Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Combined Left Ventricular Function using the Myocardial Performance Index in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Myocardial dysfunction that complicates the initial stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been yet fully characterized in young patients. We aimed to assess the clinical usefulness of myocardial performance index obtained by pulsed‐wave Doppler method (PWD‐MPI) in predicting early disturbances of global left ventricular (LV) function in children with CKD stages 2–4. In addition, we evaluated the clinical utility of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) as a tool for calculating MPI in comparison with the conventional method. Methods: Standard echocardiography was performed in 34 patients aged 3–18 years and for 35 age‐matched healthy control subjects. PWD‐MPI was calculated from Doppler spectra of mitral inflow and LV outflow. To obtain TDI‐MPI, time intervals were measured from mitral annulus. Results: The mean values of both PWD‐MPI and TDI‐MPI of the patients were significantly different from those of the control subjects. Using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, TDI‐MPI yielded a better predictive discrimination for separating patients with versus those without myocardial dysfunction than PWD‐MPI. Using a PWD‐MPI >0.36 as the cutoff value, myocardial dysfunction was found with a sensitivity of 64.7% and specificity of 97%. The sensitivity and specificity of TDI‐MPI >0.34 in identification of LV dysfunction were 91% and 82%, respectively. TDI‐MPI was correlated with that measured by PWD (P < 0.004, r = 0.57). Conclusions: Subtle abnormalities of LV function develop early when renal insufficiency is mild to moderate. MPI, measuring by PWD and TDI, are appropriate indicators of overall LV function in young patients with CKD. (Echocardiography 2011;28:97‐103)
Nurse Burnout, Nurse-Reported Quality of Care, and Patient Outcomes in Thai Hospitals.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nurse burnout on nurse-reported quality of care and patient adverse events and outcomes in Thai hospitals. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis of data from 2,084 registered nurses working in 94 community hospitals across Thailand. Data were collected through survey questionnaire, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which measures of nurse perceived quality of care and patient outcomes. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to explore associations between nurse burnout on quality of care and patient outcomes. FINDINGS Thirty-two percent of nurses reported high emotional exhaustion, 18% high depersonalization, and 35% low personal accomplishment. In addition, 16% of nurses rated quality of care on their work unit as fair or poor, 5% reported patient falls, 11% reported medication errors, and 14% reported infections. All three subscales of the MBI were associated with increased reporting of fair or poor quality of care, patient falls, medication errors, and infections. Every unit of increasing emotional exhaustion score was associated with a 2.63 times rise in reporting fair or poor quality of care, a 30% increase in patient falls, a 47% increase in medication errors, and a 32% increase in infection. CONCLUSIONS Findings clearly indicate that nurse burnout is associated with increased odds of reporting negative patient outcomes. Implementing interventions to reduce nurse burnout is critical to improving patient care in Thai hospitals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Hospital administrators, nurse managers, and health leaders urgently need to create favorable work environments supporting nursing practice in order to reduce burnout and improve quality of care.
Putative regulatory T cells are impaired in cord blood from neonates with hereditary allergy risk

The hygiene hypothesis implies that the increasing prevalence of allergy in ‘westernized’ countries is explained by reduced bacterial exposure in early life, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We therefore wanted to study the effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the generation of regulatory T (TR) cells in neonates, and to analyze differences between neonates with allergy risk because of a family history of atopy (FH+) and controls without such hereditary risk (FH−). Cord blood mononuclear cells from the FH+ and FH− groups were stimulated with β‐lactoglobulin in the presence of LPS. T‐cell phenotypes suggestive of TR cells [CD25+, CD25high and integrin (CD103+)], and the intracellular proliferation antigen Ki‐67 were quantified by flow cytometry. Release of the immunosuppressive cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) from its inactive complex was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The analyses revealed the generation of T‐cell phenotypes suggestive of TR cells including a CD25high T‐cell subset which was inversely related to T‐cell proliferation (r = −0.54, p < 0.05) and to activation‐induced release of TGF‐β1 (r = −0.80, p < 0.001). The CD25high T‐cell subset tended to be impaired in the FH+ group (% of CD3+ T cells: FH+, 5.1% vs. FH−, 12.6%), and notably, the FH+ group showed a significantly reduced capacity for generation of both CD25+ (FH+, 16.2% vs. FH−, 34.9%; p < 0.01) and T cells (FH+, 2.1% vs. FH−, 3.9%; p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that early‐life exposure to a dietary antigen in the presence of LPS might modulate the immune system by generating TR cells. This capacity was impaired in neonates with hereditary allergy risk, but clinical follow‐up will be required to determine a possible effect on allergy emergence.
Establishment of primary mixed cell cultures from spontaneous canine mammary tumors: Characterization of classic and new cancer-associated molecules

