Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene–gene interactions between CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 in nicotine metabolism

Objectives CYP2A6 is the major enzyme involved in nicotine metabolism, yet large interindividual variations in the rate of nicotine metabolism exist within groups of individuals having the same CYP2A6 genotype. We investigated the influence of genetic variation in another potential nicotine-metabolizing enzyme, CYP2B6, and its interaction with CYP2A6, on the metabolism of nicotine. Methods Two hundred and twelve healthy Caucasian adult twin volunteers underwent an intravenous infusion of stable isotope-labeled nicotine and its major metabolite, cotinine, for characterization of pharmacokinetic and metabolism phenotypes. Five CYP2B6 genetic polymorphisms causing amino acid substitutions (R22C, Q172 H, S259R, K262R, and R487C) were analyzed. Results We observed that the CYP2B6*6 haplotype (defined as having both Q172 H and K262R variants) was associated with faster nicotine and cotinine clearance, and that such associations were more prominent among individuals having decreased-activity CYP2A6 genotypes. Statistically significant interactions between CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 genotypes were observed (P<0.003 for nicotine clearance and P<0.002 for cotinine clearance). Conclusions Our results indicate that CYP2B6 genetic variation is associated with the metabolism of nicotine and cotinine among individuals with decreased CYP2A6 activity. Further investigation of the roles of CYP2B6 and the interaction between CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 genotypes in mediating nicotine dependence and tobacco-related diseases is merited.
Excesso de confiança do Chief Executive Officer e a prática de gerenciamento de resultados

Several studies have suggested that overconfidence leads to expectations of future performance, and managers can develop predisposition to earnings management. The objective of the study is to identify the influence of overconfident managers on Brazilian companies’ earning management practices. The methodology of the research is descriptive, with quantitative approach, through documentary research. The statistical methods used were: entropy, TOPSIS and multiple linear regression. The sample consisted of 127 Brazilian companies listed on the BM&FBovespa. It is concluded that lower overconfidence has a positive impact on earnings management, suggesting that less confident managers believe with less intensity in their abilities, and, in order to guarantee organizational results that satisfy the expectations of analysts, they conduct the earnings management in an opportunistic way so as to increase organizational results.
Cytokine Response in Multiple Lymphoid Tissues during the Primary Phase of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Type 1 and 2 cytokine mRNA responses were measured at various time periods and in various lymphoid compartments during the acute stage (first 4 months) of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in laboratory cats. Cytokine responses were correlated with virus replication. Virus was detected in plasma and tissue from day 14 postinfection (p.i.) onward, peaked at 56 to 70 days, and declined greatly by 70 days. Virus replication was highest in the thymus, followed by spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and cervical lymph nodes. Baseline cytokine levels were highest in the mesenteric lymph nodes and lowest in the cervical lymph nodes. Cytokine upregulation after FIV infection was most dramatic in the cervical lymph nodes, with the greatest increase in interleukin-10 (IL-10) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Cytokine transcription in the mesenteric lymph node increased above baseline by day 14 p.i. for IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-4, and IL-10, while elevations in the spleen were mainly for IFN-γ, IL-12p40 and IL-10. An increase in IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-12p40 occurred in the thymus at day 56 p.i. , concomitant with the onset of thymitis. In general, type 2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) were increased greater than 1 log over baseline, while the elevations in type 1 cytokines were less than 1 log. In the tissues tested, CD4+ cells were the primary source of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10. Both CD4+ and CD8+ cells produced IFN-γ, while no cytokine mRNA was detected in B cells. These results demonstrate the presence of a heterogeneous cytokine response in lymphoid tissues during the primary stage of FIV infection. The nature and intensity of the response differed from one compartment to the other and, in the case of the thymus, also with inflammatory changes. Although limited in scope, the present study confirms the usefulness of the FIV infection model in studying early cytokine events that lead to the secondary subclinical carrier state typical of most lentivirus infections.
Oogenesis and ovarian histology of the American alligator Alligator mississippiensis

