Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of antihypertensive therapy on postmenopausal osteoporosis: effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor moexipril, 17β-estradiol and their combination on the ovariectomy‐induced cancellous bone loss in young rats

Objective No data are available on whether angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition affects the skeleton, though this might be of clinical relevance when antihypertensive therapy is initiated, particularly in hypertensive women after menopause who typically suffer from a concomitant rapid onset of osteoporosis. In the present study we investigated the effects of the new ACE inhibitor moexipril, 17β-estradiol and their combination on the bone turnover in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats, an established animal model for studying human postmenopausal osteoporosis. Materials and methods We studied 119 12-week-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats. Seven rats were killed on day 0 as basal controls. The remaining rats were divided into sham-ovariectomy or ovariectomy groups. Vehicle, moexipril at 10 mg/kg per day alone (orally), 17β-estradiol at 10 μg/kg per day alone (subcutaneously) or both were administered to both groups immediately after the operation for 14 (short-term effects) or 56 (long-term effects) days. A stereology computer program was used for measurements. Static histomorphometric measurements, using a stereology computer program, were taken on double-fluorescent labeled undecalcified proximal tibial metaphyseal (cancellous bone site) and tibial shaft (cortical bone site) sections. Results Ovariectomy induced dramatically cancellous bone loss due to increased bone turnover, with resorption exceeding formation. Moexipril had no effect on the cancellous bone site in either ovariectomized or sham-operated rats. 17β-Estradiol treatment added extra cancellous bone in the sham-operated rats and prevented cancellous bone loss in the ovariectomized rats by inhibiting bone resorption. The combination of moexipril and 17β-estradiol gave similar results to those of 17β-estradiol alone. Comparable results were observed in the cortical bone site. Conclusions The results of this study show that ACE inhibition by moexipril has no effect on the skeleton when given alone and that it does not hamper the osteoprotective effects of 17β-estradiol. These findings are relevant for the use of antihypertensive therapy in postmenopausal women treated or not with hormone replacement therapy.
Acute Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1 in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure Exacerbations Is Not an Indicator of Poor Outcome and Increased Mortality

Background Over one million patients are hospitalized each year with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in the US. Approximately 20% to 40% of them will develop acute cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (ACRS1) via multiple mechanisms. Methods From January 2010 to December 2010, 197 patients were diagnosed with ADHF. Initial N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), creatinine levels throughout hospital stay, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay and death were assessed for each patient. ACRS1 was diagnosed when an increase of creatinine > 0.3 mg/dL from baseline was noted during hospital stay. We sought to investigate whether presence of ACRS1 is associated with increased length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation and increased in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with ADHF. Results Total of 61 (31%) patients experienced ACRS1. Mean hospital stay for ACRS1 patients was 8.43 ± 6.28 days while for non-ACRS1 was 5.06 ± 4.19 (P < 0.0001). Twenty-eight (14%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (11 non-ACRS1 vs. 17 ACRS1). ACRS1 was associated with more frequent use of invasive ventilation (odd ratio 3.45, CI 1.52 - 7.79, P = 0.003). Fifteen (8%) patients expired (8 non-ACRS1 vs. 7 ACRS1). There was no difference in mortality between groups (odd ratio 2.07, CI 0.72 - 6.00, P = 0.18). Conclusions Development of ACRS1 was not associated with increased incidence of in-hospital mortality, but it prolonged hospital stay and need for mechanical ventilation.
Genomic gains and losses are similar in genetic and histologic subsets of rhabdomyosarcoma, whereas amplification predominates in embryonal with anaplasia and alveolar subtypes

In this investigation, we selected PAX3/FKHR and PAX7/FKHR fusion transcript–positive and –negative alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (ARMSs) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMSs) with and without anaplastic features, to ascertain genomic imbalance differences and/or similarities within these histopathologic and genetic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) variants. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies were performed on 45 rhabdomyosarcoma specimens consisting of 23 ARMSs and 22 ERMSs (12 ERMS cases were included from an earlier study). The anaplastic variant of RMS has not previously been subjected to CGH analysis. Overall, the most prominent imbalances were gain of chromosomes or chromosomal regions 2/2q (40%), 7/7q (31%), 8/8p (53%), 11/11q (31%), 12q13‐15 (49%), 13q14 (22%), and 20/20p (31%), and loss of 1p36 (27%), 3p14‐21 (22%), 9q21‐22 (33%), 10q22‐qter (18%), 16q (27%), 17p (22%), and 22 (22%). These gains and losses were distributed equally between ARMS and ERMS histologic subtypes (excluding 7/7q and 11/11q gain that were observed chiefly in ERMS), demonstrating that these entities are similar with respect to recurrent genomic imbalances. Moreover, genomic imbalances were also evenly distributed among the ARMS fusion transcript subtypes, providing evidence for a genetic kinship despite the absence of a fusion transcript in some cases. Genomic amplification was detected in 26% and 23% of the ARMS and ERMS cases, respectively (with nearly all of the latter subset exhibiting anaplastic features). One amplicon, involving 15q25‐26, corresponds to the locus of the insulin‐like growth factor type I receptor (IGF1R) gene. Amplification of IGF1R was confirmed molecularly in the cases exhibiting a 15q25‐26 amplicon. In summary, these results indicate that genomic gains and losses involve alike chromosomes with similar frequencies within the histopathologic and genetic subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma, that genomic amplification is frequent not only in the alveolar histologic subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma but also in ERMS with anaplasia, and that amplification of IGF1R possibly plays a role in the development or progression of a subset of rhabdomyosarcomas. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Integrated testing and assessment approaches for skin sensitization: a commentary

