min-1) (n.s.) in VO2max but a significant (p < 0.05) decrease took place in average power in a 30 s anaerobic jumping test. Significant increases took place in the maximal vertical jumping heights in the squat (from 30.3 +/- 1.7 to 31.6 +/- 1.3 cm) (p < 0.05) and in the counter movement jump (from 32.8 +/- 1.6 to 34.3 +/- 1.3 cm) (p < 0.05) as well as in the spike and block jumps (p < 0.05) during competitive season I. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Knowledge, attitude and practice towards droplet and airborne isolation precautions among dental health care professionals in Shiraz, Iran.

OBJECTIVE To determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among Iranian dental health care professionals towards droplet and airborne isolation precautions, in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS A survey was developed and distributed to 152 Iranian dental professionals (faculty and students) from Shiraz University School of Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry, Shiraz, Iran. The self-administered questionnaire was composed of three parts (knowledge, attitude, and practice). After validation of the survey using the Kuder Richardson reliability test and Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient, data was collected and analyzed using Analysis of Variance and the Duncan test to detect the differences among groups. The Spearman coefficient was used to determine the correlation between knowledge, attitude, and practice. RESULTS The survey was completed by 152 (51.5%) of 295 potential respondents. Mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards droplets and airborne isolation precautions were poor (98 +/- 3.45, 10.51 +/- 6.26, 2.68 +/- 3.16 from the maximum scores of 11, 55, and 11, respectively). In addition, a positive linear correlation was found between two items of the survey including knowledge-attitude (rho = 0.438, p < 0.001), knowledge and practice (rho = 0.380, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Iranian dental professionals seemed to have low levels of knowledge, attitude and practice towards infection control.