Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as an inflammatory component of metabolic syndrome in Japanese.

BACKGROUND Cutoff points for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Japanese have been proposed as 0.40-0.45 mg/L for men and 0.25-0.35 mg/L for women. However, there are some concerns about the reproducibility of hs-CRP. METHODS AND RESULTS Reproducibility of hs-CRP as a component of MetS was examined using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves for diagnosing MetS in 1,274 men and 673 women whose serum levels of hs-CRP were measured twice at annual health screening tests. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between baseline hs-CRP and hs-CRP at the next year's test was 0.68 in men and 0.71 in women. The area under the ROC curves of baseline hs-CRP, hs-CRP at the next year's test, and the mean of the 2 hs-CRP tests for diagnosing baseline MetS were 0.71, 0.71, and 0.72, respectively, in men and 0.75, 0.74, and 0.74, respectively, in women. Optimal cutoff points of baseline hs-CRP, hs-CRP at the next year's test, and the mean of 2 tests for diagnosing baseline MetS were all 0.40 mg/L in men and 0.35 mg/L in women. CONCLUSIONS The serum level of hs-CRP was stable enough for use as a measure of the inflammatory component of MetS, and the optimal cutoff point of hs-CRP was 0.40 mg/L for men and 0.35 mg/L for women in a Japanese health-screening population.
Comparison of three chromogenic agar plates for isolation and identification of urinary tract pathogens.

OBJECTIVE To comparatively assess the performance of three chromogenic agar plates, CPS ID2, Chromogenic UTI, and USA, for the detection and enumeration of all urinary tract pathogens and the direct identification of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus spp. METHODS Two hundred and forty-three urine specimens prospectively collected from hospitalized patients were randomly inoculated in parallel on the three media. RESULTS Of the 243 urine specimens, 235 yielded positive cultures, of which 151 were pure cultures and 84 were mixed cultures. CPS ID2, Chromogenic UTI and USA agar gave detection rates of 99.1%, 97.1% and 96.6%, respectively. The main difference in non-detection between CPS ID2 agar and the two new media concerned Staphylococcus spp. strains. Based on the total number of strains detected (n = 348), the total identification rates of E. coli, P. mirabilis and Enterococcus spp. on CPS ID2 agar, Chromogenic UTI agar and USA agar were 60.3%, 61.2% and 59.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION The detection rates and identification rates of the three media were very close and only minor differences were noted. The lower detection rates for Chromogenic UTI and USA were mainly due to their lesser ability to support growth of Staphylococcus spp.
Volatiles produced by microorganisms isolated from refrigerated chicken at spoilage

Volatile components present at spoilage of refrigerated chicken breasts were identified using high-vacuum-low-temperature distillation techniques followed by analysis with combined temperature-programmed gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A comparison was made of the compounds detected from both irradiated and non-irradiated muscle stored at 2 and 10 degrees C under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Isolates were randomly selected from the spoiled poultry, identified, and evaluated for their ability to produce volatile spoilage noted when grown on radiation-sterilized chicken. Several isolates that produced off-odors on sterile chicken breasts were examined. Twenty-two compounds were associated with spoilage. Some of the compounds found on both irradiated and unirradiated samples were considered to play only a minor role in the spoilage aroma or were present in low concentrations, since the aroma of spoiled irradiated chicken lacked the harsh odor notes typical of spoiled unirradiated chicken. Fifteen of the 22 compounds were considered to be unique to unirradiated, aerobically spoiled samples. Nine of these compounds, hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, heptadiene, methanol, and ethanol, were found on chicken spoiled at both 2 and 10 degrees C. xylene, benzaldehyde, and 2,3-dithiahexane were detected only in samples stored at 2 degrees C and methyl thiolacetate, 2-butanone, and ethyl propionate were associated with 10 degrees C spoilage. Fifty-eight isolates randomly selected from fresh, radiation-pasteurized, and unirradiated spoiled poultry were classified taxonomically, and 10 of them, which produced spoilage odors on sterilized chicken breasts, were selected for subsequent analysis of their volatiles. Isolates identified as Pseudomonas putrefaciens and Pseudomonas species that were members of groups I and II of Shewan's classification, as well as Flavobacterium and oxidative Moraxella, produced a number of the compounds found in the aroma of spoiled chicken. A total of 17 compounds were identified. Whereas no isolate produced all of the aroma compounds found in the aroma of spoiled chicken, together they did produce the nine found in unirradiated samples spoiled at either 2 or 10 degrees C, as well as methyl thiolacetate and xylene. Six compounds were present in the volatiles produced by the isolates but were absent in the volatiles identified from spoiled chicken. These were hydrogen cyanide, methyl isopropyl sulfide, 2-propane thiol, methyl propionate, ethyl benzene, and an unidentified compound.
Effect of Epsilon Toxin–GFP on MDCK Cells and Renal Tubules In Vivo

