Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma: A cohort study in high prevalence area of hepatitis virus infection

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of type 2 diabetes, other known risk factors, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis infection. We followed a prospective cohort of 54,979 subjects who participated in the Keelung Community‐Based Integrated Screening program between 1999 and 2002. A total of 5,732 subjects with type 2 diabetes cases were identified at enrollment on the basis of fasting blood glucose level, and a total of 138 confirmed HCC cases were identified either through two‐stage liver cancer screening or linkage with the National Cancer Registry. The independent effect of type 2 diabetes on the incidence of HCC and the interaction between type 2 diabetes and hepatitis infection or lipids profile were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. After controlling for age, sex, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), smoking, and alcohol consumption, the association between type 2 diabetes and incidence of HCC (excluding 33 prevalent cases identified at enrollment) was modified by HCV status and cholesterol level. The associations were only statistically significant (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.08 [1.03‐4.18]) for being HCV negative and for having hypercholesterolemia (adjusted HR = 2.81 [1.20‐6.55]). These statistically significant findings remained even excluding cases of diabetes newly diagnosed at enrollment. In conclusion, in an area with a high prevalence of hepatitis virus infection, type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing HCC in those who are HCV negative or have a high level of total cholesterol. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43: 1295–1302.)
Using PHREEQC to Simulate Solute Transport in Fractured Bedrock

The geochemical computer model PHREEQC can simulate solute transport in fractured bedrock aquifers that can be conceptualized as dual‐porosity flow systems subject to one‐dimensional advective‐dispersive transport in the bedrock fractures and diffusive transport in the bedrock matrix. This article demonstrates how the physical characteristics of such flow systems can be parameterized for use in PHREEQC, it provides a method for minimizing numerical dispersion in PHREEQC simulations, and it compares PHREEQC simulations with results of an analytical solution. The simulations assumed a dual‐porosity conceptual model involving advective‐reactive‐dispersive transport in the mobile zone (bedrock fracture) and diffusive‐reactive transport in the immobile zone (bedrock matrix). The results from the PHREEQC dual‐porosity transport model that uses a finite‐difference approach showed excellent agreement compared with an analytical solution.
FOREIGN TRADE AND TRANSITION PROCESS IN AGRI-FOOD SECTOR OF UKRAINE

In this study we try to assess the progress of the transformation process in Ukrainian agri-food sector. The development of foreign trade may serve as indicator of success of market reforms. Thus we analyse the changes in the trade structure of agri-food sector during 1996-2005. Also we compute indicators of inter- (RTA Index) and intra-industrial (Grubel-Lloyd Index, Brulhart A-Index) trade for this period. These indicators provide information about competitiveness of Ukrainian products, type and development of trade flows. We discuss also which policy measures are necessary for further economic integration of Ukraine into world markets
Glomerular filtration rate assessment in individuals after orthotopic liver transplantation based on serum cystatin C levels

Individuals after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) often show renal dysfunction, which may substantially affect the post‐OLT course. Renal function after OLT is commonly assessed by means of serum creatinine (Scr) concentration or renal creatinine clearance (Ccr). A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimate based on Scr level is not accurate enough because even a more marked decrease in GFR need not be associated with an increase in Scr level, especially in jaundiced patients. The study intends to try to estimate GFR in individuals after OLT by means of determining serum cystatin C (Scyst) concentrations. In 58 individuals (mean age, 49 ± 7 years; 31 men, 27 women) at various intervals from OLT (mean, 14 ± 10 months), GFR was estimated by using simultaneous determinations of Scyst, Scr, Ccr, and renal inulin clearance (Cin). In most subjects (91.3%), Cin was decreased to less than the lower limit of normal (80 mL/min/1.73 m2). A significant correlation (r = 0.70; P < .001) was found between 1/Scyst and Cin. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed on Scyst and Scr using a Cin cutoff value of 80 mL/min/1.73 m2. The area under the curve for Scyst was 0.912 ± 0.044, and that for Scr, 0.899 ± 0.049. There was no statistically significant difference between these values. The sensitivity for a Scyst level of 1.20 mg/L (upper limit of normal value) to detect a decrease in GFR (measured as Cin) below the lower limit of normal (80 mL/min/1.73 m2) was 96.1%. The sensitivity of Scyst level was significantly greater (P < .01) than the sensitivity of Scr level for men and at borderline significance for women (P = .05). Findings support the assumption that a Scyst level less than 1.2 mg/L indicates with a high degree of probability (P < .001) that GFR is not decreased to less than the normal limit. Scyst assessment in individuals after OLT could be proposed as a confirmatory test of a decrease in GFR in individuals with normal Scr levels. (Liver Transpl 2002;8:594‐599.)
Assessment of salivary total antioxidant levels and oral health status in children with Down syndrome.

