Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of intellectual openness in the relationship between hand preference and positive schizotypy

Recently it has been suggested that the relationship between positive schizotypy and mixed handedness is limited to questionnaire measures, and thus reflects some aspect of questionnaire-taking behaviour as opposed to some aspect of atypical brain organisation. The current study set out to explore this possibility. Undergraduate psychology students completed the Magical Ideation Scale, the Waterloo Handedness Questionnaire-Revised, a manual dot-filling task, and an inventory measuring the personality trait of intellectual openness. On the questionnaire measure, magical ideation was related to mixed handedness on unskilled but not skilled hand preference; however, this relationship was partially mediated by intellectual openness. Magical ideation was not related to the behavioural measure of handedness. These findings suggest that responses on handedness questionnaires partially reflect personality variables, and such effects should be considered in future research on the nature of the relationship between handedness and schizotypy.
Regulation of Epithelial Sodium Channel Trafficking by Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9)*

Background: The epithelial Na+ channel ENaC functions as a pathway for Na+ absorption across epithelia. Results: PCSK9 reduced ENaC expression at the cell surface by enhancing its proteasomal degradation. Conclusion: PCSK9 inhibits ENaC-mediated Na+ absorption. Significance: These findings provide new insights into mechanisms that regulate Na+ homeostasis and blood pressure. The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is critical for Na+ homeostasis and blood pressure control. Defects in its regulation cause inherited forms of hypertension and hypotension. Previous work found that ENaC gating is regulated by proteases through cleavage of the extracellular domains of the α and γ subunits. Here we tested the hypothesis that ENaC is regulated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a protease that modulates the risk of cardiovascular disease. PCSK9 reduced ENaC current in Xenopus oocytes and in epithelia. This occurred through a decrease in ENaC protein at the cell surface and in the total cellular pool, an effect that did not require the catalytic activity of PCSK9. PCSK9 interacted with all three ENaC subunits and decreased their trafficking to the cell surface by increasing proteasomal degradation. In contrast to its previously reported effects on the LDL receptor, PCSK9 did not alter ENaC endocytosis or degradation of the pool of ENaC at the cell surface. These results support a role for PCSK9 in the regulation of ENaC trafficking in the biosynthetic pathway, likely by increasing endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. By reducing ENaC channel number, PCSK9 could modulate epithelial Na+ absorption, a major contributor to blood pressure control.
A population-based model of risk factors for ischemic stroke

The medical record linkage system for the Rochester Epidemiology Project provided the means to identify 1,444 incidence cases of ischemic stroke and age-and sex-matched controls from the population from 1960 to 1984 to conduct a case-control study nested in the population. A multiple logistic-regression model permitted the estimation of odds ratios of ischemic stroke for each risk factor while adjusting for confounding variables. The final model, in addition to age and date of stroke, included transient ischemic attacks, hypertension, current smoking, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, mitral valve disease (other than prolapse), and diabetes mellitus. The process identified interactions showing that ischemic stroke incidence for persons with transient ischemic attacks was higher in women than in men and that the risk decreased with increasing age; that the risk of stroke with hypertension and also with current cigarette smoking decreased with increasing age; and that the risk of ischemic stroke with intermittent or persistent atrial fibrillation was similar when hypertension was present, but without hypertension the risk of stroke was more than seven times greater with persistent than with intermittent atrial fibrillation. None of the odds ratios differed over the five quinquennia of the study, and no effect of antihypertensive treatment on stroke incidence could be demonstrated in the population. NEUROLOGY 1996;47: 1420-1428
S-1 plus oxaliplatin vs. S-1 as first-line treatment in patients with previously untreated advanced gastric cancer: a randomized phase II study

Abstract This randomized phase II study was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin combined with S-1 (OXS regimen) with S-1 alone in the management of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Ninety-four patients were 1:1 randomly assigned to S-1 on days 1–14 of a 3-week cycle or S-1 on days 1–14 plus oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2 i.v.) on day 1 of the 3-week cycle. S-1 was orally administered in a fixed quantity according to body surface area. The median survival time with OXS versus S-1 monotherapy was 14·0 versus 11·0 months (P = 0·03), progression-free survival was 6·5 versus 4·0 months (P = 0·02), and the 1-year survival rate was 63·8% versus 48·9%, respectively. The response rate was significantly higher for OXS than for S-1 monotherapy (51·1% vs. 27·7%, P = 0·03). OXS was well tolerated with no treatment-related death. In conclusion, the OXS regimen evidenced a relatively high efficacy and was well tolerated as a first-line therapy for AGC patients.
Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive in Clinical Practice

