Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Double-blind parallel study of piroxicam versus indomethacin in the treatment of low back pain.

Twenty-eight outpatients with chronic severe lumbar pain participated in a double-blind comparative trial on the clinical efficacy of orally administered piroxicam and indomethacin. Half of the patients received indomethacin, 25 mg t.i. d. ; the other half received piroxicam 20 mg in the morning and a placebo at lunchtime and before dinner for six weeks. The patients were examined four times at two-week intervals for their capability to do daily tasks and for total lumbar mobility, forward bending, raising of both legs straight and the subjective assessment of pain. Side effects were recorded on a questionnaire and with laboratory tests. The overall results of both groups were similar. Thus, piroxicam, 20 mg daily, matches indomethacin, 25 mg t.i. d. , in the treatment of low back pain. The side effects were slight. Treatment with indomethacin was stopped in one case (erythema and conjunctivitis). In the piroxicam group diarrhea, constipation, and pain in the tongue were reported, whereas in the indomethacin group gastrointestinal irritation and tiredness were typical symptoms.
Identification of polymorphisms on the MDR1 gene among Turkish population and their effects on multidrug resistance in acute leukemia patients

Multidrug‐resistance (MDR) phenotype is a serious limitation to the effective chemotherapeutic treatment of many cancer types, including leukemia. One of the most important proteins, the over‐expression of which is responsible for the multidrug‐resistance phenotype in many cancer types, is P‐glycoprotein. This protein is the product of the MDR1 gene. In previous studies, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) C3435T, G2677T, and T‐129C in the MDR1 gene were shown to be correlated with lower P‐glycoprotein expression in normal tissues. It was suggested that this might have an advantage in cancer chemotherapy by resulting in a low drug‐resistance phenotype. The frequencies of these SNPs were studied in 45 acute leukemia patients (25 of which were primary refractory and 20 of which were drug‐sensitive) and 17 healthy individuals, forming a Turkish population of 62 individuals. In the first part of the study, these polymorphisms were compared with other populations. Marked differences were apparent between African and Turkish populations for the C3435T polymorphism. On the other hand, similarities were found between other Caucasian/Asian and Turkish populations (P < 0.001). However, for the G2677T polymorphism, the Turkish population is different than Japanese and German populations (P < 0.001). For the T‐129C polymorphism, all individuals in the studied population were homozygous for the T/T genotype. In the second part of this study, drug‐resistant and drug‐sensitive acute leukemia patients were compared for these SNPs. These polymorphisms did not seem to have a significant effect on P‐glycoprotein‐mediated drug resistance in the patients studied. Am. J. Hematol. 80:26–34, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal variations of airborne pollen in Allahabad, India.

Using a Burkard 7-day volumetric sampler a survey of airborne pollen grains in Allahabad was carried out from December 2004--November 2005 to assess the qualitative and quantitative occurrence of pollen grains during different months of the year, and to characterize the pollen seasons of dominant pollen types in the atmosphere of Allahabad. 80 pollen types were identified out of the total pollen catch of 3,416.34 pollen grains/m(3). Bulk of the pollen originated from anemophilous trees and grasses. Thirteen pollen types recorded more than 1 % of the annual total pollen catch. Holoptelea integrifolia formed the major component of the pollen spectrum constituting 46.21 % of the total pollen catch followed by Poaceae, Azadirachta indica, Ailanthus excelsa, Putranjiva roxburghii, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ricinus communis, Brassica compestris, Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae, Madhuca longifolia, Syzygium cumini, other Asteraceae and Aegle marmelos. Highest pollen counts were obtained in the month of March and lowest in July. The pollen types recorded marked the seasonal pattern of occurrence in the atmosphere. February-May was the principal pollen season with maximum number of pollen counts and pollen types. Chief sources of pollen during this period were arboreal taxa. September-October was the second pollen season with grasses being the main source of pollen. Airborne pollen spectrum reflected the vegetation of Allahabad, except for Alnus sp. , which grows in the Himalayan region. A significant negative correlation was found of daily pollen counts with minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall.
Trends in survival outcomes of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia in elderly patients: analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database

