Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genistein and exercise do not improve cardiovascular risk factors in the ovariectomized rat

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of either genistein, or exercise, or both, on parameters that are indicators of cardiovascular health. Methods We investigated the effect of genistein treatment (300 mg genisten/kg body weight/day), or exercise training, or combined genistein and exercise training, for a period of 6 weeks on physical characteristics, cardiovascular plasma markers, blood pressure, aortic morphology, cardiac structure and oxidative stress in the ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague–Dawley rat. Comparisons were made with intact rats. Results Ovariectomy (compared to intact) resulted in significant decreases in uterine weight (6-fold, p < 0.0001), insulin levels (4-fold, p = 0.0214), insulin/glucose ratio (3-fold, p = 0.0029), and tumor necrosis factor-α plasma levels (2-fold, p < 0.0001). Similarly, aortic blood pressure was significantly increased (by 8%, p < 0.0033) in OVX rats, without changes in aortic luminal or wall dimensions. Heart surface area was significantly increased (by 16%, p = 0.0160) in OVX rats and this was without changes in non-protein thiol levels (a marker of oxidative stress). Physical characteristics were not altered by treatment with genistein, or genistein with exercise, with the exception of increased uterine weight in OVX rats treated under these same conditions. There were no effects of genistein or exercise on indices of blood pressure and aortic morphology in the OVX rat. However, right ventricular nuclei count was reduced in sedentary genistein-treated rats compared to non-treated control OVX rats. Conclusion Our results indicate that administration of genistein at this dose, treadmill running, or the combination of both, are not associated with any improvement in cardiovascular function and structure, and risk factors in an ovariectomy model of postmenopause.
Disruption of Neuroendocrine Control of Luteinizing Hormone Secretion by Aroclor 1254 Involves Inhibition of Hypothalamic Tryptophan Hydroxylase Activity1

Abstract Mechanisms governing the effect of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) toxicity on hypothalamic serotonergic function and the neuroendocrine system controlling LH secretion were investigated in Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias unulatus) exposed to the PCB mixture Aroclor 1254 (1 μg g body weight−1 day−1) in the diet for 30 days. PCB treatment caused a decrease in hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentrations and significant inhibition of hypothalamic tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, but did not alter the activity of monoamine oxidase, the catabolic enzyme. Further, PCB treatment caused significant decreases in GnRH content in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area. Significant decreases in pituitary GnRH receptor concentrations and the LH response to the GnRH analogue (GnRHa) were also observed in PCB-exposed fish, possibly as a consequence of a decline in GnRH release. The possible association between impaired serotonergic and neuroendocrine functions after PCB treatment was explored using serotonergic drugs. Treatment of croaker with p-chlorophenylalanine, an irreversible TPH inhibitor, mimicked the effects of PCB on the GnRH system and the LH response to GnRHa. Bypassing the TPH-dependent hydroxylation step with the administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan restored 5-HT to control levels and prevented the deleterious effects of PCB on the neuroendocrine parameters. Moreover, slow-release GnRH implants prevented the PCB-induced decline in GnRH receptors and restored the LH response to GnRHa, suggesting that GnRH therapy can reverse PCB-induced disruption of LH secretion. These results demonstrate that TPH is one of the targets of PCB neurotoxicity and indicate that a decrease in 5-HT availability in PCB-exposed croaker results in disruption of the stimulatory 5-HT/GnRH pathway controlling LH secretion.
Is social integration associated with the risk of falling in older community-dwelling women?

BACKGROUND Social integration may lead to social support and influence that may in turn protect older community-dwelling adults from falls. METHODS We examined incident falls over 3 years across quartiles of social integration scores in 6692 Caucasian women enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (mean age = 77 +/- 5 years). Social integration was assessed using family networks, friendship networks, and interdependence scores. Higher scores correspond to greater integration. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations. Multivariate analyses were used to adjust for other risk factors and potential confounders. RESULTS Women reported 11863 falls, averaging 0.60 falls per person annually, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.57, 0.63), or 600 falls per 1000 women. In age-adjusted analysis, the average incidence rate of falls correlated inversely with family networks, interdependence, and composite integration scores (p <.05). In multivariate analysis, increasing family networks were inversely associated with fall risk, p(trend) =. 02. Compared to the lowest quartile, the relative risk of falls (95% CI) associated with family network scores in the second, third, and fourth quartiles were 0.90 (0.79-1.03), 0.86 (0.74-1.00), and 0.84 (0.71-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Strong family networks may protect against the risk of falls in older community-dwelling adults.
Chiral phase transition within effective models with constituent quarks

