Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corni Fructus Containing Formulation Attenuates Weight Gain in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity and Regulates Adipogenesis through AMPK

Obesity is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and dyslipidemia and is a strong predictor for the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. This study examined the antiobesity effect of an ethanol extract of Corni Fructus containing formulation (CDAP), which is a combination of four natural components: Corni Fructus, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, and Platycodonis Radix. The cellular lipid content in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was assessed by Oil Red O staining. Expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), and lipin-1 were determined by real-time RT-PCR. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and AMP-activated protein kinase-α (AMPK-α). The CDAP extract suppressed the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes by downregulating cellular induction of PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, and lipin-1. The CDAP extract also significantly upregulated phosphorylation of AMPK-α. An in vivo study showed that CDAP induced weight loss in mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. These results indicate that CDAP has a potent anti-obesity effect due to the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis.
Programmable Intrathecal Opioid Delivery Systems for Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness and Complications

ObjectivesWe conducted a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness and complications of programmable intrathecal opioid and ziconotide drug delivery systems (IDDS) for patients with chronic noncancer pain. MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, and other bibliographic databases to identify English-language journal articles reporting programmable IDDS complications or effects on pain or functioning. Additional study methodology criteria were applied for the effectiveness review. Two authors independently abstracted data from each included article. ResultsSix articles met the inclusion criteria for the effectiveness and complications reviews, and 4 others met the criteria only for the complications review; none were randomized trials or of ziconotide. All 6 articles reviewed for effectiveness reported improvement in pain and functioning on average among patients who received a permanent IDDS. Two articles reported the proportion of patients with ≥50% improvement in pain at 6 months (38%, 56%) and 2 at longer follow-ups (30%, 44%). Intrathecal morphine-equivalent doses increased over time. The most commonly reported permanent IDDS drug side effects were nausea/vomiting (mean rate weighted by sample size=33%), urinary retention (24%), and pruritus (26%). Catheter problems were also reported commonly. Rare but serious complications included intrathecal catheter tip granulomas. ConclusionsThe studies reviewed found improvement in pain and functioning on average among patients with chronic noncancer pain who received permanent IDDS. However, their methodologic limitations preclude conclusions concerning the effectiveness of this technology long-term and as compared with other treatments. Drug side effects and hardware complications were common. Suggestions are made for methodologic improvements in future studies.
Neurotropic Astrovirus in Cattle with Nonsuppurative Encephalitis in Europe

ABSTRACT Encephalitis is a frequently diagnosed condition in cattle with neurological diseases. Many affected animals present with a nonsuppurative inflammatory reaction pattern in the brain. While this pattern supports a viral etiology, the causative pathogen remains unknown in a large proportion of cases. Using viral metagenomics, we identified an astrovirus (bovine astrovirus [BoAstV]-CH13) in the brain of a cow with nonsuppurative encephalitis. Additionally, BoAstV RNA was detected with reverse transcription-PCR and in situ hybridization in about one fourth (5/22 animals) of cattle with nonsuppurative encephalitis of unknown etiology. Viral RNA was found primarily in neurons and at the site of pathology. These findings support the notion that BoAstV infection is a common cause of encephalitis in cattle. Phylogenetically, BoAstV-CH13 was closely related to rare astrovirus isolates from encephalitis cases in animals and a human patient. Future research needs to be directed toward the pathogenic mechanisms, epidemiology, and potential cross-species transmission of these neurotropic astroviruses.
Cholecystectomy can increase the risk of colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis of 10 cohort studies

