Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toxicokinetics of pentachlorophenol in the F344 rat. Gavage and dosed feed studies.

1. The toxicokinetics of pentachlorophenol (PCP) were studied in the Fischer 344 rat using i.v. and oral (gavage, dosed feed) routes of exposure. 2. Only minor sex differences were observed in the elimination kinetics of PCP after i.v. administration at 5 mg/kg. 3. Absorption of PCP from the gastrointestinal tract after gavage doses of 9.5 and 38 mg/kg in aqueous methylcellulose vehicles was first order with an absorption half-life of about 1.3 h. 4. The absorption rate constant of PCP from doses feed was comparable with that obtained from aqueous methylcellulose gavage formulations. 5. Bioavailability of PCP administered in dosed feed was significantly lower than the bioavailability of PCP administered by gavage. 6. Dose proportionality was established to a dosage of at least 38 mg/kg. 7. Daily fluctuation of PCP plasma concentrations was observed during the dosed feed study with peak and trough concentrations occurring in early morning and late afternoon, respectively. 8. The time course of PCP plasma concentrations during the dosed feed study were simulated using a computer model based on linear theory. The simulations were comparable with the experimentally determined concentrations.
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome among Qassim school teachers, and its impact on their performance and life duties

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among school teachers in Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and it’s impact on their performance -as teachers- and on life duties. Methods: A cross-sectional study was held in Qassim region, KSA between 2012 and 2013. The study was conducted among 300 school teachers selected by multistage stratified random sample method in 2013. The sample size was calculated according to the formula: n = (Z2 * (p) * (q))/c2. A confidential, anonymous, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect personal and sociodemographic data, teacher performance oriented questions were included. Rome III Criteria were used. Teachers with red flag symptoms were excluded. Results: The prevalence of IBS symptoms among teachers in Qassim region of KSA is 40.7% with no significant gender predilection. The IBS symptoms significantly affect the work performance of the teachers (61.6%) with high absenteeism rate (46.6%), especially among 51-60 years and 21-30 years, age groups (p<0.05 in chi-square test). Significant proportion (45.3%) of IBS criteria +ve teachers find IBS symptoms to be hindrance in their life duties. Conclusion: Prevalence of IBS in Qassim school teachers is becoming an important issue with 40.7% of teachers reporting symptoms suggestive of IBS in a random sample. Majority of teachers are having frequent performance problems - as teachers - and in usual life duties associated with their IBS Symptoms. Significantly, IBS criteria +ve teachers are more likely to have discipline problems compared with healthy teachers. We recommend a health care program to tackle the problem among the teachers, to improve their performance and reduce working hours loss. Also, follow up studies need to be conducted to assess the health care of IBS patients in local public health care centers.
On Individual Web Usage Trajectories: Implications for Electronic Commerce and Public Policy

Over the last five years we have seen an exponential growth in the number of Web sites in the Internet. While the number of users making use of the Internet and the Web has also grown tremendously, at the level of the individual, little is known about the trajectory of change over time in the number of visits to Web sites. For example, we do not know whether the growth in Web usage is attributable to increased numbers of users or to increased intensity of use of established users or both. Moreover, little is known about how often users visit Web sites. This paper reports the results of an analysis of 156 weeks of longitudinal data on residential Web usage. This data was assembled as part of the CMU HomeNet project. Based on recent advances in semi-parametric, group-based statistical modeling, we examine whether there are distinctive clusters of Web usage trajectories. We find Mario Christ, Ramayya Krishnan, Daniel Nagin, Oliver Guenther 160 that Web users can be clustered into four groups with distinct trajectories of use. These groups achieve saturation in their extent of Web usage as measured in the number of distinct Web sites they visit over time. We also report demographic profiles of the identified groups, discover significant demographic differences that distinguish these groups, and discuss qualitatively the trajectory of the number of page hits of individuals in these groups over time. These results have important implications for electronic commerce and public policy.
Effects of a Physical Education Program on Children's Attitudes and Emotions Associated with Sport Climbing

This study examined the effects of climbing ladders, wall bars, perches, and ropes in changing students' attitudes and emotions associated with sport climbing. The tasks were part of a physical education instructional curriculum of primary schools in Italy. Boys and girls (N = 80), ages 10 to 11 years, were involved in a 10-lesson intervention during their curricular lesson. Participants were from six normal classes ranging in size from 16 to 18 children. Three classes were assigned randomly to an experimental group and the other three to a control group. The experimental group performed challenging climbing tasks, while the control group engaged in other physical activities. Analysis of variance indicated that scores on the Climbing Pictures Test differed significantly after the intervention, with children in the experimental group scoring lower on avoidance of climbing situations and higher on positive emotions.
Anterolateral Thigh Flap Thinning: Techniques and Complications

