Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Arsenic Exposure Hypothesis for Alzheimer Disease

Prior research has shown that arsenic exposure induces changes that coincide with most of the developmental, biochemical, pathologic, and clinical features of Alzheimer disease (AD) and associated disorders. On the basis of this literature, we propose the Arsenic Exposure Hypothesis for AD that is inclusive of and cooperative with the existing hypotheses. Arsenic toxicity induces hyperphosphorylation of protein tau and overtranscription of the amyloid precursor protein, which are involved in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and brain amyloid plaques, consistent with the amyloid hypothesis of AD. Arsenic exposure has been associated with cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors, which is in agreement with the vascular hypothesis of AD. Arsenic exposure invokes brain inflammatory responses, which resonates with the inflammatory hypotheses of AD. Arsenic exposure has been linked to reduced memory and intellectual abilities in children and adolescents, which provides a biologic basis for the developmental origin of health and disease hypothesis for AD. Arsenic and its metabolites generate free radicals causing oxidative stress and neuronal death, which fits the existing oxidative stress hypothesis. Taken together, the arsenic exposure hypothesis for AD provides a parsimonious testable hypothesis for the development and progression of this devastating disease at least for some subsets of individuals.
Amplification in Extended Transmission Bands Using Bismuth-Doped Optical Fibers

Bismuth-doped optical glasses emit NIR luminescence in an ultrabroad spectral region of 1000-2000 nm. It makes Bi-doped glasses and glass optical fibers a promising active medium for the creation of Bi-doped fiber lasers and broadband optical amplifiers for this spectral region. Since the first fabrication of Bi-doped fibers in 2005 a large number of papers devoted to the development of Bi-doped fiber lasers and optical amplifiers have been published. It has been shown that Bi-doped fibers are a new breakthrough in active laser materials.
CYTOMECHANICAL TOOLS FOR PLANT GRAVITATIONAL BIOLOGY

Graviperception in plant statocytes has been postulated either to involve the mechanical interaction between statoliths and cytoskeleton or the compression at the plasma membraneextracellular matrix junction by the weight of the protoplasm. Graviresponse on the other hand often implies a reinforcement of the extracellular matrix which in turn is controlled by the cytoskeleton. Therefore, both perception and response to gravity concern cellular architecture and mechanics. To better understand both processes, the design and the physical properties of the cellular features determining plant cell architecture need to be quantified. Cytomechanical studies have resulted in the development of an array of experimental tools that can be used to quantify mechanical and physical properties of cells and subcellular components. This review provides an overview of the available experimental strategies and describes how they can be used to determine physical parameters such as elasticity, density and pressure of the features that determine plant cell architecture and mechanics: cell wall, turgor, cytoskeleton, and statoliths.
On the Number of Cycles of Given Length of a Free Word in Several Random Permutations

Let w ≠ 1 be a free word in the symbols g1,…, gk and their inverses (i.e., an element of the free group Fk). For any s1,…, sk, in the group sn of all permutation of n objects, we denote by w(s1,…,sk) ϵ Sn the permutation obtained by replacing g1,…, gk with s1,…, sk in the expression of w. Let X (s1,…, sk) denote the number of cycles of length L of w(s1,…, sk). For fixed w and L, we show that X, viewed as a random variable on Snk, has (for n ∞) a Poisson-type limit distribution, which can be computed precisely. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An exploration of sense of community, Part 3 : dimensions and predictors of psychological sense of community in geographical communities