There are many factors which make canine cancer like cancer in humans. The occurrence of spontaneous mammary tumors in pet dogs, tumor genetics, molecular targets and exposure to the same environmental risk factors are among these factors. Therefore, the study of canine cancer can provide useful information to the oncology field. This study aimed to establish and characterize a panel of primary mixed cell cultures obtained from spontaneous canine mammary tumors. Eight established cell cultures obtained from one normal mammary gland, one complex adenoma, one mixed adenoma, two complex carcinomas and two mixed carcinomas were analyzed. The gene expression levels of classic molecular cancer players such as fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2, breast cancer (BRCA) 1, BRCA2 and estrogen receptor (ESR) 1 were evaluated. For the first time, three orphan nuclear receptors, estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) α, β and γ were studied in canine mammary cancer. The highest expression level of ERRα was observed in complex carcinoma-derived cell culture, while the highest levels of ERRβ and γ were observed in cells derived from a mixed carcinoma. Meanwhile, complex carcinomas presented the highest levels of expression of ESR1, BRCA1 and FGFR2 among all samples. BRCA2 was found exclusively in complex adenoma. The transcription factor GATA3 had its highest levels in mixed carcinoma samples and its lowest levels in complex adenoma. Proliferation assays were also performed to evaluate the mixed cell cultures response to ER ligands, genistein and DES, both in normoxia and hypoxic conditions. Our results demonstrate that morphological and functional studies of primary mixed cell cultures derived from spontaneous canine mammary tumors are possible and provide valuable tool for the study of various stages of mammary cancer development.
Dual Diagnosis: A National Study of Psychiatric Hospitalization Patterns of People with Developmental Disability

Objective: To report national demographics and diagnostic profiles of people with developmental disability hospitalized for psychiatric reasons, and to contrast results to psychiatric hospitalizations among patients with no comorbid developmental disability. Method: People with developmental disability across Canada were identified using data administered by the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Among this cohort of people with developmental disability, records of hospitalization for psychiatric reasons were aggregated for the 2005/06 fiscal year (April 2005 to March 2006). Descriptive statistics on province of residence, age, sex, specific diagnoses, length of stay, and hospitalization frequency were calculated and compared with people without developmental disability. Results: In Canada, people with developmental disability were hospitalized a total of 8378 times in 2005/06; among these, 3478 (42%) were for psychiatric conditions. The number of people with developmental disability hospitalized for a psychiatric condition represents about 2% of the general population hospitalized for such conditions. Among people with developmental disability hospitalized for a psychiatric condition most were men and people aged between 15 and 34 years. For almost all psychiatric disorder categories, people with developmental disability were hospitalized at rates significantly different than their counterparts without developmental disability. Lengths of hospital stays for psychiatric conditions were very similar when comparing the study groups; however, people with developmental disability were more likely to have 2 or more hospitalizations during the year. Conclusions: People with developmental disability display unique hospitalization patterns, compared with the general population.
Ultrasonography of the reticulum in cows.

The reticulum and adjacent organs were examined ultrasonographically in 51 cows by use of a 3.5-MHz linear transducer applied to the ventral aspect of the thorax over the sixth and seventh intercostal spaces. Examination included assessment of the contour of the reticulum, of reticular contractions, and of the organs adjacent to the reticulum. The normal reticulum appeared as a half-moon-shaped structure with a smooth contour; it contracted at regular intervals and was situated immediately adjacent to the diaphragm and ventral portion of the abdominal wall when relaxed. Contents of the reticulum could not normally be imaged because of its partly gaseous composition. The ruminoreticular groove, craniodorsal blind sac of the rumen, and the ventral sac of the rumen were observed caudally. The distal aspect of the spleen and parts of the omasum, abomasum, and liver could be imaged. Reticular motility was characterized by a biphasic contraction pattern. Four biphasic reticular contractions usually were observed during a 4-minute period. During the first (incomplete) contraction, the reticulum contracted by a mean of 7.2 +/- 2.30 cm. There was then low-grade, incomplete relaxation of the reticulum, followed immediately by the second reticular contraction, during which the reticulum usually disappeared from the 17.5-cm-deep screen. The reticulum then reappeared in its normal position. The first reticular contraction lasted a mean of 2.6 +/- 0.33 seconds and the second contraction lasted 3.9 +/- 0.55 seconds. The mean interval between 2 biphasic contractions was 44.9 +/- 10.53 seconds. The speed of the first reticular contraction was 5.4 +/- 1.32 cm/s. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Critical involvement of a carbamylated lysine in catalytic function of class D β-lactamases