Objective This study aimed to elucidate the effects of cholecystectomy on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) by conducting a meta-analysis of 10 cohort studies. Methods The eligible cohort studies were selected by searching the PubMed and EMBASE databases from their origination to June 30, 2016, as well as by consulting the reference lists of the selected articles. Two authors individually collected the data from the 10 papers. When the data showed marked heterogeneity, we used a random-effects model to estimate the overall pooled risk; otherwise, a fixed effects model was employed. Results The final analysis included ten cohort studies. According to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), nine papers were considered high quality. After the data of these 9 studies were combined, an increased risk of CRC was found among the individuals who had undergone cholecystectomy (risk ratio (RR) 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.38). In addition, we also found a promising increased risk for colon cancer (CC) (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07–1.58), but no relationship between cholecystectomy and rectum cancer (RC) (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.89–1.34) was observed. Additionally, in the sub-group analysis of the tumor location in the colon, a positive risk for ascending colon cancer (ACC) was found (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11–1.26). After combining the ACC, transverse colon cancer (TCC), sigmoid colon cancer (SCC) and descending colon cancer (DCC) patients, we found a positive relationship with cholecystectomy (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11–1.26). Furthermore, after combining the ACC and DCC patients, we also found a positive relationship with cholecystectomy (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.11–1.26) in the sub-group analysis. In an additional sub-group analysis of patients from Western countries, there was a positive relationship between cholecystectomy and the risk of CRC (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.05–1.36). Furthermore, a positive relationship between female gender and CRC was also found (RR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03–1.34). However, there was no relationship between gender and CC or RC. Furthermore, no publication bias was observed, and the sensitivity analysis indicated stable results. Conclusions This meta-analysis of 10 cohort studies revealed that cholecystectomy is associated with an increased risk for CRC, CC and ACC, particularly in Western countries. No relationship between cholecystectomy and RC was observed. There was no relationship between gender and either CC or RC, but a positive relationship between female gender and CRC was observed.
Dysregulation of PMN antigen expression in Type 2 diabetes may reflect a generalized defect of exocytosis: influence of hypertension and microalbuminuria

Defective exocytosis could underlie clinical and metabolic abnormalities in Type 2 diabetes. Because many SNARE proteins appear to be common mediators of exocytosis, we examined phorbol myristate acetate‐stimulated expression of CD11b and CD69 on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) from Type 2 diabetic subjects with hypertension and microalbuminuria (D‐htma), hypertension only (D‐ht) or uncomplicated (D‐uc), and normal controls (NC) by flow cytometry. CD11b expression was rapid (half maximal by 7 min), initially on all PMN. CD69 expression took place subsequently but on PMN that did not express CD11b. The proportion of CD11b‐positive PMN at 30 min was higher in all diabetic groups than in NC. Expression of CD11b was higher and CD69 lower in D‐uc and D‐htma but were similar in NC and D‐ht. In Type 2 diabetes the transition from the CD11b‐positive to CD69‐positive state is impaired. The defect in the process of CD69 expression appeared most marked in diabetic subjects with hypertension and microalbuminuria. J. Leukoc. Biol. 65: 800–807; 1999.
Lipid bodies in coral–dinoflagellate endosymbiosis: Proteomic and ultrastructural studies

Gastrodermal lipid bodies (LBs) are organelles involved in the regulation of the mutualistic endosymbiosis between reef‐building corals and their dinoflagellate endosymbionts (genus Symbiodinium). As their molecular composition remains poorly defined, we herein describe the first gastrodermal LB proteome and examine in situ morphology of LBs in order to provide insight into their structure and function. After tissue separation of the tentacles of the stony coral Euphyllia glabrescens, buoyant LBs of the gastroderm encompassing a variety of sizes (0.5–4 μm in diameter) were isolated after two cycles of subcellular fractionation via stepwise sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and detergent washing. The purity of the isolated LBs was demonstrated by their high degree of lipid enrichment and as well as the absence of contaminating proteins of the host cell and Symbiodinium. LB‐associated proteins were then purified, subjected to SDS‐PAGE, and identified by MS using an LC‐nano‐ESI‐MS/MS. A total of 42 proteins were identified within eight functional groups, including metabolism, intracellular trafficking, the stress response/molecular modification and development. Ultrastructural analyses of LBs in situ showed that they exhibit defined morphological characteristics, including a high‐electron density resulting from a distinct lipid composition from that of the lipid droplets of mammalian cells. Coral LBs were also characterized by the presence of numerous electron‐transparent inclusions of unknown origin and composition. Both proteomic and ultrastructural observations seem to suggest that both Symbiodinium and host organelles, such as the ER, are involved in LB biogenesis.
Purchasing Power Parity in Transition Economies

