Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intermediate frequency magnetic field and chick embryotoxicity

Intermediate frequency magnetic fields (MFs) have widely been used in industrial machines and home appliances, such as induction heating cookers, although toxicity studies to evaluate the potential health risks of such fields are insufficient. In induction heating cookers, the MF source (i.e. hobs), is located near the abdominal position of a person cooking. Hence, developmental effects on the fetus may be a concern in case the person is a pregnant woman. Fertile White Leghorn eggs (60/group) were either exposed to 20 kHz, 1.1 mT(rms) or 60 kHz, 0.11 mT(rms) sinusoidal MFs for 19 days during embryogenesis. The same number of eggs served as a control group. In addition, a sham‐sham experiment was conducted to validate the equality between exposure and control facilities. After exposure, embryos were examined for mortality rate and stage. Live embryos were evaluated for developmental stage and gross and skeletal anomalies. Length of upper beak and leg digits was also measured. Examinations were conducted in a blinded fashion to ensure quality assurance; experiments were triplicated for each frequency to confirm the outcome reproducibility. Mortality rate and stage, incidence of malformed embryos, and developmental variables in live embryos were found to be similar between the MF‐exposed and corresponding control group. Incidence of gross anomalies such as mandibular edema and skeletal anomalies such as coccyx defects were low across the experiments, and no significant group differences were noted. In conclusion, exposure to 20 kHz or 60 kHz MF did not produce any significant teratogenic developmental effects in chick embryos.
Shielding Self-Esteem through the Adoption of Psychological Disengagement Mechanisms: The Good and the Bad News

The fact that Canada's working population is aging and will continue to do so is no surprise to anyone. What is surprising though is what many of these aging workers are experiencing in the late years of their career: They continue to be the target of negative stereotypes which in turn, reinforce discrimination and marginalization practices. The present study was aimed at understanding the consequences of differential treatment based on age (measured by relative deprivation) from the theoretical perspective of psychological disengagement. A total of 117 Canadian civil servants over the age of 45 participated in this study. According to hypotheses, it was found that feelings of relative deprivation were associated with discounting which in turn led to a decrease in self-esteem. This chain of reactions generated instabilities, fluctuations in self-esteem and through this, questioned the protective role of psychological disengagement. It is only by devaluing their non-prestigious domain of activity that participants seemed to regain stability of their self-esteem. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Factor Exposure of Alternative Beta Strategiesacross Market Regimes

The authors study the time-dependent relationship between alternative beta strategies and the Fama–French factors. It is widely believed that the excess performance of alternative beta strategies can be explained by their exposure to well-known pricing factors, such as size and value. Nevertheless, there is still a limited understanding of the dynamics of the relationship between the strategies and the risk factors in different market regimes. The authors estimate a four-regime, Markov switching model on a dataset that includes the returns of a market portfolio, value and size factors, and two alternative beta strategies (equal weight and minimum variance). A three-factor model, conditional on regimes, shows that the factor exposures of the strategies change significantly across regimes, indicating that alternative beta strategies might not offer static exposure to risk factors over time.
A Framework for the Joint Modeling of Longitudinal Diagnostic Outcome Data and Latent Infection Status: Application to Investigating the Temporal Relationship between Infection and Disease

Summary For many diseases the infection status of individuals cannot be observed directly, but can only be inferred from biomarkers that are subject to measurement error. Diagnosis of infection based on observed symptoms can itself be regarded as an imperfect test of infection status. The temporal relationship between infection and marker outcomes may be complex, especially for recurrent diseases where individuals can experience multiple bouts of infection. We propose an approach that first models the unobserved longitudinal infection status of individuals conditional on relevant covariates, and then jointly models the longitudinal sequence of biomarker outcomes conditional on infection status and covariate information through time, thus resulting in a joint model for longitudinal infection and biomarker sequences. This model can be used to investigate the temporal dynamics of infection, and to evaluate the usefulness of biomarkers for monitoring purposes. Our work is motivated and illustrated by a longitudinal study of bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) on commercial dairy farms in North West England and North Wales, in which the infection of interest is Treponeme spp. , and the biomarkers of interest are a continuous enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test outcome and a dichotomous outcome, foot lesion status. BDD is known to be one of the possible causes of foot lesions in cows.
The impact of generic entry and price competition in Jordanian public health sector