Epsilon toxin (∊-toxin), produced by Clostridium perfringens types B and D, causes fatal enterotoxemia, also known as pulpy kidney disease, in livestock. Recombinant ∊-toxin–green fluorescence protein (∊-toxin–GFP) and ∊-prototoxin–GFP were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. MTT assays on MDCK cells confirmed that recombinant ∊-toxin–GFP retained the cytotoxicity of the native toxin. Direct fluorescence analysis of MDCK cells revealed a homogeneous peripheral pattern that was temperature sensitive and susceptible to detergent. ∊-Toxin–GFP and ∊-prototoxin-GFP bound to endothelia in various organs of injected mice, especially the brain. However, fluorescence mainly accumulated in kidneys. Mice injected with ∊-toxin–GFP showed severe kidney alterations, including hemorrhagic medullae and selective degeneration of distal tubules. Moreover, experiments on kidney cryoslices demonstrated specific binding to distal tubule cells of a range of species. We demonstrate with new recombinant fluorescence tools that ∊-toxin binds in vivo to endothelial cells and renal tubules, where it has a strong cytotoxic effect. Our binding experiments indicate that an ∊-toxin receptor is expressed on renal distal tubules of mammalian species, including human. (J Histochem Cytochem 52:931–942, 2004)
Social Trust, Rule of Law, and Economic Exchange: Evidence from China and Its Major Trading Partners

ABSTRACT Using cross-country panel data and employing the instrumental variable generalized method of moments (GMM) method, this article examines the effect of social trust on economic exchange between China and its major trading partners over the period 2005–2013. Social trust significantly increases bilateral trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) between China and its partners, and this effect is much stronger in nonmember countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) than OECD member countries. Further exploration suggests that the heterogeneity could be explained by the substitution relationship between social trust and the rule of law: social trust matters more in countries where the rule of law is weaker. We also . find that the impact of trust on trade and FDI is weaker in countries that have greater language similarity to China, are adjacent to China, or are common-law-origin countries. Based on these results, in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese government and companies should not only focus on each country’s legal norms but also attach importance to the role of social capital in international economic exchange.
Toxicity bioassay in Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to 20 kHz triangular magnetic field for 90 days

Sprague–Dawley rats (10 each of male and female per group for sham and magnetic field exposed) were exposed in a carrousel irradiator to 20 kHz intermediate frequency (IF) magnetic field at 6.25 µT rms for 8 h/day, 5 days/week for 90 days. Urine analysis (pH, serum glucose, protein, ketone bodies, RBC, WBC, bilirubin, urobilinogen, and specific gravity), blood analysis [WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), thrombocyte count, and leucocyte count], blood biochemistry (total protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase), and histopathological analysis for organs such as liver, kidney, testis, ovary, spleen, brain, heart, and lung were performed on day 90. Results showed no significant differences in the above analyses between IF magnetic field exposed and sham control rats. Therefore, we conclude that there were no significant toxicities in rats exposed to 20 kHz IF triangular magnetic field‐exposure for 90 days. Bioelectromagnetics 27:105–111, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Combined Chelation Therapy with Deferiprone and Deferoxamine on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Adult β-Thalassemia Major Patients