The goal of this diploma thesis is to assess purchasing power parity (PPP) under the conditions of transition process. The thesis provides a survey of the purchasing power parity theory and concentrates on the relative version. It outlines main causes of possible deviations and modifications of the model. In the empirical part four transition economies are tested for the PPP theory: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The diploma thesis concludes with analysis of the role of the exchange rate under conditions of a small open economy. The overall analysis is implemented within the context of real and nominal convergence towards European Union and future accession to the European Monetary Union.
Randomized Trial of Radiation Therapy Versus Concomitant Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Advanced-Stage Oropharynx Carcinoma.

Background: We designed a randomized clinical trial to test whether the addition of three cycles of chemotherapy during standard radiation therapy would improve disease-free survival in patients with stages III and IV (i.e., advanced oropharynx carcinoma). Methods: A total of 226 patients have been entered in a phase III multicenter, randomized trial comparing radiotherapy alone (arm A) with radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy (arm B). Radiotherapy was identical in the two arms, delivering, with conventional fractionation, 70 Gy in 35 fractions. In arm B, patients received during the period of radiotherapy three cycles of a 4-day regimen containing carboplatin (70 mg/m 2 per day) and 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m 2 per day) by continuous infusion. The two arms were equally balanced with regard to age, sex, stage, performance status, histology, and primary tumor site. Results: Radiotherapy compliance was similar in the two arms with respect to total dose, treatment duration, and treatment interruption. The rate of grades 3 and 4 mucositis was statistically significantly higher in arm B (71%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 54%-85%) than in arm A (39%; 95% CI = 29%-56%). Skin toxicity was not different between the two arms. Hematologic toxicity was higher in arm B as measured by neutrophil count and hemoglobin level. Three-year overall actuarial survival and disease-free survival rates were, respectively, 51% (95% CI = 39%-68%) versus 31% (95% CI = 18%-49%) and 42% (95% CI = 30%-57%) versus 20% (95% CI = 10%-33%) for patients treated with combined modality versus radiation therapy alone (P = .02 and .04, respectively). The locoregional control rate was improved in arm B (66%; 95% CI = 51%-78%) versus arm A (42%; 95% CI = 31%-56%). Conclusion: The statistically significant improvement in overall survival that was obtained supports the use of concomitant chemotherapy as an adjunct to radiotherapy in the management of carcinoma of the oropharynx.
A Study on the Non-Linearity Hypothesis between Various Macroeconomic Variables and Economic Growth in Developing Countries

This thesis comprises three empirical chapters on the non-linear relationship between different macroeconomic variables and economic growth and employs new developed econometrics techniques. After a short introductory chapter, the second chapter investigates the relationship between inflation and economic growth for 35 countries in the Middle Eastern and SubSahara African countries between 1986 and 2011. We have employed a Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) approach to estimate a precise threshold level of inflation. We consider, also, the impact of inflation threshold levels between the finance-growth nexus. Additionally we explore whether or not the relationship between inflation and economic growth varies according to the level of institutional quality. The results indicate that, indeed, the inflation-growth nexus relies on the level of inflation. Moreover we confirm the importance of institutional quality level in determining the relationship between inflation and economic growth. Further, we find that the finance-growth nexus varies according to the threshold level of inflation. The third chapter introduces a new estimation approach to the PSTR model; it is defined in the form of State Space system equations. We developed this approach to estimate two different threshold variables simultaneously and to consider the existence of a static and stochastic transition function. We employed this panel econometric investigation to identify the non-linear relationship between government size and economic growth for 5 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, during the period from 1970 to 2014. This chapter’s main finding asserts the existence of a threshold level of government size below which it hurts economic growth. The fourth chapter develops the employed model in the third chapter to provide a new insight into the relationship between foreign aid and economic growth. We developed this model in order to consider the time varying effects of the explanatory variables and to examine further the multiple regime threshold models. In this chapter we study the role of income in determining the non-linear relationship between foreign aid and economic growth for 25 developing countries during the period from 1984 to 2008. Additionally, we detect whether or not corruption levels matter for the effectiveness of aid in the aid recipient countries. Generally, based on their income levels, we recognize various threshold levels of foreign aid for each group of developing countries.
1H, 15N, and 13C backbone chemical shift assignments, secondary structure, and magnesium‐binding characteristics of the bacillus subtilis response regulator, SpoOF, determined by heteronuclear high‐resolution NMR

