Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Lipid peroxidation/oxidative stress and/or endotoxin-induced cytokine release are implicated in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis. Studies in the literature are experimental in nature and are based on histopathological evaluation and peripheral blood findings. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationships between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS Twenty-six patients with an ethanol consumption of less than 20 g/day who were diagnosed ultrasonographically and histopathologically as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 16 healthy control subjects with normal ultrasonographical findings were included in the study. All viral and autoimmune markers in patient and control groups included in the study were negative. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis samples obtained by fine needle aspiration were evaluated according to Brunt et al. The levels of glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malonyldialdehyde in peripheral blood and liver biopsy samples were measured. RESULTS Of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, 17 (65%) were detected to have mild, 7 (27%) moderate and 2 (8%) severe steatosis; portal inflammation was found in 17 patients (65%) and stage I fibrosis in 21 patients (80%). Minimal lobular inflammation was observed in all patients. In the patient group, the levels of erythrocytic glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly lower but malonyldialdehyde levels were higher compared to the control group. It was revealed that hepatocytic reduced glutathione, catalase, and malonyldialdehyde levels were not correlated with peripheral blood levels, but there was a positive correlation between liver malonyldialdehyde level and liver reduced glutathione level. Plasma malonyldialdehyde level and liver glutathione had a negative correlation. CONCLUSIONS It was discovered that lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity suppression due to its overuse were important in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis, but antioxidant capacity was maintained well at tissue level in the early stages of the disease. Furthermore, it was identified that tissue lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant capacity were not reflected in the peripheral blood to the same extent.
Controlled synthesis of gold nanostars by using a zwitterionic surfactant.

By replacing cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) with the zwitterionic lauryl sulfobetaine (LSB) surfactant in the classical seed-growth synthesis, monocrystalline gold nanostars (m-NS) and pentatwinned gold asymmetric nanostars (a-NS) were obtained instead of nanorods. The main product under all synthetic conditions was a-NS, which have branches with high aspect ratios (AR), thus leading to LSPR absorptions in the 750-1150 nm range. The percentage of m-NS versus a-NS, the aspect ratio of the a-NS branches, and consequently the position of their LSPR absorption can be finely tuned simply by regulating the concentration of reductant, the concentration of surfactant, or the concentration of the "catalytic" Ag(+) cation. The m-NS have instead shorter and larger branches, the AR of which is poorly influenced by synthetic conditions and displays an LSPR positioned around 700 nm. A growth mechanism that involves the direct contact of the sulfate moiety of LSB on the surface of the nano-object is proposed, thereby implying preferential coating of the {111} Au faces with weak interactions. Consistent with this, we also observed the straightforward complete displacement of the LSB surfactant from the surface of the nanostars. This was obtained by the simple addition of thiols in aqueous solution to yield extremely stable coated a-NS and m-NS that are resistant to highly acidic, basic, and in similar to in vivo conditions.
Markers of eosinophilic inflammation and tissue re‐modelling in children before clinically diagnosed bronchial asthma

Chronic inflammatory changes in the bronchial mucosa have been well documented in patients with established asthma. Much less is known of the changes, which occur in the airways of children early in the evolution of their disease with most of the information based on indirect markers of inflammation only. We evaluated markers of inflammation and tissue re‐modelling in bronchial biopsies from children with early respiratory symptoms before a clear clinical diagnosis of bronchial asthma could be made. We examined bronchial biopsies performed in 27 children between the ages of 1.2 and 11.7 yr who were bronchoscoped for a clinical indication because of recurrent or chronic respiratory symptoms. The patients were re‐evaluated 22–80 months after the original bronchoscopy to determine whether or not they had subsequently developed bronchial asthma. There were more eosinophils in the bronchial mucosa (129.4 vs. 19.1 cells/mm2 of lamina propria, p < 0.001) and the thickness of the subepithelial lamina reticularis was greater (4.65 vs. 3.72 μm, p = 0.044) in children with bronchial asthma diagnosed at follow‐up, compared with the children who did not progress to asthma. Eosinophilic inflammation and airway re‐modelling occur early in the natural history of bronchial asthma and are present even before asthma would be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms. Recognition of these changes and their significance for clinical disease should emphasize the need for timely detection and diagnosis of asthma in children to facilitate the early introduction of anti‐asthma therapy.
Retromer association with membranes: Plants have their own rules!

