Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Harp (harmonin‐interacting, ankyrin repeat‐containing protein), a novel protein that interacts with harmonin in epithelial tissues

Mutations in the triple PDZ domain‐containing protein harmonin have been identified as the cause of Usher deafness syndrome type 1C. Independently, we identified harmonin in a screen for genes expressed in pancreatic β cells. Using a yeast two‐hybrid assay, we show that the first PDZ domain of harmonin interacts with a novel protein, designated harp for harmonin‐interacting, ankyrin repeat‐containing protein. This interaction was confirmed in an over‐expression system and in mammalian cells, and shown to be mediated by the three C‐terminal amino acids of harp. Harp is expressed in many of the same epithelia as harmonin and co‐localization of native harp and harmonin was demonstrated by confocal microscopy in pancreatic duct epithelium and in a pancreatic β‐cell line. Harp, predicted molecular mass 48 kDa, has a domain structure which includes three ankyrin repeats and a sterile alpha motif. Human harp maps to chromosome 16, and its mouse homologue to chromosome 7. Sequences with similarity to harp include the sans gene, mutations of which are responsible for deafness in the Jackson shaker 2 (js) mutant mouse and in human Usher syndrome type 1G. The functional domain structures of harp and harmonin, their interaction under native conditions and their co‐localization suggest they constitute a scaffolding complex to facilitate signal transduction in epithelia.
Effect of three nanobiomaterials on the surface roughness of bleached enamel

Background: The ever-increasing demand for enhanced esthetic appearance has resulted in significant developments in bleaching products. However, the enamel surface roughness (SR) might be negatively affected by bleaching agents. This in vitro study was undertaken to compare the effects of three nanobiomaterials on the enamel SR subsequent to bleaching. Materials and Methods: The crowns of six extracted intact nonerupted human third molars were sectioned. Five dental blocks measuring 2 mm × 3 mm × 4 mm were prepared from each tooth and placed in colorless translucent acrylic resin. The enamel areas from all the specimens were divided into five groups (n = 6): Group 1 did not undergo any bleaching procedures; Group 2 was bleached with a 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP) gel; Groups 3, 4, and 5 were bleached with a 40% HP gel modified by bioactive glass (BAG), amorphous calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite, respectively. The enamel SR was evaluated before and after treatment by atomic force microscopy. The data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests. Results: SR increased significantly in the HP group. SR decreased significantly in the HP gel modified by BAG group as compared to other groups. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, incorporation of each one of the three test biomaterials proved effective in decreasing enamel SR subsequent to in-office bleaching technique.
Human Werner Syndrome DNA Helicase Unwinds Tetrahelical Structures of the Fragile X Syndrome Repeat Sequence d(CGG) n *

Formation of hairpin and tetrahelical structures by a d(CGG) trinucleotide repeat sequence is thought to cause expansion of this sequence and to engender fragile X syndrome. Here we show that human Werner syndrome DNA helicase (WRN), a member of the RecQ family of helicases, efficiently unwinds G′2 bimolecular tetraplex structures of d(CGG)7. Unwinding of d(CGG)7 by WRN requires hydrolyzable ATP and Mg2+ and is proportional to the amount of added helicase and to the time of incubation. The efficiencies of unwinding of G′2 d(CGG)7 tetraplex with 7 nucleotide-long single-stranded tails at their 3′ or 5′ ends are, respectively, 3.5- and 2-fold greater than that of double-stranded DNA. By contrast, WRN is unable to unwind a blunt-ended d(CGG)7tetraplex, bimolecular tetraplex structures of a telomeric sequence 5′-d(TAGACATG(TTAGGG)2TTA)-3′, or tetramolecular quadruplex forms of an IgG switch region sequence 5′-d(TACAGGGGAGCTGGGGTAGA)-3′. The ability of WRN to selectively unwind specific tetrahelices may reflect a specific role of this helicase in DNA metabolism.
The Limits of Political Compromise: Debt Ceilings and Political Turnover

We study the desirability of limits on the public debt and of political turnover in an economy where incumbents have an incentive to set public expenditures above the socially optimal level due to rent-seeking motives. Parties alternate in office and cannot commit to future policies, but they can forge a political compromise where each party curbs excessive spending when in office if it expects future governments to do the same. In contrast to the received literature, we find that strict limits on government borrowing can exacerbate political economy distortions by making a political compromise unsustainable. This tends to happen when political turnover is limited. Conversely, a tight limit on the public debt fosters a compromise that yields the efficient outcome if political turnover is vigorous. Our analysis thus suggests that to sustain good economic policies, a society needs to restrict either the extent of political turnover or the ability of governments to issue debt, but not both.
The effectiveness and barriers of implementing a workplace health promotion program to improve metabolic disorders in older workers in Taiwan