β-Thalassemia major (β-TM), patients, asymptomatic and with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were studied echocardiographically. Group A (26 patients), on deferiprone (L1) and deferoxamine (DFO) combination therapy (L1: 80 ± 27 mg/kg/day, DFO: 160 ± 87 mg/kg/week) and group B (35 patients) on DFO monotherapy (240 ± 40 mg/kg/week) for the last 2 years were compared. Another group, C (14 patients), switched to L1 (74 ± 15 mg/kg/day) plus DFO (158 ± 48 mg/kg/week) for 20–30 months, was prospectively studied for 2 years. In group A, MRI T2* values were increased and improved in group C during follow-up. The LVEF was better in group A than in group B, while such an improvement was also detected in the group C follow-up study. The Tissue Doppler study E′ velocity and E/E′ ratio was not different. Similarly, in the group C follow-up no significant change in E/E′ ratio was detected. It seems that although LVEF significantly improves with combined therapy, diastolic function indexes do not show a similar change.
Portal myofibroblasts promote vascular remodeling underlying cirrhosis formation through the release of microparticles

Liver fibrosis expanding from portal tracts and vascular remodeling are determinant factors in the progression of liver diseases to cirrhosis. In the present study, we examined the potential contribution of portal myofibroblasts (PMFs) to the vascular changes leading to cirrhosis. The analyses of liver cells based on the transcriptome of rat PMFs, compared to hepatic stellate cell HSC‐derived myofibroblasts in culture, identified collagen, type XV, alpha 1 (COL15A1) as a marker of PMFs. Normal liver contained rare COL15A1‐immunoreactive cells adjacent to the bile ducts and canals of Hering in the portal area. A marked increase in COL15A1 expression occurred together with that of the endothelial marker, von Willebrand factor, in human and rat liver tissue, at advanced stages of fibrosis caused by either biliary or hepatocellular injury. In cirrhotic liver, COL15A1‐expressing PMFs adopted a perivascular distribution outlining vascular capillaries proximal to reactive ductules, within large fibrotic septa. The effect of PMFs on endothelial cells (ECs) was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays. PMF‐conditioned medium increased the migration and tubulogenesis of liver ECs as well as human umbilical vein ECs and triggered angiogenesis within Matrigel plugs in mice. In coculture, PMFs developed intercellular junctions with ECs and enhanced the formation of vascular structures. PMFs released vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A‐containing microparticles, which activated VEGF receptor 2 in ECs and largely mediated their proangiogenic effect. Cholangiocytes potentiated the angiogenic properties of PMFs by increasing VEGFA expression and microparticle shedding in these cells. Conclusion: PMFs are key cells in hepatic vascular remodeling. They signal to ECs through VEGFA‐laden microparticles and act as mural cells for newly formed vessels, driving scar progression from portal tracts into the parenchyma. (Hepatology 2015;61:1041–1055)
Influence of physical contact on pacing strategies during game-based activities.

PURPOSE Repeated sprinting incorporating tackles leads to greater reductions in sprint performance than repeated sprinting alone. However, the influence of physical contact on the running demands of game-based activities is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of physical contact altered pacing strategies during game-based activities. METHODS Twenty-three elite youth rugby league players were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 played the contact game on day 1 while group 2 played the noncontact game; 72 h later they played the alternate game. Each game consisted of offside touch on a 30 × 70-m field, played over two 8-min halves. Rules were identical between games except the contact game included a 10-s wrestle bout every 50 s. Microtechnology devices were used to analyze player movements. RESULTS There were greater average reductions during the contact game for distance (25%, 38 m/min, vs 10%, 20 m/min; effect size [ES] = 1.78 ± 1.02) and low-speed distance (21%, 24 m/min, vs 0%, 2 m/s; ES = 1.38 ± 1.02) compared with the noncontact game. There were similar reductions in high-speed running (41%, 18 m/min, vs 45%, 15 m/min; ES = 0.15 ± 0.95). CONCLUSIONS The addition of contact to game-based activities causes players to reduce low-speed activity in an attempt to maintain high-intensity activities. Despite this, players were unable to maintain high-speed running while performing contact efforts. Improving a player's ability to perform contact efforts while maintaining running performance should be a focus in rugby league training.
Correlated Trading by Life Insurers and its Impact on Bond Prices