We study the chiral phase transition at nonzero temperature T and baryon chemical potential {mu}{sub B} within the framework of the linear sigma model and the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model. For small bare quark masses we find in both models a smooth crossover transition for nonzero T and {mu}{sub B}=0 and a first order transition for T=0 and nonzero {mu}{sub B}. We calculate explicitly the first order phase transition line and spinodal lines in the (T,{mu}{sub B}) plane. As expected they all end at a critical point. We find that, in the linear sigma model, the sigma mass goes to zero at the critical point. This is in contrast to the NJL model, where the sigma mass, as defined in the random phase approximation, does not vanish. We also compute the adiabatic lines in the (T,{mu}{sub B}) plane. Within the models studied here, the critical point does not serve as a ''focusing'' point in the adiabatic expansion.
Parametric Portfolio Selection: Evaluating and Comparing to Markowitz Portfolios

In this paper we exploit the parametric portfolio optimizat ion in the Brazilian market. Our data consists of monthly returns of 306 Brazilian stocks in the period between 2001 and 2013. We tested the model both in and out of sample and compared the results with the value and equal weighted portfolios and with a Markowitz based portfolio. We performed statistical inference in the parametric optimization using bootstrap techniques in order to build t he parameters empirical distributions. Our results showed that the parametric opti mization is a very efficient technique out of sample. It consistently showed superior results when compared with the VW, EW and Markowitz portfolios even when transaction costs were included. Finally, we consider the parametric approach to be very flexible to the inclusion of constraints in weights, transaction costs and listing and delisting of stocks.
Business Strategy and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

This study examines whether a firm’s business strategy is an underlying determinant of the quality of its internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). Organizational theory suggests that firms following an innovative “prospector” strategy are likely to have weaker internal controls than firms following an efficient “defender” strategy. Consistent with theory, we find that business strategy is a significant predictor of material weaknesses, incremental to known determinants of material weaknesses. We also find that relative to defenders, prospectors are less likely to disclose material weaknesses on a timely basis or remediate material weaknesses. Our results provide a theoretical explanation for prior empirical studies on ICFR, identify internal control risk assessment as an important area for audit quality improvement among prospector clients, and suggest that business strategy is a useful summary indicator for evaluating firms’ internal control strength.
Clinical Relevance of Esophageal Baseline Impedance Measurement: Just an Innocent Bystander

Objective: The clinical relevance of esophageal baseline impedance (BI) remains to be determined. In the present study, we explored the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal dysmotility on BI. Methods: A total of 18 children with esophageal atresia, 26 children with GERD, and 17 controls prospectively underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and pH–impedance monitoring. BI was measured in both proximal and distal esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and bolus transit indicators were defined according to published criteria. Results: Patients with esophageal atresia showed significantly lower proximal and distal BI values (952 [716–1811] &OHgr;; 895 [284–1189] &OHgr;; respectively) compared with those with GERD (3015 [2368–3975] &OHgr;; 2231 [1770–3032] &OHgr;, P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) and controls (3699 [3194–4358] &OHgr;; 3522 [2927–3994] &OHgr;, P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Using linear regression, proximal BI strongly correlated with total bolus transit time (r2 = 0.61, P < 0.001) and bolus presence time (BPT; r2 = 0.63, P < 0.001). Distal BI weakly correlated with acid exposure time (r2 = 0.16, P < 0.01) and longstanding reflux episodes (r2 = 0.17, P < 0.01), and strongly correlated with total bolus transit time (r2 = 0.53, P < 0.001) and BPT (r2 = 0.58, P < 0.001). By logistic regression, BPT predicted low proximal BI values (odds ratio [OR] 1.052; P < 0.05), whereas both GER indicators (acid exposure time: OR 1.56, P < 0.05; longstanding reflux episodes: OR 2.8, P < 0.05) and BPT (OR 1.66, P < 0.01) predicted low distal BI values. Conclusions: Along the length of esophagus, both bolus transit variables and GER significantly affect BI. This suggests that BI may merely mirror phenomena occurring within the esophageal lumen or wall, limiting its value as a discrete clinical entity to replace variables already used for assessing both GERD and esophageal dysmotility.
Detection of soft-tissue hyperemia: value of power Doppler sonography.

OBJECTIVE Power Doppler sonography is a new technique that offers extended dynamic range over that provided by conventional color Doppler imaging, thereby facilitating measurement of tissue perfusion. We evaluated the efficacy of power Doppler sonography in depicting soft-tissue hyperemia in musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Twenty-three patients with predominantly unifocal musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated with conventional gray-scale imaging and power Doppler sonography. The shoulder was evaluated in 14 patients, the elbow in three, and various other sites in six. For comparison purposes, the contralateral asymptomatic joint or site was examined in 17 cases. Fluid collections were aspirated in seven patients. RESULTS Soft-tissue hyperemia was seen on power Doppler sonograms at the symptomatic site(s) in 22 of 23 cases studied, with an appearance ranging from frank tissue blush to large, isolated peritendinous/peribursal vessels. Findings associated with hyperemia included rotator cuff tendinitis and/or tear, bursitis, and symptomatic wrist ganglia. Findings on power Doppler sonograms were normal in one patient who had a small, sterile hip joint effusion, and findings on subsequent scintigrams, pelvic radiographs, and CT scans were normal. CONCLUSION Power Doppler sonography consistently shows hyperperfusion associated with musculoskeletal inflammatory disease. As such, it represents a useful adjunct to gray-scale sonography in these settings, particularly as findings on conventional sonograms in inflammatory conditions can be nonspecific.
The effect of kynurenic acid on the synthesis of selected cytokines by murine splenocytes – in vitro and ex vivo studies

Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a secondary product of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation, known mainly as an endogenous neuroprotectant, shows also immunotropic properties. Some quantities of KYNA are present in food and are effectively absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Since the spleen is an important target of dietary immunomodulators, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of exogenous KYNA on murine splenocytes. Splenocytes isolated from adult BALB/c mice were used in the study. Firstly, the effect of increasing KYNA concentrations (0-5 mM) on the viability, and proliferative and cytokine response (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]) of murine splenocytes under in vitro conditions was determined. Then, proliferative and cytokine responses were determined in cells derived from animals receiving kynurenic acid in drinking water at concentrations of 2.5, 25, or 250 mg/l for 7-14 days. Cytokine levels were measured using commercial immunoassay (ELISA) kits, and cell viability and proliferation was determined with MTT reduction assay. Exogenous KYNA was characterised by a low level of cytotoxicity towards murine splenocytes, and was well tolerated by the animals receiving it in drinking water. As expected, it exhibited anti-inflammatory action towards the activated splenocytes, under both in vitro and ex vivo conditions. Surprisingly, however, KYNA itself influenced the activity of resting, non-stimulated cells, exerting an immunostimulant effect in vitro, and an immunosuppressive effect under ex vivo conditions. The obtained results indicate not only anti-inflammatory, but also more complex, immunomodulating properties of KYNA, which require more detailed investigation.
Abl Tyrosine Kinase Regulates Endocytosis of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor*

Signal attenuation from ligand-activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is mediated in part by receptor endocytosis and trafficking to the lysosomal degradative compartment. Uncoupling the activated EGFR from endocytosis and degradation has emerged as a mechanism for oncogenic activation of the EGFR. The Abl nonreceptor tyrosine kinase is activated by ligand-stimulated EGFR, but the role of Abl in EGFR signaling has not been defined. Here we uncovered a novel role for the activated Abl kinase in the regulation of EGFR endocytosis. We show that activated Abl impairs EGFR internalization. Moreover, we show that activated Abl phosphorylates the EGFR primarily on tyrosine 1173, and that mutation of this site to phenylalanine restores ligand-dependent endocytosis of the EGFR in the presence of activated Abl. Furthermore, we show that activated Abl allows the ligand-activated EGFR to escape Cbl-dependent down-regulation by inhibiting the accumulation of Cbl at the plasma membrane in response to epidermal growth factor stimulation and disrupting the formation of the EGFR·Cbl complex without affecting Cbl protein stability. These findings reveal a novel role for Abl in promoting increased cell-surface expression of the EGFR and suggest that Abl/EGFR signaling may cooperate in human tumors.
Concentration of amoxicillin in maternal serum, cord blood, amniotic fluid and the placenta after vaginal administration