UNLABELLED Down syndrome (DS) is an autosomal chromosomal disorder caused by trisomy of all or a critical part of chromosome 21. Individuals with DS have high levels of oxidative stress throughout their lifespan. It has been suggested that levels of antioxidants could be altered in response to an infection or disease. AIM To assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), and sialic acid (SA) of saliva in children with DS and its relation to their oral health status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-four noninstitutionalized children in the age group of 7-12 years having DS formed the study group. The control group consisted of 34 normal, healthy children. The W.H. O. criteria were used for diagnosis and recording of dental caries. Oral hygiene status was assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index. Estimation of TAC, NO, and SA levels in saliva was done. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS In comparison to normal children, DS children showed significantly lower TAC of saliva and significantly higher salivary SA levels. In both groups of children, dental caries was higher in primary dentition when compared to their permanent dentition.
Upregulation of surfactant synthesis triggers ABCA1-mediated basolateral phospholipid efflux Published, JLR Papers in Press, June 21, 2004. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M400179-JLR200

Alveolar type II lung epithelia produce surfactant, an essential surface-active material highly enriched with disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), which requires a key regulatory enzyme, CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase α (CCTα), for its synthesis before its export apically into the alveolus. In this study, we examined whether surfactant phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis and export are physiologically linked. Stable overexpression of CCTα in lung epithelial cell lines increased rates of PC synthesis and cellular DSPC mass without altering total cellular PC content. Overexpression of CCTα was associated with i) increased basolateral, rather than apical, PC export catalyzed by ABCA1; ii) basolateral export of significant levels of unsaturated (nonsurfactant) PC; and iii) transcriptional activation of the ABCA1 gene via a liver X receptor/retinoic acid receptor-independent pathway. Cells exposed to PC vesicles exhibited a dose-dependent increase in ABCA1 transcriptional activity. These data provide the first evidence that surfactant PC synthesis is linked to its export via a basolateral lipid efflux pathway. This pathway is mediated, in part, by a phospholipid sensor, ABCA1, that appears to partake in the autoregulation of both cellular content and composition of PC, thereby providing a potentially novel exit route for a newly synthesized pool of PC distinct from surfactant.
Query Theory Applications: Choice Experiments under Oath, Attendance to Attributes, and Genetically Modified Food Labeling Policy

In recent years, there has been an intensifying campaign by some stakeholders regarding concern over genetically modified (GM) foods in the U.S. As a result, the issue of labeling has entered into the federal agenda. This research uses Query Theory to provide a deeper understanding of the demand for GM foods and the preferences for GM policy. Query theory is first applied to the formation of hypothetical bias in the estimation of consumers’ willingness-topay. To address this, the honesty oath is used as an ex-ante technique to reduce hypothetical bias. Paper one using Query Theory in a discrete-choice experiment (DCE) setting to examine the mechanism behind the effectiveness of the honesty oath in reducing hypothetical bias in discrete choice experiments. Our results show that the honesty oath can change the content and order of queries, thereby reducing hypothetical bias in discrete choice experiments. In the second paper, Query Theory is used to examine the thought processes of individuals in a DCE in order to deduce attendance to individual attributes. Respondents may attend some attributes of the good in question and ignore others during each choice task. As a result, respondents may not make the trade-offs between all the attributes as assumed. The results show that the query approach to modeling attendance to attributes outperforms two other common approaches: the stated and inferred approaches. Finally, in paper three, Query Theory is applied to the study of the influence of cultural worldview on the demand for GM foods policy in the U.S. Our results demonstrate that an individual’s cultural worldview influences their preferences for GM policy and consumer valuations. The results also support our Query Theory prediction that cultural worldview influences individual’s affective reactions to choice options leading to significantly different valuations. Though important differences do exist between individuals with different CWVs, there is common ground as well. Support for mandatory labeling is high with 82 percent of respondents indicating support for mandatory labeling which ranged from 71 percent to 88 percent, depending on CWV.
Composition of the type VII secretion system membrane complex

