Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significant evidence for linkage of mite-sensitive childhood asthma to chromosome 5q31-q33 near the interleukin 12 B locus by a genome-wide search in Japanese families.

Childhood-onset asthma is frequently found in association with atopy. Although asthmatic children may develop IgE antibodies against variety of allergens, asthma is associated primarily with allergy to house-dust mites, molds, or other allergens. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide linkage search in 47 Japanese families (197 members) with more than two mite-sensitive atopic asthmatics (65 affected sib-pairs) using 398 markers. Multipoint linkage analysis was carried out for atopic asthma as a qualitative trait using the MAPMAKER/SIB program. We observed significant evidence for linkage with maximum lod scores (MLS) of 4.8 near the interleukin 12 B gene locus on chromosome 5q31-q33. In addition, suggestive evidence on 4q35 with MLS = 2.7 and on 13q11 with MLS = 2.4 was obtained. The other possible linkage regions included 6p22-p21.3 (MLS = 2.1), 12q21-q23 (MLS = 1.9), and 13q14.1-q14.3 (MLS = 2.0). Many of the linkage loci suggested in this study were at or close to those suggested by genome-wide studies for asthma in Caucasian populations. The present study suggests the contribution of the interleukin 12 B gene or nearby gene(s) to mite-sensitive atopic asthma and a considerable number of genetic variants common across Caucasians and Japanese populations contributing to asthma, although the relative importance of various variants may differ between the groups.
Review: Renin-angiotensin system antagonism and lipid-lowering therapy in cardiovascular risk management

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and dyslipidaemia have been shown to be involved in the genesis and progression of atherosclerosis. Manipulation of the RAS has been effective in modifying human coronary artery disease progression. Similarly, the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors or `statins' have been shown to reduce cholesterol and lower cardiovascular events in primary and secondary prevention trials in coronary artery disease. In addition to their primary mode of action, statins and blockers of the RAS possess common additional properties that include restoration of endothelial activity and inhibition of cellular proliferation. This article reviews the current data on the common properties of these classes of drugs in which the beneficial effects extend beyond their antihypertensive and lipid-lowering properties.
Smooth Livsic regularity for piecewise expanding maps

Abstract in Undetermined We consider the regularity of measurable solutions $ \chi$ to the cohomological equation $\displaystyle \phi = \chi \circ T -\chi, $ where $ (T,X,\mu)$ is a dynamical system and $ \phi \colon X\rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ is a $ C^k$ smooth real-valued cocycle in the setting in which $ T \colon X\rightarrow X$ is a piecewise $ C^k$ Gibbs-Markov map, an affine $ \beta$-transformation of the unit interval or more generally a piecewise $ C^{k}$ uniformly expanding map of an interval. We show that under mild assumptions, bounded solutions $ \chi$ possess $ C^k$ versions. In particular we show that if $ (T,X,\mu)$ is a $ \beta$-transformation, then $ \chi$ has a $ C^k$ version, thus improving a result of Pollicott and Yuri. (Less)
Body‐mass or sex‐biased tick parasitism in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)? A GAMLSS approach

Macroparasites feeding on wildlife hosts follow skewed distributions for which basic statistical approaches are of limited use. To predict Ixodes spp. tick burden on roe deer, we applied Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) which allow incorporating a variable dispersion. We analysed tick burden of 78 roe deer, sampled in a forest region of Germany over a period of 20 months. Assuming a negative binomial error distribution and controlling for ambient temperature, we analysed whether host sex and body mass affected individual tick burdens. Models for larval and nymphal tick burden included host sex, with male hosts being more heavily infested than female ones. However, the influence of host sex on immature tick burden was associated with wide standard errors (nymphs) or the factor was marginally significant (larvae). Adult tick burden was positively correlated with host body mass. Thus, controlled for host body mass and ambient temperature, there is weak support for sex‐biased parasitism in this system. Compared with models which assume linear relationships, GAMLSS provided a better fit. Adding a variable dispersion term improved only one of the four models. Yet, the potential of modelling dispersion as a function of variables appears promising for larger datasets.
Role of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase in neuronal survival and axonal outgrowth of adult mouse dorsal root ganglia explants