Although folliculogenesis and oogenesis have been observed in numerous reptiles, these phenomena have not been described in detail in a crocodilian. Oogenesis and histological features of the adult ovary of Alligator mississippiensis are described. Using a complex process, the ovary develops telolecithal oocytes that attain a diameter of 38.8 ± 2.4 mm. The morphology of yolk platelets shows gradual changes throughout the oogenic process. Initially, yolk platelets are seen surrounded by a vesicle. As vitellogenesis advances, the vesicles contain numerous yolk spheres, with slowly growing platelets. The yolk spheres continue to increase in size and number within the vacuoles. Differences in the animal and vegetal poles are seen based on the morphology and size of the yolk platelets. The ovary of A. mississippiensis shows a well‐developed system of lacunae and bundles of smooth muscle around the follicles in all stages of development. Several features seen in the ovary of A. mississippiensis are similar to those observed in birds. In particular, the morphology of the yolk platelets, especially during the middle and late vitellogenic stages, and the presence of a ovarian system of lacunae and smooth muscle. These similarities in the reproductive biology of crocodilians and birds contribute to current studies of the evolution of archosaurian reproduction. J. Morphol. 245:225–240, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of genetic polymorphisms of glutamate decarboxylase 2 and the dopamine D2 receptor with obesity in Taiwanese subjects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES It has been proposed that glutamate decarboxylase 2 and the dopamine D2 receptor are involved in the brain reward cascade to increase carbohydrate craving and cause eating disorders. We investigated the association between the polymorphisms of the GAD2 and DRD2 genes and obesity with a higher body mass index (BMI) in Taiwanese patients. DESIGN AND SETTING A retrospective, case-control study at Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2009. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Of 300 subjects enrolled in the study, 132 were obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) and 168 controls were not obese (BMI≤24 kg/m2). The polymorphisms of GAD2 (+61450 C/A), (+83987 T/A) and DRD2 (S311C) were characterized, respectively, by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms in this study were statistically analyzed. RESULTS The genotype and allele frequencies of the GAD2 (+83987 T/A) and DRD2 (S311C) were significantly different between cases and controls (P=.001 for both). The frequencies of TT genotype and T allele of the GAD2 (+83987 T/A) as well as the frequencies of Ser/Cys genotype and Cys allele of DRD2 (S311C) were higher in cases compared to controls (P=.034 and .036 for both). CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the GAD2 (+83987 T/A) and DRD2 (S311C) genes between cases and controls in Taiwanese subjects.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder: results from the international mood disorders collaborative project.

OBJECTIVE Relatively few studies have evaluated the clinical implications of lifetime attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder (MDD). Herein, we sought to determine the prevalence as well as the demographic and clinical correlates of lifetime ADHD in persons with a mood disorder. METHOD The first 399 patients enrolled in the International Mood Disorders Collaborative Project (IMDCP) were evaluated for lifetime ADHD using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus (MINI-Plus) as the primary instrument to derive current and lifetime DSM-IV diagnoses. All analyses of variables of interest were conducted utilizing the MINI-Plus, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-v1.1, and the Wender Utah Rating Scale-Short Form. The effect of ADHD on clinical presentation, course of illness variables, comorbidity, anamnesis, treatment, and outcome are reported. The IMDCP is a joint initiative of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and the Cleveland Clinic Center for Mood Disorders Treatment and Research at Lutheran Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio. All data for this study were procured between January 2008 and January 2009. RESULTS The percentages of subjects with MDD or bipolar disorder meeting the DSM-IV criteria for lifetime adult ADHD were 5.4% and 17.6% (P < .001), respectively. Lifetime comorbid ADHD in both mood disorder populations was associated with earlier age at illness onset (MDD, P = .049; bipolar disorder, P = .005), a higher number of psychiatric comorbidities (eg, MDD and current panic disorder with agoraphobia [P = .002]; bipolar disorder and social phobia [P = .012]), and decreased quality of life (MDD, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS The overarching findings herein are that the adult ADHD phenotype is commonly reported by individuals with MDD or bipolar disorder and is associated with a greater illness burden and complexity.
Chloroplast DNA variations in Mediterranean olive