Pathogenic mycobacteria require type VII secretion (T7S) systems to transport virulence factors across their complex cell envelope. These bacteria have up to five of these systems, termed ESX‐1 to ESX‐5. Here, we show that ESX‐5 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mediates the secretion of EsxN, PPE and PE_PGRS proteins, indicating that ESX‐5 is a major secretion pathway in this important pathogen. Using the ESX‐5 system of Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium bovis BCG as a model, we have purified and analysed the T7S membrane complex under native conditions. blue native‐PAGE and immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the ESX‐5 membrane complex of both species has a size of ∼ 1500 kDa and is composed of four conserved membrane proteins, i.e. EccB5, EccC5, EccD5 and EccE5. Subsequent limited proteolysis suggests that EccC5 and EccE5 mostly reside on the periphery of the complex. We also observed that EccC5 and EccD5 expression is essential for the formation of a stable membrane complex. These are the first data on a T7S membrane complex and, given the high conservation of its components, our data can likely be generalized to most mycobacterial T7S systems.
Speech audiometry in Estonia: Estonian words in noise (EWIN) test

Abstract Objective: Currently, there is no up-to-date speech perception test available in the Estonian language that may be used to diagnose hearing loss and quantify speech intelligibility. Therefore, based on the example of the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Audiologie (NVA)-lists (Bosman, 1989; Wouters et al, 1994) an Estonian words in noise (EWIN) test has been developed. Design: Two experimental steps were carried out: (1) selection and perceptual optimization of the monosyllables, and (2) construction of 14 lists and an evaluation in normal hearing (NH) subjects both in noise and in quiet. Study sample: Thirty-six normal-hearing (NH) native speakers of Estonia (age range from 17 to 46 years). Results: The reference psychometric curve for NH subjects was determined, with the slope and speech reception threshold being well in accordance with the respective values of the NVA lists. The 14 lists in noise yielded equivalent scores with high precision. Conclusion: The EWIN test is a reliable and valid speech intelligibility test, and is the first of its kind in the Estonian language.
COX2 Activity Promotes Organic Osmolyte Accumulation and Adaptation of Renal Medullary Interstitial Cells to Hypertonic Stress*