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the amoxicillin concentration in maternal serum, cord blood, amniotic fluid and the placenta, 2 h following vaginal administration and the factors influencing the drug level. Methods: Twenty-eight full-term pregnant women who qualified for elective cesarean delivery were included in the study. Vaginal suppositories containing 250 mg of amoxicillin were administered 2 h prior to the operation. Amoxicillin levels were determined using the diffusion microbial assay. Results: The amoxicillin level in amniotic fluid was significantly higher in comparison to that of maternal serum, cord blood or the placenta. Maternal age positively and gestational weight gain negatively correlated with the amoxicillin concentration in maternal serum. The maternal serum hemoglobin level and red blood cell count were positively correlated with amoxicillin concentration in the amniotic fluid. Neonatal birth weight was positively correlated with maternal serum and cord blood amoxicillin levels. Hypertensive women had significantly higher amoxicillin concentrations in amniotic fluid, and women with thrombocytopenia presented significantly higher cord blood amoxicillin concentrations. Conclusions: Amoxicillin presented poor concentration in maternal–fetal compartments after vaginal administration, but the factors influencing the drug level in different compartments require further investigation.
Seasonal Abundance and Epidemiological Indices of Potential Plague Vectors Dinopsyllus lypusus (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsyllidae) and Ctenophthalmus calceatus (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae) on Rodents Captured from Three Habitat Types of Hatcliffe and Dzivarasekwa Suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT The seasonal abundance of Dinopsyllus lypusus Jordan and Rothschild and Ctenophthalmus calceatus Waterson (potential vectors of plague in southern Africa) were studied on rodent hosts captured in selected habitat types of two periurban suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe. Removal trapping was used to capture the rodents, from which fleas were collected and identified. Prevalence (proportion of animals infested) and specific flea index (SFI = number of fleas per animal) were calculated for each species of rodent host. Cohabitation of the two flea species on the host and its implications were also assessed. In total, 1,083 rodents belonging to nine species were trapped and over 97% of the total captures comprised of four species; Mastomys nataknsis Smith, Rattus rattus L. , Tatera leucogaster Peters, and Rhabdomys pumilio Sparrman. In total, 735 D. lypusus and 335 C. calceatus were recorded on these four common rodent species. Population density of D. lypusus as measured by prevalence and SFI varied from 13.4 to 53.3% and 0.2–1.5, respectively, while that of C. calceatus varied from 8.2 to 26.7% and 0.2–0.6, respectively. For all rodent species captured, both prevalence and SFI of D. lypusus and C. calceatus were highest during the cold-dry season, followed by the hot dry season, with the hot-wet season recording the lowest indices. Overall cohabitation was highest during the cold-dry season and nonexistent during the hot-wet season. Our findings on the abundance and ecology of D. lypusus and C. calceatus suggest that their roles in the transmission of plague in Zimbabwe need further investigation.
The Effect of Household Characteristics on Child Mortality in Uganda

The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between household characteristics and mortality among children under the ages of five in Uganda. Uganda in 2006experienced a high infant mo rtality rate of 76 deaths per 1000, far above the world 's average of 52 deaths /1000 live births. Of the infants that survive to the first birthday, 67 out of 1000 died before reaching their fifth birthday. In order to address this problem, the authors used survey data on 4,169 wo men respondents drawn fro m 14 districts of Uganda where the Uganda Ministry of Health intended to implement the Health Sector Strategic Plan II (2005/ 06 - 2009/10). Brass -type indirect techniques for mortality estimation were employed to establish the mortality rates. In addition, logistic regression analysis examined factors related with child mortality. Findings show wide mortality differentials by household type, place of residence, and household size. Mother's education and children ever born were the two major variables highly associated with child mortality. The study concludes that household structure was not related to child mortality. There is need for adult literacy, secondary and above education for wo men and sensitizat ion about the effects of large households and children ever born. Such studies provide insight into understanding the relationship between various household characteristics and child health outcomes.
Discontinuing antidepressants and benzodiazepines upon becoming pregnant. Beware of the risks of abrupt discontinuation.

QUESTION Two of my patients are planning to become pregnant. One is taking paroxetine and the other lorazepam. We have discussed what to do when they become pregnant and have decided they should stop taking these drugs as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Is this the right decision? ANSWER The decision to discontinue these drugs during pregnancy should be based on scientific evidence rather than "hearsay" that women should not take psychotropic medications during pregnancy. Recent epidemiologic studies have documented the relative safety of these drugs, so women should not feel compelled to stop taking them when they become pregnant. If, after receiving appropriate evidence-based information, a woman decides to stop taking the drugs, they should be gradually tapered off to avoid abrupt discontinuation syndrome.
Pregnancy in lupus nephritis.

BACKGROUND Fetal and maternal outcomes of 70 pregnancies in 48 women with lupus nephritis were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS In 13 women, lupus nephritis developed during pregnancy (group A). In 38 patients with known lupus nephritis (including 3 patients in group A who had another pregnancy), 57 pregnancies occurred. In 6 patients, a therapeutic abortion was performed. The remaining 51 pregnancies were considered pregnancies in lupus nephritis (group B). RESULTS Fetal loss was 36% (38%, group A; 35%, group B); it decreased from 46% in the 1970s to 30% in the last decade. Among 41 live births, there were 13 preterm deliveries and 28 full-term deliveries. At multivariate analysis, proteinuria (P = 0.025), arterial hypertension (P = 0.05), and antiphospholipid antibodies (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of fetal loss. In group A, 3 patients developed acute renal failure, irreversible in 1 patient (7.7%); all other patients recovered after steroid and immunosuppressive therapy. In group B, 12 renal flares and 1 extrarenal flare developed during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Two patients progressed to irreversible renal failure (3.9%), and 1 of the 2 patients died. All other patients recovered. The incidence of renal flares before or during pregnancy was not different (P = 0.51). Renal quiescence at the onset of pregnancy was the only predictor of favorable maternal outcome. CONCLUSION Proteinuria, hypertension, and positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies are independent predictors of adverse fetal outcome. Quiescence of renal disease is the only predictor of favorable maternal outcome.