Within the discipline of community psychology there remains considerable debate as to the latent structure of psychological sense of community (PSOC). One of the few theoretical discussions is that of McMillan and Chavis (1986), who hypothesized four dimensions: Belonging; Fulfillment of Needs; Influence; and Shared Connections. Discussion has also emerged in the literature regarding the role of identification within PSOC. However few studies have empirically investigated the role of identification in PSOC. The current study explored PSOC in a sample of residents of rural, regional and urban geographical communities (N = 669). In an endeavor to clarify the underlying dimensions of PSOC, a test battery included several measures of PSOC as well as measures of identification with the community. The study also examined the role of demographic factors in predicting PSOC. Results provided support for McMillan and Chavis' (1986) four dimensions of PSOC. Further, a fifth dimension emerged, that of Conscious Identification, suggesting that identification is separate to existing dimensions of PSOC. The demographic factors significantly associated with PSOC were type of region, with rural participants displaying higher PSOC than their urban counterparts; participation in local organizations; having children; and a vision of one’s neighborhood as broader than just a street or block. These results, and the implications for PSOC research, are discussed.
Characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes of men bypassing the healthcare system when obtaining phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION Men may choose to bypass the healthcare system to obtain a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i). AIM Evaluate the characteristics and purchasing patterns of men obtaining a PDE5i without prior healthcare professional (HCP) interaction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prior HCP interaction, defined as having a prescription for any PDE5i, having a PDE5i sample from a physician, or buying the PDE5i in a retail pharmacy; and erectile dysfunction (ED, the Massachusetts Male Aging Study single-item question) were assessed. A multivariate regression analysis determined predictive factors for PDE5i purchase without prior HCP interaction. Methods. A Web-based observational study was conducted in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. RESULTS Of the 11,899 participants, 1,252 (10.5% [95% CI, 10.0-11.1%]) reported PDE5i use in the last 6 months. PDE5is were obtained without prior HCP interaction by 403 users (32.3% [95% CI, 29.6-34.8%]); 65.5% of them had ED. Overall prevalence of men using PDE5is without HCP interaction was 3.0% (95% CI, 2.6-3.5%), 4.1% (95% CI, 3.5-4.6%), and 2.8% (95% CI, 2.1-3.5%) for men aged 18-34, 35-50, and >50 years, respectively (P = 0.0045). Predictive factors for obtaining a PDE5i without prior HCP interaction were embarrassment to speak to a physician (P = 0.0009) and the perception that this would be the cheapest way to get the medicine (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, it can be estimated that approximately 6 million men in Europe might currently bypass the healthcare system to obtain a PDE5i. In addition to the risks associated with use of PDE5is from uncontrolled sources, because most of these men have ED, they also miss the opportunity for important health information or medical follow-up. HCPs should actively address ED and offer treatment to discourage men from seeking uncontrolled sources of ED medicines.
Water retention after oral chlorpropamide is associated with an increase in renal papillary arginine vasopressin receptors.

Chlorpropamide (CP), a sulfonylurea used for treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is known to potentiate the antidiuretic action of arginine vasopressin (AVP), predisposing to hyponatremia. It has been suggested that CP acts directly on the antidiuretic vasopressin receptor. Detailed studies on the influence of CP on the AVP receptor, however, have been hampered by lack of a suitable radioligand. Using a newly developed radioiodinated derivative of AVP with high specific activity and high affinity for the AVP V2-receptor (125I-[8-(p-(OH)-phenylpropionyl)]-LVP), we studied the role of AVP V2-receptors in CP-induced water retention. Male-Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally with 40 mg CP/day or placebo for 7 days, after which Scatchard analysis was performed using membranes prepared from homogenized renal papilla. After oral water load, CP-treated rats but not control rats showed a significant decrease in plasma osmolality (289 +/- 2.2 to 284 +/- 0.8 mosmol/kg, p < 0.05). The Kd was 0.69 +/- 0.16 nmol/l in controls and 0.70 +/- 0.12 nmol/l after CP treatment (NS); Bmax was 129 +/- 5.3 nmol/kg protein in controls (N = 8). Chlorpropamide significantly increased receptor density (Bmax) to 167 +/- 8.4 nmol/kg protein (N = 8) (p < 0.05). Plasma AVP did not change significantly during CP treatment. These data show for the first time that CP in vivo increases the density of AVP V2 receptors without altering plasma AVP. This is associated with an impairment in water excretion. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A feasibility trial of Cogmed working memory training in fragile X syndrome

