Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of laboratory stressors on glycemic control and gastrointestinal transit time.

&NA; This study compared effects of an active coping task (computerized stressors involving arithmetic, anagrams, and Atari games) and a passive coping task (cold pressor) on gastrointestinal transit time and glycemic response to an oral glucose load. Eleven normal weight males were studied; subjects participated in three counterbalanced sessions, each including a 45‐minute baseline, 20‐minute experimental period (active coping, passive coping, or nonstress control) and 2.5‐hour recovery period. The stressors produced different cardiovascular and catecholamine responses; systolic and diastolic blood pressure were highest during cold pressor (p less than 0.001), heart rate was highest during computer stressor (p less than 0.001), and norepinephrine excretion was greatest during cold pressor (p less than 0.002). However, both stressors delayed gastrointestinal transit time compared with the control condition (p less than 0.009 and p less than 0.026 for cold pressor and computerized stressor, respectively) and both delayed the time of peak glucose response (p less than 0.002 and p less than 0.05, respectively). Implications of these findings for patients with diabetes and for effects of stress on eating behavior are discussed.
Should we explore the clinical utility of hormesis?

The idea that low-dose adaptive effects as described in hormesis can be used clinically has been discussed for hundreds if not thousands of years. Paracelsus famous adage that `the dose makes the poison' and the common folk saying that one can be cured by `the hair of the dog that bit you' speak to this idea. So why has so little research been done on the possible clinical utility of hormesis? What areas of clinical hormesis seem to be the most promising to explore? This article examines these concepts and proposes some initial areas or research where the possible utility of hormeiss might be investigated.
Traditional Ojibwa Religion and Its Historical Changes

Histoire des Ojibwa. Les missions chretiennes et les reponses des Ojibwa a celles-ci (resistance| conversions| desintegration de la religion traditionnelle). Les notions ojibwa de personne, de vie et de mort. Cultes et croyances, esprits. Mythes de creation. Cycle ceremoniels. Activites et rituels visionnaires. Conceptions de la sante, de la maladie| medecine. Pouvoir et chefs religieux. La societe secrete Midwiwin (Grande Medecine). Differents mouvements religieux (Wabeno, prophetisme shawnee, Dream dance, Ghost danse, Peyotisme.). Crise religieuse actuelle.
Human galectin‐3 interacts with two anticancer drugs

Human galectin‐3 (hGal‐3) is a mammalian lectin involved in regulation of RNA splicing, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Multimerized extracellular hGal‐3 is thought to crosslink cells by binding to glycoproteins and glycosylated cancer antigens on the cell surface or extracellular matrix. Fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism were used to study the interaction of hGal‐3 with two anticancer agents: bohemine and Zn porphyrin (ZnTPPS4). The dissociation constant (kD) for binding of bohemine with hGal‐3 was kD 0.23±0.05 μM. The hyperbolic titration curve indicated the presence of a single bohemine binding site. The binding of ZnTPPS4 to hGal‐3 (with and without lactose) is of high affinity having kD=0.18–0.20 μM and is not inhibited by lactose, indicating that ZnTPPS4 and carbohydrate bind different sites. Circular dichroism spectra of the hGal‐3 complexes suggested that the binding of the hydrophobic compounds changed the hGal‐3 secondary structure. In summary, we show that two compounds with anticancer activity, bohemine and ZnTPPS4, have high affinity for hGal‐3 at a site that is distinct from its carbohydrate site. Since hGal‐3 binds to several carbohydrate cancer antigens, the results suggest that it may have utility in the targeted delivery of drugs for cancer.
Determination of histopathological tumor grade in neuroepithelial brain tumors by using spectral pattern analysis of in vivo spectroscopic data.

OBJECT In this study, 1H magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy was prospectively tested as a reliable method for presurgical grading of neuroepithelial brain tumors. METHODS Using a database of tumor spectra obtained in patients with histologically confirmed diagnoses, 94 consecutive untreated patients were studied using single-voxel 1H spectroscopy (point-resolved spectroscopy; TE 135 msec, TE 135 msec, TR 1500 msec). A total of 90 tumor spectra obtained in patients with diagnostic 1H MR spectroscopy examinations were analyzed using commercially available software (MRUI/VARPRO) and classified using linear discriminant analysis as World Health Organization (WHO) Grade I/II, WHO Grade III, or WHO Grade IV lesions. In all cases, the classification results were matched with histopathological diagnoses that were made according to the WHO classification criteria after serial stereotactic biopsy procedures or open surgery. Histopathological studies revealed 30 Grade I/II tumors, 29 Grade III tumors, and 31 Grade IV tumors. The reliability of the histological diagnoses was validated considering a minimum postsurgical follow-up period of 12 months (range 12-37 months). Classifications based on spectroscopic data yielded 31 tumors in Grade I/II, 32 in Grade III, and 27 in Grade IV. Incorrect classifications included two Grade II tumors, one of which was identified as Grade III and one as Grade IV; two Grade III tumors identified as Grade II; two Grade III lesions identified as Grade IV; and six Grade IV tumors identified as Grade III. Furthermore, one glioblastoma (WHO Grade IV) was classified as WHO Grade I/II. This represents an overall success rate of 86%, and a 95% success rate in differentiating low-grade from high-grade tumors. CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy is a reliable technique for grading neuroepithelial brain tumors.
P0‐Cre Transgenic Mice for Inactivation of Adhesion Molecules in Schwann Cells