The retromer is an endosome-localized complex involved in protein trafficking. To better understand its function and regulation in plants, we recently investigated how Arabidopsis retromer subunits assemble and are targeted to endosomal membranes and highlighted original features compared with mammals. We characterized Arabidopsis vps26 null mutant and showed that it displays severe developmental defaults similar to those observed in vps29 mutant. Here, we go further by describing new phenotypic defects associated with loss of VPS26 function, such as inhibition of lateral root initiation. Recently, we showed that VPS35 subunit plays a crucial role in the recruitment of the plant retromer to endosomes, probably through an interaction with the Rab7 homolog RABG3f. In this work, we now show that contrary to mammals, Arabidopsis Rab5 homologs do not seem to be necessary for the recruitment of the core retromer to endosomal membranes, which highlights a new specificity of the plant retromer.
On Employer-Specific Information and Internal Labor Markets

The human capital literature, of which Becker's [2] paper is the seminal work, stresses the productivity enhancing effects of schooling and on-the-job training. Later work by Spence [21] and others emphasizes the fact that it is difficult for employers to ascertain the productivity of potential employees and suggests that activities such as schooling may provide employers with "signals" as to workers' productivities. In the signalling literature, it is assumed that information generated concerning an individual's abilities is general in that it is known to all potential employers. Yet the information that an employer gathers concerning his workers' abilities is not likely to be completely transferable to other employers. As a consequence, as Rosen [18,249] points out, there are "limitations on the ability of the price system . to achieve efficient assignments. If the price system is incomplete there is a role for entrepreneurial activity of assembling an optimal work force. " This paper analyzes the employment relations that arise when employers' information concerning new workers' abilities is incomplete until after a period of employment. The acquisition of such employer-specific information is shown to lead to what has been referred to in the literature as "internal labor markets". Internal labor markets, as identified by Dunlop [5,32], are "the complex of rules which determine the movement of workers among job classifications within administrative units . these movements may be transfers, promotions, demotions, or layoffs to the exterior labor markets. " Doeringer and Piore [3] emphasize "skill specificity" and on-the-job training as the key factors in the emergence of the internal labor market. Along similar lines, Williamson, Wachter, and Harris [22] point out that "job idiosyncracy" can result in employment relations with attributes like those of internal labor markets. By way of contrast, this paper emphasizes the role of employer-specific information in generating internal labor markets. The theory provides an explanation as to why employers dismiss current employees at the same time that new employees are hired. (Evidence that dismissal rates are not insignificant is presented in section IV.) The theory also provides a new rationale for long-term em-
Gastroesophageal Reflux, Motility Disorders, and Psychological Profiles in the Etiology of Globus Pharyngis

The aim of this study was to investigate the origin of globus pharyngis with particular reference to esophageal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), motility disorders, structural abnormalities, other gastrointestinal tract diseases, and psychological profile. Previous studies on this subject using 24‐hour pH monitoring give conflicting results and are hampered by the high background prevalence of asymptomatic GERD in the normal Western population. The local Chinese population is known to have a very low background level of GERD and therefore is an ideal study population. Twenty‐six patients with globus pharyngis underwent 24‐hour ambulatory pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, and esophagogas‐troduodenoscopy with lower esophageal biopsy. A control group of 20 patients presenting with non‐ulcer dyspepsia was similarly investigated. Personality profiles of the globus pharyngis subjects and an appropriate control group were assessed. Eight of the globus pharyngis group (30.7%) had evidence of GERD, whereas only one of the controls (5%) demonstrated GERD on 24‐hour esophageal pH monitoring (P < 0.05). The manometric and personality profile studies did not show significant differences between study and control groups. We concluded that the finding of GERD in patients with globus pharyngis is not a coincidental finding but that there is a true association between GERD and globus pharyngis.
Democracy and Growth: A Perspective from Democratic Experience

This article investigates the impact of democracy on growth by simultaneously considering a country's secular‐historical experience of democracy and current political regime. The results obtained show that the effect of democracy on growth exhibits an asymmetrical pattern depending on the country's democracy stock. Only in “democratic countries” with “prolonged experiences of democratic rule” can democracy promote growth. This claim stands in contrast to the earlier literature in which there is either no consistent relationship between growth and democracy or perhaps a nonlinear relationship. This conclusion provides circumstantial support for the claim of the “democracy promotes growth” hypothesis.
Topical dorzolamide increases pericentral visual function in age-related maculopathy: pilot study findings with short-wavelength automated perimetry.

