Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Telomere length is paternally inherited and is associated with parental lifespan

Telomere length (TL) is emerging as a biomarker for aging and survival. To evaluate factors influencing this trait, we measured TL in a large homogeneous population, estimated the heritability (h2), and tested for parental effects on TL variation. Our sample included 356 men and 551 women, aged 18–92 years, from large Amish families. Mean TL in leukocytes was measured by quantitative PCR (mean: 6,198 ± 1,696 bp). The h2 of TL was 0.44 ± 0.06 (P < 0.001), after adjusting for age, sex, and TL assay batch. As expected, TL was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.40; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in TL between men and women, consistent with our previous findings that Amish men lived as long as Amish women. There was a stronger and positive correlation and association between TL in the offspring and paternal TL (r = 0.46, P < 0.001; β = 0.22, P = 0.006) than offspring and maternal TL (r = 0.18, P = 0.04; β = −0.02, P = 0.4). Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation and association between daughter's TL and paternal lifespan (r = 0.20, P < 0.001; β = 0.21, P = 0.04), but not between daughter's TL and maternal lifespan (r = −0.01, β = 0.04; both P = not significant). Our data, which are based on one of the largest family studies of human TL, support a link between TL and aging and lifespan and suggest a strong genetic influence, possibly via an imprinting mechanism, on TL regulation.
The Dynamic Effects of Group Support Systems on Group Meetings

A number of theoretical models have been presented in group support systems (GSS) literature, which suggest that various GSS structures such as anonymity and simultaneity, influence group interaction, which in turn influences group productivity and meeting outcomes. Examples of such theories include the adaptive structuration theory and the balance of forces model and they could generally be described as dynamic or procedural in nature. Much of the empirical research that tests such theories, however, is deterministic in that it often compares final outcomes between various levels of technological support without measuring and testing (1) the influence that the technological structures have on group interaction and group dynamics, and (2) the corresponding influence that group interaction has on meeting outcomes. This paper reports a study that examines the validity of such dynamic theories by examining the relationships between GSS structures, group dynamics, and meeting outcomes over time. Four process constructs (production blocking, free riding, sucker effect, and evaluation apprehension) and three meeting outcome constructs (group cohesion, affective reward, and self-reported learning) were initially selected for the study. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze longitudinal survey data gathered from an experiment conducted with naturally occurring groups. The model tested was found to be valid and GSS was found to be effective in reducing process losses. However, the findings also revealed that process losses vary in the degree to which they influence meeting outcomes and certain meeting outcomes, such as affective reward, were found to be heavily influenced by other meeting outcomes, such as group cohesion and self-reported learning. Theoretical implications of the study and methodology are discussed.
An Intelligent Computer-Assisted Instruction System Designed for Rural Health Workers in Developing Countries

Abstract: This paper describes an intelligent computer-assisted instruction system that was designed for rural health workers in developing countries. This system, called Consult-EAO, includes an expert module and a coaching module. The expert module, which is derived from the knowledge-based decision support system Tropicaid, covers most of medical practice in developing countries. It allows for the creation of outpatient simulations without the help of a teacher. The student may practice his knowledge by solving problems with these simulations. The system gives some initial facts and controls the simulation during the session by guiding the student toward the most efficient decisions. All student answers are analyzed and, if necessary, criticized. The messages are adapted to the situation due to the pedagogical rules of the coaching module. This system runs on PC-compatible computer.
Factors that Prevent Roughstock Rodeo Athletes From Wearing Protective Equipment

ABSTRACT Using a cross-sectional survey design, this study sought to determine usage rates and barriers to the use of protective equipment in roughstock athletes. Between 2004 and 2006, amateur, collegiate, and professional roughstock athletes were surveyed using national organizational mailing lists. Findings revealed that during competition, 69% never wore a helmet. Barriers were a negative effect on performance and sport persona. Conversely, 88% always wore a vest. The perception that vest usage was required encouraged roughstock athletes to wear them. Mouthpiece use results were mixed; 58% always used and 21% never used a mouthpiece. Barriers were discomfort and frequent forgetfulness. Reported injury rate was high, with users noting fewer injuries to head and ribs than nonusers, and riders agreed that protective equipment prevented injury to the head, ribs, and mouth. However, equipment usage rates varied widely by type and seemed to be underutilized because the equipment affected performance, was uncomfortable, and "not cowboy. "
Point-of-care glucose testing: effects of critical care variables, influence of reference instruments, and a modular glucose meter design.

OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical performance of glucose meter systems when used with critically ill patients. DESIGN Two glucose meter systems (SureStepPro and Precision G) and a modular adaptation (Immediate Response Mobile Analysis-SureStepPro) were assessed clinically using arterial samples from critically ill patients. A biosensor-based analyzer (YSI 2700) and a hospital chemistry analyzer (Synchron CX-7) were the primary and secondary reference instruments, respectively. PATIENTS AND SETTING Two hundred forty-seven critical care patients at the University of California, Davis, Medical Center participated in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES Error tolerances of +/-15 mg/dL for glucose levels </=100 mg/dL and +/-15% for glucose levels >100 mg/dL were used to evaluate glucose meter performance; 95% of glucose meter measurements should fall within these tolerances. RESULTS Compared to the primary reference method, 98% to 100% of SureStepPro and 91% to 95% of Precision G measurements fell within the error tolerances. Paired differences of glucose measurements versus critical care variables (Po(2), pH, Pco(2), and hematocrit) were analyzed to determine the effects of these variables on meter measurements. Po(2) and Pco(2) decreased Precision G and SureStepPro measurements, respectively, but not enough to be clinically significant based on the error tolerance criteria. Hematocrit levels affected glucose measurements on both meter systems. Modular adaptation did not affect test strip performance. CONCLUSIONS Glucose meter measurements correlated best with primary reference instrument measurements. Overall, both glucose meter systems showed acceptable performance for point-of-care testing. However, the effects of some critical care variables, especially low and high hematocrit values, could cause overestimated or underestimated glucose measurements.
Arm Crank and Wheelchair Ergometry Produce Similar Peak Oxygen Uptake but Different Work Economy Values in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Objective. To study whether values for peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and work economy (WE) at a standardized workload are different when tested by arm crank ergometry (ACE) and wheelchair ergometry (WCE). Methods. Twelve paraplegic men with spinal cord injury (SCI) in stable neurological condition participated in this cross-sectional repeated-measures study. We determined VO2peak and peak power output (POpeak) values during ACE and WCE in a work-matched protocol. Work economy was tested at a standardized workload of 30 Watts (W) for both ACE and WCE. Results. There were no significant differences in VO2peak (mL·kg−1·min−1) between ACE (27.3 ± 3.2) and WCE (27.4 ± 3.8) trials, and a Bland-Altman plot shows that findings are within 95% level of agreement. WE or oxygen consumption at 30 W (VO2-30W) was significantly lower during WCE compared to ACE (P < 0.039). Mean (95% CI) POpeak (W) were 130 (111–138) and 100 (83–110) during ACE and WCE, respectively. Conclusion. The findings in the present study support the use of both ACE and WCE for testing peak oxygen uptake. However, WE differed between the two test modalities, meaning that less total energy is used to perform external work of 30 W during wheelchair exercise when using this WCE (VP100 Handisport ergometer). Clinical Trials Protocol Record is NCT00987155/4.2007. 2271.
Models for Conditional Probability Tables in Educational Assessment

Experts in educational assessment can often identify the skills needed to provide a solution for a test item and which patterns of those skills produce better expected performance. The method described here combines judgements about the structure of the conditional probability table (e.g., conjunctive, or compensatory) with Item Response Theory methods for partial credit scoring (Samejima, 1969) to produce a conditional probability table or a prior distribution for a learning algorithm. The structural judgements induce a projection of each con guration of parent skill variables onto a single latent responsepropensity . This is then used to calculate a probability for each cell in the table.
Insights into Mesenchymal Stem Cell Aging: Involvement of Antioxidant Defense and Actin Cytoskeleton