A Bayesian integrated testing strategy (ITS) approach, aiming to assess skin sensitization potency, has been presented, in which data from various types of in vitro assays are integrated and assessed in combination for their ability to predict in vivo skin sensitization data. Here we discuss this approach and compare it to our quantitative mechanistic modeling (QMM) approach based on physical organic chemistry. The main findings of the Bayesian study are consistent with our chemistry‐based approach and our previously published assessment of the key determinants of sensitization potency, in particular the relatively high predictive value found for chemical reactivity data and the relatively low predictive value for bioavailability parameters. As it stands at present the Bayesian approach does not utilize the full range of predictive capability that is already available, and aims only to assign potency categories rather than numerical potency values per se. In contrast, for many chemicals the QMM approach can already provide numerical potency predictions. However, the Bayesian approach may have potential for those chemicals where a chemistry modeling approach cannot provide a complete answer (e.g. pro‐electrophiles whose in cutaneo activation cannot currently be modeled confidently). Nonetheless, our main message is of the importance of leveraging chemistry insights and read‐across approaches to the fullest extent possible. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land Tenure Policy and Practice in Botswana Governance Lessons for Southern Africa

Like other countries in the region, Botswana inherited a dual system of statutory and customary tenure at independence. Despite the contrasting characteristics of these two systems, it has developed a robust land administration, which has greatly contributed to good governance and economic progress. Its land tenure policy has been described as one of careful change, responding to particular needs with specific tenure innovations. Botswana continues to adapt its land administration, based on customary rights and values, to a rapidly urbanizing economy and expanding land market. Its approach is of interest because it is finding solutions to problems that continue to elude its neighbours.
The Lower Secondary School Pupils’ Attitudes Toward and Knowledge About Water Birds

Background: The water birds are inseparable part of the environment and ecosystems. This group of birds has got an important role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems make them sensitive indicators of the health of these environments. Material and methods: The main aim of the study was to find out the attitudes toward and knowledge about water birds among lower secondary school pupils. The partial aims was to find out the influence of demographic variables like gender, grade, residence and the ownership of pet on the attitudes toward and knowledge about water birds. The sample size consisted of 340 lower secondary school pupils from Czech Republic. The obtained data were analyzed by the methods of descriptive (mean score), inferential (analysis of variance) and also multidimensional statistics (factor analysis). Results: The gender and grade level of pupils had got significant level on knowledge. All observed variables had got significant level on the attitudes toward water birds. And the relationship between knowledge and attitudes was negative. Conclusions: The implications to educational practice are discussed.
NADPH‐diaphorase neurons in the retina of the hamster

NADPH‐diaphorase‐positive neurons have been demonstrated in the inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer of the retina of different mammalian species, but so far no experiments have been conducted to identify whether these cells are amacrine cells and/or retinal ganglion cells. We attempted to solve this problem by studying the NADPH‐diaphorase‐positive neurons in the hamster retina.
Spatial Expression Patterns and Biochemical Properties Distinguish a Second myo-Inositol Monophosphatase IMPA2 from IMPA1*