B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in the elderly population is generally considered to have a poor prognosis. It is unclear whether their survival has improved in the current era. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we selected 717 elderly patients (age ≥ 60) with B-ALL diagnosed between 1992 and 2011. Overall survival (OS) was compared based on their period of diagnosis and age. Patients in the age group 60–69 had an improvement in OS over time, both 1-year OS (49.4% in 2002–2011 vs. 33.1% in 1992–2001) and 5-year OS (20.4% in 2002–2011 vs. 8.1% in 1992–2001, p = 0.002). Patients ≥ 70 years had no significant improvement in 1-year OS or 5-year OS (5-year OS 5.5% in 1992–2001 vs. 9.7% in 2002–2011, p = 0.326). Hence, there are discrepancies in the improvement of OS among elderly patients with B-ALL. Further focus of research in elderly patients with B-ALL is needed to improve their outcome.
Functionality of handpump water supplies: a review of data from sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific region

ABSTRACT Handpumps are heavily relied upon for drinking water in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries, but their operation and maintenance remain problematic. This review presents updated and expanded handpump functionality estimates for 47 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Our results suggest that approximately one in four handpumps in sub-Saharan Africa are non-functional at any point in time, which in 2015 was roughly equivalent to 175,000 inoperative water points. Functionality statistics for Asia-Pacific countries vary widely, but data gaps preclude a robust region-wide estimate. In spite of data inconsistencies and imperfections, the results illustrate the persistent and widespread nature of rural water supply sustainability concerns.
Neoliberal Steering in Swedish Integration Policy: The Rise and Fall of Introduction Guides

In the past decades, many policy sectors within European countries have encountered political reforms of neoliberal character. One of the key shifts has been the reorientation of public employment services that has been enforced, for example, through the establishment of what have been denoted as quasi-markets. Simultaneously with the rise of quasi-markets, welfare policy as a whole, including integration policy, has beenincreasingly oriented toward “activation”, with its focus on the individual’s obligationsand duties in relation to welfare services. These circumstances pose particular challenges to those charged with the governance of welfare services due to increasingly complex requirements for collaboration and control involving a multitude of actors. The reform is an example of a hybrid system where for- and non-profit actors compete for the“customer”, in this case, the newly arrived immigrant. This article focuses on the changes in Swedish integration reform as an archetype of these changes and studies a clearly defined case study. Empirically, this study draws from both documents and interviews. The article illustrates an unregulated and ill-monitored policy containing a model that comprises mixed modes of steering. The governance of the reform bears traits from both centralist and cooperative forms of governance and, thereby, involves competing philosophies of steering.
Protective antigens against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli O101:K99,F41 in the infant mouse diarrhea model

Protective antigens present in whole cells of bovine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains were tested in an infant mouse diarrhea model. Reduction of mortality rates of infant mice suckling vaccinated mothers was measured 1, 2, and 5 days after oral challenge with strain B41 (O101:K99,F41:H-). Vaccines consisted of strains of serogroup O101, O9, O8, or O20 and of variants bearing or not bearing antigens K99 and F41. K99 and F41 expressions were checked by slide agglutination with K99 and F41 antisera and by mannose-resistant microhemagglutination with horse, sheep, and guinea pig erythrocytes. Absence of production of K99 antibodies following hyperimmunization with K99-negative variants was established in rabbit antisera. Strains bearing K99 alone induced less protection of infant mice 5 days after challenge than strains bearing F41 alone or both K99 and F41. Absence of expression of K99 in the vaccinal strains resulted in either a slight decrease (strains bearing additional F41) or complete abolishment (strains bearing K99 alone) of protection. Failure of F41 synthesis by O101 strains or variants resulted in no protection 5 days after challenge. F41 probably also supplied most of the protection induced by the O9 strain. When negative for both K99 and F41, strains of serogroup O101 still provided protection 1 and 2 days after challenge. This protection was also induced by strain H510a, the reference for O101 antigen. Thus, O antigen contributed to the best vaccinal protection, in addition to K99 and F41.
University-Community Partnerships: A Local Planning Co-Production Study on Calabarzon, Philippines