The goal of this article is (a) to review a series of measurement standards for group and individual-patient applications of cognitive tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD); and (b) to review the literature and to use specific data from the NORMACODEM (a project of standardization of cognitive and functional tools for AD) to evaluate the measurement standards of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive (ADAS-Cog). Seven measurement standards for group and individual patient use were evaluated: practicality, extent of measurement, depth of measurement, cross-sectional precision, longitudinal precision, validity, and standardization. The results indicated that ADAS-Cog meets practicality standards, that the scoring method is not difficult, but training is needed to administer the test. In comparison with other rating scales, the ADAS-Cog is regarded as more comprehensive, although it is not a substitute for an extensive neuropsychological test. The ADAS-Cog is not a tool that is suitable for primary care physicians, although it is a valuable screening test that has utility in both early detection (diagnosis) and staging of AD, and is useful in the severity range of Global Dementia stages 1 to 6. Interrater reliability coefficients for the ADAS-Cog satisfy recommended standards, and the test shows good internal consistency and reproducibility. Age and education are associated with the ADAS-Cog score. There is, however, a lack of standardization, which restricts the comparability of study results, and test materials remain unpublished.
Viral interference in HIV‐1 infected cells

The study of viral interference in HIV‐1 infected cells has revealed several different means whereby infected cells resist superinfection. The most familiar of these, down‐modulation of cellular receptors for virus, can be accomplished through the independent action of at least three HIV‐1 proteins. Both the principal viral receptor CD4 and the chemokine receptors which serve as co‐receptors are subject to down‐modulation as a consequence of infection. Elucidation of the specificity of co‐receptor utilisation by HIV‐1 strains is an exciting, ongoing task which has opened new avenues to the understanding of viral replication and pathogenesis. Novel routes to resistance to superinfection have been discovered during HIV‐1 infection and their investigation may reveal new pathways to control HIV‐1 and the loss of immunological function with AIDS. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor Selectivity at Short Times Following Systemic Administration of a Liposomal Temoporfin Formulation in a Murine Tumor Model

Meso‐tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC) (INN: Temoporfin) is one of the most potent photodynamically active substances in clinical use. Treatment protocols for Temoporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy often rely on drug‐light intervals of several days in order for the photosensitizer to accumulate within the target tissue, though tumor selectivity is limited. Here, the mTHPC localization was studied at 2–8 h following systemic administration of a liposomal Temoporfin formulation (0.15 mg kg−1 b.w.) in HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma in NMRI nu/nu mice. Photosensitizer distribution within tumor and internal organs was investigated by means of high performance liquid chromatography following chemical extraction, as well as in situ fluorescence imaging and point‐monitoring fluorescence spectroscopy. For tumor tissue, the Temoporfin concentrations at 4 h (0.16 ± 0.024 ng mg−1) and 8 h (0.18 ± 0.064 ng mg−1) were significantly higher than at 2 h (0.08 ± 0.026 ng mg−1). The average tumor‐to‐muscle and the tumor‐to‐skin selectivity were 6.6 and 2, respectively, and did not vary significantly with time after photosensitizer injection. In plasma, the Temoporfin concentration was low (0.07 ± 0.07 ng mg−1) and showed no significant variation with time. Our results indicate a rapid biodistribution and clearance from the bloodstream. Within the same type of organ, data from both fluorescence methods generally exhibited a significant correlation with the extraction results.
Microbiologic evaluation of patients from Missouri with erythema migrans.

BACKGROUND Borrelia lonestari infects Amblyomma americanum, the tick species that is the most common cause of tick bites in southeast and south-central United States, and this spirochete has been detected in an erythema migrans (EM)-like skin rash in 1 patient. Therefore, B. lonestari is considered to be a leading candidate for the etiologic agent of EM in this region. METHODS Skin biopsy specimens obtained from patients from the Cape Girardeau area of Missouri who had EM-like lesions were cultured in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium and evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting multiple genes. Serum specimens were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against sonicated whole-cell Borrelia burgdorferi. Results were compared with those obtained over the same period for patients from New York State who had EM. RESULTS B. lonestari was not detected by PCR in any of 31 skin biopsy specimens collected from 30 Missouri patients. None of 19 cultures of Missouri skin samples that were suitable for evaluation were positive for B. burgdorferi, compared with 89 (63%) of 142 cultures of samples collected from New York State patients (P<.001). None of the 25 evaluable Missouri patients were seropositive for antibodies against B. burgdorferi, compared with 107 (75%) of 143 New York State patients (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Neither B. lonestari nor B. burgdorferi is likely to be the cause of EM-like skin lesions in patients from the Cape Girardeau area of Missouri. The etiology of this condition remains unknown.
extended cost-effectiveness analysis of publicly financed HPV accination to prevent cervical cancer in China