PURPOSE Numerous studies have confirmed the enhancement of ocular circulation by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs). Topical CAI treatment with dorzolamide averts the significant pericentral visual function loss accompanying retinal and choroidal vasoconstriction during acute hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia. This study was designed to discern whether dorzolamide might similarly enhance macular function in patients with age-related maculopathy (ARM). METHODS In a masked, placebo-controlled study, 40 patients with ARM and acuity > 20/50 were randomized to receive either dorzolamide or placebo for 12 weeks, thrice daily. After pre-study perimetric training, pericentral function (mean sensitivity) was quantified using Humphrey 10-2 short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), before and after 12 weeks of topical therapy. RESULTS Dorzolamide-treated eyes demonstrated a significant increase in mean sensitivity of + 1.55 dB (p = 0.04); placebo-treated eyes showed no significant change (+ 0.58 dB; p = 0.10). Given the non-significant increase of mean sensitivity in the placebo-treated group, fewer than 100 subjects per group would be required to afford > 70% power to yield a significant direct comparative difference between treatment and placebo in a prospective, randomized study of equally short duration. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a significant increase in short-wavelength sensitivity in ARM with dorzolamide and the lack thereof with placebo. These encouraging pilot study data suggest a potential role for topical CAIs in ARM patients, and establish objective parameters for prospective studies to further evaluate the effects of dorzolamide in ARM.
The XbaI G>T Polymorphism of the Glucose Transporter 1 Gene Modulates 18F-FDG Uptake and Tumor Aggressiveness in Breast Cancer

We investigated the relevance of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) gene to the uptake of 18F-FDG and tumor aggressiveness in breast cancer. Methods: In 52 individuals with breast cancer, a diagnostic PET/CT scan was obtained, and the standardized uptake value was determined as a measure of 18F-FDG uptake using a region-of-interest technique. Three GLUT1 SNPs (XbaI G>T, HpyCH4V A>T, and HaeIII T>C) were investigated in genomic DNA that was isolated from the paraffin-embedded specimens of all patients. Tumors were typed and graded according to the World Health Organization classifications. Results: The GG genotype of the XbaI G>T SNP was associated with increased tumor uptake of 18F-FDG, with a mean standardized uptake value of 11.7 (TT/GT genotypes, 5.9; P = 0.03). Furthermore, the GG genotype was positively related to enhanced tumor proliferation (mitotic count, P = 0.01). In line with this finding, the GG genotype was absent in grade 1 carcinomas and increasingly prevalent in tumors with higher malignancy (grade 2, 28.0%; grade 3, 50%; P = 0.04). Conclusion: This study found that the XbaI G>T SNP of the GLUT1 gene is associated with an increased 18F-FDG uptake and a more advanced tumor grade or growth in breast cancer. Thus, this genetic variant might favor aggressive phenotypes by modulating the efficiency of cancer cells to recruit glucose and escalate growth rate, suggesting the XbaI G>T SNP as a proliferation-related prognostic factor.
CYP19A1 gene polymorphism and colorectal cancer etiology in Saudi population: case–control study

Background Considerable interest is directed toward the enzyme aromatase (CYP19A1) and the development of cancer, due to CYP19A1’s role in estrogen biosynthesis. Several cancers display excessive intra-tumor accumulation of estrogens, and aromatase inhibitors are used for treatment. The CYP19A1 gene exhibits polymorphism and mutations that can alter its expression or aromatase activity and influence estrogen production. We designed this study to investigate the link between CYP19A1 polymorphism and susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC) development in Saudis. Patients and methods Blood samples from 100 CRC patients and 100 healthy controls were drawn for DNA extractions. Three polymorphic sites, rs4774585, rs936308, and rs4775936, were genotyped using Taqman genotyping by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Allelic and genotype frequencies were calculated and compared in the two groups. Results All single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were polymorphic in Saudis, and comparison of allele frequencies showed several differences when compared to other populations. None of the SNPs were associated with the risk of CRC development in Saudis (P>0.05). Some gender and location (colon or rectal) differences were observed. Discussion The results of this study highlighted the genetic heterogeneity existing between populations in the prevalence of different SNPs and their relation to disease state. It showed that, although rs4774585, rs936308, and rs4775936 are involved in CRC development in several populations, their role is not significant in the etiology of CRC in Saudis; however, some SNPs do increase susceptibility or resistance to CRC development as judged from the odds ratio. Further large-scale studies are warranted to clarify the role of the CYP19A1 development in CRC.
Two New Colorimetric Methods for Early Detection of Vancomycin and Oxacillin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT We developed two colorimetric methods for the detection of vancomycin- and oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ≤6 h: (i) a nitrate reductase assay and (ii) a resazurin microplate method. MICs agreed with results obtained by CLSI methods for oxacillin. However, detection of vancomycin resistance required a larger inoculum. These methods may be recommended for the detection of vancomycin- and oxacillin-resistant S. aureus.
Testing the Q-DIO as an instrument to measure the documented quality of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes.