University-community partnerships provide opportunities for collaborations and meaningful engagement with community partners, in order to promote sustainable community development. To date, studies on university-community partnerships have largely neglected partnership potential and readiness prior to partnership formation. These factors enable expectations and targets to be negotiated and potential problems to be anticipated, prior to any formal collaboration. Hence, this study investigates the optimal preconditions—including environment, resources, and motivation—to facilitate successful university-community collaboration for local urban planning. Specifically, a sample of local government units (LGUs) and universities in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines were interviewed and observed to determine their needs and access to planning resources at universities, as well as factors that would ensure sustained partnerships. The results show that there is a need for university-community partnerships in local planning, since LGUs have limited technical capacity in preparing comprehensive land use plans, particularly with respect to data analysis, technical writing, project development, and hazard mapping. Conversely, LGUs have more financial resources than universities. Local universities were determined to be uniquely suited to meet the technical and human resource needs of LGUs. Importantly, though, previous partnership experience was found to dramatically influence both parties’ decisions regarding whether or not to pursue a partnership. Accordingly, there is a need to temper the desires and expectations of partner organizations, and lay down the foundations of sustainable university-community partnership prior to partnership formation. Toward this end, policies that bolster partnership institutionalization, funding, and systematic monitoring and evaluation systems can enhance the utility of such partnerships moving forward.
Dynamic Analysis of Defaults and Prepayments in the Turkish Mortgage Market

Bu calismada, Turkiye mortgage piyasasindaki temerrut ve erken odemelerin belirleyicileri, ticari bir bankadan temin edilen veriler kullanilarak, analiz edilmektedir. Temel bulgularimiz gostermektedir ki; borc-deger rasyosunun ve mortgage kredisi vadesinin yukselmesi temerrut olasiligini arttirici etkide bulunmaktayken, bu olasiligi azaltici temel etkenler ise bazi parasal genisleme donemleri, gelecege dair iyi beklentiler, reel konut fiyatlarinin ekonomik buyukluge orani ve mortgage kredisi musterisinin lise ve ustu egitim seviyesine sahip ve evli olmasidir. Erken odeme olasiligi ise erken odemeden kaynakli kazanc orani, mortgage musterisinin lise ve ustu egitim duzeyi, GSYH buyuklugu ve reel konut fiyatlarinin GSYH’ye orani degiskenlerindeki artis ile yukselmektedir. Makalede ayrica, vadenin yaklasik %60’ina ulasildiginda hem temerrut hem de erken odeme olasiliklarinin en ust duzeye ciktigi bulunmustur.
Transregulation of leukemia inhibitor factor receptor expression and function by growth factors in neuroblastoma cells

The cytokines that signal through the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptor are members of the neuropoietic cytokine family and have varied and numerous roles in the nervous system. In this report, we have determined the effects of growth factor stimulation on LIF receptor (LIFR) expression and signal transduction in the human neuroblastoma cell line NBFL. We show here that stimulation of NBFL cells with either epidermal growth factor or fibroblast growth factor decreases the level of LIFR in an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk)1/2‐dependent manner and that this down‐regulation is due to an increase in the apparent rate of lysosomal LIFR degradation. Growth factor‐induced decreases in LIFR level inhibit both LIF‐stimulated phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and LIFR‐mediated gene induction. We also show that Ser1044 of LIFR, which we have previously shown to be phosphorylated by Erk1/2, is required for the inhibitory effects of growth factors. Neurons are exposed to varying combinations and concentrations of growth factors and cytokines that influence their growth, development, differentiation, and repair in vivo. These findings demonstrate that LIFR expression and signaling in neuroblastoma cells can be regulated by growth factors that are potent activators of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway, and thus illustrate a fundamental mechanism that underlies crosstalk between receptor tyrosine kinase and neuropoietic cytokine signaling pathways.
Ibutilide, a methanesulfonanilide antiarrhythmic, is a potent blocker of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr) in AT-1 cells. Concentration-, time-, voltage-, and use-dependent effects.

