Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene Regulation and Functional Alterations Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Encoded ORFK13/vFLIP in Endothelial Cells

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative inflammatory disorder induced by endothelial cell infection with the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). ORFK13/vFLIP, one of the KSHV genes expressed in KS, encodes a 188-amino-acid protein which binds to the Iκb kinase (IKK) complex to activate NF-κB. We examined ORFK13/vFLIP contribution to KS phenotype and potential for therapeutic targeting. Retroviral transduction of ORFK13/vFLIP into primary human endothelial cells induces the spindle morphology distinctive of KS cells and promotes the formation of abnormal vascular networks typical of KS vasculature; upregulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and interferon-responsive genes; and stimulates the adhesion of inflammatory cells characteristic of KS lesions. Thymidine phosphorylase, a cellular enzyme markedly induced by ORFK13/vFLIP, can metabolize the prodrug 5-fluoro-5-deoxyuridine (5-dFUrd) to 5-fluouridine (5-FU), a potent thymidine synthase inhibitor, which blocks DNA and RNA synthesis. When tested for cytotoxicity, 5-dFUrd (0.1 to 1 μM) selectively killed ORFK13/vFLIP-expressing endothelial cells while sparing control cells. These results demonstrate that ORFK13/vFLIP directly and indirectly contributes to the inflammatory and vascular phenotype of KS and identify 5-dFUrd as a potential new drug that targets KSHV latency for the treatment of KS and other KSHV-associated malignancies.
How does family influence the travel constraints of solo travelers? Construct specification and scale development

ABSTRACT Attracting the solo travel market is increasingly important for destination marketing organizations. Despite the wealth of literature on travel motivations of solo travelers, a related domain of research that deserves more attention are the travel constraints that could hinder solo traveling. More specifically, although solo travelers may wish to embark on a journey alone, they must nevertheless address a number of constraints that oftentimes stem from their family’s concerns for them as family represents a critical influencer that could impact their travel decision. Yet, research measuring the influence of family remains under-studied. In order to address this gap, this study connects knowledge on travel constraints with literature on family dynamics to develop a valid and reliable measurement scale for assessing family pressures on solo travelers. Destination marketers can apply this scale to evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing strategies at easing the concerns of solo travelers as a result of family pressures.
Comparison of Preventive and Therapeutic Zinc Supplementation in Young Children in Burkina Faso: A Cluster-Randomized, Community-Based Trial.

BACKGROUND The WHO and UNICEF recommend therapeutic zinc supplementation (TZS) for the treatment of diarrhea. In zinc-deficient populations, preventive zinc supplementation might provide greater benefits for reducing diarrhea and malaria incidence and increasing growth and plasma zinc (pZn) concentration. If effective, intermittent preventive zinc supplementation (IPZS) would cost less than daily preventive zinc supplementation (DPZS). OBJECTIVE We assessed the effects of IPZS, DPZS, and TZS in children on the primary outcomes of diarrhea incidence, malaria incidence, growth, and pZn concentration compared with nonsupplemented control groups. METHODS Rural Burkinabe children (n = 7641; 6-30 mo old) in 36 clusters were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment groups for 16, 32, or 48 wk: 1) IPZS (10 mg Zn/d for 10 d every 16 wk); 2) DPZS (7 mg Zn/d); 3) TZS (20 mg Zn/d for 10 d for diarrhea); 4) morbidity surveillance control (MSC); or 5) nonintervention control (NIC). Supplemented groups remained masked until completion of primary analyses with mixed models. RESULTS At baseline, stunting (28.6%) and low pZn concentration (<65 μg/dL; 43.5%) were common. After 48 wk, mean ± SE pZn increased more (P = 0.008) in the DPZS group (3.9 ± 1.3 μg/dL) than in the TZS (-0.5 ± 1.2 μg/dL) and NIC (-1.2 ± 0.9 μg/dL) groups. All supplemented groups had a moderately lower incidence of reported diarrhea (0.48-0.49 compared with 0.57 episodes/100 d, P = 0.001) and reported fever (1.1-1.2 compared with 1.5 episodes/100d, P < 0.001) and gained slightly less length (3.15-3.20 compared with 3.36 cm/16 wk, P < 0.001) than the MSC group, but did not differ from each other. Prevalence of diarrhea and incidences of confirmed fever and malaria were not different across study groups. CONCLUSIONS The preventive and TZS groups had reduced diarrhea incidence, but it is uncertain whether this resulted from a functional response to zinc or reporting bias. The comparison should be re-examined in populations known to respond to zinc supplementation. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as NCT00944359.
New Perspectives on Forecasting Inflation in Emerging Market Economies: An Empirical Assessment