Our evidence indicates that U.S. life insurers’ decisions to buy and sell individual corporate bonds are correlated across companies within the life insurance industry. On average, the correlation in sell decisions is greater in smaller bonds, bonds with lower ratings, bonds that have been downgraded, and bonds that have recently experienced relatively large abnormal returns. Correlated trading was also elevated during the financial crisis. In addition, correlated buying and selling are greater when insurers designated as systemically important financial institutions are actively trading. We also find that the bonds that insurers sell in a correlated manner exhibit negative average abnormal returns during the quarter in which insurers are selling. One explanation is that insurers’ correlated selling is temporarily pushing bond prices below their fundamental value. In this case, we would expect prices to bounce back in the subsequent quarter. However, we do not find a rebound in prices and therefore our evidence supports the alternative explanation that insurers’ correlated selling is impounding information into bond prices.
Insulin Resistance in Obesity as Analyzed by the Response of Glucose Kinetics to Glucagon Infusion

A new approach has been developed to examine insulin sensitivity and resistance in vivo in man. In it, tracer methods are used, which permit the assessment of nonsteady state glucose kinetics by a method that is noninvasive and does not use pharmacologic agents. Graded doses of glucagon, infused intravenously, are used to drive glucose out of steady state and to stimulate the release of insulin into the portal circulation. By relating the changes in the rates of glucose production, utilization, and fractional disappearance to immunoreactive glucagon and insulin, it is possible to assess the body's sensitivity to physiologic levels of these two hormones. The utility of this approach was examined in obesity, a known human model of insulin resistance. The data demonstrated that glucose production in the obese subjects responded normally to glucagon. They also showed that insulin was much less effective in promoting glucose utilization in the obese persons than it was in the normal ones. In the obese subjects who were studied, the pancreatic B-cells were shown to be normally responsive to the stimulatory effects of either glucose or glucagon. Hence, they did not release sufficient insulin to overcome the insulin resistance, and these obese individuals had impaired glucose tolerance. Thus, it is suggested that, in the presence of insulin resistance, the responsiveness of B-cells will determine whether the glucose tolerance will be normal or abnormal in obese persons. This approach can now be used to explore glucose homeostasis in other conditions associated with glucose intolerance, the metabolic basis of which is undefined.
Transplantation of human olfactory ensheathing cells elicits remyelination of demyelinated rat spinal cord

Human olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) were prepared from adult human olfactory nerves, which were removed during surgery for frontal base tumors, and were transplanted into the demyelinated spinal cord of immunosuppressed adult rats. Extensive remyelination was observed in the lesion site: In situ hybridization using a human DNA probe (COT‐1) indicated a similar number of COT‐1‐positive cells and OEC nuclei within the repaired lesion. The myelination was of a peripheral type with large nuclei and cytoplasmic regions surrounding the axons, characteristic of Schwann cell and OEC remyelination. These results provide evidence that adult human OECs are able to produce Schwann cell‐like myelin sheaths around demyelinated axons in the adult mammalian CNS in vivo. GLIA 30:209–218, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
REVIEW: Efficacy and mechanisms of action of statins in the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia.

