Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bisecting Galactose as a Feature of N-Glycans of Wild-type and Mutant Caenorhabditis elegans*

The N-glycosylation of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has proven to be highly variable and rather complex; it is an example to contradict the existing impression that “simple” organisms possess also a rather simple glycomic capacity. In previous studies in a number of laboratories, N-glycans with up to four fucose residues have been detected. However, although the linkage of three fucose residues to the N,N′-diacetylchitobiosyl core has been proven by structural and enzymatic analyses, the nature of the fourth fucose has remained uncertain. By constructing a triple mutant with deletions in the three genes responsible for core fucosylation (fut-1, fut-6 and fut-8), we have produced a nematode strain lacking products of these enzymes, but still retaining maximally one fucose residue on its N-glycans. Using mass spectrometry and HPLC in conjunction with chemical and enzymatic treatments as well as NMR, we examined a set of α-mannosidase-resistant N-glycans. Within this glycomic subpool, we can reveal that the core β-mannose can be trisubstituted and so carries not only the ubiquitous α1,3- and α1,6-mannose residues, but also a “bisecting” β-galactose, which is substoichiometrically modified with fucose or methylfucose. In addition, the α1,3-mannose can also be α-galactosylated. Our data, showing the presence of novel N-glycan modifications, will enable more targeted studies to understand the biological functions and interactions of nematode glycans.
The three components of organizational commitment on in-role behaviors and organizational citizenship behaviors

There is strong theoretical support for organizational commitment impact on in-role behaviors and organizational citizenship behavior performance. However, previous studies did not attain consistent conclusions with respect to the influence of organizational commitment on organizational citizenship behavior. The purpose of the study is to adopt the three components of organizational commitment scale of Meyer and Allen (1991) and followed the suggestions of Williams and Anderson (1991) to explore the influence of the three components of organizational commitment on in-role behaviors and two dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior (OCBI and OCBO). In conclusion, this research finds that the three components of organizational commitment have a considerably important influence on in-role behaviors and two dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior (OCBI and OCBO). Key words: Affective commitment, continuance commitment, in-role behaviors, normative commitment, organizational citizenship behaviors.
[Analysis of Bcr-abl type transcript and its relationship with platelet count in Mexican patients with chronic myeloid leukemia].

PROBLEM It has been suggested that type of chimeric mRNA is associated with differences in the clinical and hematologic characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, prognostic value of type of chimeric mRNA bcr-xabl (b3a2 or b2a2) is still controversial. METHODS We analyzed 97 cases of Philadelphia-positive CML to determine mRNA type by reverse-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and its relationship with clinical features. RESULTS We detected b3a2 bcr-abl transcripts in 27 (28%) cases, b2a2 in 57 (59%) cases, and 13 (13%) with both mRNA transcripts b3a2/b2a2. These frequencies were the total reverse of other reports. Age, sex, hemoglobin, and white-cell counts showed no significant difference for those with either b3a2 or b2a2 bcr-abl transcripts. However, platelet counts of b3a2 patients were significantly higher than those of b2a2 patients (743.3 vs 477.3 x 109/L; p = 0.01). In addition, in the subgroup of patients whose white-cell count at diagnosis was < 100 x 10(9)/L, those with b3a2 transcript had a significantly higher platelet count (679.1 vs. 352.2 x 10(9)/L; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We observed reversed frequency of bcr-abl transcripts in this population, but agreement with other Latin-American reports. In addition, our data suggested that there is different CML biological behavior in our population and that there is a subpopulation of CML patients in whom b3a2 is associated witH higher thrombopoietic activity.
Performance Metrics for Advanced Access

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Advanced access is an outpatient scheduling technique that aims to provide same‐day appointment access. It is designed to reduce the time patients must wait for a scheduled appointment and to improve continuity of care by matching daily appointment supply and demand. Factors that make it difficult to sustain initial success in achieving supply‐demand balance include different practice styles of doctors, differences in panel compositions and patient preferences, and time‐varying demand patterns. This article proposes several performance measures that can help clinic directors monitor and evaluate their advanced access implementation. We also discuss strategies for sustaining advanced access in the long run.
Long‐term deleterious effects of aortohepatic conduits in primary liver transplantation: Proceed with caution