BackgroundA thinned anterolateral thigh flap is often necessary to achieve optimal skin resurfacing. In this article, we describe the techniques available for immediate flap thinning and the vascular complications that can follow trimming. Materials and MethodsA systematic literature review was performed to identify the different thinning techniques and any possible complications. Data were identified by performing a systematic search on Medline, Ovid, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Current Contents, PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar. We cross-referenced the identified articles and conference abstracts in the English and French languages. ResultsThe study selection process was adapted from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, and 34 were articles compiled by using the study inclusion criteria. These articles were then reviewed for the author name(s), the publication year, the flap dimensions, the flap thickness (both before and after thinning), the perforator type, the type of flap transfer, the complications that followed the thinning, the thinning technique used, the amount of deep fascia preserved around the perforator, the number of cases in the study, the area of application, and the technique used for donor-site closure. We analyzed the possible vascular complications that stemmed from the flap area site selected, the flap thickness, the thinning technique used, and whether the deep fascia was spared. ConclusionsThe subfascial dissection of anterolateral thigh flaps revealed that the safest method for minimizing vascular complications accounted for a 3.1% probability for marginal necrosis, which can be managed conservatively. The overall breakdown of the vascular-related complications that followed flap thinning totals 13.4% and can be broken down as follows: partial flap loss of 4.1%, partial distal necrosis of 3.5%, marginal necrosis of 3.1%, and total flap loss of 2.5%.
Management of irregular astigmatism with rigid gas permeable contact lenses.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to measure improvement in best corrected visual acuity with rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses compared to best corrected spectacle visual acuity for patients with irregular astigmatism. METHODS We compared best corrected visual acuity obtained with spectacle correction to best corrected visual acuity obtained with rigid gas permeable contact lenses for forty-eight eyes of 29 patients with irregular astigmatism. RESULTS Patients with 20/20 spectacle visual acuity achieved, on average, no improvement in visual acuity with RGP contact lenses. Patients with 20/25-20/30 spectacle visual acuity achieved a one line average improvement. Patients with 20/40 spectacle visual acuity achieved a two line average improvement. Patients with 20/50-20/200 spectacle visual acuity achieved a four line average improvement and patients with spectacle visual acuity of 20/400, a six line average improvement. CONCLUSIONS RGP contact lenses can provide a significant improvement in visual acuity compared to spectacle correction for patients with irregular astigmatism.
Geography Of Stock Returns: Evidence From An Emerging Market

Does location of corporate headquarters matter for stock returns? Do investors prefer to invest in firms located near them? This study aims to answer these questions by using a large dataset of stock returns for firms listed at the Bombay Stock Exchange during the period between 2003 and 2007. Our results show that stock returns of firms show a strong degree of co-movement with stock returns of other firms located in the same city as them. Interestingly, we also show that this degree of co-movement goes down with firms located in the neighboring cities. We also show that stock returns of firms exhibit the least degree of co-movement with firms that are located farther from the neighboring cities. Furthermore, our results show that this degree of co-movement in stock returns is increasing over the period of time. Our results are consistent with prior literature that considers location as an important determinant of stock returns.
Identification of a crystal cell‐specific enhancer of the black cells prophenoloxidase gene in drosophila

In Drosophila, Black cells (Bc) encodes a Prophenoloxidase and is expressed late in the maturation of crystal cells, which are blood cells involved in wound healing and immune encapsulation. Enhancer analysis of Bc revealed a 1,025‐bp upstream sequence that regulates gene expression in a crystal cell exclusive pattern. Expression of this fragment is altered by mutations in the GATA family serpent (srp) and RUNX family lozenge (lz) genes; Srp and Lz are required for crystal cell specification. Deletional analysis uncovered a 330‐bp crystal cell‐specific sequence, which contains two GATA and three Lz binding sites. Mutational analysis revealed that both GATA sites are necessary, but not sufficient for crystal cell expression. However, one of the Lz sites is essential for crystal cell expression. Thus, Srp and Lz do not just specify the crystal cell lineage, but also regulate the later differentiation of these cells. Additionally, we now have a sensitive tool for marking crystal cells in live animals. genesis 45:200–207, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase: A new key in the dysregulation of glutamate in migraine patients

Objective Based on the capacity of the blood-resident enzyme glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) to metabolize blood glutamate, our aim was to study the association of GOT activity with serum glutamate levels and clinical parameters in patients with migraine. Methods This case-control study included 45 episodic migraine patients (IHS 2004 criteria) and 16 control subjects. We analyzed glutamate and GOT activity in peripheral blood samples obtained during interictal periods and migraine attacks (n = 15). Frequency, severity, and duration of attacks and time of evolution were also recorded. Results Migraine patients showed lower GOT activity than controls (15.2 ± 2.9 vs. 18.7 ± 3.8 U/l) and higher levels of glutamate (153.7 ± 68.6 vs. 121.5 ± 59.2 μM) (all p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between GOT activity and glutamate levels (r = −0.493; p < 0.0001) in interictal periods; however, this negative correlation was lost during attacks (r = −0.026; p = 0.925). During attacks, we found a positive correlation between the time elapsed from attack onset and glutamate levels (r = 0.738; p < 0.0001), but not for GOT activity (r = −0.075; p = 0.809). Conclusions Migraine patients showed reduced GOT activity and increased levels of blood glutamate levels as compared to control subjects. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between GOT activity and glutamate levels in interictal periods.
Invasion Shadows: The Accumulation and Loss of Ecological Impacts from an Invasive Plant

