Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease: defining cure and following outcome *

biochemical tests used for diagnosis can only be assessed in terms of sensitivity for the presence of Cushing’s disease. In this respect, the results of the low-dose dexamethasonesuppression test (96‐97%) and urinary free cortisol estimations (UFC) (100%) are in keeping with published data (Newell-Price et al., 1998). It should be remembered, however, that UFC measurements have a relatively low specificity, being frequently elevated in other conditions such as the polycystic ovarian syndrome and depression. Interestingly, the Newcastle data indicate very good results from high-dose dexamethasone testing: 31/32 and 30/33 of patients tested suppressed UFC or serum cortisol by more than 50%, giving sensitivities of 96% and 90%. This is better than other larger series, but it is conceivable that the sensitivity might decrease as more patients are investigated. Caution should be applied to the interpretation of the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) tests reported in these studies as the numbers of patients who had the tests are small, and in the Oxford series it is unclear as to how many patients received human sequence or ovine sequence CRH. This is important as the responses to these peptides differ quantitatively, and response criteria derived for one peptide are not necessarily applicable to the other. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) was used infrequently in both series and this may explain the relatively poor results reported here for this investigation. Analysis of large series data indicates that BIPSS is the most reliable discriminator between pituitary and ectopic origins of ACTH secretion, with an overall sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 100% when performed on patients in the hypercortisolaemic state (Oldfield et al., 1991; Kaltsas et al., 1999; Newell-Price et al.,1998). In the immediate surgical period there was only one death in total (from a myocardial infarct in the larger Oxford series), confirming the relative safety of transsphenoidal surgery. The incidence of other serious complications was low. Differences between the series include a better outcome if a tumour was identified both on imaging and histologically in the Newcastle series, whilst identification on imaging made no difference in the Oxford series. Macroadenomas recurred more frequently than microadenomas in the Oxford series, a difference not noted in the Newcastle series, and whilst increased surgical experience over time improved outcome in Oxford, in Newcastle the outcome was similar regardless of time cohort analysed. In both series, the incidence of other long-term pituitary dysfunction postoperatively is higher than that
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTAL DIMENSIONS AND PROBLEMATIC INTERNET USE AMONG YOUNG ADOLESCENTS

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between parental dimensions, estimated by children and problematic Internet use among young adolescents. The study also examined the relationship between parental control of their children's online activities and problematic Internet use. For this purpose, 218 eighth and ninth graders completed a questionnaire composed of general data and data on Internet use, devised by the authors, as well as Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (Young, 1998a), and Children's Reports of parental Behavior Inventory (CRPBI-57) (Kerestes, 1999). The results showed a statistically signifi cant negative connection between the acceptance by mothers and father and problematic Internet use among young adolescents. As predicted, we found a statistically signifi cant positive connection between psychological control by the mother and father and problematic Internet use. We found no positive connection between behavioral control of the mother and father and problematic Internet use. There was no statistical signifi cance in Young's revised Internet Addiction Test scoring in adolescents, pertaining to the degree of controlled Internet use by parents.
Chemical and Immunological Characterization of Oxidative Nonenzymatic Protein Modifications in Dialysis Fluids