ABSTRACT: Normal peripheral nerve myelination depends on Schwann cell‐basal lamina interactions. An important component of Schwann cell basal lamina is laminin‐predominantly laminins 2 and 4. Mutations in the alpha 2 chain common to these two isoforms are associated with dysmyelination in mouse (dy) and man (congenital muscular dystrophy). Thus, laminin 2 and 4 receptors are also likely to be important for myelin formation. Several laminin 2/4 receptors are detected at the basal lamina surface of myelin‐forming Schwann cells, namely, α6β4 and α6β1 integrins and dystroglycan. The evidence linking these receptors to myelination is suggestive, but not conclusive. Genetic studies have not yet confirmed a role for these molecules in myelin formation. Natural or targeted inactivation of α6, β4, and β1 integrins and of dystroglycan have profound effects on other tissues causing embryonic or perinatal death before myelination. Therefore, to conditionally inactivate these receptors specifically in myelin‐forming Schwann cells, we have constructed and initially characterized a P0‐Cre transgene that activates Cre‐mediated recombination of loxP‐containing genes in peripheral nerve.
An outbreak of influenza in a residential drug‐rehabilitation community

Influenza outbreaks can be difficult to control in confined settings where high‐risk individuals are concentrated. Following the occurrence of a large number of cases of influenza‐like illness in a rehabilitation community for drug users, between February and March 2004, surveillance activities were implemented. Attack rates of influenza‐like illness were calculated, and risk factors for the development of disease and complications were evaluated through the use of relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Nasal‐pharyngeal samples were collected for virological studies. Of 1,310 persons who were living in the community, 209 were diagnosed with influenza‐like illness: the attack rate (15.9% overall) was higher for HIV‐infected persons (RR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.32–2.37), older individuals, and dormitory residents. HIV‐infected participants were also more likely to develop complications compared with HIV‐uninfected persons diagnosed with influenza‐like illness (RR: 5.13, 95% CI: 2.52–10.20). The outbreak was attributable to Christchurch‐like influenza A strains. Vaccination was ineffective because of the mismatch between wild and vaccine strains. J. Med. Virol. 78:1218–1222, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fixation with Poly-L-lactide Screws in Hip Osteotomies

The purpose of our study was to investigate the bone union rates and complication rates, including breakage of screws, infection, and osteolysis, in hip osteotomies using poly-L-lactic screws. We prospectively followed up 111 hips in 100 patients using conventional radiography, in which 81 rotational acetabular osteotomies, 26 Chiari pelvic osteotomies, and four Sugioka's transtrochanteric osteotomies were performed. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 34 years, and the mean followup was 5.4 years. Eighty-one osteotomized acetabula and 98 osteotomized greater trochanters were fixed using poly-L-lactic screws. These hips were compared with 64 hips in 58 patients using metallic screws. Bone union was achieved in 80 of the 81 acetabular osteotomies, except in one hip with postoperative deep infection. Proximal displacement of the greater trochanter because of poly-L-lactic screw breakage occurred in six (6%) hips. None of the metallic screws broke. Osteolysis occurred in one hip with a trochanteric osteotomy using poly-L-lactic screws. Poly-L-lactic screws are suitable to transfix the osteotomized acetabulum, but there is some risk of fracture when used to reattach an osteotomized greater trochanter. Complete bone ingrowth in the screw channels cannot be expected for several years after insertion. Osteolysis is a possible complication.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level II (prospective comparative study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Metabolic Syndrome in Childhood from Impaired Carbohydrate Metabolism to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Compelling evidence supports the concept that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Intrahepatic fat seems to predict more strongly than does visceral adiposity an individual's cardiovascular risk and the likelihood that metabolic abnormalities are present in youth. Key teaching points: • Overweight and obese youth should be screened for fatty liver disease once after puberty by liver function tests and ultrasonography. • Screening for fatty liver should be accurately performed in young patients with features of metabolic syndrome. • Obese patients with fatty liver are at increased risk for altered glucose metabolism, thus they should undergo an oral glucose tolerance test. • A nutritional and behavioral intervention aimed at achieving a permanent change of the lifestyle in patients and their parents is recommended.
Development of a stress scale for mental health professionals.