BACKGROUND Ibutilide is an action potential-prolonging antiarrhythmic currently in clinical trials. The drug shares structural similarities with E-4031 and dofetilide, specific blockers of the rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (IKr). However, previous in vitro studies in guinea pig myocytes have indicated that ibutilide does not block IKr but rather increases a slow inward sodium current. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we compared the effects of ibutilide with those of dofetilide on outward current in mouse atrial tumor myocytes (AT-1 cells), a preparation in which, unlike guinea pig, a typical IKr is the major delayed rectifier and can be readily recorded in isolation from other currents. In AT-1 cells, ibutilide and dofetilide were both potent IKr blockers, with EC50 values of 20 (n = 12) and 12 (n = 8) nmol/L, respectively, at +20 mV. The time and voltage dependence of IKr inhibition by the two compounds were virtually identical. The following characteristics were most consistent with open channel block: (1) block increased with depolarizing pulses; (2) block increased with longer pulses; (3) currents deactivated more slowly in the presence of drug, resulting in a "crossover" typical of open channel block; and (4) with repetitive pulsing after drug wash-in, use-dependent block was observed. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the clinical actions of ibutilide are mediated at least in part by block of IKr; an effect on inward currents is not excluded. AT-1 cells are a useful model system for the study of drug block of this important repolarizing current.
Diagnosis of West Nile Virus Human Infections: Overview and Proposal of Diagnostic Protocols Considering the Results of External Quality Assessment Studies

West Nile virus, genus Flavivirus, is transmitted between birds and occasionally other animals by ornithophilic mosquitoes. This virus also infects humans causing asymptomatic infections in about 85% of cases and <1% of clinical cases progress to severe neuroinvasive disease. The virus also presents a threat since most infections remain unapparent. However, the virus contained in blood and organs from asymptomatically infected donors can be transmitted to recipients of these infectious tissues. This paper reviews the presently available methods to achieve the laboratory diagnosis of West Nile virus infections in humans, discussing the most prominent advantages and disadvantages of each in light of the results obtained during four different External Quality Assessment studies carried out by the European Network for ‘Imported’ Viral Diseases (ENIVD).
On the predominantly single innervation of submandibular ganglion cells in the rat.

1. Simultaneous intracellular recordings were made from pairs of submandibular ganglion cells to examine why each of these neurons is generally innervated by a single preganglionic axon. 2. Impalements made within isolated clusters of two to fifty cells showed that a preganglionic axon typically innervates several neurons within a group. 3. The neurones innervated by a particular axon tended to be intermingled with other neurons; some neurons were innervated by an axon that was not shared by any of their immediate neighbours. 4. These results indicate a mechanism that causes a preganglionic axon to innervate exclusively many of the neurones it contacts, presumably by successful competition with nearby axons that initially innervate the same cells and continue to provide innervation to neighbouring neurones. 5. Re‐innervation of adult ganglion cells shows that this mechanism persists or can be reactivated in maturity.
Seasonal Distribution of Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equinovarus in Scotland

Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus has a reported prevalence of between 0.64 and 2.5 per thousand live births in the Scottish population. A retrospective study of neonates (n=162), who presented with idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus in Scotland over a 3 year period (1994–1996) revealed a seasonal increased incidence of the condition in neonates born in March and April. The probable aetiological factors for congenital talipes equinovarus are discussed.
Hypothermia for 24 Hours After Asphyxic Cardiac Arrest in Piglets Provides Striatal Neuroprotection That Is Sustained 10 Days After Rewarming