Lithium is used in the clinical treatment of bipolar disorder, a disease where patients suffer mood swings between mania and depression. Although the mode of action of lithium remains elusive, a putative primary target is thought to be inositol monophosphatase (IMPase) activity. Two IMPase genes have been identified in mammals, the well characterized myo-inositol monophosphatase 1 (IMPA1) and myo-inositol monophosphatase 2 (IMPA2). Several lines of genetic evidence have implicated IMPA2 in the pathogenesis of not only bipolar disorder but also schizophrenia and febrile seizures. However, little is known about the protein, although it is predicted to have lithium-inhibitable IMPase activity based on its homology to IMPA1. Here we present the first biochemical study comparing the enzyme activity of IMPA2 to that of IMPA1. We demonstrate that in vivo, IMPA2 forms homodimers but no heterodimers with IMPA1. Recombinant IMPA2 exhibits IMPase activity, although maximal activity requires higher concentrations of magnesium and a higher pH. IMPA2 shows significantly lower activity toward myo-inositol monophosphate than IMPA1. We therefore screened for additional substrates that could be more efficiently dephosphorylated by IMPA2, but failed to find any. Importantly, when using myo-inositol monophosphate as a substrate, the IMPase activity of IMPA2 was inhibited at high lithium and restricted magnesium concentrations. This kinetics distinguishes it from IMPA1. We also observed a characteristic pattern of differential expression between IMPA1 and IMPA2 in a selection of tissues including the brain, small intestine, and kidney. These data suggest that IMPA2 has a separate function in vivo from that of IMPA1.
Servant Leadership: An Effective Leadership Model for Achieving Optimal Productivity

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational research study was to determine if, and to what degree, a positive correlation existed between servant leadership behaviors displayed in a for-profit distribution center environment and individual worker productivity. Two research questions guided the study: (1) is there a positive correlation between servant leadership behaviors displayed in a for-profit distribution center environment and levels of individual worker productivity? And, (2) is there a positive correlation between each of the six subscales of servant leadership behavior (values people, develops people, builds community, displays authenticity, provides leadership, shares leadership) and levels of individual worker productivity in a distribution center environment? The theoretical foundation was the servant leadership model. A total of 133 employees representing three high-performing distribution centers of a national supply chain company completed the Organizational Leadership Assessment (OLA) survey. Individual productivity was calculated using the Total Productivity Model (TPM). Results from the regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between participants’ individual productivity scores and overall servant leadership behavior (R = .628, R2 = .395, F(1, 131) = 85.486, p < . 001). Additionally, results from the multiple regression analysis indicated there was a significant multivariate relationship between participants’ individual productivity and the subscale value people (R = .707, R2 = .500, F(6, 126) = 21.020, p < . 001). While the study revealed a positive and significant correlation between the study variables, further research should determine if the relationships are causal.
Optimal source codes for geometrically distributed integer alphabets (Corresp.)

An approach is shown for using the Huffman algorithm indirectly to prove the optimality of a code for an infinite alphabet if an estimate concerning the nature of the code can be made. Attention is given to nonnegative integers with a geometric probability assignment. The particular distribution considered arises in run-length coding and in encoding protocol information in data networks. Questions of redundancy of the optimal code are also investigated.
Structure and short-time dynamics of polydisperse charge-stabilized suspensions.

In this work we investigate the equilibrium structure and short-time dynamics of moderately concentrated suspensions of polydisperse charged silica particles immersed in a nearly optically matched solvent. We measure the static structure factor ${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{M}}$(q) and the first cumulant of the intensity autocorrelation function with static and dynamic light-scattering techniques. From these two quantities we obtain the hydrodynamic function ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{M}}$(q) containing the configuration-averaged effects of the hydrodynamic interactions on the short-time dynamics. The experimental results for ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{M}}$(q) compare favorably with theoretical calculations based on recent work by N\"agele et al. [Phys. Rev. E 47, 2562 (1993); Phys. Rep. (to be published)]. We show that both hydrodynamic interactions and polydispersity significantly affect the short-time dynamics even at small volume fractions. At small wave numbers hydrodynamic interactions slow the initial decay of the intensity autocorrelation function, whereas near the position of the principal peak of ${\mathit{S}}_{\mathit{M}}$(q) the decay rate is enhanced. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Firefighting and mental health: Experiences of repeated exposure to trauma.

BACKGROUND Firefighters must be ready to respond to a broad range of emergencies every duty day. In the course of many of these emergencies, firefighters witness events which have the potential to induce emotional trauma, such as badly injured people, deceased children, and individuals who are highly distraught. Previous research suggests that repeated exposure to these traumas (RET) may have negative impacts on the emotional and mental health of fire service personnel. Research on the mental health of firefighters has been limited to small surveys reporting the prevalence of specific mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among firefighters. OBJECTIVE Despite the likelihood that RET leads to negative outcomes in firefighters, data is lacking on how exposure impacts fire service personnel. The current study examines the experiences of firefighters related to RET. METHODS Using formative research methods, we examined the beliefs and experiences of firefighters and administrators from across the United States regarding the impact of RET on firefighter health. RESULTS Study findings highlight the cumulative psychological toll of repeated exposure to traumatic events including desensitization, flashbacks, and irritability. CONCLUSION Results of the current study suggest that RET is a significant concern for emergency responders that warrants additional research and attention. It is likely that the long term consequences of RET are closely intertwined with other mental health outcomes and general well-being of this important occupational group.
Personal Hair Dye Use and Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review and Evaluation of Exposure Assessment in Studies Published Since 1992