To determine the effectiveness of a pragmatic health promotion program to improve the metabolic disorders in older workers in Taiwan, we conducted a 24-week quasi-experiment in three worksites in southern Taiwan in 2010. Among 1,245 workers, 108 met the inclusion criteria (full-time workers aged over 50 years) and agreed to participate in the study. They were assigned to either the intervention (n = 58) or the reference group (n = 50) according to their availability to participate in health-promoting activities. The intervention group received training in behavioral modifications to improve diet, time-use, stress management and physical activity. Motivational lectures, group activities, and team competitions were used to improve participants’ knowledge and skills in managing own health. Subjects in the reference group received no intervention. Lifestyle, anthropometric and biochemical indicators were measured at baseline and end-point. Mixed effects linear models were used to determine the intervention effects. The intervention significantly lowered body weight (intervention vs. reference = −1.22 vs. –0.30kg, p = 0.026), BMI (–0.46 vs. –0.02kg/m2, p = 0.006), and waist circumference (–2.68 vs. +0.79cm, p <0.001), but had no effect on biochemical parameters. These findings suggest the workplace-based health promotion can be effective and useful in reducing the risk of metabolic disorders in older workers in Taiwan.
[Acute myocardial infarction in the elderly. A case-control study with a younger population and review of literature].

BACKGROUND ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in old and old-old patients presents several peculiarities in natural history, delay of hospitalization and response to treatment. Aim of this retrospective case control study was to determine presentation, complications and management of elderly patients with STEMI compared to a younger population. METHODS 462 patients (205 M and 257 F) aged > or =75 years, hospitalized in CCU between 1999 and 2003 for STEMI, were evaluated. The control group consisted of 490 consecutive patients (268 M and 222 F) aged 50-70 years. Attention was focused on clinical presentation, complications, management and outcome in elderly compared with younger patients. RESULTS The mean interval between the onset of symptoms and the arrive in CCU was of 9 hour in the elderly compared to 4,5 hour in the control. Chest pain was less frequent (50% vs 90%) in the elderly; the prevalence of dyspnoea and neurological symptoms was higher in patients >75 years (30% vs. 15% and 25% vs. 10%). In the elderly, previous angina and AMI, cerebral and peripheral vascular diseases, peripheral and renal failure were frequent. Early severe complications prevailed in the elderly. Thrombolysis was performed only in 39% of the elderly compared to 65% of the control. Significantly higher was cerebral haemorrhage after thrombolysis (4.9% vs. 1.8%). Comparable were the mayor extra cranial bleedings. Primary or facilitated PTCA was performed in few patients in the last year. Two weeks mortality was 20%, compared to 6.5% in the control group. CONCLUSION The patients >75 years with STEMI were hospitalized later, had atypical presentation with less chest pain and more cardiac failure, were less likely to receive thrombolysis, had more complications and more cerebral bleedings. Elderly had more associated diseases and in-hospital mortality was higher.
Is there a role for "watch and wait" in patients with mantle cell lymphoma?

Up to one third of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) may be observed for a period of months to years before developing indications for therapy. Importantly, observational studies suggest that this approach has no apparent negative impact on their overall survival. Although there is broad agreement on which patients require early therapy, identification of patients with less aggressive disease can be challenging. Clinical tools such as the Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) and Ki67 are effective at predicting survival but may not always correspond with indications for treatment. Research tools such as the proliferative signature are attractive but have yet to be evaluated in this context. Physicians, therefore, must make decisions regarding therapy based on the best available evidence. In the absence of evidence that treatment necessarily influences long-term survival, it may be reasonable to observe selected patients for a period of time prior to making definitive treatment-related decisions. Collaborative efforts are required to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease and potentially identify patients amenable to "watch and wait. " Similarly, patients with less aggressive MCL may be an ideal group in which to evaluate novel treatment approaches.
Is Exercise-Induced Arterial Hypoxemia in Triathletes Dependent on Exercise Modality?