We use a broad-range set of inflation models and pseudo out-of-sample forecasts to assess their predictive ability among 14 emerging market economies (EMEs) at different horizons (1 to 12 quarters ahead) with quarterly data over the period 1980Q1-2016Q4. We find, in general, that a simple arithmetic average of the current and three previous observations (the RW-AO model) consistently outperforms its standard competitors - based on the root mean squared prediction error (RMSPE) and on the accuracy in predicting the direction of change. These include conventional models based on domestic factors, existing open-economy Phillips curve-based specifications, factor-augmented models, and time-varying parameter models. Often, the RMSPE and directional accuracy gains of the RW-AO model are shown to be statistically significant. Our results are robust to forecast combinations, intercept corrections, alternative transformations of the target variable, different lag structures, and additional tests of (conditional) predictability. We argue that the RW-AO model is successful among EMEs because it is a straightforward method to downweight later data, which is a useful strategy when there are unknown structural breaks and model misspecification.
FROM THE SPECIAL ISSUE EDITOR

Communities across the world struggle with how best to support positive literacy outcomes for all students. The dedication of this special issue stems from my own work with literacy at local St. Louis public schools. The critical fundamentals of reading and writing, for learners of all backgrounds at all ages, need to continue to be addressed so that educational leaders, teachers and researchers can make informed and principled decisions about the ever changing needs of these learners. More empirical research needs to examine the specific factors involved in literacy with students who are simultaneous bilinguals, or those that grow up using two or more languages at home.
Short-term (30-day) outcome of endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurism: results from the prospective Registry of Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurism (RETA).

OBJECTIVES to assess the early morbidity and mortality of a new treatment, the endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms, during its introduction into clinical practice. DESIGN a prospective voluntary registry collecting demographic and risk factor data, details of aneurysm morphology, procedure performed, immediate and 30-day outcomes. SETTING thirty-one U.K. centres performing endovascular repair submitted data. RESULTS six hundred and eleven cases were registered in three years of data collection (January 1996 to December 1998). Four per cent of patients received an aortic tube device, 60% an aorto-bi-iliac device and 36% an aorto-uni-iliac device and a crossover graft (AUIC). Conversion to open repair was required in 5% of cases, with more conversions in the AUIC group (OR 2.9 (95% CI: 1.3-6.4)p=0.01). Post procedure complications occurred in 25% of cases. Unfit patients had significantly more complications than fit patients (35% vs 20% for fit patients (OR 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.7)p=0.007)). At 30 days aneurysms were excluded in 90% of cases. Endoleaks were more common in larger aneurysms (2% if aneurysms were <6 cm in diameter vs 10% if >6 cm, OR 5.6 (95% CI: 2.1-14.9)p=0.0006). The overall mortality was 7% but was significantly higher for AUIC devices, (4% for combined aortic tube and bi-iliac devices (AT/BI) vs 12%, OR 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2-5.9 p=0.018)), and unfit patients (4% for fit patients vs 18%, OR 4.3 (95% CI: 2.0-9.5)p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS endovascular repair is feasible with short-term outcomes comparable to those of conventional surgical repair. In unfit patients the possible benefit in life expectancy gain must be balanced against the morbidity and mortality of the procedure.
Ergonomics guidelines for designing electronic mail addresses