This paper describes the development of the Mental Health Professionals Stress Scale (MHPSS): a self-report method of identifying sources of stress for mental health professionals. The 42-item scale, which includes seven subscales, was administered to 154 clinical psychologists and 111 mental health nurses. The MHPSS was found to have good internal consistency (alpha = .87 for clinical psychologists; alpha = .94 for mental health nurses). The preliminary evidence suggests that the concurrent validity of the MHPSS is good. The expected relationships between the scale and between the criterion measures--General Health Questionnaire, a symptom check list, job satisfaction, self-reported stress level and quality of social support--were demonstrated. The results also provide evidence for the discriminant validity of the subscales to measure different aspects of the stress experience. The MHPSS was shown to discriminate between two groups of health professionals who might be expected to differ in their sources of stress. For clinical psychologists the most important source of stress was 'professional self-doubt' whereas the major source of stress for mental health nurses was found to be the difficulty of handling potentially violent or difficult patients in the context of scarce staff resources. For both groups, however, 'home-work conflict' was the subscale most strongly and consistently associated with mental health outcome. It is concluded that the preliminary evidence regarding the utility of the MHPSS is encouraging, although further data are clearly needed.
Subjective Well-Being in Older Chinese and Korean Immigrants in the United States: Effects of Self-Rated Health and Employment Status

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of association between self-rated health and employment status on subjective well-being among older Chinese and Korean immigrants in the United States. Data were collected from 171 Chinese and 205 Korean older adult immigrants living in Los Angeles County. The primary variables included demographic data, subjective index of well-being, self-rated health, and employment status. Data support the association between self-rated health and subjective well-being for both groups. Employment, education, and age were associated with the level of subjective well-being only for older Korean immigrants. Similarities and differences were noted in these two Asian American subgroups. Findings suggest the need to develop health promotion services for both populations and employment opportunities targeted more so for Korean older immigrants to further support their subjective well-being. Results may have implications for other for older immigrants.
Non-emptiness of the alpha-core

We prove non-emptiness of the alpha-core for balanced games with non-ordered preferences, extending and generalizing in several aspects the results of Scarf (1971), Border (1984), Florenzano (1989), Yannelis (1991) and Kajii (1992). In particular we answer an open question in Kajii (1992) regarding the applicability of the non-emptiness results to models with infinite dimensional strategy spaces. We provide two models with Knightian and voting preferences for which the results of Scarf (1971) and Kajii (1992) cannot be applied while our non-emptiness result applies.
Physical and biological properties of U.S. standard endotoxin EC after exposure to ionizing radiation

Techniques that reduce the toxicity of bacterial endotoxins are useful for studying the relationship between structure and biological activity. We used ionizing radiation to detoxify a highly refined endotoxin preparation. U.S. standard endotoxin EC. Dose-dependent changes occurred by exposure to 60Co-radiation in the physical properties and biological activities of the endotoxin. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis showed gradual loss of the polysaccharide components (O-side chain and R-core) from the endotoxin molecules. In contrast, although endotoxin revealed a complex absorption pattern in the UV range, radiation treatment failed to modify that pattern. Dose-related destruction of the primary toxic component, lipid A, was suggested by the results of activity tests: both the pyrogenicity and limulus reactivity of the endotoxin were destroyed by increasing doses of radiation. The results indicate that the detoxification is probably due to multiple effects of the ionizing radiation on bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and the action involves (i) the destruction of polysaccharide moieties and possibly (ii) the alteration of lipid A component of the endotoxin molecule.
Mutation screening of Cx32 in Han Chinese patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the Cx32 mutation features and the clinical manifestations of Chinese patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease(CMT). METHODS Twenty-four of 65 unrelated CMT patients were selected for Cx32 mutation screening after the exclusion of the CMT1A 1.5 Mb duplication and male-to-male transmission. The motor and sensory nerve conduction studies were performed in all probands and most of their affected family members to establish the clinical CMT1 ,CMT2 or CMT intermediate diagnosis. The presence of mutations in the coding region of Cx32 was detected by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis combined with direct sequencing. RESULTS We found 7 different point mutations in the coding region of Cx32 in a total of 7 families. All the patients were mildly to moderately affected with a clinical CMT1 or CMT intermediate diagnosis. The mutation Arg15Gln was inherited with X-linked recessive trait in family 1 involved in our study. The Arg75Trp mutation was detected in a family with X-linked dominant CMT and autosomal recessive nonsydromic hearing loss. The clinical phenotype of the Thr188Ala mutation was firstly reported. CONCLUSION Seven different Cx32 point mutations were detected and the percentage of Chinese CMT families with Cx32 mutation is about 10% in our study. The inheritance model of CMT secondary to Cx32 mutation could be X-linked dominant, X-linked recessive or sporadic. Male patients are usually more severely affected than females with slower nerve conduction velocities. Cx32 mutation screening should be firstly performed in those CMT families without male-to-male transmission and CMT1A duplication.
THE ORBIT OF THE L DWARF + T DWARF SPECTRAL BINARY SDSS J080531.84+481233.0