Objectives Generics as widely considered a major tool to control escalating drugs' expenditures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of generic participation on the bidding prices of originators participated in annual tenders in Jordan (2009–2011) and role of local generics in reducing pharmaceutical expenditures. Methods Data were collected from the Jordan Joint Procurement Department (JPD) website. The difference between bidding prices of originators before and after generics participation was estimated. All prices evaluated in this study were postpatent price. Savings associated with local Jordanian generics was estimated by comparing the price of originators competing against winning local Jordanian generics. Results A total of 17 tenders were reviewed between June 2009 till July 2011. Generic participation in the tendering process lowered the bidding prices of the originators. This contributed to saving of 77 million JDs in 2010 and 15 million JDs in 2011. The bidding prices of originators on average reduced by 11% when competed with generics. Local generics contributed to significant reduction in pharmaceutical expenditures, this contributed to savings of 25 million JDs in 2009–2010. Conclusions Generics entrant resulted in almost 10% reduction in originator competitors, the substantial savings contributed by local generics leads focus on adapting generic substitution and switching private sector purchases to higher generic uptake recommending that policy makers and local manufactures to maintain high production quality, increase confidence in generics and promote their acceptance by professionals and patients.
Soluble apyrases release adp during ATP hydrolysis.

A soluble form of CD39 was expressed and purified from High-Five insect cells. The soluble CD39 is a monomer with a molecular weight of 54,000. The k(cat) and K(m) of the purified soluble CD39 were 4.6 s(-1) and 12 microM for ATP and 1.3 s(-1) and 7 microM for ADP as substrates, respectively. One nucleotide binding site was detected on the monomer only in the presence of Ca(2+). In contrast to the membrane bound CD39, soluble CD39 released ADP as an intermediate during ATP hydrolysis, as did the soluble potato apyrase.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Antirhinovirus Activity of 3-Hydroxy and 3-Methoxy 2-Styrylchromones

Recently, we identified 2-styrylchromones as a new class of antirhinovirus flavonoids with moderate activity against both rhinovirus groups A and B. In order to improve the antiviral effect of the first series of tested 2-styrylchromones, a hydroxy or methoxy group was introduced in position 3 of the chromone ring. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of the new synthesized compounds were evaluated in HeLa cell cultures infected with rhinoviruses 1B and 14, selected as representative serotypes for viral groups B and A of human rhinoviruses (HRVs), respectively. These antiviral results compared to those obtained for 3-unsubstituted 2-styrylchromones indicate the greater potency of 3-hydroxy and 3-methoxy derivatives against both serotypes.
A study on the interaction between hydroxylamine analogues and oxyhemoglobin in intact erythrocytes.

The oxidative potency of hydroxylamine (HYAM) and its O-derivatives (O-methyl- and O-ethyl hydroxylamine) is generally larger than the effects of the N-derivatives (N-methyl-, N-dimethyl-, and N,O-dimethyl hydroxylamine). The effects of the two groups of hydroxylamines also differ in a qualitative sense. To elucidate this difference in toxicity profiles we investigated the hemoglobin dependence of the toxicity, the occurrence of cell-damaging products like superoxide and H(2)O(2), and the cellular kinetics of the hydroxylamine analogues. All hydroxylamines were found to depend on the presence and accessibility of oxyhemoglobin to exert their toxicity. This did not provide an explanation for the different toxicity profiles. The interaction of some hydroxylamines with oxyhemoglobin is known to lead to the formation of radical intermediates. Differences in the stability of these radical products are known to occur, and in some cases secondary products are formed. This can contribute to the differences in toxicity. In this respect, production of superoxide radicals was demonstrated for all hydroxylamines in the reaction with oxyhemoglobin. Evidence for H(2)O(2) generation during the reaction of HYAM, O-methyl, O-ethyl-, and N-dimethyl hydroxylamine with oxyhemoglobin was also found. Next to variations in the products formed, differences in cellular kinetics are likely to be among the most important factors that explain the different toxicity patterns seen for the hydroxylamines in erythrocytes. Indeed, differences were found to exist for the kinetics of methemoglobin formation in erythrocytes. Not only was the final level of methemoglobin formed much lower for the N-derivatives, but also the reaction rate with oxyhemoglobin was slower than with HYAM and its O-derivatives. Except for N,O-dimethyl hydroxylamine (NODMH), the same pattern was seen in hemolysates. NODMH tripled its effect on hemoglobin in hemolysate compared with incubations in erythrocytes. This implies that cellular uptake is a limiting factor for NODMH. Since formation of H(2)O(2) is most likely a result of an interaction with hemoglobin, differences in kinetics of methemoglobin formation can be an explanation for the fact that NMH and NODMH did not produce H(2)O(2) to a detectable level. These results indicate that (a) the toxicity of all hydroxylamines depends on an interaction with oxyhemoglobin; (b) the interaction with hemoglobin produces radical intermediates and concomitantly superoxide radicals and H(2)O(2); and (c) differences in uptake, reaction rate with hemoglobin, and stability of the intermediates formed do exist for the different hydroxylamines and contribute to their differences in toxicity.
Favourable results of Mohs micrographic surgery for basal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm with an annual incidence approaching 200/100,000 person-years. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is widely used in North America and in Europe for treatment of BCC. This technique ensures radical tumour removal, sparing of the surrounding healthy skin, and it also offers higher cure rates than standard tumour excision with a predefined margin of healthy skin. The superiority of MMS relies on the fact that the entire (100%) margin of the excised tissue is examined microscopically for residual tumour in contrast to the traditional histopathological examination, in which 2% of the margin is examined. METHODS In Denmark, MMS was first introduced by us in 2012. In the present study, we retrospectively included all patients who underwent MMS from May 2012 to June 2015. RESULTS A total of 231 patients with 263 BCC were included. The mean age was 66.1 years. The most common localisations were the forehead (31.3%), the nose (31.0%) and the cheek (14.7%). Primary BCC comprised 54.0%; the remaining cases were relapses, most frequently after curettage (36.9%), radiotherapy (18.9%) and photodynamic therapy (11.7%). MMS leads to 40% smaller skin defects than standard excisions with 4 or 6 mm margins. Closure of skin defects was achieved by side-to-side closure in 49% and by local flaps in 40%. There were no relapses during the observation time. The safety, cosmetic and functional outcome were excellent. CONCLUSIONS We recommend that MMS be included in the Danish BCC treatment guidelines, especially for high-risk BCC in the face, in line with standard practice in Europe and the United States. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Tackling with Refugee Children's Problems in Turkish Schools