Progenitor cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have elicited great hopes for therapeutic augmentation of physiological regeneration processes, e.g., for bone fracture healing. However, regeneration potential decreases with age, which raises questions about the efficiency of autologous approaches in elderly patients. To elucidate the mechanisms and cellular consequences of aging, the functional and proteomic changes in MSCs derived from young and old Sprague–Dawley rats were studied concurrently. We demonstrate not only that MSC concentration in bone marrow declines with age but also that their function is altered, especially their migratory capacity and susceptibility toward senescence. High‐resolution two‐dimensional electrophoresis of the MSC proteome, under conditions of in vitro self‐renewal as well as osteogenic stimulation, identified several age‐dependent proteins, including members of the calponin protein family as well as galectin‐3. Functional annotation clustering revealed that age‐affected molecular functions are associated with cytoskeleton organization and antioxidant defense. These proteome screening results are supported by lower actin turnover and diminished antioxidant power in aged MSCs, respectively. Thus, we postulate two main reasons for the compromised cellular function of aged MSCs: (a) declined responsiveness to biological and mechanical signals due to a less dynamic actin cytoskeleton and (b) increased oxidative stress exposure favoring macromolecular damage and senescence. These results, along with the observed similar differentiation potentials, imply that MSC‐based therapeutic approaches for the elderly should focus on attracting the cells to the site of injury and oxidative stress protection, rather than merely stimulating differentiation. STEM CELLS 2009;27:1288–1297
GABA‐containing neurons in the rat ventral tegmental area project to the prefrontal cortex

Dopamine‐containing projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been extensively characterized since their discovery over 25 years ago. However, the VTA projection to the PFC also contains a substantial nondopamine component, whose neurochemical phenotype is unknown. To examine if a portion of this nondopamine VTA projection contains GABA, anterograde and retrograde tract‐tracing in the rat was combined with GABA immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. Following injections of Fluoro‐Gold (FG) into the PFC, many VTA neurons were retrogradely labeled, as visualized by immunoperoxidase staining for FG. A large portion of FG‐labeled somata (58%) and dendrites (33%) within the VTA also contained immunogold‐silver labeling for GABA. These dually labeled profiles exhibited a morphology similar to dopamine‐containing cells within the VTA. To confirm and extend these findings, anterograde transport of biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) from the VTA was combined with immunogold‐silver labeling for GABA within the PFC. Consistent with the results obtained from retrograde tracing, a portion of BDA‐labeled terminals in the PFC also contained immunoreactivity for GABA. These dually labeled terminals formed symmetric synapses onto small caliber dendrites and dendritic spines. Some PFC dendrites contacted by GABA‐containing VTA terminals were themselves GABA‐labeled. The results of this investigation have identified a substantial population of GABA‐containing neurons in the VTA that send axons to the PFC where they synapse on the distal processes of both pyramidal and local circuit neurons. This GABA‐containing mesocortical pathway may provide substrates for both inhibitory and disinhibtory influences on PFC neuronal activity. Synapse 38:114–123, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cataract and Ovarian Carcinoma: Is the Vitamin D Hypothesis Alive?

Background: The major health benefit of exposure to solar UV radiation is the production of vitamin D, which is implicated in protection against several human cancers, including ovarian carcinoma. On the other hand, solar UV radiation is a recognized risk factor for cataract. Methods: This population-based case–control study of 709 women with primary invasive ovarian carcinoma and 1,101 controls examined the association of ovarian carcinoma risk with self-reported history of cataract as an indicator of high long-term exposure to UV radiation. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Among controls, older age (P < 0.0001), history of type 2 diabetes (P = 0.04), and skin cancer (P = 0.03) were significant cataract risk predictors. A history of cataract, reported by 14% of cases and 17% of controls, was significantly associated with a reduced ovarian carcinoma risk (OR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4–0.8; P = 0.002). No heterogeneity was observed by tumor histology, stage, grade, study site, body mass index, or other ovarian cancer risk factors (P > 0.16). Conclusion: These findings add indirect evidence to the hypothesis that lifetime vitamin D exposure may be inversely associated with risk of ovarian carcinoma. Impact: The study suggests some potential new avenues for research. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the potential behavioral and biologic factors that might influence association of cataract with ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(12); 2507–11. ©2011 AACR.
Expression of zebrafish aldh 1 a 3 ( raldh 3 ) and absence of aldh 1 a 1 in teleosts