Ecological impacts from invasive plants that have been identified include reductions in biodiversity, changes in resource cycling, and disruptions of ecosystem function. To mitigate these negative ecological impacts, managers work to remove invasive plants. However, removal does not necessarily immediately lead to a return to the uninvaded ecological state. Similarly, the accumulation rate of ecological impacts following invader establishment is almost entirely unknown for most species, hindering identification of optimal management times. The accumulation and loss (so-called legacy effects) of impacts following invader establishment and removal represent an “invasion shadow. ” To begin to understand invasion shadows, we measured the changes in biotic and abiotic ecological impacts during establishment and following removal of the forest understory invader Japanese stiltgrass. We found that when the abiotic metrics were considered, seeded areas became more functionally similar to the invaded landscape and removed areas became more similar to the uninvaded landscape. However, while the plant community did not change in a 3-yr period during a new invasion, following invader removal, it became less similar to both the invaded and uninvaded landscape altogether, suggesting legacies. Surprisingly, all changes occurred almost immediately and persisted following invader establishment and removal. Our results show, at least in a 3-yr period, that ecosystems can respond to changes in invader abundance, and in some cases simply removing the invader could result in long-term changes to the resident plant community. Nomenclature: Japanese stiltgrass (Mary's-grass), Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) A. Camus.
Adverse Outcomes of Underuse of β-Blockers in Elderly Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objectives. —To study determinants and adverse outcomes (mortality and rehospitalization) of β-blocker underuse in elderly patients with myocardial infarction; and whether the relative risks (RRs) of survival associated with β-blocker use were comparable to those reported in the large randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Setting. —New Jersey Medicare population. Design. —Retrospective cohort design using linked Medicare and drug claims data from 1987 to 1992. Patients. —Statewide cohort of 5332 elderly 30-day acute myocardial infarction (AMI) survivors with prescription drug coverage, of whom 3737 were eligible for β-blockers. Main Outcome Measures. —β-Blocker and calcium channel blocker use in the first 90 days after discharge and mortality rates and cardiac hospital readmissions over the 2-year period after discharge, controlling for sociodemographic and baseline risk variables. Results. —Only 21% of eligible patients received β-blocker therapy; this rate remained unchanged from 1987 to 1991. Patients were almost 3 times more likely to receive a new prescription for a calcium channel blocker than for a new β-blocker after their AMIs. Advanced age and calcium channel blocker use predicted underuse of β-blockers. Controlling for other predictors of survival, the mortality rate among β-blocker recipients was 43% less than that for nonrecipients (RR=0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-0.69). Effects on mortality were substantial in all age strata (65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years) and consistent with the results for elderly subgroups of 2 large RCTs. β-Blocker recipients were rehospitalized 22% less often than nonrecipients (RR=0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90). Use of a calcium channel blocker instead of a β-blocker was associated with a doubled risk of death (RR=1.98; 95% CI, 1.44-2.72), not because calcium channel blockers had a demonstrable adverse effect, but because they were substitutes for β-blockers. Conclusions. —β-Blockers are underused in elderly AMI survivors, leading to measurable adverse outcomes. These data suggest that the survival benefits of β-blockade after an AMI may extend to eligible patients older than 75 years, a group that has been excluded from RCTs.
Rapid Diagnosis of Rota-Adenoviruses for Acute Gastroenteritis in hospitalized Children under 4 Years Old, Baghdad

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases in humans worldwide. Viral gastroenteritis is a global problem in infants and young children (Magalhaes et al., 2007). Diarrhea remains the second leading cause of death around the world for children under 5 years of age (Black et al., 2010). In the developing world rotavirus may account for 1 million childhood deaths as well as significant morbidity each year (Kane et al., 2004).
Distribution and activation of eosinophils in inflammatory bowel disease using an improved immunohistochemical technique