The main aim of this study is to produce a solution to improve the refugee and asylum seeker students' adaptation to the Turkish schools and classrooms by using action research approach which is often preferred for solving the problems encountered by the educators. The sample of the study consists of selected students at a primary school in Denizli province in 2014-2015 academic years. This sample consists of one school and 14 students. It uses qualitative data collection tools including teacher and principal interviews, student interviews, and observation of the researcher and implementers. Results showed that the action research is useful. Having special education helped refugee and asylum seeker students to read, write and speak the Turkish language quicker and have communication and adaptation to their classmates and teachers easier.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: contrast-enhanced US for missed endoleaks after endoluminal repair.

PURPOSE To evaluate contrast material-enhanced ultrasonography (US) for depiction of endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (or endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]) in patients with aneurysm enlargement and no evidence of endoleak. MATERIALS AND METHODS From November 1998 to February 2003, 112 patients underwent EVAR. At follow-up, duplex US and biphasic multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) angiography were performed. In 10 patients (group A), evident aneurysm enlargement was observed, with no evidence of complications, at both CT angiography and duplex US. Group A patients, 10 men (mean age, 69.6 years +/- 10 [standard deviation]), underwent US after intravenous bolus injection of a second-generation contrast agent, with continuous low-mechanical index (0.01-0.04) real-time tissue harmonic imaging. Group B patients, 10 men (mean age, 71.3 years +/- 8.2) with aneurysm shrinkage and no evidence of complications, and group C patients, 10 men (mean age, 73.2 years +/- 6) with CT angiographic evidence of endoleak, underwent contrast-enhanced US. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in groups A and C. Endoleak detection and characterization were assessed with imaging modalities used in groups A-C; at contrast-enhanced US, time of detection of endoleak, persistence of sac enhancement, and morphology of enhancement were evaluated. RESULTS In group A, contrast-enhanced US depicted one type I, six type II, one type III, and two undefined endoleaks that were not detected at CT angiography. All leakages were characterized by slow and delayed echo enhancement detected at longer than 150 seconds after contrast agent administration. DSA results confirmed findings in all patients; percutaneous treatment was performed. In group B, contrast-enhanced US did not show echo enhancement; in group C, results with this modality confirmed findings at CT angiography and DSA. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced US depicts endoleaks after EVAR, particularly when depiction fails with other imaging modalities.
Polycation-siRNA nanoparticles can disassemble at the kidney glomerular basement membrane

Despite being engineered to avoid renal clearance, many cationic polymer (polycation)-based siRNA nanoparticles that are used for systemic delivery are rapidly eliminated from the circulation. Here, we show that a component of the renal filtration barrier—the glomerular basement membrane (GBM)—can disassemble cationic cyclodextrin-containing polymer (CDP)-based siRNA nanoparticles and, thereby, facilitate their rapid elimination from circulation. Using confocal and electron microscopies, positron emission tomography, and compartment modeling, we demonstrate that siRNA nanoparticles, but not free siRNA, accumulate and disassemble in the GBM. We also confirm that the siRNA nanoparticles do not disassemble in blood plasma in vitro and in vivo. This clearance mechanism may affect any nanoparticles that assemble primarily by electrostatic interactions between cationic delivery components and anionic nucleic acids (or other therapeutic entities).
Cell cycle inhibition limits development and maintenance of neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury

Abstract Chronic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) may present as hyperalgesia, allodynia, and/or spontaneous pain and is often resistant to conventional pain medications. Identifying more effective interventions to manage SCI pain requires improved understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Cell cycle activation (CCA) has been implicated as a key pathophysiological event following SCI. We have shown that early central or systemic administration of a cell cycle inhibitor reduces CCA, prevents glial changes, and limits SCI-induced hyperesthesia. Here, we compared the effects of early vs late treatment with the pan-cyclin–dependent kinase inhibitor flavopiridol on allodynia as well as spontaneous pain. Adult C57BL/6 male mice subjected to moderate SCI were treated with intraperitoneal injections of flavopiridol (1 mg/kg), daily for 7 days beginning either 3 hours or 5 weeks after injury. Mechanical/thermal allodynia was evaluated, as well as spontaneous pain using the mouse grimace scale (MGS). We show that sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation, and locomotor dysfunction were significantly reduced by early flavopiridol treatment compared with vehicle-treated controls. Spinal cord injury caused robust and extended increases of MGS up to 3 weeks after trauma. Early administration of flavopiridol significantly shortened duration of MGS changes. Late flavopiridol intervention significantly limited hyperesthesia at 7 days after treatment, associated with reduced glial changes, but without effect on locomotion. Thus, our data suggest that cell cycle modulation may provide an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce hyperesthesia after SCI, with a prolonged therapeutic window.
Defensin Modulates Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Binding to Fibrin and Endothelial Cells*

Defensins are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that may participate in host defense against microorganisms. We previously reported that the amino acid sequence of leukocyte defensins resembles the lysine-binding site in the kringles of plasminogen and that defensin inhibits fibrinolysis mediated by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen. In the present paper we analyze the mechanisms of this inhibition. Defensin binds specifically to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (half-maximal binding = 3 μM) as well as to fibrin. At saturating concentrations (5-10 μM), defensin stimulates the maximum binding of plasminogen to HUVEC and to fibrin approximately 10-fold. However, defensin inhibits plasminogen binding to both surfaces at concentrations >10 μM. Defensin also inhibits tPA and plasminogen-mediated fibrinolysis in a dose-dependent manner at all concentrations tested. Fibrinolysis is almost totally inhibited by 6 μM defensin, a concentration that stimulates the binding of plasminogen to fibrin. Discordance between the enhancement of plasminogen binding and its activation cannot be explained by an inhibitory effect of defensin on tPA binding nor by inhibition of plasmin activity, each of which occur only at higher concentrations. Rather, these results suggest that plasminogen bound to fibrin in the presence of defensin is less susceptible to activation by tPA.
Lung impedance in healthy humans measured by forced oscillations from 0.01 to 0.1 Hz.

Lung impedance was measured from 0.01 to 0.1 Hz in six healthy adults by superimposing small-amplitude forced oscillations on spontaneous breathing. Measurements were made with an almost constant-volume input (160-180 ml) or with an almost constant-flow input (20-30 ml.s-1). No significant difference was found between the two conditions. Lung resistance (RL) sharply decreased from 0.97 kPa.l-1.s at 0.01 Hz to 0.27 kPa.l-1.s at 0.03 Hz and then mildly to 0.23 kPa.l-1.s at 0.1 Hz. Lung effective compliance (CL) decreased slightly and regularly from 0.01 Hz (2.38 l.kPa-1) to 0.1 Hz (1.93 l.kPa-1). The data were analyzed using a linear viscoelastic model adapted from Hildebrandt (J. Appl. Physiol. 28:365-372, 1970) and complemented by a Newtonian resistance (R): RL = R + B/(9.2f); CL = 1/(A + 0.25B + B.log2 pi f), where f is the frequency and B/A is an index of lung tissue viscoelasticity. A good fit was generally obtained, with an average difference of 10% between the observed and predicted values. The ratio B/A was not affected by the breathing and was 10.6 and 13.6% in the constant-volume and constant-flow conditions, respectively, which agrees with Hildebrandt's observations in isolated cat lungs. R was systematically larger than the plethysmographic airway resistance, suggesting that lung tissue resistance might also include a Newtonian component.