← Background Glucose degradation products (GDP) in dialysis fluids may induce nonenzymatic protein modifications, the chemical nature and biological properties of which should be better defined. ← Aims To characterize nonenzymatic protein modifications present in glucose-based peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) and to evaluate the relationship between concentrations of GDP and the derived nonenzymatic modifications, and the potential of PDF for generating these modifications in vitro. ← Methods The presence, distribution, and content of several nonenzymatic protein modifications in PDF were evaluated by immunological methods, by HPLC, and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Peritoneal dialysis fluid-induced oxidative stress in cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. The potential of PDF for generating oxidative and glycoxidative modifications was examined by immunological and cross-linking analyses. ← Results The albumin present in PDF is modified by carboxymethyllysine (CML). GC/MS analyses of PDF proteins confirmed the presence of CML and demonstrated the occurrence of carboxyethyllysine, malondialdehyde lysine, and oxidation-derived semialdehydes. Furthermore, their concentrations in PDF proteins were significantly higher than those in plasma proteins (in all cases, p < 0.02). The concentration of pyrraline, a non-oxidative advanced glycation end-product, increased with dwell time up to 6 hours (p < 0.03). The PDF induced cellular free-radical production, which was partially inhibited by the Maillard reaction inhibitor aminoguanidine (p < 0.001). The potential to generate oxidative and glycoxidative modifications demonstrated an inverse relationship with dwell time (p < 0.05). The PDF was able to induce collagen cross-linking in a close relationship with GDP concentration. ← Conclusions (1) PDF contains non-oxidative and several oxidative nonenzymatic protein modifications in higher concentrations than plasma. (2) Peritoneal dialysis fluid induces oxidative stress in vitro, which can be partially inhibited by aminoguanidine. (3) These properties are directly related to GDP concentration. (4) Peritoneal dialysis fluid is able to generate glycoxidative and oxidative damage to proteins in vitro in a dwell-time dependent fashion.
Factors Affecting Information Satisfaction in the Context of the Small Business Environment

This study reports an empirical investigation of some of the relationship that exist between organizational characteristics and end-user satisfaction associated with computer-based information systems (CBIS) in small businesses. Eight hypotheses were tested using data collected in a two-phase study of 83 small firms. The major findings show that end-use satisfaction is correlated with the number of systems analysts present within a firm, with the degree of analysis of information requirements, with the level of participation, and with end users' level of computer literacy. In addition, it was found that decentralization of the decision-making process tends to create a need for more effective CBIS. As a result, end-user satisfaction as found to be higher in firms that were less centralized. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the end users and data processing personnel's satisfaction with the CBIS environment.
Safety, immunogenicity, and tolerability of three influenza vaccines in older adults

To determine if newer influenza vaccines can safely improve seroprotection rates of older adults, we compared three licensed trivalent inactivated vaccines (TIVs) in a randomized, controlled trial with evaluator blinding. Participants were non-frail adults ≥ 65 y old, annually TIV-immunized. Study vaccines included intradermal (IDV), MF59-adjuvanted (ADV) and subunit (TIV) formulations of equal potency and strain composition. Blood was obtained before vaccination (V1) and 21 (V2) and 180 d (V3) afterward and tested by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay. Safety diaries were completed daily by participants and specific tolerability questions were posed regarding injections and symptoms. In total, 911 participants were immunized and 887 (97.4%) completed V3. Groups had similar demographics. General symptom rates post-vaccination were similar among groups. Rates of injection site redness after IDV/ADV/TIV were 75%/13%/13% and rates of pain were 29%/38%/20%, respectively, but each vaccine was well tolerated, with symptoms causing little bother. Baseline antibody titers did not differ significantly among groups but B/Brisbane titers were too high for meaningful response assessments. At V2, seroprotection rates (HAI titer ≥ 40) were highest after ADV, the rate advantage over IDV and TIV being significant at 11.8% and 11.4% for H3N2 and 10.2% and 12.5% for H1N1, respectively. At day 180, seroprotection rates had declined ~25% and no longer differed significantly among groups. While IDV and TIV were also well tolerated, ADV induced modestly higher antibody titers in seniors to influenza A strains at 3 weeks but not 6 months post-vaccination. Immune responses to IDV and TIV were similar in this population.
The Association of the Human PM/Scl-75 Autoantigen with the Exosome Is Dependent on a Newly Identified N Terminus*