The mechanism by which COX2 inhibition decreases renal cell survival is poorly understood. In the present study we examined the effect of COX2 activity on organic osmolyte accumulation in renal medulla and in cultured mouse renal medullary interstitial cells (MMICs) and its role in facilitating cell survival. Hypertonicity increased accumulation of the organic osmolytes inositol, sorbitol, and betaine in cultured mouse medullary interstitial cells. Pretreatment of MMICs with a COX2-specific inhibitor (SC58236, 10 μmol/liter) dramatically reduced osmolyte accumulation (by 79 ± 9, 57 ± 12, and 96 ± 10% for inositol, sorbitol, and betaine respectively, p < 0.05). Similarly, 24 h of dehydration increased inner medullary inositol, sorbitol, and betaine concentrations in vivo by 85 ± 10, 197 ± 28, and 190 ± 24 pmol/μg of protein, respectively, but this increase was also blunted (by 100 ± 5, 66 ± 15, and 81 ± 9% for inositol, sorbitol, and betaine, respectively, p < 0.05) by pretreatment with an oral COX2 inhibitor. Dehydrated COX2-/- mice also exhibited an impressive defect in sorbitol accumulation (88 ± 9% less than wild type, p < 0.05) after dehydration. COX2 inhibition (COX2 inhibitor-treated or COX2-/- MMICs) dramatically reduced the expression of organic osmolyte uptake mechanisms including betaine (BGT1) and sodium-myo-inositol transporter and aldose reductase mRNA expression under hypertonic conditions. Importantly, preincubation of COX2 inhibitor-treated MMICs with organic osmolytes restored their ability to survive hypertonic stress. In conclusion, osmolyte accumulation in the kidney inner medulla is dependent on COX2 activity, and providing exogenous osmolytes reverses COX2-induced cell death. These findings may have implications for the pathogenesis of analgesic nephropathy.
Transcriptional activation of the alpha1(I) procollagen gene and up-regulation of alpha1(I) and alpha1(III) procollagen messenger RNA in dermal fibroblasts from tight skin 2 mice.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the levels of expression of type I and type III collagen genes in dermal fibroblasts from tight skin 2 (Tsk2) and normal mice and to examine the transcriptional regulation of the alpha1(I) procollagen gene (COL1A1) in these cells. METHODS Dermal fibroblasts from Tsk2 mice and from normal age- and sex-matched control mice were studied. Steady-state levels of alpha1(I) and alpha1(III) procollagen messenger RNA (mRNA) were evaluated by Northern and dot-blot hybridization analyses. The transcriptional regulation of COL1A1 was examined by transient transfection experiments with deletion constructs containing portions of the COL1A1 promoter ligated to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. To identify DNA binding proteins that interact with regulatory elements within the COL1A1 promoter, gel mobility shift assays were performed with nuclear extracts prepared from normal and Tsk2 dermal fibroblasts. RESULTS Synthesis of collagen was almost 100% higher in Tsk2 dermal fibroblasts than in control fibroblasts. Up-regulation of mRNA for 2 extracellular matrix proteins was observed in the Tsk2 dermal fibroblasts compared with the normal cells: the alpha1(I) procollagen mRNA steady-state levels were 50% higher, and those of the alpha1(III) procollagen mRNA 100% higher, in Tsk2 cells. The results of transient transfection experiments with COL1A1 promoter constructs demonstrated that the elevated levels of alpha1(I) collagen mRNA in Tsk2 cells were largely due to increased transcriptional activity of the corresponding gene. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays performed with a probe encompassing a relevant COL1A1 promoter region revealed increased DNA-protein binding activities in nuclear extracts prepared from Tsk2 fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts. Competition experiments using consensus Spl and nuclear factor 1 (NF-1) oligonucleotides and supershift experiments using anti-Sp1 and anti-NF-1 antibodies indicated that at least 2 transcription factors, Sp1 and NF-1, or their homologs are involved in the up-regulated transcriptional activity of the COL1A1 promoter in Tsk2 fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Dermal fibroblasts from Tsk2 mice display increased collagen synthesis and up-regulation of alpha1(I) and alpha1(III) procollagen mRNA in vitro. The data also directly demonstrate the transcriptional activation of COL1A1 in dermal fibroblasts from Tsk2 mice and suggest that the transcription factors Sp1 and NF-1 or their homologs play an important role in the upregulated expression of this gene in Tsk2 fibroblasts. These findings are similar to those described for fibroblasts from humans with systemic sclerosis and validate the use of Tsk2 as a model for the study of the connective tissue alterations in this disease.
What Does Leaders' Character Add to Transformational Leadership?

ABSTRACT The influence of leaders' character (e.g., integrity, humility/forgiveness) has rarely been examined in leadership research. The current investigation focused on the impact of integrity and humility/forgiveness on both followers' perceptions of leaders' worthiness of being followed (WBF) and stress. Results from a scenario experiment (n = 347) and a field study (n = 110) indicated that these aspects incrementally predict WBF above and beyond the impact of transformational leadership. Similar results were found concerning followers' stress with the exception of leader integrity in the field study. According to relative importance analyses, integrity and transformational leadership predict WBF equally well. The results have conceivable implications for human resources (personnel selection and development). Future research should examine additional outcome variables that are affected by certain leader characteristics as well as potential negative effects of the examined character aspects.
Dental caries and bone mineral density: a cross sectional study.