Abstract Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) often present with an array of neurocognitive deficits, particularly in working memory (WM) and other executive functions. Evidence is accumulating that WM training can be effective in certain clinical populations in improving WM abilities and decreasing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. We report preliminary findings evaluating the feasibility of Cogmed JM program, a computer-based WM intervention, within the FXS population. Twenty-five participants were evaluated for training. Seventeen were deemed eligible, of whom eight enrolled in the 5-wk training. Baseline characteristics were analyzed, as well as training progress and parental impressions. We conclude that Cogmed JM is a feasible intervention in FXS, though a certain baseline level of ability is required, and urge future controlled trials to determine efficacy.
The prevalence and related symptomatology of Helicobacter pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain

The aim of the study was to assess and compare the IgG seroprevalence of H. pylori in children with recurrent abdominal pain with healthy children and to investigate the related symptoms. IgG antibodies against low‐molecular weight H. pylori antigens were assessed in 438 children with recurrent abdominal pain and in 91 healthy controls. Sera with an ELISA unit‐value above the cut‐off level were confirmed by Western immunoblot. Only seropositive children with recurrent abdominal pain were examined by an oesophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy. Symptomatology was recorded according to the localization of the abdominal pain, presence of pyrosis, nocturnal pain, relation of pain to meals and bowel irregularities. The seroprevalence was 21% (95% CI: 17‐25%) in the children with recurrent abdominal pain and 10% (95% CI: 5–18%) in the healthy controls (p= 0:30). In seropositive children with RAP H. pylori was found in 46/66 by culture and histology. The presence of H. pylori was significantly associated with active or inactive chronic gastritis. The presence of H. pylori was associated with both parents being born in a country with a high prevalence and a low social class. Helicobacter pylori‐positive children had more often pain related to meals than the H. pylori‐ negative children. No differences among the two groups were seen according to the levels of haemoglobin, leucocytes, thrombocytes, weight and height. In conclusion, the seroprevalence of H. pylori is comparable in children with recurrent abdominal pain and healthy children. No specific symptomatology was seen in H. pylori‐ positive children with RAP.
REGULATION OF GEOGRAPHIC VARIABILITY IN HAPLOID:DIPLOD RATIOS OF BIPHASIC SEAWEED LIFE CYCLES 1

The relative abundance of haploid and diploid individuals (H:D) in isomorphic marine algal biphasic cycles varies spatially, but only if vital rates of haploid and diploid phases vary differently with environmental conditions (i.e. conditional differentiation between phases). Vital rates of isomorphic phases in particular environments may be determined by subtle morphological or physiological differences. Herein, we test numerically how geographic variability in H:D is regulated by conditional differentiation between isomorphic life phases and the type of life strategy of populations (i.e. life cycles dominated by reproduction, survival or growth). Simulation conditions were selected using available data on H:D spatial variability in seaweeds. Conditional differentiation between ploidy phases had a small effect on the H:D variability for species with life strategies that invest either in fertility or in growth. Conversely, species with life strategies that invest mainly in survival, exhibited high variability in H:D through a conditional differentiation in stasis (the probability of staying in the same size class), breakage (the probability of changing to a smaller size class) or growth (the probability of changing to a bigger size class). These results were consistent with observed geographic variability in H:D of natural marine algae populations.
Renin angiotensin system antagonists and anesthesia.

R enin angiotensin system (RAS) antagonists, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor antagonists are increasingly used to treat cardiovascular and other diseases (1–6). These treatments induce a blockade of the RAS that may affect hemodynamics during anesthesia and surgery. In 1978, Miller et al. (7) reported that the RAS is involved in maintaining normal blood pressure during anesthesia. Although anesthesia is not invariably associated with a deleterious hemodynamic event in RAS-blocked patients (8–10), hemodynamic instability, described as unexpected episodes of hypotension, have been reported (11–13). Otherwise, stresses such as surgery or hypotension stimulate the generation of angiotensin II, which induces vasoconstriction (14) to maintain blood pressure but reduces blood flow to organs such as the kidneys and bowels. Accordingly, an angiotensin II-induced reduction in blood flow may contribute to acute renal failure (15) and splanchnic ischemia (16), which are obvious factors in postoperative morbidity (17). RAS blockade with ACE inhibitors decreases some consequences of the stress response on the regional circulation (9,18,19), which may then contribute to body protection. Much of the information regarding the physiology and pathophysiology of the RAS during anesthesia and surgery is based on the effects of ACE inhibitors. Because ACE inhibitors probably act mostly by blocking the RAS, similar effects should be obtained from angiotensin (AT) receptor antagonists. RAS antagonist pharmacology may help us to understand the hemodynamic risk of anesthesia in RAS-blocked patients, to identify predisposing factors, and to determine the potential benefit of RAS antagonists during anesthesia and surgery. Physiology of the RAS Generation of Angiotensin II
Influence of the Atlantic Subpolar Gyre on the Thermohaline Circulation