The aim was to design a human-centred electronic mail (e-mail) address system based on networking technology and cognitive ergonomics. Based on the background literature and the results of users' survey, a conceptual model is developed for designing e-mail addresses. This model consists of e-mail address components of formats, domain length, meaningfulness, orientation and information type pertaining to recall, information association and categorization. Five hypotheses were proposed to test the conceptual model, and four experiments were conducted with 85 participants to test the hypotheses. The dependent variables were performance time, error rate and degree of satisfaction, and the independent variables were components of the e-mail addresses. The main results indicate that for a recall task, significantly lower total performance time (26.2%) and error rate (75%) were found for the hybrid formats (digits and letters) than for the letter format, and up to four characters was the best single domain length. For an information association task, embedding both geographical and organizational information significantly decreased the response time (10.9%) in comparison with only embedding organizational information. For a categorization task, embedding both geographical information and organizational information significantly decreased response time (40.7%) in comparison with only embedding organizational information. This research demonstrates the importance of human-centred design and provides guidelines in effectively designing e-mail addresses.
Motor outcome prediction using diffusion tensor tractography in pontine infarct

We investigated whether the integrity of the corticospinal tract classified by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) can predict the motor outcome in 25 patients with pontine infarct. DTTs were obtained in the early stage of stroke (5–30 days) and were classified into two groups (type A: the integrity of corticospinal tract was preserved around the infarct; type B: corticospinal tract was interrupted). DTT type A patients showed better motor function than the type B patients at 6 months after onset. DTT obtained at the early stage of pontine infarct appears to have predictive value for motor outcome in patients with pontine infarct. Ann Neurol 2008
Physiological responses to maximal intermittent exercise: differences between endurance-trained runners and games players.

Six games players (GP) and six endurance-trained runners (ET) completed a standardized multiple sprint test on a non-motorized treadmill consisting of ten 6-s all-out sprints with 30-s recovery periods. Running speed, power output and oxygen uptake were determined during the test and blood samples were taken for the determination of blood lactate and pH. Games players tended to produce a higher peak power output (GP vs ET: 839 +/- 114 vs 777 +/- 89 W, N.S.) and higher peak speed (GP vs ET: 7.03 +/- 0.3 vs 6.71 +/- 0.3 m s-1, N.S.), but had a greater decrement in mean power output than endurance-trained runners (GP vs ET: 29.3 +/- 8.1% vs 14.2 +/- 11.1%, P less than 0.05). Blood lactate after the test was higher for the games players (GP vs ET: 15.2 +/- 1.9 vs 12.4 +/- 1.7 mM, P less than 0.05), but the decrease in pH was similar for both groups (GP vs ET: 0.31 +/- 0.08 vs 0.28 +/- 0.08, N.S.). Strong correlations were found between peak blood lactate and peak speed (r = 0.90, P less than 0.01) and between peak blood lactate and peak power fatigue (r = 0.92, P less than 0.01). The average increase in oxygen uptake above pre-exercise levels during the sprint test was greater for endurance-trained athletes than for the games players (ET vs GP: 35.0 +/- 2.2 vs 29.6 +/- 3.0 ml kg-1 min-1, P less than 0.05), corresponding to an average oxygen uptake per sprint (6-s sprint and 24 s of subsequent recovery) of 67.5 +/- 2.9% and 63.0 +/- 4.5% VO2 max respectively (N.S.). A modest relationship existed between the average increase in oxygen uptake above pre-exercise values during the sprint test and mean speed fatigue (r = -0.68, P less than 0.05). Thus, the greater decrement in performance for the games players may be related to higher glycolytic rates as reflected by higher lactate concentrations and to their lower oxygen uptake during the course of the 10 sprints.
Differences in the dynamics of parathyroid hormone secretion in hemodialysis patients with marked secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Hemodialysis patients with predialysis intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels of more than 500 pg/mL are generally considered to have marked secondary hyperparathyroidism. Because the serum calcium level in these patients varies from low to high, it is not clear whether every hemodialysis patient with a PTH level > 500 pg/mL is part of a uniform group. The dynamics of PTH secretion in 21 hemodialysis patients with predialysis (basal) intact PTH levels > 500 pg/mL (range, 506 to 1978 pg/mL) has been evaluated. The basal/maximal PTH ratio, an indicator of the degree of relative PTH stimulation in the baseline state, was inversely correlated with the maximal PTH (r = -0.71), the basal serum calcium (r = -0.70), and the difference between the serum calcium at basal and maximal PTH (r = 0.81); the latter is the decrement in serum calcium from baseline necessary to maximally stimulate PTH. Because the basal PTH level appeared to be disproportionately influenced by hypocalcemia, the 21 patients were separated into two groups on the basis of the basal serum calcium (Group I < 9 mg/dL and Group II > 9 mg/dL). Basal PTH was not different between the two groups, even though maximally stimulated PTH (1,219 +/- 204 versus 2,739 +/- 412 pg/mL; P < 0.01) as induced by hypocalcemia and maximally suppressed PTH (217 +/- 37 versus 528 +/- 104; P = 0.05) as induced by hypercalcemia were less in Group I with the low basal calcium; moreover, the ratio of basal/maximal PTH was higher (73 +/- 6 versus 47 +/- 5%; P < 0.01) in Group I with the low basal calcium. These results suggest that the reason for a basal PTH > 500 pg/mL may be different among hemodialysis patients. In hypocalcemic patients, the low serum calcium appeared to be a major impetus for the high basal PTH level. In conclusion, (1) the maximally stimulated PTH appears to provide a better means of separating patients with marked secondary hyperparathyroidism than the basal PTH and (2) hemodialysis patients with basal PTH levels > 500 pg/mL may not be a uniform group.
Gads−/− Mice Reveal Functionally Distinct Subsets of TCRβ+ CD4−CD8− Double-Negative Thymocytes1