To determine whether exercise modality affects arterial hypoxemia (EIAH) during training-intensity exercise, 13 triathletes performed 20 min of cycling (C) followed by 20 min of running (R): C-R, and two weeks later, 20 min of R followed by 20 min of C:R-C. Each trial was performed at an intensity slightly above the ventilatory threshold and close to the daily training intensity (75 % of VO2max). Ventilatory data were collected continuously using an automated breath-by-breath system. Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) was measured after each C and R segment and arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) was monitored continuously via pulse oximetry. The metabolic rate was similar across modalities and trials, i.e., C-R (53.8 +/- 3.8 vs. 51.1 +/- 5.3 ml.min(-1). kg(-1)) and R-C (52.2 +/- 4.5 vs. 53.2 +/- 4.6 ml.min(-1). kg (-1)). EIAH showed significantly greater severity for R compared to C irrespective of the order (p < 0.05 for both trials). R values of PaO2 (and SpO2) for C-R and R-C were 88.7 +/- 6.0 mm Hg (93.0 +/- 0.6 % SpO2) and 86.6 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (93.5 +/- 0.6 % SpO2) and C values were 93.7 +/- 8.4 mm Hg (95.4 +/- 0.4 % SpO2) and 91.4 +/- 5.4 mm Hg (94.8 +/- 0.3 % SpO2). R ventilatory data described a significantly different breathing pattern than C, with higher respiratory rate (35.9 b.min(-1) vs. 51.1 b.min(-1) for C-R, p < 0.01; and 50.0 b.min(-1) vs. 41.5 b.min(-1) for R-C, p < 0.01) and lower tidal volume (2636 ml vs. 2282 ml for C-R, p < 0.02 and 2272 ml vs. 2472 ml for R-C, p < 0.05). We concluded that EIAH was greater during running than cycling for a similar metabolic rate corresponding to training intensity and that EIAH could thus be considered dependent on exercise modality.
Quality of life of Ethiopian women after fistula repair: implications on rehabilitation and social reintegration policy and programming

Despite growing recognition of the importance of linking obstetric fistula prevention and treatment strategies with rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes, little research and programming has been oriented toward this goal. Using in-depth interviews, this study aimed to examine the experiences of 51 Ethiopian women after fistula repair surgery to identify priority post-repair interventions that could maximise their quality of life. The results showed that the majority of women felt a dramatic sensation of relief and happiness following repair, yet some continued to experience mental anguish, stigma, and physical problems regardless of the outcome of the procedure. All women suffered intense fear of developing another fistula, most commonly from sex or childbirth. Despite this, the majority of women had sex or planned to do so, while a smaller cohort avoided intercourse and childbearing, thus subjecting them to isolation, marital conflict, and/or economic vulnerability. Our findings suggest that obstetric fistula programmes should integrate (1) post-repair counselling about fistula and risk factors for recurrence, (2) community-based follow-up care, (3) linkages to income-generating opportunities, (4) engagement of women affected by fistula for community outreach, and (5) metrics for evaluating rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts to ensure women regain healthy, productive lives.
Hair growth stimulatory effect by a combination of 5‐aminolevulinic acid and iron ion

Background 5‐Aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) is a precursor of a tetrapyrrole compound. 5‐ALA has been used for photodynamic therapy as well as for plant growth. 5‐ALA and iron ion are precursors of heme, which is incorporated into hemoglobin and cytochrome.
How Education Contributed to U.S. Household Wealth Changes During the 2008 Economic Shock

The Great Recession in 2008 cost American households trillions of dollars, and years after the shock, some families are still feeling the crush. However, the amount of losses or gains during the crisis vary across the population. This paper examines the role of education in these dynamic changes, asking whether more education helped people weather economic crisis better. Using data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances in year 2007 and year 2009, this paper examines the relationship between education and changes in family wealth, measured by total household assets. I use OLS regressions and Inverse Hyperbolic Sine (IHS) technique to examine these changes, and then determine whether the general pattern holds in each income quantile, and how the pattern changes as income increases, controlling for household demographic characteristics, and attitudes towards borrowing and saving, and other factors. My results indicate that during the shock, higher educational attainment was associated with larger changes in total assets, and wealthy households with more education experienced gains
Influenza Virus

This unit contains several methods for infecting mice with influenza virus. It also includes protocols needed to propagate influenza virus in hen eggs, quantitate virus titers (in tissue culture medium and in influenza‐infected mouse serum), and adopt human isolates of influenza for growth in mice. Methods for measuring the 50% mouse lethal dose are also included. Finally, protocols for generating anti‐influenza cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from splenocyte precursors and harvesting pulmonary CTL following respiratory tract challenge of mice with influenza virus are provided.
Receptor Isoforms Mediate Opposing Proliferative Effects through Gβγ-Activated p38 or Akt Pathways

ABSTRACT The opposing effects on proliferation mediated by G-protein-coupled receptor isoforms differing in their COOH termini could be correlated with the abilities of the receptors to differentially activate p38, implicated in apoptotic events, or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K), which provides a source of survival signals. These contrasting growth responses of the somatostatin sst2 receptor isoforms, which couple to identical Gα subunit pools (Gαi3 > Gαi2 >> Gα0), were both inhibited following βγ sequestration. The sst2(a) receptor-mediated ATF-2 activation and inhibition of proliferation induced by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were dependent on prolonged phosphorylation of p38. In contrast, cell proliferation and the associated transient phosphorylation of Akt and p70 rsk induced by sst2(b) receptors were blocked by the PI 3-K inhibitor LY 294002. Stimulation with bFGF alone had no effect on the activity of either p38 or Akt but markedly enhanced p38 phosphorylation mediated by sst2(a) receptors, suggesting that a complex interplay exists between the transduction cascades activated by these distinct receptor types. In addition, although all receptors mediated a sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2), induction of the tumor suppressor p21 cip1 was detected only following amplification of ERK and p38 phosphorylation by concomitant bFGF and sst2(a) receptor activation. Expression of constitutively active Akt in the presence of a p38 inhibitor enabled a proliferative response to be detected in sst2(a) receptor-expressing cells. These findings demonstrate that the duration of activation and a critical balance between the mitogen-activated protein kinase and PI 3-K pathways are important for controlling cell proliferation and that the COOH termini of the sst2 receptor isoforms may determine the selection of appropriate βγ-pairings necessary for interaction with distinct kinase cascades.
Attaining EKC in Africa: Why Institutions Really Matter