SDSS J080531.84+481233.0 is a closely separated, very-low-mass (VLM) binary identified through combined-light spectroscopy and confirmed as an astrometric variable. Here we report four years of radial velocity monitoring observations of the system that reveal significant and periodic variability, confirming the binary nature of the source. We infer an orbital period of 2.02 ± 0.03 years, a semimajor axis of 0.76 au, and an eccenticity of 0.46 ± 0.05, consistent with the amplitude of astrometric variability and prior attempts to resolve the system. Folding in constraints based on the spectral types of the components (L4 ± 0.7 and T5.5 ± 1.1), corresponding effective temperatures, and brown dwarf evolutionary models, we further constrain the orbital inclination of this system to be nearly edge-on (90° ± 19°), and deduce a large system mass ratio (M2/M1 = ), substellar components (M1 = M☉, M2 = M☉), and a relatively old system age (minimum age = Gyr). The measured projected rotational velocity of the primary ( = 34.1 ± 0.7 km s−1) implies that this inactive source is a rapid rotator (period ≲ 3 hr) and a viable system for testing spin–orbit alignment in VLM multiples. Robust model-independent constraints on the component masses may be possible through measurement of the reflex motion of the secondary at wavelengths in which it contributes a greater proportion of the combined luminence, while the system may also be resolvable through sparse-aperature mask interferometry with adaptive optics. The combination of well-determined component atmospheric properties and masses near and/or below the hydrogen minimum mass make SDSS J0805+4812AB an important system for future tests of brown dwarf evolutionary models.
Interleukin-6 and chemokines in the neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE To define the cytokine and chemokine profile in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). METHODS Forty-two SLE patients who had been hospitalized because of NP manifestations were studied. Patients were evaluated at hospitalization and 6 months later; a CSF sample was obtained at each evaluation. As controls, CSF from 6 SLE patients with septic meningitis, 16 SLE patients with no history of NP manifestations (non-NPSLE), and 25 patients with nonautoimmune diseases were also studied. Soluble molecules, including cytokines (interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFalpha], and interferon-gamma [IFNgamma]) and chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein 1 [MCP-1], RANTES, IL-8, monokine induced by IFNgamma [MIG], and interferon-gamma-inducible 10-kd protein [IP-10]), were measured with the use of cytometric bead array kits. RESULTS CSF levels of the following molecules were significantly increased in NPSLE patients as compared with non-NPSLE and nonautoimmune diseases control patients, respectively: IL-6 (32.7 versus 3.0 and 2.96 pg/ml), IL-8 (102.8 versus 29.97 and 19.7 pg/ml), IP-10 (888.2 versus 329.7 [P not significant] and 133.6 pg/ml), RANTES (3.8 versus 2.5 and 2.2 pg/ml), MCP-1 (401.7 versus 257.9 [P not significant] and 136.9 pg/ml), and MIG (35.4 versus 11.4 and 3.5 pg/ml). Low levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNFalpha, and IFNgamma were found in all groups. All cytokines and chemokines, except TNFalpha, were significantly higher among the SLE patients with septic meningitis than among the NPSLE patients. Six months later and in the absence of NP manifestations, all elevated molecule levels, except RANTES, in patients with NPSLE had decreased significantly, and no differences were noted between the NPSLE and non-NPSLE groups. CONCLUSION A central nervous system response composed of IL-6 and chemokines, but not Th1/Th2 cytokines, is associated with NP manifestations in SLE patients.
Signature analysis for sequential circuits with reset

When test responses are compacted, even some erroneous response sequences can lead to the error-free signature. This phenomenon of aliasing has been studied thoroughly using the assumption that errors in successive responses are statistically independent. In this paper signature analysis and aliasing are investigated for the test responses of sequential circuits with reset where errors can be correlated both in space and time. The probability of aliasing in a signature analyzer with an irreducible characteristic polynomial of degree k tends to 2/sup /spl minus/k/ as test lengths increase. <<ETX>>
A theoretical and experimental appraisal of four risk elicitation methods

The paper performs an in-depth comparison of four incentivised risk elicitation tasks. We show by means of a simulation exercise that part of the often observed heterogeneity of estimates across tasks is due to task-specific measurement error induced by the mere mechanics of the tasks. We run a replication experiment in a homogeneous subject pool using a between subjects one-shot design. Results shows that the task estimates vary over and above what can be explained by the simulations. We investigate the possibility the tasks elicit different types of preferences, rather than simply provide a different measure of the same preferences. In particular, the availability of a riskless alternative plays a prominent role helping to explain part of the differences in the estimated preferences.