Aortohepatic conduits provide a vital alternative for graft arterialization during liver transplantation. Conflicting results exist with respect to the rates of comorbidities, and long‐term survival data on primary grafts are lacking. To identify the complications associated with aortohepatic conduits in primary liver transplantation and their impact on survival, we conducted a single‐center, retrospective cohort analysis of all consecutive adult (n = 1379) and pediatric primary liver transplants (n = 188) from 1998 to 2009. The outcomes of aortohepatic conduits were compared to those of standard arterial revascularization. Adults with a conduit (n = 267) demonstrated, in comparison with adults with standard arterialization (n = 1112), an increased incidence of late (>1 month after transplantation) hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT; 4.1% versus 0.7%, P < 0.001) and ischemic cholangiopathy (7.5% versus 2.7%, P < 0.001) and a lower 5‐year graft survival rate (61% versus 70%, P = 0.01). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for graft loss in the conduit group was 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03‐1.85, P = 0.03]. Notably, the use of conduits (HR = 4.91, 95% CI = 1.92‐12.58) and a warm ischemia time > 60 minutes (HR = 11.12, 95% CI = 3.06‐40.45) were independent risk factors for late HAT. Among children, the complication profiles were similar for the conduit group (n = 81) and the standard group (n = 107). In the pediatric cohort, although the 5‐year graft survival rate for the conduit group (69%) was significantly impaired in comparison with the rate for the standard group (81%, P = 0.03), the use of aortohepatic conduits did not emerge as an independent predictor of diminished graft survival via a multivariate analysis. In conclusion, in adult primary liver transplantation, the placement of an aortohepatic conduit should be strictly limited because of the greater complication rates (notably late HAT) and impaired graft survival; for children, its judicious use may be acceptable. Liver Transpl 19:916–925, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
A retrospective analysis of 2713 hospitalized burn patients in a burns center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND Burn trauma is a significant health problem that has physical, psychological, and economic repercussions on affected patients. The aim of this study was to present epidemiological and demographic characteristics of patients treated over an 8-year period at a reference burn treatment center located in the northeast of Turkey and serving a population of approximately four million people. METHODS Each patient's medical record was reviewed, and demographic features, source of burns, place of residence, total body surface area (TBSA), surgical treatment, duration of hospital stay, and mortality rates were analyzed. RESULTS The most frequent cause of burn was scalding from hot liquids (2013 cases, 74.2%). Freeze burn was observed in 16 (0.6%) cases due to climatic conditions of the region where our burn center is located. Grouping based on TBSA revealed that 88.7% patients had TBSA of 0%-15%, 8% patients had TBSA of 15%-30%, and 3.3% patients had TBSA ≥ %30.The most common microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A total of 24 patients (0.9%; 8 males, 16 females) died, including 7 children and 17 adults. CONCLUSION Removal of tandirs and replacement with high ovens, restriction of cheese and butter production under primitive circumstances, encouraging cheese and butter production via dairy farm systems, and raising people's awareness through training programs could greatly reduce the number of the burn accidents occurring in this region.
Nanoemulsions as vehicles for topical administration of glycyrrhetic acid: Characterization and in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Nano-emulsions are innovative colloidal systems characterized by high kinetic stability, low viscosity, and optical transparency, which make them very attractive in many dermatological applications. Furthermore their small size seems to favor the topical administration of actives which scarcely cross the skin. In the light of these interesting features, the present study was aimed to the evaluation, in vitro and in vivo, of glycyrrhetic acid (GA) release through the skin from the nanoemulsion system. GA-loaded nanoemulsion (GAN) was prepared by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method, and was characterized in order to determine mean droplet size and its stability during a well-defined storage period. Further Cryo-TEM studies were performed to obtain information regarding nanoemulsion structure. The GA release pattern from nanoemulsion was evaluated in vitro, to determine its percutaneous absorption through excised human skin (stratum corneum and epidermis, SCE), and in vivo evaluating GA topical anti-inflammatory activity on healthy human volunteers by the UVB-induced erythema model. Nanoemulsions prepared by PIT method showed a mean droplet diameter of 210 nm that drastically changed during a storage of 5 weeks at room temperature. In vitro and in vivo evidence showed that the nanoemulsion system significantly increased the transdermal permeability of GA in comparison to a control O/W emulsion (GAO/W) containing the same amount of active compound.
A baseline study of periodontal conditions among youths and adults in Portugal.

A study was undertaken in 1979 to obtain baseline data of periodontal disease and treatment needs among rural and urban Portuguese. From Montemor-o-Novo, Alentejo and from Lisbon, 255 persons (121 males, 134 females) aged 15-44 yr were selected by a stratified quota sampling method and examined under field conditions using both Russell's Periodontal Index (P.I.), slightly modified, and components of a proposed new WHO method. The latter formed the basis for estimation of treatment need according to the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN). Periodontal disease as assessed by the P.I. exhibited epidemiologic characteristics which in several respects were similar to those reported in other populations. Severity increased with increasing age and there were trends towards more severe disease in males than in females, and more severe disease in rural than in urban districts. Relatively few cases of advanced periodontitis were detected by the P.I. as applied in this study. The underestimation of disease prevalence inherent in the scoring method, the high tooth mortality and the fact that only relatively young individuals were studied may have contributed to this finding. Great need for various types of periodontal therapy were found through CPITN assessments. However, relatively few individuals were in need of "complex periodontal therapy" as assessed by the CPITN.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in patients receiving cranial irradiation and concomitant diphenylhydantoin