Introduction: Cervical cancer screening and existing health insurance schemes in China fall short of reaching women with prevention and treatment services, especially in rural areas where the disease burden is greatest. We conducted an extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) to evaluate public financing of HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, adding new dimensions to conventional cost-effectiveness analysis through an explicit inclusion of equity and impact on financial risk protection. Methods: We synthesized available epidemiological, clinical, and economic data from China using an individual-based Monte Carlo simulation model of cervical cancer to estimate the distribution of deaths averted by income quintile, comparing vaccination plus screening against current practice. We also estimated reductions in cervical cancer incidence, net costs to the government (HPV vaccination costs minus cervical cancer treatment costs averted), and patient cost savings, as well as the incremental government health care costs per death averted. Results: HPV vaccination is cost-effective across all income groups when the cost is less than US $50 per vaccinated girl. Compared to screening alone, adding preadolescent HPV vaccination followed by cervical cancer screening in adulthood could reduce cancer by 44 percent across all income groups, while providing relatively higher financial protection to the poorest women. The absolute numbers of cervical cancer deaths averted and the financial risk protection from HPV vaccination are highest among women in the lowest quintile; women in the bottom income quintiles received higher benefits than those in the upper wealth quintiles. Patient cost savings represent a large proportion of poor women’s average per capita income, reaching 60 percent among women in the bottom income quintile and declining to 15 percent among women in the wealthiest quintile. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license
Functional Response of Larval and Adult Stages of Hippodamia variegata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Different Densities of Aphis fabae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

ABSTRACT We compare the efficiencies of different stages of Hippodamia variegata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) preying on Aphis fabae (Scolpoli) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) by estimating the functional responses of all stages. The experiments were carried out on leaf disks in petri dishes with 15–20 replicates. Our results revealed that all larval instars and adult males and females of H. variegata exhibited type II functional responses on different densities of prey. The rate of searching efficiency and handling time were estimated as 0.063 h-1 and 6.933 h for first instar, 0.059 h-1 and 3.343 h for second instar, 0.103 h-1 and 1.909 h for third instar, 0.114 h-1 and 0.455 h for fourth instar, 0.159 h-1 and 1.194 h for male, 0.093 h-1 and 0.409 h for female, respectively. Thus, handing time decreased from first instar to female. Handling times of males were significantly greater than those of females. The most effective stages of H. variegata were females, fourth instars, and males. The efficiency of females was nearly three times greater than that of males. The voracity of larval stages and male and female adults of H. variegata were estimated as 2.93, 5.85, 12.13, 45.13, 18.33, and 44.60 (aphids/d), respectively.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in the community: an epidemiological study

SYNOPSIS Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was studied in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Among 2985 subjects, the lifetime and six month prevalence figures for PTSD were 1·30 and 0·44 % respectively. In comparison to non-PTSD subjects, those with PTSD had significantly greater job instability, family history of psychiatric illness, parental poverty, child abuse, and separation or divorce of parents prior to age 10. PTSD was associated with greater psychiatric co-morbidity and attempted suicide, increased frequency of bronchial asthma, hypertension, peptic ulcer and with impaired social support. Differences were noted between chronic and acute PTSD on a number of measures, with chronic PTSD being accompanied by more frequent social phobia, reduced social support and greater avoidance symptoms.
An intron 4 VNTR polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene is associated with early‐onset colorectal cancer

Endothelial‐derived nitric oxide, which is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), may play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. However, the putative contribution of common eNOS genetic polymorphisms to colorectal cancer risk remains unknown. We genotyped 3 polymorphisms of eNOS (T‐786C, G894T, and intron4b/a) in 727 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases and 736 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls in Taiwan. Genotypes of the T‐786C and G894T polymorphisms were determined by fluorescence polarization assays and the 27‐bp variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in intron 4 (intron4b/a) was analyzed by PCR. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among younger participants (≤60 yrs), the intron4a variant genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer, compared with the intron4bb genotype (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.04–2.46). In addition, those young individuals bearing a greater number of high‐risk genotypes (OR > 1, i.e., CT+TT for T‐786C, ba+aa for intron4b/a, and GG for G894T) of eNOS had a higher colorectal cancer risk (ptrend = 0.039). Compared with younger individuals without any putative high‐risk genotypes, those with 3 high‐risk genotypes had a significantly greater cancer risk (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.04–3.43). Our results suggest that the eNOS intron4b/a polymorphism may contribute to early‐onset colorectal cancer risk in the Taiwanese population. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consequences of emergency contraceptives: the adverse effects