Adult ganglionic peripheral neurons have lost dependence on target‐derived neurotrophin signaling for survival and regeneration after injury. To understand the mechanisms required to sustain such processes at maturity, we are studying neuronal survival and axonal outgrowth of adult mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) explants. We have here examined the role of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) activity. Both neuronal survival and axonal outgrowth of spontaneously growing preparations were decreased significantly by the PI3‐K inhibitor LY294002 as was the increased outgrowth caused by nerve growth factor or glial cell line‐derived factor. Inhibition of PI3‐K activity promoted neuronal cell death to the same extent in the presence as in the absence of a growth factor, whereas inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase, MAPK, lacked effect. Using a compartmentalized system, it could be shown that only axonal outgrowth was decreased when the outgrowth region only was exposed to LY294002. Already‐formed growth cones showed morphological changes within 5–10 min after exposure to LY294002. Akt (PKB) is one downstream effector of PI3‐K. Immunofluorescence revealed the presence of activated Akt in DRG cell bodies and in axonal growth cones. Immunoreactivity was decreased by PI3‐K inhibition. The results suggest that Akt is constitutively active in adult DRG neurons, and that PI3‐K mediated processes are involved in neuronal survival of one or more DRG neuronal subpopulations and also in axonal elongation. The possible significance of Akt signaling for these effects is discussed. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of IT Governance Maturity on IT Governance Performance

There are several best practice based frameworks that detail effective arrangements for the internal structure of an IT organization. Although it is reasonable that there is a correlation between the quality of the internal structure of an IT organization – labeled IT governance maturity, and the external impact of the same IT organization on the business – labeled IT governance performance, this has not been validated. The results, based on 35 case studies, confirm the hypotheses of a positive correlation between IT governance maturity and IT governance performance. Among IT processes described in 34 references, the internal structure of the IT organization, clearly defined organizational structures and relationships, mature quality management, and cost allocation show the strongest positive correlation to IT governance performance. The maturity of project management and service level management, as well as performance and capacity management, show almost no correlation to IT governance performance. The findings can be used to improve current frameworks for IT governance.
Barriers of Implementing BIM in Construction Industry from the Designers' Perspective: A Hong Kong Experience

In view of the strategic plan of the Hong Kong Government to implement BIM in all public housing projects starting from 2014, there is a need to review the current use of BIM in Hong Kong. However, there is no thorough study conducted in Hong Kong to provide empirical data for further study. Although the study is conducted in Hong Kong, the results contribute practical insights to the subject in other countries. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the application of BIM among the design firms in Hong Kong and to identify their needs and barriers in the BIM adoption process. From such, suitable directions can be suggested for the government, professional bodies and BIM vendors to foster the local use of BIM. A questionnaire survey was designed to collect primary data regarding the implementation and barriers of BIM usage from design firms in Hong Kong. Respondents were asked to provide opinions on the extent of BIM implementation, their barriers encountered during implementation and the required support from government / professional institutions. Fifty-two responses were received in the survey. Results indicated that BIM application among designers was limited. Several barriers to BIM adoption were identified, including lack of qualified in-house staff, lack of training/education, lack of standards and lack of client demand. The government should collaborate with the industry, professional bodies and education institutes to establish clear standards and guidance on the use of BIM and to provide more tailored training to practitioners and future students.
Endogenous opioid systems

GLOSSARY DRG: dorsal root ganglion GABA: &ggr;-aminobutyric acid GPCR: G-protein-coupled receptor Leu: leucine LID: levodopa-induced dyskinesia Met: methionine NOP: nociceptin receptor PAG: periaqueductal gray PD: Parkinson disease PDYN: preprodynorphin PENK: preproenkephalin Phe: phenylalanine PNOC: pronociceptin POMC: proopiomelanocortin RVM: rostral ventromedial medulla VTA: ventral tegmental area
New hepatitis B virus mutant form in a blood donor that is undetectable in several hepatitis B surface antigen screening assays

BACKGROUND: Envelope mutant forms of hepatitis B virus (HBV), impairing HBV antibody recognition, have been reported with mutations in single or multiple sites of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) group‐ specific “a” determinant. Blood donors infected with such an HBsAg mutant form of HBV may escape detection by HBsAg screening assays and therefore may affect the safety of the blood supply. CASE REPORT: A repeat blood donor became HBsAg‐reactive in an enzyme immunoassay. Confirmatory testing yielded negative results for HBsAg in a radioimmunoassay and in four enzyme immunoassays used in blood donor screening. The specificity of the HBsAg reactivity in the first enzyme immunoassay was confirmed by HBsAg neutralization with antibody to HBsAg. Additional HBV confirmatory test results were positive for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen and antibody to hepatitis B e antigen; negative for antibody to HBsAg and for hepatitis B e antigen; and positive for HBV DNA. DNA sequence analysis of the “a” determinant region of HBsAg revealed amino acid substitutions from Q (Gln) to R (Arg) at codon 129 and from M (Met) to T (Thr) at codon 133. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the presence of HBsAg mutant forms of HBV in a West European blood donor population that were undetected by several HBsAg screening assays. Adaptation of HBsAg screening is indicated to overcome deficiencies in sensitivity in detecting HBsAg mutant forms of HBV. Screening for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen or HBV DNA may also detect blood donors infected with HBsAg mutant forms of HBV
Prevalence of HIV--related oral lesions in Nigerian women.