CONTEXT The Adult Treatment Panel III recommends 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, as first-line lipid-altering therapy for all adult patients with diabetes mellitus. This is based on the well-characterized efficacy and safety profiles of this class of agents as well as several clinical trials demonstrating that statin treatment reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This review provides an overview of the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of statins in patients with diabetes mellitus using small efficacy trials and large clinical outcomes trials as well as studies of the effects of statins on apolipoprotein B (apoB) metabolism. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The major findings presented are a review of mechanistic studies of selected subjects with diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and a compilation of results from large-scale clinical trials of patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Statins are highly efficacious as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering agents and have more modest effects on very low-density lipoprotein triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The effects of statins on plasma lipids and lipoproteins result from their ability to both increase the efficiency with which very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein are cleared from the circulation and reduce the production of apoB-containing lipoproteins by the liver. Additional investigations are needed to clarify the mechanisms by which statins reduce apoB secretion from the liver.
The (potential) impact of Brexit on UK SMEs: regional evidence and public policy implications

ABSTRACT This paper examines the potential impact of Brexit on UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a major longitudinal survey of UK SMEs, the analysis suggests that Brexit-related concerns are escalating. Larger, export- and import-oriented SMEs are most concerned, as are those located in major urban and peripheral locations. Among SMEs with growth-related plans, many firms are scaling back on capital investment, innovation and (especially) exports. An appraisal of existing policy frameworks suggests that the devolved administrations seem better equipped to enact interventions in order to alleviate any negative effects arising from Brexit.
Expression of polyomavirus virion proteins by a vaccinia virus vector: association of VP1 and VP2 with the nuclear framework

The polyomavirus proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3 move from their cytoplasmic site of synthesis into the nucleus, where virus assembly occurs. To identify cellular or viral components which might control this process, we determined the distribution of VP1, VP2, and VP3 in a soluble fraction, a cytoplasmic cytoskeleton fraction, and a nuclear framework fraction of infected cells. All three proteins were detected in a detergent-extractable form immediately after their synthesis in polyomavirus-infected cells. Approximately 50, 25, and 40% of pulse-labeled VP1, VP2, and VP3, respectively, associated with the skeletal framework of the nucleus within 10 min after their synthesis. The remaining portion of each labeled protein failed to accumulate on the nuclear framework during a 40-min chase and was degraded. When expressed separately by recombinant vaccinia viruses, VP1 and VP2, but not VP3, accumulated on the nuclear framework. This association was not dependent on other polyomavirus proteins or viral DNA. The amount of total VP1 and VP2 which was bound to the nuclear framework approximated 45 and 20%, respectively. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated an exclusive nuclear localization of VP1 in situ. In coinfection experiments, a greater percentage of total VP2 and VP3 was bound to the nuclear framework of cells which cosynthesized VP1. These results indicate that although VP1 and VP2 can bind independently to the insoluble nuclear framework, the association of VP3 with this nuclear structure is promoted by the presence of VP1.
Acute symptoms associated with asphalt fume exposure among road pavers.

BACKGROUND Although asphalt fume is a recognized irritant, previous studies of acute symptoms during asphalt paving have produced inconsistent results. Between 1994 and 1997, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated workers at seven sites in six states. METHODS NIOSH (a) measured exposures of asphalt paving workers to total (TP) and benzene-soluble particulate (BSP), polycyclic aromatic compounds, and other substances; (b) administered symptom questionnaires pre-shift, every 2 hr during the shift, and post-shift to asphalt exposed and nonexposed workers; and (c) measured peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) of asphalt paving workers when they completed a symptom questionnaire. RESULTS Full-shift time-weighted average exposures to TP and BSP ranged from 0.01 to 1.30 mg/m(3) and 0.01 to 0.82 mg/m(3), respectively. Most BSP concentrations were <0.50 mg/m(3). Asphalt workers had a higher occurrence rate of throat irritation than nonexposed workers [13% vs. 4%, odds ratio (OR) = 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-13]. TP, as a continuous variable, was associated with eye (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.12-1.60) and throat (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.06-1.85) symptoms. With TP dichotomous at 0.5 mg/m(3), the ORs and 95% CIs for eye and throat symptoms were 7.5 (1.1-50) and 15 (2.3-103), respectively. BSP, dichotomous at 0.3 mg/m(3), was associated with irritant (eye, nose, or throat) symptoms (OR = 11, 95% CI: 1.5-84). One worker, a smoker, had PEFR-defined bronchial lability, which did not coincide with respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Irritant symptoms were associated with TP and BSP concentrations at or below 0.5 mg/m(3).