The exosome is a complex of 3′ → 5′ exoribonucleases that functions in a variety of cellular processes, all concerning the processing or degradation of RNA. Paradoxically, the previously described cDNA for the human autoantigenic exosome subunit PM/Scl-75 (Alderuccio, F., Chan, E. K., and Tan, E. M. (1991) J. Exp. Med. 173, 941–952) encodes a polypeptide that failed to interact with the exosome complex. Here, we describe the cloning of a more complete cDNA for PM/Scl-75 encoding 84 additional amino acids at its N terminus. We show that only the longer polypeptide is able to associate with the exosome complex. This interaction is most likely mediated by protein-protein interactions with two other exosome subunits, hRrp46p and hRrp41p, one of which was confirmed in a mammalian two-hybrid system. In addition we show that the putative nuclear localization signal present in the C-terminal region of PM/Scl-75 is sufficient, although not essential for nuclear localization of the protein. Moreover, the deletion of this element abrogated the nucleolar accumulation of PM/Scl-75, although its association with the exosome was not disturbed. This suggests that this basic element of PM/Scl-75 plays a role in targeting the exosome to the nucleolus.
A randomized trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with uracil-tegafur for adenocarcinoma of the lung.

BACKGROUND In a previous phase 3 trial of adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer, a combination of uracil and tegafur (often referred to as UFT) taken orally was shown to prolong survival. A subgroup analysis disclosed that most patients who benefited had pathological stage I adenocarcinoma. METHODS We randomly assigned patients with completely resected pathological stage I adenocarcinoma of the lung to receive either oral uracil-tegafur (250 mg of tegafur per square meter of body-surface area per day) for two years or no treatment. Randomization was performed with stratification according to the pathological tumor category (T1 vs. T2), sex, and age. The primary end point was overall survival. RESULTS From January 1994 through March 1997, 999 patients were enrolled. Twenty patients were found to be ineligible and were excluded from the analysis after randomization; 491 patients were assigned to receive uracil-tegafur and 488 were assigned to observation. The median duration of follow-up for surviving patients was 73 months. The difference in overall survival between the two groups was statistically significant in favor of the uracil-tegafur group (P=0.04 by a stratified log-rank test). Grade 3 toxic effects occurred in 10 of the 482 patients (2 percent) who actually received uracil-tegafur. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant chemotherapy with uracil-tegafur improves survival among patients with completely resected pathological stage I adenocarcinoma of the lung.
A research on the relationship between ejaculation and serum testosterone level in men

The purpose of this study is to gain understanding of the relationship between ejaculation and serum testosterone level in men. The serum testosterone concentrations of 28 volunteers were investigated daily during abstinence periods after ejaculation for two phases. The authors found that the fluctuations of testosterone levels from the 2nd to 5th day of abstinence were minimal. On the 7th day of abstinence, however, a clear peak of serum testosterone appeared, reaching 145.7% of the baseline (P<0.01). No regular fluctuation was observed following continuous abstinence after the peak. Ejaculation is the precondition and beginning of the special periodic serum testosterone level variations, which would not occur without ejaculation. The results showed that ejaculation-caused variations were characterized by a peak on the 7th day of abstinence; and that the effective time of anejaculation, is 7 days minimum. These data are the first to document the phenomenon of the periodic change in serum testosterone level; the correlation between ejaculation and periodic change in the serum testosterone level, and the pattern and characteristics of the periodic change.
Association of Antigen-Stimulated Release of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Whole Blood with Response to Chemotherapy in Patients with Pulmonary Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Background: We have previously reported that TNF-α levels correlate to total mycobacterial burden in tuberculosis (TB) patients. Objective: To characterize the dynamics of cytokine responses in TB patients during chemotherapy to identify potential surrogate markers for effective treatment. Methods: Following induction by culture filtrate proteins in whole blood, production patterns of TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ and IL-12 were measured in 23 non-multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB and 16 MDR-TB patients and in 31 healthy controls. Rates of mycobacterial clearance from the sputum were then measured and compared. Results: Prior to the initiation of chemotherapy, TNF-α and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in TB patients than in healthy controls while IFN-γ and IL-12 levels were similar. During chemotherapy, the levels of all 4 cytokines increased. We evaluated these responses separately in patients that did and did not clear their sputum culture at 2 and 6 months. At 2 months, decreases in both IFN-γ and IL-12 correlated strongly with a successful early response, while after 6 months of therapy, when half (7/14) of MDR-TB patients were still sputum culture positive, downregulation of TNF-α was uniquely correlated with sputum conversion between the groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the possibility that the regulation of TNF-α production in whole blood may be a more specific indicator of sputum conversion at 6 months than IFN-γ, IL-12 or IL-10 in MDR-TB patients.
Intermediate Phases in Synthesis of AlPO4-5 Molecular Sieve: A Study of XRD and Raman Spectroscopy