Hair dyes are widely used, and permanent hair dye is the most commonly used type of product. Permanent hair dye colors are formed by an oxidative process involving arylamines, giving rise to concerns about the potential adverse health effects of long-term exposure, especially cancer. A 1993 International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) review concluded that evidence was inadequate to evaluate the carcinogenicity of personal hair dye use. This systematic review synthesizes the results from studies of personal hair dye use and cancer published since 1993, taking into consideration the quality of exposure assessment. Thirty-one English-language articles published in January 1992–February 2005 that investigated the association between personal hair dye use and cancer were identified through the PubMed search engine. Quality of exposure assessment was rated between 1+ (lowest quality: assessed ever use of hair dyes) and 4+ (highest quality: assessed dye type [permanent/nonpermanent], dye color/shade, frequency and duration of use). Because of the heterogeneity of the exposure assessment across the studies, a formal meta-analysis was not conducted. Associations between personal hair dye use and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia, and bladder cancer were observed in at least one well-designed study with detailed exposure assessment (rated 3+ or 4+), but were not consistently observed across studies. Results for bladder cancer studies suggest that subsets of the population may be genetically susceptible to hair dye exposures, but these findings are based on small subgroups in one well-designed case-control study. Replication of these findings is needed to determine whether the reported associations are real or spurious.
Musical pitch of two-tone complexes and predictions by modern pitch theories.

Most studies of the musical pitch of harmonic tone complexes have utilized signals comparing two or more successive harmonics. The present study provides systematic data on melodic interval recognition by three musically experienced subjects with sounds whose missing fundamentals were represented by two nonsuccessive harmonics nf0,(n + m)f0, delivered to separate ears. Data were obtained in the ranges 1 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 9, 2 less than or equal to m less than or equal to 4, and 200 Hz less than or equal to f0 less than or equal to 1000 Hz. The data are interpreted in the light of three theories, the "optimum processor theory," the "virtual pitch theory," and the "pattern transformation theory. " For each theory, a constraint on preformance is proposed based on interference between the "analytic" and "synthetic" pitch perception modes. The former is obtained with large spacings between harmonics, where listeners are more likely to perceive harmonics as individual tones, each having their own pitch. This degrades the listener's ability to hear the fundamental pitch.
Gene polymorphisms and related risk factors in Mongolian hypertensive stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES To identify susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms causing prevailing essential hypertension complicating stroke in the Mongolian population. METHODS This study was carried out at the Beijing Huada Genome Company, Beijing, and the Clinical Testing Center of Inner Mongolia Medical College, Hohhot, P.R. China from March to November 2005, and included 96 patients with hypertension (control group) with an average age of 53 +/- 11 years, and 68 patients with hypertensive stroke with an average age of 60 +/- 10 years. The gene polymorphisms were examined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique and the Sequenom system, and analyzed by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS Logistic multiple regression analysis revealed significant differences between the groups for age and smoking. Genotypes and allele gene frequencies were not significantly different between the groups. The significant incidence risks were p = 0.011, odds ration (OR) = 3.182 for the ACE DD genotype, p = 0.038, OR = 6.179 for the CYP CT genotype, and p = 0.042, OR = 6.089 for the CYP TT genotype. All the other genotypes did not significantly correlate to hypertension and hypertensive stroke. CONCLUSION The ACE DD, CYP CT andTT genotypes are candidates for hypertension complicating stroke in the Mongolian population. The risk of disease was lowest among the ACE II and CYP CC genotypes.
Control of corruption, democratic accountability, and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS official development assistance

Background Despite continued global efforts, HIV/AIDS outcomes in developing countries have not made much progress. Poor governance in recipient countries is often seen as one of the reasons for ineffectiveness of aid efforts to achieve stated objectives and desired outcomes. Objective This study examines the impact of two important dimensions of governance – control of corruption and democratic accountability – on the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS official development assistance. Design An empirical analysis using dynamic panel Generalized Method of Moments estimation was conducted on 2001–2010 datasets. Results Control of corruption and democratic accountability revealed an independent effect and interaction with the amount of HIV/AIDS aid on incidence of HIV/AIDS, respectively, while none of the two governance variables had a significant effect on HIV/AIDS prevalence. Specifically, in countries with accountability level below −2.269, aid has a detrimental effect on incidence of HIV/AIDS. Conclusion The study findings suggest that aid programs need to be preceded or at least accompanied by serious efforts to improve governance in recipient countries and that democratic accountability ought to receive more critical attention.