Introduction: Emergency contraception (EC) offers women an important strategy to prevent unintended pregnancy following intercourse. Despite the constant improvement of availability of different molecules and techniques already existing (Yuzpe regimen, levonorgestrel, intrauterine device) and the emergence of ulipristal acetate, the numbers of unintended pregnancies and unplanned births could still be reduced. Areas covered: This review will evaluate all the information about the potential adverse effects and tolerability of each method of EC by putting them in balance with their safety and effectiveness. A literature search until December 2013 was performed to identify all trials studying the safety data available concerning EC. Expert opinion: Different means of EC have been demonstrated to be generally safe and well tolerated. These data support women information in order to improve use and efficacy of EC.
STUDY OF EFFECTIVENESS OF TIME SERIES M ODELI NG (ARIMA) INFORECASTING STOCK PRICES

Stock price prediction has always attracted interest because of the direct financial benefit and the associated complexity. From our literature review, we felt the need of a study having sector specific analysis with a broad range of stocks. In this paper, we have conducted a study on the effectiveness of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)model, on fifty six Indian stocks from different sectors. We have chosen ARIMA model, because of its simplicity and wide acceptability of the model. We also have studied the effect on prediction accuracy based on various possible previous period data taken. The comparison and parameterizat ion of the ARIMA model have been done using Akaike information criterion (AIC). The contribution of the paper , are a) coverage of a good number of Indian stocks b) Analysis of the models based on sectors c) Analysis of prediction accuracy based on the var ying span of previous period data.
The relationship between plasma homocysteine level and HLA‐B51 in patients with Behcet's disease: a case‐control study

Various coagulation disorders have been reported to explain hypercoagulability state in Behcet's disease (BD). A possible negative association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B51 and increased homocysteine level has been suggested in a previous report from Iranian patients with BD. The aim of this study was to find any possible relationship between plasma homocysteine levels and HLA‐B51.
Induced Immunity Against the Mosquito Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) Effects of Cell Fraction Antigens on Survival, Fecundity, and Plasmodium berghei (Eucoccidiida: Plasmodiidae) Transmission

Abstract Two subcellular fractions from the midgut of the malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi (Liston) were used to immunize BALB/c mice. Mice were subsequently infected with the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei (Vincke & Lips), and the effects of anti-mosquito immunity on mosquito survival and fecundity and on parasite transmission were investigated. Mosquitoes were infected directly from mice (in vivo) or by feeding cultured ookinetes through a membrane (in vitro). Infections were monitored by counting oocysts on the midgut wall. Microvilli extracts induced a strong and partially specific antibody reaction against the midgut, which was manifest as decreased survival in in vivo fed mosquitoes and reduced fecundity in both kinds of feeding. Antisera against microvilli reduced the mean intensity of P. berghei oocysts when fed in vitro, while mosquitoes fed antiserum against basolateral plasma membranes in vivo, showed higher oocyst burdens.
Dynamic changes of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 in association with circulating endothelial progenitor cells after severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) can promote angiogenesis and vascular stability after brain injury. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) also play a crucial role in neovascularization and tissue repair after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We sought to compare the expression of VEGF and Ang-1 in serum and the circulating EPCs in patients after severe TBI with that of healthy control subjects. METHODS We obtained peripheral blood and serum samples from 21 patients with severe TBI and 11 healthy control subjects. EPCs in blood samples from severe TBI patients and healthy controls were quantified by flow cytometry 1 day, 4 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days after severe TBI. VEGF and Ang-1 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay at the same time points. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, circulating EPCs in patients with severe TBI decreased 4 days (p < 0.05), but increased 7 days and 14 days (p < 0.05) after TBI. VEGF increased significantly during the follow-up period (p < 0.05). Ang-1 increased gradually and reached peak at 7 days and 14 days after TBI. The circulating EPCs were significantly correlated with VEGF and Ang-1 at 7 days and 14 days after severe TBI. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the increased VEGF and Ang-1 are closely related to increase in circulating EPCs in response to severe TBI, which may be needed for vascular repairs after severe TBI.
3He‐MRI‐based vs. conventional determination of lung volumes in patients after unilateral lung transplantation: a new approach to regional spirometry

Background: To use 3Helium (3He)‐MRI in patients with unilateral lung grafts to assess the contributions of graft and native lung to total ventilated lung volume, and second to compare conventional measurements of intrapulmonary gas volume (spirometry, body plethysmography) with image‐based volumetry of ventilated lung parenchyma visualized by hyperpolarized 3He‐MRI.