The routine prophylactic use of anticonvulsants after brain surgery or in patients with brain metastasis without surgery seems to be a variable but common practice, regardless of whether the patient has a previous history of convulsions. Data on the risk of developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) caused by diphenylhydantoin (DPH) used concomitantly during cranial radiotherapy is still conflicting. Although the exact mechanism is still not well-known, there is increasing anecdotal support in the literature for a synergistic effect between DPH therapy and cranial radiotherapy. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of the most severe ADRs which may result with great morbidity and mortality in patients receiving cranial radiation therapy and DPH concomitantly. This report presents 3 cases of this rare syndrome diagnosed in our department in 4 years time. Various authors suggested discontinuation of prophylactic use of anticonvulsants in patients with no history of seizures by emphasizing increased rate of severe mucocutaneous reactions caused by this type of drugs given during radiotherapy, some others have argued in favor of prophylactic anticonvulsants. The risk of seizures reaches 20% to 40% in cases with primary and metastatic brain tumors and the incidence of adverse drug reactions is relatively lower. We believe that the notion rejecting prophylactic anticonvulsant usage in patients with primary or metastatic brain tumors should be evaluated with caution. [Turk J Cancer 2002;32(4):164-171]
Preparation of mycobacteria-containing artificial sputum for TB panel testing and microscopy of sputum smears.

SETTING Panel testing, blinded cross rechecking and on-site evaluation are the three methods for external quality assessment (EQA) of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy. Panel testing can provide data on laboratory capabilities prior to implementing a rechecking programme, assess the current status of laboratory performance and detect problems associated with diagnostic performance. Thus far, two methods for preparing panel test slides have been reported: these use real AFB-positive and -negative sputum treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NALC). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the above methods and to develop a new method to prepare panel test slides with artificial sputum. DESIGN Panel test slides were prepared using the NaOH and NALC methods. New artificial sputum preparation methods were developed and examined using a cultured monocyte cell line, cultured avirulent mycobacteria and methylcellulose or polyacrylamide gel as substrate. Smears prepared by the four methods were compared. RESULTS Panel test slides prepared with NaOH and NALC methods are not macroscopically or microscopically similar to real smears. Our new artificial sputum is similar to real sputum in viscosity and macroscopic and microscopic appearance; it is also consistent in panel positivity grades. CONCLUSION The artificial sputum described here could contribute to the EQA and training in tuberculosis laboratories or microscopy centres.
Prognostic Value of Preoperative Positron Emission Tomography in Resected Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: Approximately 20 to 40% of patients with surgically resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will develop recurrent disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is used often in staging NSCLC. We conducted this study to determine whether the preoperative maximum tumor standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was associated with recurrence in patients with resected stage I NSCLC. Patients and Methods: We identified consecutive patients who underwent curative surgical resection for stage I NSCLC between 1999 and 2003 who had preoperative FDG-PET imaging. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on SUVmax above or below the median for the group. Recurrence rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and overall survival was analyzed as a secondary end point. Results: Of 136 patients who met inclusion criteria, 77 (57%) had T1 and 59 (43%) had T2 tumors. The median follow-up time was 46 months and 32 patients had a disease recurrence. The median SUVmax was 5.5. The 5-year estimates of recurrence rates for patients with low and high SUVmax were 14% and 37%, respectively (p = 0.002), with 5-year overall survivals of 74% and 53%, respectively (p = 0.006). In multivariate analyses based on SUVmax, T-classification, age, and histology, high SUVmax was independently associated with recurrence (p = 0.002) and mortality (p = 0.041). Conclusion: High SUVmax (≥5.5) on preoperative FDG-PET is an independent predictor of relapse and death in resected stage I NSCLC. Prospective trials of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage I NSCLC and high SUVmax should be considered.
The effect of a horizontally structured field and target brightness on visual search and detection times.

