Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of the association between angiotensin II receptor, type 1 gene A1166C polymorphism and coronary artery disease in Chinese populations

Background and objective: Many studies have examined the association between the angiotensin II receptor, type 1 (AGTR1) gene A1166C polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD); the results, however, remain controversial. Given the accumulation of data, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies on this association in Chinese. Methods and results: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Wanfang and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases was conducted before January 2012. Data and study quality were assessed in duplicate. Twenty-two studies totaling 3502 CAD patients and 3071 controls were analyzed. Overall, individuals carrying 1166C allele had a remarkably increased risk of CAD compared with those with 1166AA genotype (odds ratio (OR)=1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26-2.1; P<0.0005). In subgroup analyses by geography, the risk magnitude was slightly augmented in northern Chinese (OR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.23-2.52; P=0.002) relative to in southern Chinese (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.13-2.14; P=0.007). Grouping studies by average age detected a strong association in studies involving CAD patients aged ≥ 60 years. Differences in the diagnosis of CAD and source of controls might be potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. Conclusions: Our findings provided strong evidence that AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism might be a genetic marker for the development of CAD in Chinese populations, especially in the context of studies with northern and older subjects.
Comparison of the Usefulness of Brain Perfusion SPECT and MIBG Myocardial Scintigraphy for the Diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Background: Supportive features in the diagnostic criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) include occipital hypoperfusion and decreased cardiac uptake of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG). In this study, we performed both brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and MIBG myocardial scintigraphy in the same subjects and evaluated their sensitivity to detect the characteristic features of DLB. Methods: Twenty-five patients with probable DLB (76.8 ± 5.1 years old, 10 male) underwent 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer brain perfusion SPECT and 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy. The results of SPECT were analyzed using a qualitative analysis program, easy Z score imaging system (eZIS), and an automated quantitative analysis program, 3DSRT. Results: Qualitative analysis using eZIS demonstrated occipital hypoperfusion in 17 subjects (68%). The quantified mean blood perfusion in the occipital segment on the 3DSRT template was 40.7 ± 5.03 ml/100 g/min (right) and 40.5 ± 5.38 ml/100 g/min (left), and in 19 DLB patients these values were below the normal limit. Twenty-four of 25 subjects (96%) had decreased cardiac MIBG uptake in the delayed image. Conclusion: MIBG myocardial scintigraphy was superior to brain perfusion SPECT in detecting a characteristic feature of DLB. Our results suggest that combining SPECT and MIBG scintigraphy could increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of DLB.
Baby swimming increases the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and otitis media

Aim: To estimate the association between baby swimming and recurrent respiratory tract infections and otitis media in the first year of life in children of parents without and with atopy. Methods: Norwegian schoolchildren (n= 2862) was enrolled in a cross‐sectional study of asthma and allergy using the questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The outcomes were parental retrospective report of recurrent respiratory tract infections and otitis media diagnosed by a physician in the first year of life. The exposure was baby swimming during the same period. Parental atopy reflects a history of maternal or paternal asthma, hayfever or eczema. Results: The prevalence of recurrent respiratory tract infections was higher (12.3%) among children who took part in baby swimming than among those who did not (7.5%). The prevalence of recurrent respiratory tract infections during the first year of life was 5.6% and 10.5%, respectively, in children of parents without and with atopy, whereas the prevalence of baby swimming was 5.6% and 5.1%, respectively, in the two groups. Stratified analysis using parental atopy as strata showed that the increased risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections was only present among children of parents with atopy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.08–4.03]. A similar trend was present for otitis media (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 0.96–3.25).
Interaction with TrkA Immobilizes gp75 in the High Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor Complex (*)

It has been proposed that the high affinity nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor required for NGF response is a complex of two receptor proteins, gp75 and the tyrosine kinase TrkA, but direct biochemical or biophysical evidence has been lacking. We have previously shown using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching that gp75 is highly mobile on NGF-nonresponsive cells, but relatively immobile on NGF-responsive cells. In this report, we show that a physical interaction with TrkA causes gp75 immobilization. We found that gp75 is relatively mobile on TrkA negative nnr5 cells, a PC12 variant which is nonresponsive to NGF. In contrast, on T14 nnr5 cells (which bear a TrkA expression vector) gp75 is relatively immobile. Similarly, using baculoviruses to express gp75 and TrkA on Sf9 insect cells, we found that TrkA immobilizes gp75 molecules. The related receptor, TrkB, caused a more modest immobilization of gp75. Immobilization was found to require intact TrkA kinase and gp75 cytoplasmic domains, paralleling the requirements of high affinity binding of NGF. Analysis of gp75 diffusion coefficients indicates that mutated gp75 and TrkA molecules may form a complex, even in the absence of the ability to bind NGF with high affinity.
The influence of pain and pain-related fear on muscle activation in the neck/shoulder of female office workers with pain during computer work

Neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders in computer workers are a significant problem. Fear-avoidance has been correlated to work-related injuries. No study to date has measured the relationship between pain-related fear and muscle activity in the painful neck/shoulder during a computer task. Our research clarifies the relationship between pain-related fear, pain and muscle activity of the neck/shoulder in female office workers with pain and disability during a computer task. Twenty-six subjects volunteered for the study. Muscle activity was measured at the trapezius muscle during three computer tasks: typing, mousing and typing-and-mousing. All participants filled out pain-related fear questionnaires. Initial pain was measured before testing using a visual analog scale and evoked tenderness was measured after the computer tasks at the muscle recording locations. There was higher muscle amplitude and lower muscle rest in tasks involving typing (RMS: F(2,40)=34.99 p<. 001; RRT F(2,42)=43.05 p<. 001). There was a correlation between disability and muscle amplitude for the left trapezius during typing (rs =.495, p=.019). There was a relationship between fear-avoidance beliefs and evoked tenderness at the trapezius (right: rs=.442, p=.039; left: rs=.471, p=.027) and a significant relationship between catastrophizing and evoked tenderness at the left UT (rs=.568, p=.006). However, there was no relationship between pain and muscle activity. The relationship between fear-avoidance and evoked tenderness suggests that pain-related fear may be a factor in a painful muscle. Office workers with neck/shoulder pain should attempt more mousing activities compared to typing to reduce muscle activity. As well, addressing pain-related fear in treatments may be beneficial to patient outcome.
Scarf versus Chevron Osteotomy in Hallux Valgus: A Randomized Controlled Trial in 96 Patients

Background: The degree of correction of hallux valgus deformity using a distal chevron osteotomy is reported as limited. The scarf osteotomy is reported to correct large intermetatarsal angles (IMA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if one technique gave greater correction of the IMA and hallux valgus angle (HVA) than the other. Methods: After informed consent, 96 feet in 83 patients were randomized into two treatment groups (49 scarf and 47 chevron osteotomies). The results were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Valgus Scale and radiographic HVA and IMA measurements. Results: At 27 (range 23–31) months followup both groups improved. The AOFAS score in the chevron group improved from 48 to 89 points and in the scarf group from 47 to 91 points. In the chevron group the HVA corrected from 30 to 17 degrees, and in the scarf group the HVA corrected from 29 to 18 degrees. In both groups, the IMA was corrected from 13 to 10 degrees. The differences were not statistically significant. Three patients in the chevron group developed a partial metatarsal head necrosis. In the scarf group, four patients developed grade 1 complex regional pain syndrome compared to one patient in the chevron group. Conclusions: No differences of statistical significance could be measured between the two groups with respect to the AOFAS score, HVA, and IMA. Although both groups showed good to excellent results, we favor the chevron osteotomy because the procedure is technically less demanding.
Plant Remains in Some Coprolites from Utah

Abstract The plant content of coprolites from the Glen Canyon region of southern Utah, as determined by phosphate analysis, is compared with the pollen analysis of other pieces of the same coprolites. The authors conclude that the pollen analysis definitely supplements the information obtained from the other source, and the material studied revealed the unsuspected presence of Cleome.
NBD‐cholesterol incorporation by rat macrophages and lymphocytes: a process dependent on the activation state of the cells

The time‐course of incorporation of NBD‐cholesterol by macrophages (Ma) and lymphocytes (LY) obtained from untreated and thioglycollate‐injected (thio) rats was investigated. NBD‐cholesterol incorporation was also examined in Ma obtained from untreated rats and stimulated in vitro by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol‐myristate acetate (PMA). The same measurement was performed in LY from untreated rats stimulated by addition of LPS and concanavalin A (Con A) into the culture medium. Thio‐treated Ma showed high fluorescence intensity after 1 h of incubation with NBD‐cholesterol. Ma submitted concomitant to LPS and NBD‐cholesterol showed low fluorescence intensity, as well as Ma stimulated with PMA. Ma from untreated and LPS pre‐treated rats showed a similar time‐course of incorporation. LY from thio‐treated rats showed lower incorporation of NBD‐cholesterol in comparison to LY from untreated rats. Incorporation was reduced when LPS was added concomitantly with NBD‐cholesterol. On the other hand, LY pre‐treated with LPS for 48 h showed a very high incorporation of NBD‐cholesterol. Con A treatment did not cause a significant effect on NBD‐cholesterol incorporation. The findings presented herein led us to conclude that the uptake of NBD‐cholesterol by Ma and LY is markedly affected by the activation state of the cells. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Premature termination and processing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-promoted transcripts