AIM The relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), age and dental caries has been studied. Quantitative ultrasonography (QUS) is an economic, non invasive, and reproducible method for measuring both bone mineral density and bone elasticity in growing subjects in large populations. METHODS This study evaluated the relationship between BMD and prevalence of dental caries (Decayed Missing Filled Tooth - DMFT) in 540 healthy adolescent with mean age 12.3 years, age range 10 to 15 years, resident in two provinces in south Italy. BMD was measured using QUS by calculating the speed of sound (m/s) on the last four fingers of the non dominant hand, with the estimate thus obtained being defined as the AD-SoS (Amplitude-Dependent Speed of Sound and categorised as AD-SoS < or = 1900 m/s and AD-SoS > 1900 m/s). Occurrence of dental caries was defined using the DMFT index (DMFT=0 and DMFT > 0). RESULTS The results of the multifactorial analysis, carried out with logistic model, confirms the expected statistically significant association between response (DMFT) and explicative variables -- AD-SoS (P < 0.006) and Age (P < 0.004). CONCLUSION Greater bone mineralisation (AD-SoS1900 m/s) and younger age (Age < or =12 years) are dental caries prevention factors: the probability to have caries for the subjects in such conditions is 0.34, about the half of that recorded in the subjects with lower bone mineralisation and older age (0.62).
Effects of Purple Grape Juice in the Redox-sensitive Modulation of Right Ventricular Remodeling in a Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Model

Abstract: The effects of purple grape juice (PGJ) pretreatment in signaling proteins involved in cardiac remodeling in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) induced by monocrotaline (MCT) were investigated. Male Wistar rats (control, MCT, PGJ, and MCT + PGJ groups) were treated for 6 weeks with water or PGJ (10 mL·kg−1·d−1) by gavage. In the third week, they were administered a single dose of MCT (60 mg/kg ip). Pulmonary vascular resistance was determined by echocardiography, and hemodynamic analysis was performed in the right ventricle (RV). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and lipid peroxidation were quantified and thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1), p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-Akt/Akt, p-JNK/JNK, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected at RV by Western blot. Pretreatment with PGJ attenuated pulmonary vascular resistance and improved hemodynamic parameters in MCT-induced PAH. PGJ and MCT groups exhibited increased H2O2 levels, which were reduced to baseline in MCT + PGJ. ERK1/2 phosphorylation showed the same profile of H2O2 changes. No changes in p-JNK/JNK and p-Akt/Akt expressions were found. An enhanced cleaved caspase-3 immunodetection was induced by the model, which was reversed in the MCT + PGJ group and associated with increased Trx-1 and reduced lipid peroxidation. Improvement in functional parameters mediated by PGJ pretreatment may be associated with the induction of Trx-1, influencing the expression of proteins involved in RV remodeling.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Chile: a review of 207 consecutive adult cases by a panel of five expert hematopathologists

Abstract The distribution of subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in Latin America is not well known. This Chilean study included 207 consecutive cases of NHL diagnosed at five cancer centers in the capital, Santiago, and one center in Viña del Mar. All cases were reviewed and classified independently by five expert hematopathologists according to the 2001 World Health Organization classification of NHL. A consensus diagnosis of NHL was reached in 195 of the 207 cases (94%). B-cell lymphomas constituted 88% of NHL, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, 38.5%) and follicular lymphoma (25.1%) were the most common subtypes. There was a high frequency of marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (10.3%), as well as of extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (2.6%) and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (0.5%). Extranodal presentation was seen in 74 of the 195 cases (38%) and the most common extranodal presentation was in the stomach (37.6%). The most common gastric lymphoma was DLBCL (54.5%) followed by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma (41%). Overall, the frequency of NHL subtypes in Chile is between that reported in Western and Eastern countries, which is probably a reflection of the admixture of ethnicities as well as the environment and socioeconomic status of its population.