We study the intermediate phases and their evolution during crystallization of Aluminophosphate molecular sieves. In this work, the behaviors of the initial gel and the evolution of the intermediate phases during crystallization of AlPO4-5 molecular sieve using triethylamine as a template have been investigated. It has been shown that in the amorphous aluminophosphate gel phases, template triethylamine does exist in protonated form; and there appear a significant change, formation of 12-member rings of AlPO4-5 structure, during the early stage of crystallization of AlPO4-5. In addition, a proposition to explain the crystallization of AlPO4-5 is also suggested.
Structural change of the acinus during growth assessed by single‐breath tracer gas washouts

In the present investigation we wanted to study the functional and structural development of the acinus, using a vital capacity (VC) single‐breath tracer gas washout test, modified so that the subject inspired helium (He) and sulfurhexafluoride (SF6) in oxygen. We used as indices of ventilation the slopes of N2 (SN2), He (SHe), and SF6 (SSF6) as well as (SSF6 − SHe), which may be considered an index of acinar mixing linked to acinar structure. We studied two populations: Population I—49 children and adolescents (8–18 years of age); and Population II—18 non‐smoking adults (22–48 years of age). Age and vital capacity (VC) were correlated in Population I, but not in Population II. In both populations there was a significant decrease of SN2, SSF6, and SHe as a function of VC. Growth and VC changes were determinants of these decreases in Population I, while only changes in VC were significant determinants in Population II. For each gas, the regression lines of slope versus VC for Populations I and II were not significantly different; we therefore suggest that the decrease in slope in Population I is mainly due to an increase in lung volume during growth. (SSF6 − SHe) was not correlated with VC in Population I and was negatively correlated with VC in Population II (P < 0.01). This discrepancy implies that a child will have a smaller (SSF6 − SHe) than an adult at comparable VC. Since the magnitude of (SSF6 − SHe) values are related to acinar branching asymmetry, our results suggest that asymmetry of the acinus increases with lung growth and maturation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1996; 22:230–235. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Weekly Measurements Accurately Represent Trends in Resting Energy Expenditure in Children

http://pen.sagepub. com/content/32/4/427 The online version of this article can be found at: DOI: 10.1177/0148607108319804 2008 32: 427 JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr Debora Duro, Lori J. Bechard, Henry A. Feldman, Arkady Klykov, Alice O'Leary, Eva C. Guinan and Christopher Duggan Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Weekly Measurements Accurately Represent Trends in Resting Energy Expenditure in Children
PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE Original Studies Mastering the Antegrade Femoral Artery Access in Patients With Symptomatic Lower Limb Ischemia: Learning Curve, Complications, and Technical Tips and Tricks

Background: Antegrade femoral access is fraught by technical challenges and steeper learning curve, in comparison with retrograde contralateral femoral access. We appraised learning curve, complications, and technical aspects inherent in the adoption of antegrade approach. Methods: Consecutive cases in which antegrade access was attempted by a cardiologist experienced in retrograde access, but inexperienced in antegrade, under supervision of an operator with anterograde expertise, were collected. The primary end-point was the occurrence of antegrade access failure or local complications. Major complications were defined as those life-threatening, requiring transfusion, percutaneous, or surgical repair. Results: Anterograde access was attempted in 120 patients. The primary end-point occurred in 14 (11.6%) cases, but according to the learning curve, in 12 (20%) for first 60 cases vs 2 (3.3%) for the last 60 cases (P = 0.008). Access failure in the hands of the in-training operator was similarly found in all cases but one during the first 60 cases. No major complications occurred, while minor complications were found in 9 (7.5%) patients, again with all but two of them occurring in the first 60 cases. These included peri-adventitial extravasation in 8 patients (6.7%), and perforation of a small branch in one (0.8%); all these complications were conservatively and successfully managed. Obesity was the only significant predictor of access failure/complication (P = 0.004). Conclusions: This work, the first to report on the learning curve of the antegrade approach, supports the feasibility and safety of this access site even for an in-training operator, if supervised. A minimum caseload of 60 procedures is likely needed to master this technique. ' 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Network models reveal stability and structural rearrangement of signal recognition particle