During the past decade, record-high salinities have been observed in the Atlantic Inflow to the Nordic Seas and the Arctic Ocean, which feeds the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation (THC). This may counteract the observed long-term increase in freshwater supply to the area and tend to stabilize the North Atlantic THC. Here we show that the salinity of the Atlantic Inflow is tightly linked to the dynamics of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre circulation. Therefore, when assessing the future of the North Atlantic THC, it is essential that the dynamics of the subpolar gyre and its influence on the salinity are taken into account.
Micronized acellular dermal matrix as an efficient expansion substrate and delivery vehicle of adipose‐derived stem cells for vocal fold regeneration

Cell therapy has been shown to prevent vocal fold scarring and atrophy. However, problems that include the expansion of large numbers of cells in vitro and the poor survival of transplanted cells in vivo must be solved. The aim of this study was to use micronized acellular dermal matrix (MADM) as an expansion substrate of rabbit allogeneic adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) and to apply the combination of the matrix and cells, ADSC‐MADM, to vocal fold regeneration.
Optical probing of cold trapped atoms.

Transitions between excited states of laser-cooled and laser-trapped rubidium and cesium atoms are probed by use of fiber and diode lasers. High-resolution Doppler-free spectra are detected by observation of the absorption and fluorescence of light from the intermediate level of two-step cascade systems. The optical double-resonance spectra show Autler–Townes splitting in the weak probe limit and more complicated spectra for a strongly coupled three-level system.
Critical review of evidence for short course therapy for tuberculous adenitis in children.

The World Health Organization recommends three main variants on the same short course chemotherapy regimen for lymph node tuberculosis (TB), as for pulmonary TB in children. The regimens are isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide daily or three times per week for 2 months, followed by isoniazid and rifampin daily or three times per week for 4 months. For older children 6 months of isoniazid and ethambutol can be used in the continuation phase. These regimens have been endorsed by the major pediatric infectious disease authorities. In children there are usually relatively few organisms causing disease, and there is reasonable evidence that short course therapy is effective for pulmonary TB. However, there is little clinical evidence to support short course regimens for pediatric lymph node TB. We review this evidence.
Twelve to seventeen-year follow-up of patients with poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis in Trinidad.

ONCE poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis is clinically healed and the urine is normal, the prognosis for these patients has been thought to be good, although occasionally an adult with progressive renal failure may recall having had "nephritis" as a child. Recently, however, Gallo1 and Schacht2 and their colleagues studied patients with poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis in New York City and found evidence of progressive renal disease in several patients, some of whom initially appeared to have healed. Thus, they question the previously accepted good prognosis for patients with this disease. We have had the opportunity to study large numbers of patients with .
A surfeit of theropods in the Moroccan Late Cretaceous? Comparing diversity estimates from field data and fossil shops

An unusually high proportion of large-bodied carnivorous theropod dinosaurs has been reported from the Moroccan Late Cretaceous Kem Kem Formation, a well-known package of North Africa vertebrate fossil–bearing sediments. We investigate whether recorded proportions of predator and prey taxa in Kem Kem sediments are real, or an artifact generated by collecting biases, by comparing field data to counts of fossil vertebrates from Moroccan fossil shops. The application of common techniques for standardizing ecological survey data confirms that previous workers have been misled by the acquisition by museums of specimens from commercial collectors rather than from detailed field surveying. Claims that an unusual number of theropod dinosaurs were present in North Africa Late Cretaceous ecosystems are likely the result of biases due to both commercial activity and collectorship biases.
On cyclins, oocytes, and eggs