TCRβ expression in CD4−CD8− double-negative (DN) thymocytes induces signaling pathways that promote survival and proliferation, as well as differentiation into CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes. The signaling pathways that regulate survival, proliferation, and differentiation remain unclear. We used Gads-deficient mice to investigate the signaling pathways that regulate these cell fates. During this investigation, we focused on TCRβ+ DN thymocytes and found that there are at least three functionally distinct subsets of TCRβ+ DN thymocytes: TCRβ+ DN3E, TCRβ+ DN3L, and TCRβ+ DN4. Survival and proliferation of TCRβ+ DN3E were independent of Gads, but survival and proliferation of TCRβ+ DN3L cells were Gads dependent. Likewise, expression of Bcl-2 in TCRβ+ DN3E cells was Gads independent, but Gads was necessary for Bcl-2 expression in TCRβ+ DN3L cells. Bcl-2 expression was not dependent on Gads in TCRβ+ DN4 cells, but proliferation of TCRβ+ DN4 cells was Gads dependent. Gads was not required for the differentiation of DN thymocytes into DP thymocytes. In fact, Gads−/− DN3E cells differentiated into DP thymocytes more readily than wild-type cells. We conclude that signaling pathways required to initiate TCRβ-induced survival and proliferation are distinct from the pathways that maintain survival and proliferation. Furthermore, signaling pathways that promote survival and proliferation may slow differentiation.
Outcome of microsurgical excision of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations in ARUBA-eligible patients

Abstract Objectives: To determine the outcome of microsurgical excision of selected unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and to compare the results with those of the ARUBA trial. Methods: Prospective data collection for all patients undergoing microsurgical excision of unruptured brain AVMs by two neurovascular surgeons. Outcome measures similar to those assessed in the ARUBA trial (death and stroke) as well as modified Rankin scores (mRS) at 6 months were assessed. Results: Between September 2004 and September 2014, 45 patients with unruptured brain AVMs underwent microsurgical excision. 11 patients (eight children and three with mRS >2 at presentation) were excluded to match ARUBA eligibility criteria. 34 patients were included in this study. AVM characteristics closely matched those in the ARUBA trial with 70.5% Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade I or II AVMs, 68% AVM size <3 cm. However, compared to ARUBA, a larger proportion of our patients presented with seizures, and a lower proportion with headaches. 8(23%) had preoperative embolization. There were no deaths and no strokes (as defined in ARUBA). 5 (14.7%) had permanent neurological deficit related to surgery within/near eloquent cortex. At 6 months follow-up, 32 (94%) had mRS score of 0–1. Two (6%) had mRS 2 and none had mRS> 2. Postoperative digital DSA confirmed complete AVM excision in all cases. None of the patients have suffered intracranial hemorrhage during the follow-up period of 6–126 (median 69) months. Conclusions: Microsurgical excision of unruptured brain AVMs can be performed with low morbidity in selected cases. Our study has limitations particularly the small number of patients with selected AVMs for microsurgical excision. However, our results suggest that ARUBA results may not be applicable to microsurgical excision when cases are appropriately selected for this treatment modality.
Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): Psychometric Properties and Discriminative Capacity in Several Chilean Samples