Summary Over ten years, several European teams have characterised polymorphism in the olive chloroplast genome (cpDNA). A particularly low level of cpDNA polymorphism was detected; but, in a recent study based on 14 Mediterranean trees, an intergenic (trnD-trnT) spacer was reported to be sufficiently variable to distinguish at least six haplotypes in cultivated olive. Compared to previous studies, the level of polymorphism described (nine substitutions and seven short indels on a segment of approx. 1 kbp) was particularly high. In order to enlarge upon the sample analysed, new trnD-trnT sequences were generated from 18 olive trees originating from the Mediterranean Basin, Macaronesia, S. Algeria, Kenya, Yemen, Reunion Island, Hawaii, Iran, and China. Only two base substitutions were detected in this enlarged sample, one of which discriminated between Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and other olive sub-species. Length variation at a (poly-T) microsatellite motif was also found. The relatively low variation revealed between distant populations of olive suggests that sequencing problems might be the origin of the high polymorphism previously reported in the trnD-trnT spacer. Furthermore, length polymorphism at the poly-T motif was investigated in 55 Mediterranean olive trees which had previously been analysed for other cpDNA polymorphisms. Two alleles were found in Mediterranean olive, but they did not permit detection of new cpDNA haplotypes. It is proposed that proper analyses of cpDNA polymorphism in Mediterranean olive should use a combination of seven markers in order to detect its correct phylogeographic structure.
Marketing Innovation Capacity and Firm Perfor-mance in Brazilian Clothing Industries

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between marketing innovation capacity and firm performance in the Brazilian clothing industries. A transversal descriptive research was conducted in a single quantitative phase, using the survey as a research strategy. The study covers jointly small and medium firms installed in a regional center of clothes industries, in theirs most important product or product line. The data (n=150) were processed using the statistical software Partial Least Squares (SmartPLS), with the evaluation of reflective measurement model and structural model. Findings show that marketing innovation capacity positively predicts market performance, which positively predicts financial performance. Then as practical implications, to achieve financial results of marketing innovation capacity it is necessary to monitor the variables that compose market performance.
The ability of chemotactic factors to induce lysosomal enzyme release. I. The characteristics of the release, the importance of surfaces and the relation of enzyme release to chemotactic responsiveness.

The complement-derived chemotactics factors, C3a, C5a, and C567, as well as the chemotactic factor obtained from culture filtrates of Escherichia coli, induce release of the lysosomal enzymes, β-glucuronidase and lysozyme, from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Under the same circumstances, there is little or no release of the cytoplasmic marker, lactic dehydrogenase, indicating that the release is a form of induced secretion. The release occurs to an appreciable extent only when the neutrophils settle on filters of average pore size of 0.60 µm or greater; however, increasing the pore size of the filters from 0.60 to 5 µm does not increase the amount of lysosomal enzyme secretion. The requirement for an appropriate surface suggests that enzyme release by chemotactic factors is a form of induced secretion on non-phagocytosable surfaces studied previously. No statistically significant correlation was found between the chemotactic responsiveness of neutrophils from different rabbits and their ability to give lysosomal enzyme release when stimulated by the same chemotactic factor. This suggests, at least, that a critical step or steps in the biochemical sequence or sequences governing chemotaxis and induced secretion of lysosomal enzymes in neutrophils is different or has a different quantitative importance.
Dynamin Is Functionally Coupled to Insulin Granule Exocytosis*