Oocyte and egg are suitable model systems for studying cell division since meiotic maturation resembles a G2/M transition and early embryonic divisions are precisely timed and occur without zygotic transcription. The analysis of oocytes and eggs from different species provides the opportunity to understand the roles of proteins that are critical to the progression and maintenance of the cell cycle. Among them, cyclins are certainly worthy of investigation. Mitotic cyclins (cyclins A and B) are clearly implicated in meiosis and early embryonic cell cycles. More recent studies have revealed that G1‐type cyclins (cyclins E and D) could also play a role in both processes and cyclin H has been suggested to participate to CAK activity (cdc2‐activating kinase) in oocytes. The study of cyclins in oocytes and eggs clearly offer insights into their roles during the cell cycle. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 48:397–411, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ABSOLUTE DIVERSIFICATION RATES IN ANGIOSPERM CLADES

Abstract The extraordinary contemporary species richness and ecological predominance of flowering plants (angiosperms) are even more remarkable when considering the relatively recent onset of their evolutionary diversification. We examine the evolutionary diversification of angiosperms and the observed differential distribution of species in angiosperm clades by estimating the rate of diversification for angiosperms as a whole and for a large set of angiosperm clades. We also identify angiosperm clades with a standing diversity that is either much higher or lower than expected, given the estimated background diversification rate. Recognition of angiosperm clades, the phylogenetic relationships among them, and their taxonomic composition are based on an empirical compilation of primary phylogenetic studies. By making an integrative and critical use of the paleobotanical record, we obtain reasonably secure approximations for the age of a large set of angiosperm clades. Diversification was modeled as a stochastic, time-homogeneous birth-and-death process that depends on the diversification rate (r) and the relative extinction rate (ε). A statistical analysis of the birth and death process was then used to obtain 95% confidence intervals for the expected number of species through time in a clade that diversifies at a rate equal to that of angiosperms as a whole. Confidence intervals were obtained for stem group and for crown group ages in the absence of extinction (ε = 0.0) and under a high relative extinction rate (ε = 0.9). The standing diversity of angiosperm clades was then compared to expected species diversity according to the background rate of diversification, and, depending on their placement with respect to the calculated confidence intervals, exceedingly species-rich or exceedingly species-poor clades were identified. The rate of diversification for angiosperms as a whole ranges from 0.077 (ε = 0.9) to 0.089 (ε = 0.0) net speciation events per million years. Ten clades fall above the confidence intervals of expected species diversity, and 13 clades were found to be unexpectedly species poor. The phylogenetic distribution of clades with an exceedingly high number of species suggests that traits that confer high rates of diversification evolved independently in different instances and do not characterize the angiosperms as a whole. Corresponding Editor: D. Baum
PREVALENCE OF FACTOR XIII VAL 34 LEU POLYMORPHISM IN THROMBOSIS CASES IN THE SOUTHEAST OF TURKEY AND ITS CORRELATION WITH THROMBOSIS

Factor XIII (Fibrin-stabilizing factor) is a tetrameric structural pro-transglutaminase from the transglutaminase family. Factor XIII activity is associated with the structure of fibrin clot. Factor XIII turns into XIII-A, which is an active transglutaminase, in the result phase of coagulation cascade together with Ca and thrombin activation. The main aim of Factor XIIIA is to connect ε(δ-glutamyl) lysyl-bound fibrin with δfibrin, α-chains and α2-plasmin inhibitor with the help of non-covalent bonds. In this way, it improves the mechanical resistance of the clot and increases its resistance against fibrinolysis. Factor XIII-A is the form of Factor XIII which carries risk in arterial or venous thromboembolisms. 5 different gene polymorphisms associated with Factor XIII-A have been defined so far. The most common one is polymorphism (FXIII-A Acta Medica Mediterranea, 2017, 33: 83