Eosinophils are a recognized feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their tissue distribution and functional importance in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) remain obscure. This study describes an improved immunohistochemical protocol to identify eosinophils in full thickness bowel wall specimens of IBD (n=40) and their in situ relationships with the chemoattractants eotaxin and RANTES. Eosinophils were identified using immunohistochemistry with a combination of monoclonal antibodies (EG1+EG2+MBP), an ultrasensitive technique superior to other methodologies, and their tissue distributions were related to those for eotaxin, RANTES, mast cells and neutrophils. Increased numbers of eosinophils (up to 400 cells/mm2) were observed in active, fulminant inflammation in both CD and UC, this being related to the severity of inflammation and not the diagnosis of the two disorders. The chemoattractants eotaxin (CCL11) and RANTES (CCL5) were upregulated in IBD tissues showing eosinophilia. Neutrophils and mast cells were commonly associated with eosinophil accumulations. Eosinophil numbers and their in situ activation are increased in active rather than chronic IBD. The observations strongly suggest a pivotal role for the eosinophil and its potent mediators in many pathophysiological symptoms of CD and UC, where it represents the major proportion of all granulocytic cells in active inflammatory bowel disease. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INVOLVEMENT OF N‐METHYL‐d‐ASPARTATE RECEPTORS and NITRIC OXIDE IN THE ROSTRAL VENTROMEDIAL MEDULLA IN MODULATING MORPHINE PAIN‐INHIBITORY SIGNALS FROM THE PERIAQUEDUCTAL GREY MATTER IN RATS

1. Supraspinal opioid antinociception is mediated, in part, by connections between the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). Morphine antinociception from the PAG is decreased by serotonin, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) and opioid receptor antagonists administered into the RVM. Because the brain isoform of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is also prominent in the RVM, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of microinjection of the non‐selective NOS inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) and the non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 into the RVM on PAG morphine antinociception and their potential interactions, as measured by the tail‐flick test.
EFFECT OF UNSATURATED FATS UPON LIPEMIA AND CONJUNCTIVAL CIRCULATION. A STUDY OF CORONARY-PRONE (PATTERN A) MEN.

Preprandial and postprandial serum lipids after meals of saturated or unsaturated fat were measured in 44 men, and blood sludging in 20 men, half of whom showed a behavior pattern (A) associated with proneness to clinical coronary artery disease. The average plasma cholesterol and both fasting and postprandial triglyceride values were higher ( P
Remodeling of coronary arteries in human and nonhuman primates.

OBJECTIVE To compare coronary artery remodeling (compensatory enlargement) in human and nonhuman primates. DESIGN Coronary artery data were analyzed retrospectively for 416 nonhuman primates and 100 men and women. SETTING The monkeys had been in experiments involving diet-induced coronary artery atherosclerosis. The human hearts were obtained from the North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, and age greater than 25 years was the only criterion. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS The left anterior descending coronary arteries from 100 humans, 328 cynomolgus monkeys, and 88 male rhesus monkeys were used. INTERVENTIONS None; this was a cross-sectional observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Coronary artery size, lumen area, and plaque size. In the humans, we also examined demographic characteristics (ethnicity, sex, and history of hypertension) and pathologic criteria (eccentricity or concentricity of plaque area). RESULTS On average, lumen size remained unaffected by plaque size. Lumen size was variable and could not be predicted by traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease. However, lack of compensation (decreased lumen size as plaques enlarged) and history of coronary heart disease were significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS The similarity of remodeling in human and nonhuman primates suggests that the process has general biologic significance. Lack of remodelling may be a major determinant of whether a person with coronary artery atherosclerosis develops its complications.
Diesel engine exhaust classified as a human lung carcinogen. How will this affect occupational exposures?

A Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) convened in Lyon, France, June 5–12 to scrutinise the available knowledge base on the carcinogenicity of diesel engine exhaust, gasoline engine exhaust and some nitroarenes.1 Diesel and gasoline engine exhaust and nitroarenes were previously evaluated by IARC in 1989.2 For gasoline engine exhaust the classification remained Group 2B (‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’) as well as for seven of the nitroarenes. The newly evaluated nitroarene 3-nitrobenzanthrone was also added to this group. 6-Nitrochrysene and 1-nitropyrene were classified as 2A ‘Probably carcinogenic to humans’. 6-Nitrochrysene and 1-nitropyrene are important exposure markers for diesel exhaust since metabolites of these substances have been found in workers exposed to diesel exhaust.3–5 The most prominent outcome of the IARC evaluation meeting was the upgrade of the classification of diesel exhaust, now in Group 1 ‘Carcinogenic to humans’ with sufficient evidence for lung cancer and limited evidence for bladder cancer. For diesel engine exhaust the change from Group 2A to Group 1 was primarily driven by new evidence from epidemiological studies in the mining and trucking industry. The most recent study performed in underground ‘non-metal mining’ included 12 315 miners from salt (sodium chloride), potash (potassium carbonate), trona (sodium carbonate), and limestone mines.6 ,7 Miners were exposed to relative high diesel exhaust exposure levels and had no or very low co-exposures to asbestos, silica, uranium and radon. Average intensity of respirable elemental carbon (REC) exposure, based on each individual's full work history at the study …