β-Lactamases are the resistance enzymes for β-lactam antibiotics, of which four classes are known. β-lactamases hydrolyze the β-lactam moieties of these antibiotics, rendering them inactive. It is shown herein that the class D OXA-10 β-lactamase depends critically on an unusual carbamylated lysine as the basic residue for both the enzyme acylation and deacylation steps of catalysis. The formation of carbamylated lysine is reversible. Evidence is presented that this enzyme is dimeric and carbamylated in living bacteria. High-resolution x-ray structures for the native enzyme were determined at pH values of 6.0, 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5. Two dimers are present per asymmetric unit. One monomer in each dimer was carbamylated at pH 6.0, whereas all four monomers were fully carbamylated at pH 8.5. At the intermediate pH values, one monomer of each dimer was carbamylated, and the other showed a mixture of carbamylated and non-carbamylated lysines. It would appear that, as the pH increased for the sample, additional lysines were “titrated” by carbamylation. A handful of carbamylated lysines are known from protein crystallographic data, all of which have been attributed roles in structural stabilization (mostly as metal ligands) of the proteins. This paper reports a previously unrecognized role for a noncoordinated carbamylate lysine as a basic residue involved in mechanistic reactions of an enzyme, which indicates another means for expansion of the catalytic capabilities of the amino acids in nature beyond the 20 common amino acids in development of biological catalysts.
CEO Shareholdings and Earnings Manipulation: A Behavioral Explanation

Empirical findings on the relationship between CEO shareholdings and earnings manipulation are inconclusive. In response, this study attempts to shed more light by suggesting that this relationship is influenced by situational contingencies that affect CEO perceptions of the costs and benefits associated with earnings manipulation. To support this perspective we draw on the prospect theory and the approach/inhibition theory of power to examine the relationship between CEO shareholdings and earnings manipulation in light of CEO power. We test this relationship on a sample of 16,873 observations from 2,257 US public firms. Findings show that increasing CEO shareholdings has a negative effect on earnings management, and on re‐statements due to irregularities, and that duality positively moderates these relationships. The findings contribute to the corporate governance practice since they have implications for the design of CEO remuneration packages.
Surface IgM‐stimulated proliferation, inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, Ca2+ flux, and tyrosine phosphorylation are not altered in B cells from p59
fyn‐/‐ mice

The surface immunoglobulin M (sIgM)‐associated src family protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) p55 blk , p59 fyn , and p53/56 lyn become activated in B cells within seconds following sIgM cross‐linking. Studies using protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors have demonstrated that PTK activity is crucial for downstream events such as calcium flux, inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and cell cycle entry. The roles that the individual src family PTKs play in sIgM signaling are largely unknown, however. In order to determine whether p59 fyn plays a distinct role in sIgM signal transduction, the signaling capabilities of B cells isolated from fyn “knockout” mice were evaluated. We observed that in the absence of p59 fyn , there was no demonstrable compromise of the slgM‐coupled signaling events measured (tyrosine phosphorylation, inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, and Ca2+ flux). We propose that either p59 fyn is not involved in coupling sIgM to these specific signaling pathways or that other PTKs are able to compensate for the absence of p59 fyn , indicating redundancy in the sIgM signaling pathways. J. Leukoc. Biol. 56: 812–816; 1994.
Delivering education to the poor: investigating the role of self-motivation in Brazil

In this multiple-case study, which involved seven municipalities in Brazil, we argue that good education is a by-product from educators’ commitment, which in turn is explained through self-determination theory. The research findings suggest that the support provided by local officials to teachers, their social status in small municipalities, and the lack of externally imposed educational targets all contributed to the fulfilment of educators’ needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness, thereby enabling the emergence of self-motivation, and, as a consequence, of commitment. It is also argued that these practices enhanced educators’ engagement in prosocial behaviour, which explains why they went a step further to help their poorest students. The authors suggest that the insights provided by self-determination theory can offer an alternative view to the carrot-and-stick approach in educational policies. The article closes with suggestions for further research on the role of motivation and prosocial behaviour on public service effectiveness. Points for practitioners Administrative practices associated with social policies have often avoided clarifying their theoretical assumptions, failing to state the implications that these may have on human motivation. By examining the case of education in poor municipalities, the study shows not only that commitment is a key factor for achieving policy goals but also that self-determination theory provides the theoretical explanations for this commitment. The knowledge of theoretical principles related to self-motivation can assist practitioners in social policy design, where the long-term goals are more relevant than short-term targets. Policy-makers can find creative alternatives to deal with specific contexts when instructed by overarching theories on motivation such as self-determination theory.
Feasibility of Long-Term Closed-Loop Control: A Multicenter 6-Month Trial of 24/7 Automated Insulin Delivery.