Abstract An experiment was performed in which detection, times were compared for free and systematic search for a small visual target. Three different levels of target brightness were employed. The systematic search pattern consisted of a horizontal zig-zag between pairs of lines drawn on the visual field. The major findings were (1) that the systematic search and structured visual field only reduced the detection times of low contrast targets, and (2) that target contrast was an important variable independent of the condition of the visual field and the search instructions used. Subsequent analysis of the data revealed that the systematic search results could not be explained in terms of an increased uniformity of coverage of the visual field.
Genetic Diversity in Hexaploid and Tetraploid Wheat Genotypes Using Microsatellite Markers

The genetic diversity of a set of hexaploid and tetraploid wheat germplasm at the IPK gene bank, Gatersleben, Germany was investigated by applying 13 wheat microsatellites (WMS). The materials consisted of 63 accessions of Triticum aestivum , T. dicoccon and T. durum obtained from different collection missions. In total, 126 alleles were detected with an average of 9.7 alleles per locus. The average PIC values per locus varied from 0.65 for the marker Xgwm192 to 0.88 for the marker Xgwm619. All the primer pairs revealed genetic heterogeneity in more than one genotype. Genetic dissimilarity values between genotypes, calculated by the WMS derived data, were used to produce a dendrogram. In the dendrogram the genotypes were clustered in nine clear groups. Key words: Genetic diversity, Microsatellite markers, Hexaploid, Tetraploid, Wheat genotype D.O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v18i1. 3267 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 18 (1): 65-73, 2008 (June)
Transcription Factor Nkx2-3 Controls the Vascular Identity and Lymphocyte Homing in the Spleen

The vasculature in the spleen and peripheral lymph nodes (pLNs) is considerably different, which affects both homing of lymphocytes and antigenic access to these peripheral lymphoid organs. In this paper, we demonstrate that in mice lacking the homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2-3, the spleen develops a pLN-like mRNA expression signature, coupled with the appearance of high endothelial venules (HEVs) that mediate L-selectin–dependent homing of lymphocytes into the mutant spleen. These ectopic HEV-like vessels undergo postnatal maturation and progressively replace MAdCAM-1 by pLN addressin together with the display of CCL21 arrest chemokine in a process that is reminiscent of HEV formation in pLNs. Similarly to pLNs, development of HEV-like vessels in the Nkx2-3–deficient spleen depends on lymphotoxin-β receptor-mediated signaling. The replacement of splenic vessels with a pLN-patterned vasculature impairs the recirculation of adoptively transferred lymphocytes and reduces the uptake of blood-borne pathogens. The Nkx2-3 mutation in BALB/c background causes a particularly disturbed splenic architecture, characterized by the near complete lack of the red pulp, without affecting lymph nodes. Thus, our observations reveal that the organ-specific patterning of splenic vasculature is critically regulated by Nkx2-3, thereby profoundly affecting the lymphocyte homing mechanism and blood filtering capacity of the spleen in a tissue-specific manner.
[Childhood injuries in northern Israel--prevalance and risk factors].

BACKGROUND Injuries resulting from accidents in the home are among the most common causes of morbidity in children. Preventing these accidents by educating parents has proved to be the most successful way of reducing such accidents and protecting children. AIMS To study the prevalence, demographic variables and risk factors of childhood injuries in Northern Israel and to determine risk groups for preventive activities. METHODS The study was prospective and conducted during the year 2000 in 36 urban (not including Arab clinics) and rural community clinics of Clalit Health Services in Northern Israel that provided health care for approximately 62,000 children (about 55% of all children residing in these communities). The survey included all children 0-18 years of age admitted to the clinics with home injuries during the study period. Data regarding clinical, demographic and socioeconomic variables was obtained from parents or guardians by a detailed questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using Chi-Square to compare the different groups and logistic regression for analysis of risk factors for injury. RESULTS An overall number of 2,086 (prevalence of 3.2%) children were included in the study of whom 61.5% and 38.5% were non Jews and Jews, respectively, (prevalence of 4.2% and 2.2% respectively) and 66.5% of all the children were boys (p < 0.01). The most common injuries among both populations were falls, blows, burns, and cuts (43%, 23%, 15%, and 13% respectively). The injuries occurred at home, or close to the home (31%), at school or kindergarten (32%), or elsewhere (37%). Seventy eight percent and 49% of the injuries in the non-Jewish and Jewish populations, respectively, occurred at or around the home (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that falling was most prevalent outside the home in non-Jewish males older than 3 years. Burns were more prevalent at home in non-Jewish girls under the age of 3, and blows were prevalent in the Jewish population outside the home in children over the age of 3. CONCLUSIONS This study provides data that could direct preventive measures in the community in order to decrease the prevalence of injury to children. In order to be effective and have significant impact, these preventive activities should concentrate on specific risk groups.
Hashing Methods and Relational Algebra Operations

This paper present algorithms for relational algebra and set operations based on hashing. Execution times are computed and performance is compared to standard methods based on nested loop and sort-merge. The algorithms are intended for use on a monoprocessor computer with standard disks for data base storage. It is indicated however that hashing methods are well suited to multi processor or especially multi machine database machines. The relational algebra operatrons described in this paper are under implementation In TECHRA (TECHBC), a database system especially designed to meet the needs of technical applications, like CAD systems, utility maps, oil field exploration, etc.