We evaluated the factor structure, reliability, and discriminative capacity of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaire in four different samples: two general adult populations (N = 1,548, N = 964), one adolescent population (N = 1,044), and young people with depressive symptomatology (N = 307). Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) were performed with subsamples from Studies 1 (n = 773) and 2 (n = 527), finding that the two- and three-factor solutions had a good fit. In a confirmatory factor analysis, the two-factor solution resulted in an adequate fit in a second set of subsamples from both studies (n = 775, n = 517). In Study 3, we found good convergent and divergent validity with adequate and significant correlations found for depression (Beck’s Depression Inventory), anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), and neuroticism and extroversion (Big Five Inventory). In Study 4, the results of an EFA performed in a subsample (n = 154) found that the two- and three-factor solutions were appropriate with the former solution being confirmed in a second subsample (n = 153). Reliability was α = . 85 for positive affect and α = . 87 for negative affect. The PANAS questionnaire showed adequate indicators of validity and reliability in adult and adolescent populations as well as in a sample with depressive symptoms.
Association between Experimental Bacterial Meningitis and Periapical Lesion.

INTRODUCTION Mortality and morbidity from bacterial meningitis in African adults is significantly higher than those in better resourced settings. At the same time, the periodontal diseases are highly prevalent and can affect up to 90% of the population. Dental caries in Uganda was recorded in 40% and 62.5% of the children and adults, respectively. We hypothesize that pneumococcal meningitis could interfere in the development of periapical lesion. The aim of this study was to evaluate periapical lesion in Wistar rats subjected to pneumococcal meningitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The animals were divided in control, control/periapical lesion, meningitis, and meningitis/periapical lesion groups. The surgical exposure of molars and the infection of the dental pulp were from the oral environment. Pulp necrosis was induced on the left mandibular first molars during adulthood. Dental pulps were exposed by drilling cavities on the central portion of the occlusal surface with a 1011 HL round bur in high speed to a depth nearly equal to the bur diameter. Animals were subjected to behavioral task and evaluation of the size of periodontal ligament. Data from periodontal ligament space and open field task were reported as mean ± SEM and analysed by Two-way ANOVA and paired Student's t-test, respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Meningitis/periapical increased the periodontal ligament space by 61% when compared with control/periapical. In the open-field task, there were no differences in the number of crossings and rearing movements between training and test session in meningitis and periapical lesion groups demonstrating habituation memory impairment. Bacterial meningitis and periapical lesion may play an important role in development of cognitive impairment.
The Problem with Having Two Watches: Assessment of Fit When RMSEA and CFI Disagree

ABSTRACT The root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and the comparative fit index (CFI) are two widely applied indices to assess fit of structural equation models. Because these two indices are viewed positively by researchers, one might presume that their values would yield comparable qualitative assessments of model fit for any data set. When RMSEA and CFI offer different evaluations of model fit, we argue that researchers are likely to be confused and potentially make incorrect research conclusions. We derive the necessary as well as the sufficient conditions for inconsistent interpretations of these indices. We also study inconsistency in results for RMSEA and CFI at the sample level. Rather than indicating that the model is misspecified in a particular manner or that there are any flaws in the data, the two indices can disagree because (a) they evaluate, by design, the magnitude of the model's fit function value from different perspectives; (b) the cutoff values for these indices are arbitrary; and (c) the meaning of “good” fit and its relationship with fit indices are not well understood. In the context of inconsistent judgments of fit using RMSEA and CFI, we discuss the implications of using cutoff values to evaluate model fit in practice and to design SEM studies.