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects an increasing number of women throughout the world. Oral lesions are among the earliest clinical manifestations of HIV infection and are associated with its progression. We describe the oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS in Nigerian women and its clinical correlates. METHODS Nigerian women with HIV/AIDS were examined for the presence of oral lesions attributable to HIV/AIDS. These lesions were diagnosed clinically, according to the criteria established by the European Community Clearinghouse (ECC) on oral problems related to HIV infection. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-nine seropositive women were examined with a range of 17-60 years (mean of 32.4 years < 8.09). The age group of 21 30 years was the worst affected (n = 125, 46.5%). Of these patients, 109 (40.5%) were married, 67 (24.9%) were single while 47 (17.5%) had multiple sexual partners. One hundred and eighteen (43.9%) had at least an oral lesion associated with HIV/AIDS. The most common was oral candidiasis, which was present in 98 (36.4%) patients. Pseudomembraneous candidiasis (n = 66, 24.5%) and angular cheilitis (n = 23, 8.6%) were the commonest variants seen. The former was the only lesion significantly associated with the clinical stage of the infection (p = 0.002) while necrotizing gingivitis, linear gingival erythema and angular cheilitis were associated with the age of the patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Oral manifestations are common features of HIV infection among Nigerian women. Oral candidiasis (OC) was the most notable oral lesion associated with HIV/AIDS. It may be a useful clinical indicator of early immune dysfunction mediated by HIV.
Pathology in repeated transurethral resection of a bladder tumor as a risk factor for prognosis of high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

The prognostic value of repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) in patients with diagnosed high-risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) was investigated. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients treated from October 2004 to December 2013 at Seoul National University who underwent repeated TURBT within 2–6 weeks after an initial resection. The study enrolled patients who had been diagnosed with NMIBC at both the initial and repeat TURBT; patients with muscle-invasive tumors on repeat TURBT were excluded. We used stepwise multivariate Cox regression models stratified by study to assess the independent effects of the predictive factors and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) from the Cox models. We investigated a total of 198 patients who were diagnosed with high-risk NMIBC. In logistic regression analyses, number of bladder tumors (2–7: OR, 2.319; 8≤: OR, 3.353; p<0.05), initially high tumor grade (OR, 2.435; p = 0.040), and presence of carcinoma in situ lesion (OR, 3.639; p = 0.017) correlated with residual tumor in the repeated-TURBT specimen. T1 stage in repeated-TURBT significantly correlated with recurrence (HR, 1.837; p = 0.010) and progression (HR, 2.806; p = 0.029) in multivariate analysis. The high grades of tumors in repeated-TURBT also significantly correlated with progression but not recurrence in the multivariate analysis (HR 2.152; p = 0.008). In this study, the pathologic findings in repeated-TURBT correlated with recurrence and progression in high-risk NMIBC. Repeated-TURBT is valuable because it can predict the recurrence and progression of high-risk NMIBC in addition to obtaining accurate pathologic findings.
Blood supply to the atrioventricular node and bundle of His: a comparative study in pig, dog, and man.

As the dog is the animal most commonly used for experimental procedures on the heart, this animal was chosen in a previous investigation of the blood supply to the atrioventricular node and bundle of His. ' It soon became apparent, however, that certain fundamental differences in coronary artery distribution exist between the dog and human beings. Dissection and perfusion experiments in human subjects showed that two principal arteries supplied blood to the upper part of the interventricular septum in the region of the atrioventricular node and bundle of His. One was a posterior vessel (the posterior septal artery or ramus septi fibrosi). 4 The other was an anterior vessel (the anterior septal artery or first anterior perforating vessel). In 327 human heart dissections the posterior vessel arose in 93 per cent of cases from the terminal part of the right coronary artery just before it formed the posterior descending artery (Fig. i). It passed anteriorly, to the left and inferior to the termination of the coronary sinus, lying on a flat plateau formed by the upper surface of the muscular interventricular septum. It continued anteriorly beneath the muscle of the floor of the right atrium, gave branches to the wall of the left and right atrium, and ended in capillaries near the root of the aorta. It passed inferior to the antrioventricular node and followed the course of the bundle of His closely. It was apparently from this vessel that the blood supply to the atrioventricular node and bundle originated. Along its course it gave off arterial twigs which passed through the annulus fibrosus to end in the upper portion of the interventricular septum. A branch to the upper part of the right ventricular wall frequently arose from the posterior septal artery and anastomosed with the first lateral division of the posterior descending artery. Spalteholz5 reported similar observations, demonstrating that in 85 to 97 per cent of adult human hearts the posterior descending artery (ramus
EVALUATION OF THE METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF THE FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITY BY DPPH