PURPOSE To describe pilot testing of Quality of Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes (Q-DIO), an instrument to measure quality of nursing documentation. DESIGN Instrument testing was performed using a random, stratified sample of 60 nursing documentations representing hospital nursing with and without implementation of standardized nursing language (30 for both strata) in a Swiss General Acute Hospital. METHODS Internal consistency and intrarater and interrater reliabilities were tested. Through item analyses, the grades of difficulty and the discrimination validity of items were evaluated. FINDINGS Internal consistency of nursing diagnoses as process produced Cronbach's alpha . 83; nursing diagnoses as product . 98; nursing interventions . 90; and nursing-sensitive patient outcomes . 99. With Kappas of . 95, the intrarater and interrater reliabilities were good. Criteria for the grades of difficulty of items and discrimination validity were well met. The results of this study suggest that Q-DIO is a reliable instrument to measure the documentation quality of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. Further testing of Q-DIO in other settings is recommended.
The role of unpaired sex chromosomes in spermatogenic failure *

Summary. In 1974 Miklos reviewed evidence suggesting an association between sex chromosome pairing failure and spermatogenic arrest. He proposed that distributed over all the chromosomes there are ‘meiotic pairing sites’ which must be ‘saturated’ by homologous pairing during pachytene. In unpaired regions these sites are ‘activated’, and set in motion a process which leads ultimately to the death of the cell. In the present ‘extended abstract’ we summarize studies we have carried out on XSxraO male mice, that substantiate the main tenets of Miklos' model. Miklos' model is then used as a basis for explaining data we have collected on a large series of XYY male mice.
Retention of Metabolic Regulation in the Hyperplastic Hepatic Nodule Induced by -.â€˜

pyrrolase by exoge nous corticosteroid was also studied. Female rats fed an identical diet were used as controls for the toxic effect of 2-FAA. Although susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of 2-FAA in high dosages, at the dose levels used in the current experiments, they developed no pathological changes of significance in the liver. The results of these experiments reveal that the corticosteroid-mediated enzyme-regulatory mechanisms are intact in the hyperplastic hepatic nodule induced by 2-FAA.
Specification of neurotransmitter identity by Tal1 in thalamic nuclei

Background: The neurons contributing to thalamic nuclei are derived from at least two distinct progenitor domains: the caudal (cTH) and rostral (rTH) populations of thalamic progenitors. These neural compartments exhibit unique neurogenic patterns, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of neurotransmitter identity remain largely unclear. Results: T‐cell acute lymphocytic leukemia protein 1 (Tal1) was expressed in the early postmitotic cells in the rTH domain, and its expression was maintained in mature thalamic neurons in the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLG) and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL). To investigate a role of Tal1 in thalamic development, we used a newly generated mouse line driving Cre‐mediated recombination in the rTH domain. Conditional deletion of Tal1 did not alter regional patterning in the developing diencephalon. However, in the absence of Tal1, rTH‐derived thalamic neurons failed to maintain their postmitotic neuronal features, including neurotransmitter profile. Tal1‐deficient thalamic neurons lost their GABAergic markers such as Gad1, Npy, and Penk in IGL/vLG. These defects may be associated at least in part with down‐regulation of Nkx2.2, which is known as a critical regulator of rTH‐derived GABAergic neurons. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that Tal1 plays an essential role in regulating neurotransmitter phenotype in the developing thalamic nuclei. Developmental Dynamics 246:749–758, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of phenanthrene solubilization and biodegradation by trehalose lipid biosurfactants

Effects of trehalose lipid biosurfactants produced by Rhodococcus erythropolis on the solubilization and biodegradation of phenanthrene (PHE) were investigated. Based on surface tension measurements, the average critical micelle concentration (CMC) of trehalose lipids was determined to be approximately 16 mg total organic carbon (TOC)/L. In solubilization assays, the addition of biosurfactants at 20‐fold the CMC increased the apparent solubility of PHE by more than 30‐fold. Using a known PHE degrader (isolate P5‐2), batch PHE biodegradation experiments were conducted, with and without trehalose lipids, in three systems: Water (devoid of soil solids), soil (Kenansville loamy sand having 0.72% organic matter), and soil‐water slurry. Addition of trehalose lipids at 10‐fold the CMC enhanced both the rate and the extent of PHE mineralization by isolate P5–2 in the liquid culture. The addition of biosurfactant (32.2 mg TOC/kg soil) to the soil system also increased both the initial rate (by more than twofold) and the extent of PHE mineralization. Biosurfactants increased the rate, but not the extent, of PHE mineralization in the soil‐water slurry. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the trehalose lipid biosurfactants produced by R. erythropolis have good solubilization capacity for hydrophobic organic compounds and great potential for applications in bioremediation of sites contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Public Assistance Use Among TwoParent Families An Analysis of TANF and Food Stamp Program Eligibility and Participation

Using data from the year 2000, this study looked at married-parent families to determine their eligibility and participation rates in TANF and FSP. The study found that eligibility and participation rates in the two programs are considerably lower for married-parent families than for single-parent families. Rates for cohabiting families generally lie between those of single- and married-parent families. Demographic characteristics and financial circumstances explain much of the difference in eligibility rates between married- and single-parent families. However, demographic characteristics, financial circumstances, and state program rules explain little of the observed differences in participation rates across the two family types.