The vitamin A-derived morphogen retinoic acid (RA) plays important roles during the development of chordate animals. The Aldh1afamily of RA-synthesizing enzymes consists of three members, Aldh1a1–3 (Raldh1–3), that are dynamically expressed throughout development. We have searched the known teleost genomes for the presence of Raldh family members and have found that teleost fish possess orthologs of Aldh1a2 and Aldh1a3 only. Here we describe the expression of aldh1a3 in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Whole mount in situ hybridization shows that aldh1a3 is expressed during eye development in the retina flanking the optic stalks and later is expressed ventrally, opposite the expression domain of aldh1a2. During inner ear morphogenesis, aldh1a3 is expressed in developing sensory epithelia of the cristae and utricular macula and is specifically up-regulated in epithelial projections throughout the formation of the walls of the semicircular canals and endolymphatic duct. In contrast to the mouse inner ear, which expresses all three Raldhs, we find that only aldh1a3 is expressed in the zebrafish otocyst, while aldh1a2 is present in the periotic mesenchyme. During larval stages, additional expression domains of aldh1a3 appear in the anterior pituitary and the swim bladder. Our analyses provide a starting point for genetic studies to examine the role of RA in these organs and emphasize the suitability of the zebrafish inner ear in dissecting the contribution of RA signaling to the development of the vestibular system. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Fidgetin regulates cultured astrocyte migration by severing tyrosinated microtubules at the leading edge

Fign regulates cultured astrocyte migration by severing tyrosinated microtubules (MTs). Inhibition of cellular migration induced by Fign knockdown can be rescued with concomitant knockdown of kinesin-12. A working model is given for the MT reconfiguration underlying cellular migration elicited by the cooperation of two distinct MT-related proteins.
Serial Pronuclear Transfer Increases the Developmental Potential of In Vitro-Matured Oocytes in Mouse Cloning1

Abstract In vitro-matured germinal vesicle oocytes are an interesting source of cytoplast recipients in both animal and human nuclear transfer (NT) experiments. We investigated two technical aspects that might improve the developmental potential of nuclear transfer mouse embryos constructed from in vitro-matured germinal vesicle oocytes. In a first step, the effect of two maturation media on the embryonic development of NT embryos originating from in vitro-matured oocytes was compared. Supplementation of the oocyte maturation medium with serum and gonadotrophins improved the developmental rate of NT embryos constructed from in vitro-matured oocytes, but it was still inferior to that obtained with in vivo-matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Second, we investigated the effect of serial pronuclear transfer from NT zygotes originating from both in vitro- and in vivo-matured oocytes to in vivo-fertilized zygotic cytoplasts. Blastocyst quality was evaluated by counting nuclei from trophectoderm and inner cell mass cells using a differential staining. Sequential pronuclear transfer significantly improved the blastocyst formation rate of NT embryos originating from in vitro-matured oocytes up to the rate obtained with in vivo-matured MII oocytes. We conclude that the developmental potential of NT embryos constructed from in vitro-matured oocytes can be optimized by serial pronuclear transfer to in vivo-produced zygotic cytoplasts.
Case-control study of oestrogen replacement therapy and risk of cervical cancer