MARINOVA, G. and V. BATCHVAROV, 2011. Evaluation of the methods for determination of the free radical scavenging activity by DPPH. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 17: 11-24 The survey of the methods for determination of free radical scavenging activity by DPPH has been done. The differences between methods conditions and their evaluation are presented. It was determined the effect of methods conditions by ruggedness testing of methods. It was specified that the accuracy of the method for determination of free radical scavenging activity is effected by the solvent used (ethanol or methanol) and the sample/reagent DPPH volume ratio. The coefficient of variation of the method with ethanol is twice lower that the respective one determined with using of methanol. The calibration curves with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and solvent ethanol and methanol were plotted. They are characterized with very high regression coefficients. Based on the analysis and evaluation of the methods, the results of ruggedness testing of methods, coefficient of variations of determination with solvent ethanol and methanol and recommendations of some authors it was proposed modification of the method for determination of free radical scavenging activ ity of beer and beverages with DPPH. The modification of the method includes: 0.06 mM solution of DPPH in ethanol, reaction mixture 1.5 ml diluted sample and 1.5 ml DPPH solution, 30 minutes time of reaction in dark, measurement of absorbance at 517 nm, presentation of the results as equivalent of Vitamin C antioxidant activity. It was investigated the effect of malt and hops on the antioxidant activity of wort and beer. It was established that the main free radical scavenging activity of beer is attributed by the malt used. The hopping increases additionally the values of the parameter. During the different stages of the brewing process the free radical scavenging activity is changed. The differences between the free radical scavenging activity of laboratory and production beers indicated the very important role of raw materials and technology used. The free radical scavenging activity of beers determined by ethanol is higher (an average 8,2 - 38.9 % for the used beer samples) than the values obtained by solvent methanol.
Comparison of in vitro models for the study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis invasion and intracellular replication

We recently evaluated several tissue culture model systems for the study of invasion and intracellular multiplication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These model systems include a human alveolar pneumocyte epithelial cell line, a murine macrophage cell line (J774), and fresh human peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Our data indicated that the initial level of association of M. tuberculosis with human alveolar pneumocyte cells (2%) was less than that observed with fresh human peripheral blood macrophages (9%) or J774 murine macrophages (13%) within 6 h of the addition of the bacteria. M. tuberculosis replicated in association with the pneumocyte cells by more than 55-fold by day 7 postinfection. In contrast, total bacteria] growth in the J774 cells and human macrophages was considerably less, with increases of only fourfold and threefold, respectively, over the same 7-day period. Amikacin, an aminoglycoside antimicrobial agent, was added to inhibit the growth of extracellular bacteria after the initial 6-h infection period. Decreases in viable counts were observed in all three cell cultures within the first 3 days after infection. However, unlike the case with either macrophage culture, intracellular bacterial CFU obtained from the infected pneumocytes increased by fourfold by day 7 after the addition of amikacin. These data indicate that M. tuberculosis infects and multiplies intracellularly in human lung epithelial cells and that these cells may be an alternative in vitro model for the study of intracellular multiplication of M. tuberculosis in the human lung.
An emergency department-based nurse discharge coordinator for elder patients: does it make a difference?

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of an emergency department (ED)-based nurse discharge plan coordinator (NDPC) on unscheduled return visits within 14 days of discharge, satisfaction with discharge recommendations, adherence with discharge instructions, and perception of well-being of elder patients discharged from the ED. METHODS Patients aged 75 years and older discharged from the ED of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital were recruited in a pre/post study. During the pre (control) phase, study patients (n = 905) received standard discharge care. Patients in the post (intervention) phase (n = 819) received the intervention of an ED-based NDPC. The intervention included patient education, coordination of appointments, patient education, telephone follow-up, and access to the NDPC for up to seven days following discharge. RESULTS Patients in the two groups were similar with respect to gender and age. However, the patients managed by the ED NDPC appeared to be, at baseline, less autonomous, frailer, and sicker. The unadjusted relative risk for unscheduled return visits within 14 days of discharge was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.62 to 1.02). A relative risk reduction of 27% (95% CI = 0% to 44%) for unscheduled return visits was observed for up to eight days postdischarge, and a relative risk reduction of 19% (95% CI = -2% to 36%) for unscheduled return visits was observed for up to 14 days postdischarge. Significant increases in satisfaction with the clarity of discharge information and perceived well-being were also noted. CONCLUSIONS An ED-based NDPC, dedicated specifically to the discharge planning care of elder patients, reduces the proportion of unscheduled ED return visits and facilitates the transition from ED back home and into the community health care network.