The insulin granule integral membrane protein marker phogrin-green fluorescent protein was co-localized with insulin in Min6B1 β-cell secretory granules but did not undergo plasma membrane translocation following glucose stimulation. Surprisingly, although expression of a dominant-interfering dynamin mutant (Dyn/K44A) inhibited transferrin receptor endocytosis, it had no effect on phogringreen fluorescent protein localization in the basal or secretagogue-stimulated state. By contrast, co-expression of Dyn/K44A with human growth hormone as an insulin secretory marker resulted in a marked inhibition of human growth hormone release by glucose, KCl, and a combination of multiple secretagogues. Moreover, serial pulse depolarization stimulated an increase in cell surface capacitance that was also blocked in cells expressing Dyn/K44A. Similarly, small interference RNA-mediated knockdown of dynamin resulted in marked inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Together, these data suggest the presence of a selective kiss and run mechanism of insulin release. Moreover, these data indicate a coupling between endocytosis and exocytosis in the regulation of β-cell insulin secretion.
Education and dementia

As long ago as the 2nd century BC poets and philosophers considered that an active mental life might forestall or delay the enfeeblement of old age.1 In “De Senecute” Cicero suggested that old men preserved their intellects if they preserved their interests—”the use it or lose it” hypothesis.2 In this week's journal a population based study reports that in elderly people a low level of education was associated with a higher prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (p 970). 3 In addition, several recent studies have indicated that education may protect against dementia.4 5 6 7 Bonaiuto et al found that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease was 7.2% among illiterate people, 2.8% among those whose education had ceased at the fifth grade, and 0.5% among those who had studied in the fifth grade or over.5 Jorm suggested that people with high socioeconomic status might have a greater resistance to the effects of the dementing process, either because their better premorbid intellect reflected a higher level of neural reserve or because they tended to seek more stimulating environments, which helped to prevent a decline in cognitive skills.8 Other studies, however, found no link between education and the diagnosis …
The electrophoretically 'slow' and 'fast' forms of the alpha 2-macroglobulin molecule.

alpha 2-Macroglobulin (alpha 2M) was isolated from human plasma by a four-step procedure: poly(ethylene glyco) fractionation, gel chromatography, euglobulin precipitation and immunoadsorption. No contaminants were detected in the final preparations by electrophoresis or immunoprecipitation. The protein ran as a single slow band in gel electrophoresis, and was designated 'S-alpha 2M'. S-alpha 2M bound about 2 mol of trypsin/mol. Treatment of S-alpha 2M with a proteinase or ammonium salts produced a form of the molecule more mobile in electrophoresis, and lacking proteinase-binding activity (F-alpha 2M). The electrophoretic mobility of the F-alpha 2M resulting from reaction with NH4+ salts was identical with that of proteinase complexes. We attribute the change in electrophoretic mobility of the alpha 2M to a conformation change, but there was no evidence of a change in pI or Strokes radius. Electrophoresis of S-alpha 2M in the presence of sodium dodecylsulphate gave results consistent with the view that the alpha 2M molecule is a tetramer of identical subunits, assembled as a non-covalent pair of disulphide-linked dimers. Some of the subunits seemed to be 'nicked' into two-thires-length and one-third-length chains, however. This was not apparent with F-alpha 2M produced by ammonium salts. F-alpha 2M produced by trypsin showed two new bands attributable to cleavage of the subunit polypeptide chain near the middle. Immunoassays of F-alpha 2M gave 'rockets' 12-29% lower than those with S-alpha 2M. The nature of the interactions between subunits in S-alpha 2M and F-alpha 2M was investigated by treating each form with glutaraldehyde before electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate. A much greater degree of cross-linking was observed with the F-alpha 2M, indicating that the subunits interact most closely in this form of the molecule. Exposure of S-alpha 2M to 3 M-urea or pH3 resulted in dissociation to the disulphide-bonded half-molecules; these did not show the proteinase-binding activity characteristic of the intact alpha 2M. F-alpha 2M was less easily dissociated than was S-alpha 2M. S-alpha 2M was readily dissociated to the quarter-subunits by mild reduction, with the formation of 3-4 new thiol groups per subunit. Inact reactive alpha 2M could then be regenerated in high yield by reoxidation of the subunits. F-alpha 2M formed by reaction with a proteinase or ammonium salts was not dissociated under the same conditions, although the interchain disulphide bonds were reduced. If the thiol groups of the quarter-subunits of S-alpha 2M were blocked by carboxymethylation, oxidative reassociation did not occur. Nevertheless treatment of these subunits with methylammonium salts or a proteinase caused the reassembly of half-molecules and intact (F-) tetramers. It is emphasized that F-alpha 2M does not have the properties of a denatured form of the protein.
The Relationship between HR Competencies and Organizational Performance in the Banking Sector in Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between HR competencies and organizational performance by adapting the Ulrich HR Role Model. The study also examined HR competencies such as strategic positioner, credible activist, capability builder, change champion, HR innovator/integrator, technology proponent and project facilitator. The research is based on 215 HR professionals from 20 consolidated banks located in South-West Nigeria. A quantitative approach was used for the analysis. The findings revealed that all HR competencies also have significant correlation with organizational performance. Furthermore, competency such as strategic positioner and technology proponent provide most impact to organizational performance.
Effects of viscoelastic properties of tendon structures on stretch – shortening cycle exercise in vivo