We have used transient expression assays to study transcription directed by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 promoter. A plasmid containing an HIV-reporter gene fusion and a simian virus 40 origin of DNA replication was transfected into COS-1 cells in the presence or absence of a Tat expression vector. HIV-promoted RNA was analyzed by in vivo labeling, by RNase protection mapping, and in run-on transcription assays. As observed previously, two populations of HIV RNA accumulate in vivo: short, attenuated transcripts and long, polyadenylated mRNA. The short transcripts labeled in vivo were longer and more heterogeneous than expected from RNase protection assays. Moreover, comparison of transcripts labeled in vivo with run-on transcription products revealed that similar, if not identical, short RNAs accumulate in vitro. Utilizing the run-on assay, we show that following transcriptional termination, the attenuated transcripts undergo processing to generate one species of RNA. We also provide evidence that Tat does not act as an antiterminator to relieve a discrete elongation block but instead modifies transcriptional complexes, enabling them to overcome putative pause sites and continue transcription of the template.
Spatially resolved rheology modeling of complex fluids

Aalto University, P.O. Box 11000, FI-00076 Aalto www.aalto. fi Author Mikael Mohtaschemi Name of the doctoral dissertation Spatially resolved rheology modeling of complex fluids Publisher School of Science Unit Department of Applied Physics Series Aalto University publication series DOCTORAL DISSERTATIONS 152/2015 Field of research Theoretical and Computational Physics Manuscript submitted 15 June 2015 Date of the defence 2 November 2015 Permission to publish granted (date) 26 August 2015 Language English Monograph Article dissertation (summary + original articles) Abstract Many complex fluids show yield stress behavior. However, the term yield stress has been subject of much controversy. The separation of yield stress fluids into thixotropic and simple ones resolves many of these issues. This division is mainly driven by experimental results and is suspect to active theoretical development.Many complex fluids show yield stress behavior. However, the term yield stress has been subject of much controversy. The separation of yield stress fluids into thixotropic and simple ones resolves many of these issues. This division is mainly driven by experimental results and is suspect to active theoretical development. This thesis addresses yield stress fluids and associated phenomena through continuum modeling for fluids with time dependent structure evolution. In addition to homogeneous laminar shear modeling, the emergence of spatial effects in viscometric flow situations is addressed. Therefore the models are coupled to the creeping flow solution (1-D Stokes equation) of a concentric cylinder geometry, which enables comparisons with experimental observations. Further, the results from thixotropic yield stress fluids are applied to the analysis of rheology measurements of nanocellulose suspensions, which have peculiar rheological properties. In particular, shear rate sweeps are simulated utilizing a structural model for thixotropic yield stress fluids. The results indicate that spatial flow heterogeneities have to be taken into account. Additionally wall slip, which is known to play an important role in the flow of complex fluids is addressed through a simple model. The results in this thesis add to the understanding of nanocellulose suspensions and complex fluids in general.
Dementia clinic in general hospital settings

Background: There is a need to develop specialised dementia care services in developing countries. Materials and Methods: We used the existing infrastructure of a general hospital to start a weekly dementia clinic. Results: We were able to support home-based care, even in patients with advanced disease. This new service gave us opportunity to train clinicians and researchers interested in dementia. Conclusion: It is feasible to start weekly dementia clinics using existing infrastructure in developing countries. Networking of such centres can generate a database capable of guiding service development.
Randomised Comparison of an End-Hole, Triple-Hole and Novel Six-Hole Catheter for Continuous Interscalene Analgesia

Epidural analgesia studies and a recent continuous peripheral nerve block study suggest multi-hole perineural catheters perform better than end-hole catheters. Confounding catheter positioning issues limit interpretation of the latter study. One hundred and fifty-six patients receiving an anterolateral interscalene catheter for elective shoulder surgery were randomised to three groups: following out-of-plane ultrasound confirmation of the needle tip immediately lateral to the C5/6 roots, an end-hole (n=52), triple-hole (n=53) or six-hole (n=51) non-stimulating catheter was positioned 3 cm beyond the needle tip. Ropivacaine 0.375% 15 ml was administered preoperatively via the catheter before surgery under general anaesthesia. A ropivacaine 0.2% 2 ml/hour infusion with mandatory six-hourly, and on-demand hourly, 5 ml boluses was continued for >48 hours with tramadol available as rescue. Patients were questioned in the recovery room and at 24 hours for numerical rating pain score (0 to 10), ropivacaine bolus and tramadol consumption. The frequency of recovery room pain was similar between groups (P=0.75) and demonstrated strong evidence for equivalence at the 5% significance level. Neither time to first pain, “average” or “worst” pain during the first 24 hours, ropivacaine bolus or tramadol consumption significantly differed between groups. Catheter threading difficulty was more common for the square-tipped end-hole catheters (end-hole=19% versus triple-hole=6%, six-hole = 0%, P <0.001). This study found no evidence to support catheter orifice configuration significantly affecting the quality of continuous peripheral nerve blockade. These findings are in contrast to epidural catheter studies, and suggest that anatomical factors have a significant bearing on whether multi-orifice catheters confer advantage over the single-orifice design.
Use of the SMART Balance Master to Quantify the Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in Patients With Dizziness