SpoOF, sporulation stage 0 F protein, a 124‐residue protein responsible, in part, for regulating the transition of Bacillus subtilis from a vegetative state to a dormant endospore, has been studied by high‐resolution NMR. The 1H, 15N, and 13C chemical shift assignments for the backbone residues have been determined from analyses of 3D spectra, 15N TOCSY‐HSQC, 15N NOESY‐HSQC, HNCA, and HN(CO)CA. Assignments for many side‐chain proton resonances are also reported. The secondary structure, inferred from short‐ and medium‐range NOEs, 3JHNα coupling constants, and hydrogen exchange patterns, define a topology consistent with a doubly wound (α/β)5 fold. Interestingly, comparison of the secondary structure of SpoOF to the structure of the Escherichia coli response regulator, chemotaxis Y protein (CheY) (Volz K, Matsumura P, 1991, J Biol Chem 266:15511–15519; Bruix M et al., 1993, Eur J Biochem 2/5:573–585), show differences in the relative length of secondary structure elements that map onto a single face of the tertiary structure of CheY. This surface may define a region of binding specificity for response regulators. Magnesium titration of SpoOF, followed by amide chemical shift changes, gives an equilibrium dissociation constant of 20 ± 5 mM. Amide resonances most perturbed by magnesium binding are near the putative site of phosphorylation, Asp 54.
Multilevel governance, carbon management and land-use decisions in Tanzania

Who makes land-use decisions, how are those decisions made, and who influences whom, how and why? This working paper is part of a series based on research studying multilevel decision-making institutions and processes. The series is aimed at providing insight into why efforts to keep forests standing, such as initiatives like Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), are still so far from altering development trajectories. It underlines the importance of understanding the politics of multilevel governance in forest, land and climate policy and practice, and identifies potential ways forward, while highlighting the role of conservation and sustainable management of forests for the enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.
Acid-base homeostasis in children with growth hormone deficiency.