The paper examines the impact of institutions on growth and environmental quality relationship in Africa using a static panel approach for the period 1996-2014. It disaggregates African economies into three categories based on World Bank framework. These categories include: i. poor institutions ii. fair institutions, and iii. good institutions. The empirical result indicates the realization of the EKC hypothesis in African economies with good and fair institutions while no feasible turning point threshold could be ascertain for economies with poor institutions. Similarly, our result suggests that environmental quality was more responsive to income growth with good institutions, implying that with African economies with sound institutions tends to turn the EKC faster.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Very Low Birth Weight Infant: The Vermont Oxford Network Experience

Objective. The limited literature available to date suggests that the use of delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DR-CPR) is associated with very poor outcomes, especially for extremely low birth weight infants. We reviewed the cumulative experience of the Vermont Oxford Network to determine the actual utilization of DR-CPR and the neonatal outcomes of such infants. Methods. A retrospective review of information available in the Vermont Oxford Network Database for the years 1994 to 1996. The data set was collected from 196 neonatal units who participate in the Network (data for infants 401 to 500 g were from 1996 only). Infants were eligible for study if they received DR-CPR defined as the administration of chest compressions and/or epinephrine in the delivery room as noted on the Vermont Oxford Network Database record. Results. Information regarding survival was available for 27 707 newborns with birth weights from 501 to 1500 g, and 497 infants with birth weights from 401 to 500 g. There were 24 001 (86.6%) survivors. Overall DR-CPR was given to 9.3% of infants from 401 to 500 g and 6% of infants from 501 to 1500 g, 82.1% receiving chest compressions, and 66.7% receiving epinephrine. Survival of infants receiving DR-CPR was 23.9% for infants of 401 to 500 g, and 63.3% for infants of 501 to 1500 g, compared with 16.7% and 87.9% for infants in these weight groups not receiving DR-CPR. Survival was greater for infants of 501 g or greater without DR-CPR compared with those who received this intervention within each 250-g birth weight subgroup. For infants of <1000 g, survival was 53.8% with DR-CPR compared with 74.9% without. Head ultrasounds were available for 95.5% of all surviving infants and 96.7% of infants who received DR-CPR. Overall, any grade of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) occurred more frequently in infants who received DR-CPR (38%) than in those who did not (21%). Grade 3 or 4 (severe) IVH was seen in 15.3% of infants who received DR-CPR compared with 4.9% of the infants who did not. Overall, survival without severe IVH occurred in 52.2% of DR-CPR infants compared with 81.3% of infants who did not require this intervention. Conclusion. The majority of very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight infants who receive DR-CPR survive, and at least half of such infants who survive do not have evidence of severe IVH. Further follow-up studies are required to determine the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of such infants. The current study does not support the previously noted poor outcome in extremely low birth weight infants who receive DR-CPR.
The prevalence and pattern of nursing caries in Saudi preschool children.

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence and pattern of nursing caries in Saudi preschool children of Riyadh area. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A list of kindergartens was derived through random selection of one kindergarten from every area of Riyadh. A sample of 1,016 children with primary dentition only was examined for dental caries. The criterion used for nursing caries was presence of caries on the labial or lingual surfaces of at least two maxillary incisors with absence of caries in mandibular incisors. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-seven (27.3%) children were diagnosed as having nursing caries. The mean dmft of nursing caries children was 8.6 (+/- 3.4), with dt component of 7.6 (+/- 3.5), mt of 0 4 (+/- 0.9) and ft of 0.6 (+/- 1.7). The older children had significantly higher mean dmft as compared with younger children. The teeth most affected by caries were maxillary central incisors (93.9%), whereas the least affected were mandibular canines (9.6%). A great majority of children (95.7%) had caries in both anterior and posterior teeth. The probability of bilateral molar caries was very high in nursing caries children; highest (94.7%) in mandibular first molars. CONCLUSIONS The caries prevalence was high in the study population. The maxillary central incisors were most affected by caries. The probability of bilateral molar caries was very high.