BACKGROUND In the past few years, the artificial pancreas-the commonly accepted term for closed-loop control (CLC) of blood glucose in diabetes-has become a hot topic in research and technology development. In the summer of 2014, we initiated a 6-month trial evaluating the safety of 24/7 CLC during free-living conditions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Following an initial 1-month Phase 1, 14 individuals (10 males/4 females) with type 1 diabetes at three clinical centers in the United States and one in Italy continued with a 5-month Phase 2, which included 24/7 CLC using the wireless portable Diabetes Assistant (DiAs) developed at the University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology. Median subject characteristics were age 45 years, duration of diabetes 27 years, total daily insulin 0.53 U/kg/day, and baseline HbA1c 7.2% (55 mmol/mol). RESULTS Compared with the baseline observation period, the frequency of hypoglycemia below 3.9 mmol/L during the last 3 months of CLC was lower: 4.1% versus 1.3%, P < 0.001. This was accompanied by a downward trend in HbA1c from 7.2% (55 mmol/mol) to 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) at 6 months. HbA1c improvement was correlated with system use (Spearman r = 0.55). The user experience was favorable with identified benefit particularly at night and overall trust in the system. There were no serious adverse events, severe hypoglycemia, or diabetic ketoacidosis. CONCLUSION We conclude that CLC technology has matured and is safe for prolonged use in patients' natural environment. Based on these promising results, a large randomized trial is warranted to assess long-term CLC efficacy and safety.
Hereditary osteoarthritis with mild spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia--are there "hot spots" on COL2A1?

OBJECTIVE To define the genetic basis of a family with an autosomal, dominantly inherited form of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED) associated with tall stature. METHODS A 6 generation family with early onset osteoarthritis (OA) associated with mild SED was studied. 14 individuals were examined clinically and radiologically, and DNA analysis was performed on 5. As the clinical pattern of joint involvement and tall stature of affected individuals resembled a family recently reported with an exon 11 mutation in COL2A1, this same mutation was specifically sought. In 2 clinically affected and 3 unaffected family members, exon 11 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digestion with Asp H1, the enzyme recognition sequence of which is altered by the mutation. The PCR product containing exon 11 was then directly sequenced. RESULTS OA with widespread involvement of peripheral joints, in addition to spondylodysplasia, was seen in 14 members of the kindred. Affected family members had brachydactyly and were of average to above average height. Asp H1 digestion of the PCR product containing exon 11 in those with clinical disease was consistent with the presence of a mutation. Direct sequencing of this PCR product conclusively showed that a single base substitution was present in those with clinical disease, resulting in an arginine 75-cysteine (Arg75-Cys) mutation. CONCLUSION We describe a 3rd family with an Arg75-Cys mutation with precocious generalized OA and mild SED. This finding supports the concept of mutational hot spots on COL2A1 related to the hypermutability of the cytosine-guanine doublet.
The Acidic Tail of the Cdc34 Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme Functions in Both Binding to and Catalysis with Ubiquitin Ligase SCFCdc4

Ubiquitin ligases, together with their cognate ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, are responsible for the ubiquitylation of proteins, a process that regulates a myriad of eukaryotic cellular functions. The first cullin-RING ligase discovered, yeast SCFCdc4, functions with the conjugating enzyme Cdc34 to regulate the cell cycle. Cdc34 orthologs are notable for their highly acidic C-terminal extension. Here we confirm that the Cdc34 acidic C-terminal tail has a role in Cdc34 binding to SCFCdc4 and makes a major contribution to the submicromolar Km of Cdc34 for SCFCdc4. Moreover, we demonstrate that a key functional property of the tail is its acidity. Our analysis also uncovers an unexpected new function for the acidic tail in promoting catalysis. We demonstrate that SCF is functional when Cdc34 is fused to the C terminus of Cul1 and that this fusion retains partial function even when the acidic tail has been deleted. The Cdc34-SCF fusion proteins that lack the acidic tail must interact in a fundamentally different manner than unfused SCF and wild type Cdc34, demonstrating that distinct mechanisms of E2 recruitment to E3, as is seen in nature, can sustain substrate ubiquitylation. Finally, a search of the yeast proteome uncovered scores of proteins containing highly acidic stretches of amino acids, hinting that electrostatic interactions may be a common mechanism for facilitating protein assembly.
Developing a Leadership Laboratory for Nurse Managers Based on Lived Experiences: A Participatory Action Research Model for Leadership Development

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the pilot study was to design an innovative model of leadership development, Leadership Laboratory (LL), grounded in the lived experiences and peer best practices of 43 cross-disciplinary nurse managers. BACKGROUND: The Institute of Medicine/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation study, The Future of Nursing, reinforces the need to prepare nurses for leadership positions. METHODS: A 1-year participatory action research study was designed to develop 3 LLs involving nurse managers as participants, co-creators, and evaluators of the unique learning format. RESULTS: Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data revealed consistent and significantly positive results in leadership skill areas in all 3 LLs. Participants identified elements that distinguished LLs from traditional seminars and trainings sessions, including opportunities to gain from peer-to peer consultation, strategies, and support. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in the 1-year pilot demonstrated significant learning based on postsession and postproject assessments of the LLs. Data also described the unique attributes of a peer-driven approach to leadership development.