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of viscoelastic properties of human tendon structures during stretch – shortening cycle exercise. The elongation of tendon and aponeurosis of the medial gastrocnemius muscle of 26 participants was measured by ultrasonography while they performed ramp isometric plantar flexion up to the voluntary maximum, followed by a ramp relaxation. The relationship between estimated muscle force and tendon elongation during the ascending phase was fitted to a linear regression, the slope of which was defined as stiffness. The percentage of the area within the muscle force – tendon elongation loop relative to the area beneath the curve during the ascending phase was defined as hysteresis. In addition, maximal voluntary concentric contractions at 2.09 and 3.14 rad · s−1 with and without prior eccentric contractions were performed. The difference in the concentric torque at equivalent joint angles with and without prior eccentric contractions (i.e. pre-stretch augmentation) was negatively correlated with stiffness (P < 0.05) and hysteresis (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a higher correlation between the pre-stretch augmentation and the viscoelastic properties index – that is, the sum of normalized score values of stiffness and hysteresis (P < 0.01) – than with either stiffness or hysteresis alone. The results of this study suggest that performance during stretch – shortening cycle exercise is significantly affected by the viscoelastic properties of the tendon structures.
Hindfoot Arthrodesis A Prospective Pilot Study of B 2 A-Coated Ceramic Granules ( Amplex ) Compared to Autograft for Ankle

Background: To reduce fusion nonunion, autogenous bone graft is often incorporated into foot and ankle fusion procedures. B2A peptide-coated ceramic granules, with encouraging results in pilot studies of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, were here reformulated into Amplex with a coating concentration of 225 μg B2A/cm ceramic granules (B2A-granule) with the goal of eliminating autogenous bone graft in foot and ankle arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to perform a multicenter prospective randomized pilot clinical trial designed to compare the safety and effectiveness of B2A-granule to autogenous bone graft in patients undergoing foot and ankle arthrodesis surgery. Methods: This study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, pilot clinical trial designed to compare safety and effectiveness of B2A-granule to autogenous bone graft in patients undergoing foot and ankle arthrodesis surgery. Twentyfour patients were enrolled and randomized (1:1) into 2 groups: autogenous bone graft control and B2A-granule. Primary outcome measures at 6 months (with follow-up at 9 and 12 months) included radiographic fusion assessed by computerized tomography and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale scores for pain and disability. Results: Radiographic fusion success rates were similar in both groups (100% in the B2A-granule group, 92% autograft). Both the B2A-granule group and the autograft group had improvements in the pain and disability scores over the course of the study. Graft harvest-site pain affected only autograft-treated patients. There were no adverse events attributed to the graft material in either the B2A-granule or autograft group. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study are supportive of a larger clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of B2Agranule as a bone graft substitute in foot and ankle fusions. Level of Evidence: Level II.