The neuroprotective effect of hypothermia instituted after resuscitation from asphyxic cardiac arrest has not been studied in immature brain, particularly in a large animal model with recovery periods greater than 4 d. Moreover, protection from severe hypoxia seen with 3 h of hypothermia was reported to be lost when hypothermic duration was extended to 24 h in unsedated piglets, in contrast to the neuroprotection reported by 72 h of intrauterine head cooling in fetal sheep. Piglets (5–7 postnatal days) were subjected to asphyxic cardiac arrest followed by 24 h of either hypothermia (34°C) or normothermia (38.5–39°C). Comparisons were made with normothermic and hypothermic surgical sham animals without asphyxia. All of these groups were sedated, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated for the first 24 h to prevent shivering and possible depletion of glucose stores. Hypothermia per se did not cause remarkable structural abnormalities. Ischemic damage was evaluated in putamen at 1 d of recovery without rewarming and at 11 d (10 d ± SD after rewarming). Ischemic cytopathology affected 60 ± 12% of neurons in putamen of normothermic animals compared with 9 ± 6% in hypothermic animals at 1 d of recovery without rewarming. At 11 d of recovery from hypoxia-ischemia, the density of viable neurons (neuron profiles/mm2) in putamen was markedly reduced in normothermic animals (81 ± 40) compared with hypothermic animals (287 ± 22), which was the same as in sham normothermic (271 ± 21), sham hypothermic (288 ± 46) and naïve animals (307 ± 51). These data demonstrate that 24 h of hypothermia at 34°C with sedation and muscle relaxation after asphyxic cardiac arrest prevents necrotic striatal neuronal cell death in immature brain before rewarming, and that the effect is sustained at 11 d after injury without deleterious side effects.
Evaluation of the first-pass glucuronidation of selected flavones in gut by Caco-2 monolayer model.

PURPOSE Four flavones, namely Apigenin, Baicalein, Chrysin and Luteolin, were selected for study and comparison of their absorption and metabolism in gut using the in vitro Caco-2 monolayer model. METHODS Transport of the four flavones in the Caco-2 monolayer model was studied in both Apical-to-Basolateral and Basolateral-to-Apical directions. RESULTS All of the selected flavones were able to pass through the Caco-2 cell monolayer with no significant efflux. The permeability coefficients of the four compounds were all greater than 10(-6) cm/sec and those of Apigenin and Baicalein were even greater than 10(-5) cm/sec. Glucuronides of the tested flavones were all formed in the Caco-2 cell monolayer model and a structure-activity relationship has been proposed for this glucuronidation. In addition, Apical-to-Basolateral transport studies were performed in Caco-2 models pre-treated with Chrysin, an UGT inducer. Quantities of the corresponding glucuronides formed were all significantly higher in Chrysin-treated groups than the controls. CONCLUSIONS It demonstrated that all selected flavones were substrates of the UGT isoforms that are inducible by Chrysin.
Biochemical severity of thyroid ectopia in congenital hypothyroidism demonstrates sexual dimorphism.

BACKGROUND A recent study suggested that sexual dimorphism affects initial thyroid function in congenital hypothyroidism (CH) but differs according to aetiology of CH. AIMS To determine if sexual dimorphism was associated with biochemical severity of CH and its aetiology in our large British population. METHODS We examined retrospectively the initial thyroid function tests of 140 infants diagnosed with CH from screening. All infants underwent Tc-pertechnetate radionuclide scans at diagnosis to establish the aetiology of CH prior to commencement of treatment. Patients were classified into athyreosis, ectopia and presumed dyshormonogenesis on the basis of thyroid scans. A comparison of males and females were made within the three aetiological groups for gestational age, birth weight, initial dose of levothyroxine (LT4), screening TSH, confirmatory plasma thyroxine (T4), confirmatory plasma TSH and age of TSH suppression. RESULTS There was no significant difference between sexes for gestation, birth weight and initial treatment dose in all aetiological subgroups. In thyroid ectopia, screening TSH and confirmatory plasma TSH were significantly higher in females compared with males (P < 0.01), while confirmatory plasma T4 were significantly lower in females (P < 0.05). No difference was detected between males and females in athyreosis and dyshormonogenesis subgroups for screening TSH, confirmatory plasma TSH and total T4. CONCLUSION Sexual dimorphism influenced the biochemical severity of thyroid ectopia in congenital hypothyroidism in our British population. However, this effect was not apparent in patients with athyreosis or dyshormonogenesis. Further advances in the molecular genetics of CH are essential to evaluate this phenomenon further.