BACKGROUND Although the primary use of growth hormone (GH) is to promote linear growth, it is also known to affect many metabolic processes and to influence renal function. In laboratory animals, growth hormone deficiency (GHD) causes a mild metabolic acidosis that is corrected by GH treatment. We observed a patient with GHD who initially presented with acidosis of unclear etiology and corrected the acidosis with GH treatment. OBJECTIVES To determine: 1) whether children with GHD have lower mean serum bicarbonate concentrations than do children with short stature because of other causes; and 2) whether the presence of a low serum bicarbonate concentration increases the probability of GHD among children with short stature. METHODS We collected data from the medical records of 143 children with short stature who had serum electrolyte concentrations measured as part of their initial evaluations, 66 with GHD and 77 with short stature as a result of other causes. We compared mean serum bicarbonate concentrations and bicarbonate standard deviation scores (SDS) between these two groups and determined the probability of GHD for patients according to bicarbonate SDS. RESULTS The mean serum bicarbonate concentration was significantly lower in patients with GHD (mean standard deviation [SD]; 23.9 [0.4] mEq/L vs 25.2 [0.3] mEq/L) as was the bicarbonate SDS (-0.12 [0.14] SD vs 0.38 [0.10] SD). Twelve (75%) of 16 patients with bicarbonate SDS </=-1 SD had GHD compared with 7 (28%) of 25 patients with bicarbonate SDS >1 SD. Patients with bicarbonate SDS between -1 SD and 1 SD had an intermediate probability of GHD, 46/102 (45%), similar to the overall prevalence of GHD in the study population (46%). Mean bicarbonate concentrations and bicarbonate SDS increased significantly in 9 patients who had repeat electrolyte measurements during treatment with GH (mean bicarbonate; 21.7 [1.1] mEq/L vs 26.9 [0.59] mEq/L, mean bicarbonate SDS; -1.24 [0.43] SD vs 0.55 [0.27] SD). CONCLUSIONS Serum bicarbonate concentrations are lower in patients with GHD than in patients with short stature as a result of other causes. In addition, serum bicarbonate concentrations rise with GH treatment in patients with GHD. The probability of GHD is increased for patients with bicarbonate SDS </=-1 SD and decreased for patients with bicarbonate SDS >1 SD. These findings indicate a role for GH in maintaining normal acid-base homeostasis and suggest that GHD should be considered in children whose growth failure is attributed to other causes of acidosis.
The Effect of a Psyching Strategy on Neuromuscular Activation and Force Production in Strength-Trained Men

Abstract Force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the biceps and triceps brachii were measured in 15 strength-trained men during maximal isometric action of the forearm flexors, with the elbow at 90°, following 20-s periods of psyching (PSY), reading aloud (RA), and mental arithmetic (MA). Perceived arousal and attentional focus ratings for PSY were greater than those obtained for RA and MA, which were undifferentiated. Perceived effort, biceps and triceps EMG, and maximal force did not differ across conditions. Therefore, in highly trained men under conditions of brief exertion, when the biomechanics of the muscular action were controlled, psyching resulted in a perception of enhanced readiness but did not influence force or muscular activation differently from psychological states that were preceded by distraction.
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC55730 in Cystic Fibrosis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) on the rate of respiratory exacerbations and of the infections of both upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Methods: Prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling 61 patients with CF with mild-to-moderate lung disease at the Regional Center for CF of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Rome “La Sapienza. ” All of the patients were not hospital inpatients at the time of the enrollment. Inclusion criteria were forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) >70% predicted; no inhaled or systemic steroids, no anti-inflammatory drugs, antileukotrienes, and mast cell membrane stabilizers; and no serious organ involvement. Exclusion criteria were a history of pulmonary exacerbation or upper respiratory infection in the previous 2 months; changes in medications in the last 2 months; a history of hemoptysis in the last 2 months; and colonization with Burkholderia cepacia or mycobacteria. Patients were randomly assigned to receive LR (30 patients) in 5 drops per day (1010 colony-forming units) or placebo (31 patients) for 6 months. Main outcomes were number of episodes of pulmonary exacerbations and hospital admissions for pulmonary exacerbations, number of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections. FEV1, fecal calprotectin, and cytokine profile in induced sputum and plasma were assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial. Results: Pulmonary exacerbations were significantly reduced in the LR group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.01; odds ratio 0.06 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0–0.40]; number needed to treat 3 [95% CI 2–7]). Similarly, the number of upper respiratory tract infections (in our series only otitis) was significantly reduced in the LR group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05; odds ratio 0.14 [95% CI 0–0.96]; number needed to treat 6 [95% CI 3–102]). The 2 groups did not differ statistically in the mean number and duration of hospitalizations for pulmonary exacerbations and gastrointestinal infections. There was no significant statistical difference in the mean delta value of FEV1, fecal calprotectin concentration, and tested cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and interleukin-8) between the 2 groups. Conclusions: LR reduces pulmonary exacerbations and upper respiratory tract infections in patients with CF with mild-to-moderate lung disease. LR administration may have a beneficial effect on the disease course of CF.