The signal recognition particle (SRP) and its receptors (SR) mediate the cotranslational targeting of the membrane and secretory proteins in all cells. In Escherichia coli, SRP is composed of the Ffh protein and the 4.5S SRP RNA. Ffh is a multidomain protein comprising a methionine-rich (M) domain, a helical N domain, and a Ras-like guanine triphosphatase (GTPase) (G) domain. The N and G domains are commonly referred to as one structural unit, the NG domain. In this article, the complex structure of SRP and SR is investigated with the Gaussian network model (GNM) and anisotropic network model (ANM). GNM provides the information of structure stability. It is found that the intermolecular interactions between SRP and SR can obviously decrease the fluctuation of NG domains. Nevertheless, the large structural rearrangement will take place during the cotranslational protein targeting cycle. Hence, the moving directions of fluctuation regions are further ascertained by using cross-correlation analysis and the ANM. The NG domain of Ffh undergoes a clockwise rotation around the GM linker and the M domain of Ffh shows an opposite direction to the NG domain. These functional movements will facilitate the SRP structure to transform into the free form and the sequence-bound form. These simple coarse-grained analyses can be used as a general and quick method for the mechanism studies of protein assembly and supramolecular systems.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO DO CONSUMO DE SUPLEMENTOS NUTRICIONAIS EM PRATICANTES DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA EM ACADEMIAS

Introducao : A procura por suplementos nutricionais esta tornando-se cada vez mais comum entre os frequentadores de academias de ginastica, muitas vezes sem uma orientacao adequada. Objetivo : O objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar o uso de suplementos nutricionais por praticantes de atividade fisica em academias de Ribeirao Preto-SP e seu impacto na composicao corporal. Metodos: Para realizacao da pesquisa foram aplicados questionarios em 102 individuos, do sexo masculino, com idades entre 20 e 40 anos, em 10 academias de ginastica de Ribeirao Preto-SP. Apos o preenchimento do questionario, 30 individuos foram submetidos a avaliacao da composicao corporal e classificados em 3 grupos com 10 individuos: sem consumo de suplementos (GC), consumo exclusivo de suplementos proteicos (GP) e uso de suplementos proteico-energeticos (GPE). Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que 52% utilizam algum tipo de suplemento. A musculacao era praticada por 92% dos entrevistados, sendo o aumento de massa magra, o principal objetivo relatado. A quantidade proteica consumida por meio dos suplementos significava, em media, 47% e 48% respectivamente para GP e GPE, da proteina que seria necessaria por dia, considerando a recomendacao de 1g proteina por quilo de peso corporal. Enquanto o nutricionista e o profissional mais procurado para a orientacao de dietas, o instrutor de musculacao e o profissional mais requisitado pelos alunos para a utilizacao de suplementos. A avaliacao da composicao corporal mostrou percentual de massa magra e percentual de gordura corporal semelhantes entre os que faziam ou nao uso de suplementos. Conclusao : O consumo de suplementos pelos frequentadores de academias e elevado, muitas vezes sem uma orientacao especializada e adequada, e pelos metodos utilizados nao se verificou diferenca na composicao corporal com a utilizacao destes produtos.
A New Strategy for Customer Engagement: How Do French Firms Use Social CRM?

A company is no longer only focused on winning market share or increasing demand, but also on customer relationships, engagement and retention. The idea of improving relationships with customers by using social media is called social customer relationship management (SCRM). The objective of this exploratory research is to define a grid of analysis of a SCRM strategy. To do so, a double analysis was conducted: a qualitative research on CAC 40 French firms and a quantitative survey on customer’s perception of SCRM. Results show that most of the French top companies are not considering SCRM as much as customers (generation Y) want them to.