Abstract Context: Dizziness is the third most common complaint among outpatients and the most common complaint in patients aged 75 years or older. It can be incapacitating for patients, affecting both productivity and quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for spinal somatic dysfunction in patients with dizziness lasting longer than 3 months. Design: A prospective clinical cohort study that took place in 2011. Setting: Department of Physical Therapy laboratory at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California. Patients: Sixteen participants (2 male, 14 female; mean [range] age, 49 [13-75] years) with dizziness lasting at least 3 months (mean duration of symptoms, 84 months) and spinal somatic dysfunction, but no history of known stroke or brain disease, were recruited from the local community and evaluated for postural balance control before, immediately after, and 1 week after OMT. Intervention: Four osteopathic physicians board certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine/osteopathic manipulative medicine provided OMT, including muscle energy; high-velocity, low-amplitude; counterstrain; myofascial release; balanced ligamentous release; and cranial OMT techniques. Main Outcome Measures: Outcomes were assessed with the SMART Balance Master (NeuroCom), a validated instrument that provides graphic and quantitative analyses of sway and balance, and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), a self-assessment inventory designed to assess precipitating physical factors associated with dizziness and functional and emotional consequences of vestibular disease. Results: Paired t tests, performed to assess changes in mean composite scores for all challenge tests, revealed that balance was significantly improved both immediately and 1 week after OMT (both P<.001), with no significant difference between immediate and 1-week post-OMT scores (P=.20). The DHI scores, both total and subscale, improved significantly after OMT (P<.001), and changes in composite and DHI scores were correlated with each other (P=.047). Conclusion: Osteopathic manipulative treatment for spinal somatic dysfunction improved balance in patients with dizziness lasting at least 3 months.
Effects of Organic Substrates on Dechlorination of Aroclor 1242 in Anaerobic Sediments

The effects of different organic substrates on the abilities of anaerobic sediment enrichments to reductively dechlorinate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were studied. Sediments collected from a site previously contaminated with PCBs were dosed with additional PCBs (Aroclor 1242; approximately 300 ppm [300 μg/g], sediment dry weight) and incubated anaerobically with acetate, acetone, methanol, or glucose. The pattern of dechlorination was similar for each substrate-fed batch; however, the extents and rates of dechlorination were different. Significant dechlorination over time was observed, with the relative rates and extents of dechlorination being greatest for methanol-, glucose-, and acetone-fed batches and least for acetate-fed batches. Dechlorination occurred primarily on the meta- and para- positions of the highly chlorinated congeners, resulting in the accumulation of less-chlorinated, primarily ortho-substituted products. No significant dechlorination was observed in incubation batches receiving no additional organic substrate, even though identical inorganic nutrients were added to all incubation batches. In addition, dechlorination was not observed in autoclaved controls that received substrate and nutrients.
Ebola virus disease and pregnancy: A review of the current knowledge of Ebola virus pathogenesis, maternal, and neonatal outcomes

The 2014 to 2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa devastated local health systems and caused thousands of deaths. Historical reports from Zaire ebolavirus outbreaks suggested pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of severe illness and death, with mortality rates from 74 to 100%. In total, 111 cases of pregnant patients with EVD are reported in the literature, with an aggregate maternal mortality of 86%. Pregnancy‐specific data published from the recent outbreak include four small descriptive cohort studies and five case reports. Despite limitations including reporting bias and small sample size, these studies suggest mortality in pregnant women may be lower than previously reported, with five of 13 (39%) infected women dying. Optimal treatments for pregnant women, and differences in EVD course between pregnant women and nonpregnant individuals, are major scientific gaps that have not yet been systematically addressed. Ebola virus may be transmitted from mother to baby in utero, during delivery, or through contact with maternal body fluids after birth including breast milk. EVD is almost universally fatal to the developing fetus, and limited fetal autopsy data prevent inferences on risk of birth defects. Decisions about delivery mode and other obstetric interventions should be individualized. WHO recommends close monitoring of survivors who later become pregnant, but does not recommend enhanced precautions at subsequent delivery. Although sexual transmission of Ebola virus has been documented, birth outcomes among survivors have not been published and will be important to appropriately counsel women on pregnancy outcomes and inform delivery precautions for healthcare providers. Birth Defects Research 109:353–362, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.