Abstract Objective: To examine the relation between use of oestrogen replacement therapy and risk of cervical cancer. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Northern Italy. Subjects: 645 women aged 40-75 years with cervical cancer admitted between 1981 and 1993 to university and general hospitals. The control group consisted of 749 women aged 40-75 years admitted to the same hospitals with acute conditions judged to be unrelated to any of the known or suspected risk factors for cervical cancer. Main outcome measures: Use of oestrogen replacement therapy and risk of cervical cancer. Results: 40 cases versus 86 controls had ever used oestrogens, and the corresponding multivariate odds ratio was 0.5 (95% confidence interval 0.3 to 0.8). The odds ratios of cervical cancer decreased with duration of use, being 0.6 (0.4 to 1.1) for less than 12 months' use and 0.5 (0.2 to 1.0) for use for 12 months or more compared with never users. The protection tended to be somewhat stronger for women reporting first oestrogen use before age 50. The odds ratio was 0.9 (0.5 to 1.7) for women who had taken oestrogens within the past 10 years and 0.4 (0.2 to 0.7) for those who had taken them 10 or more years ago. Conclusion: These findings suggest that exogenous oestrogens do not increase the risk of cervical cancer and may decrease the risk. Key messages Although hormonal factors are thought to be important in the development of cervical cancer, few data exist on the role of oestrogen replacement therapy In this case-control study women who had taken oestrogen replacement therapy had no higher risk of cervical cancer than women who had not, and the risk may even have been slightly reduced The odds of cervical cancer decreased with duration of use The reduced risk seems to persist for 10 years or more
Safety and pharmacokinetics of multiple doses of intravenous ofloxacin in healthy volunteers

The safety and pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin in 48 healthy male volunteers were studied in a two-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Ofloxacin (200 or 400 mg) or placebo was administered as 1-h infusions every 12 h for 7 days. Plasma ofloxacin concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mean harmonic half-lives ranged from 4.28 to 4.98 h in the 200-mg dosing group and from 5.06 to 6.67 h in the 400-mg dosing group. Intragroup comparisons of trough plasma concentration-versus-time data from study days 2 through 7 revealed that steady state was achieved by day 2 of both multiple-dose regimens. Intergroup comparisons of mean harmonic half-lives, the areas under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 and 0 to 60 h, clearance, and apparent volume of distribution (area method) revealed that the pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin are dose independent. Both ofloxacin dosage regimens appeared to be reasonably well tolerated. The two dosage regimens of ofloxacin, 200 or 400 mg every 12 h, appear to be safe and provide serum drug concentrations in excess of the MICs for most susceptible pathogens over the entire dosing interval.
Nosocomial candidaemia in children: results of a 9‐year study

The aim of this study was to determine changes in the incidence of nosocomial candidaemia and to evaluate the risk factors, demographic features, treatment and clinical outcome associated with candidaemia in a Turkish tertiary care paediatric unit within a 9‐year period. The data of children who were diagnosed as nosocomial candidaemia, were examined in this study. Between January 1997 and December 2005, a total of 102 nosocomial candidaemia episodes were identified in 102 patients. The rate of nosocomial candidaemia in our clinic increased from 3.2 cases per 1000 admissions in 1997–1999, to 5.5 per 1000 admissions in 2000–2002 and to 6.9 per 1000 admissions in 2003–2005 (P = 0.003). The species most frequently causing candidaemia were Candida albicans (39.2%), Candida parapsilosis (21.6%) and Candida tropicalis (15.7%). The mortality of C. albicans (37.5%), was significantly higher than the mortality of non‐albicans species (17.7%) (P = 0.04). Independent risk factors associated with candidaemia‐related deaths by logistic regression analysis were disseminated candidiasis (odds ratio, 5.7; P = 0.01), paediatric intensive care unit stay (odds ratio, 8.1; P = 0.001), prolonged antibiotics therapy (odds ratio, 5.2; P = 0.014), use of total parenteral nutrition (odds ratio, 4.4; P = 0.038) and mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 4.9; P = 0.01). The rate of nosocomial candidaemia in our clinic increased >2‐fold during the study period.