Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of PDCD1 with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: evidence of population-specific effects.

OBJECTIVE The A allele of the PD1.3 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the programmed cell death gene PDCD1 was markedly more frequent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than in unaffected controls in a recent study involving large sets of Swedish, European American, and Mexican families. This study sought to determine the role of PDCD1 in susceptibility to SLE in the Spanish population. METHODS Seven PDCD1 SNPs were studied in 518 SLE patients and 800 healthy control subjects who had been recruited in 5 distant towns spanning continental Spain. Patients and controls were of Spanish ancestry. The diagnosis of SLE was in accordance with the American College of Rheumatology updated classification criteria. RESULTS The A allele of the PD1.3 polymorphism was significantly less frequent in Spanish female patients with SLE than in Spanish female controls (9.0% versus 13.0%, odds ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.50-0.89). This difference was consistent across the 5 sets of samples grouped by town of recruitment. The other PDCD1 SNPs were not associated with SLE susceptibility. The haplotype structure of PDCD1 in the Spanish controls was different from that reported in other healthy control populations. CONCLUSION Our results confirm the association of PDCD1 with susceptibility to SLE, but the findings show a lack of involvement of the PD1.3 SNP, which is contrary to the role of the PD1.3 A allele observed previously. These contradictory results probably reflect population differences in the haplotype structure of the PDCD1 locus. More research focusing on new polymorphisms and identifying associations in other populations will be needed to clarify the role of PDCD1 in SLE susceptibility.
Effect of Mentha piperita (Labiatae) and Mentha spicata (Labiatae) on iron absorption in rats

Aim: The effect of Mentha piperita (Labiatae) and Mentha spicata (Labiatae) teas, which contain different phenol compounds, on iron metabolism was studied. These teas grow in different areas of the city of Isparta, Turkey. These herbals were given to the rats in tea. Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were used for this study. The rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals: Group I received no herbal tea (control group); Group II received 20 g/L M. piperita tea; Group III received 20 g/L M. spicata tea; Group IV received 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Herbal teas were prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats over 30 days as drinking water. Results: M. piperita tea caused a decrease in serum iron and ferritin levels P <0.05), and caused an increase in unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) P <0.01). M. spicata tea caused no significant change in serum iron, ferritin levels and UIBC P <0.05). Conclusion: Both herbal teas inhibited Fe absorption. Inhibition caused by M. spicata tea was dose dependent. Therefore, when drinking these teas, their effect should be considered, especially for children and anemic patients.
The effect of small dose of topiroxostat on serum uric acid in patients receiving hemodialysis

Introduction: Topiroxostat, a recently developed xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is expected to have fewer adverse effects than allopurinol because it has different mechanism of action from alloprinol. However, its dosage, usage and safety have not been established in patients with impaired renal function or those undergoing dialysis at the development since no studies was conducted in these patients.
Using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) to Differentiate Alzheimer's Dementia and Behavioural Variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia

In patients with focal lesions, patterns of learning, retrieval, and recognition deficits vary according to site of damage. Because different brain regions are affected by the underlying pathology in Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and behavioral variant fronto-temporal dementia (bvFTD), one might predict that the two disorders would result in different sorts of memory deficits on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The aim of this investigation was to find a way to differentiate AD, bvFTD, and normal controls (NC) reliably based on RAVLT scores from retrospective samples of 82 Italian and 43 Australian participants. Results indicated that the groups differed on measures of learning, retroactive interference, delayed recall, and delayed recognition. Although delayed recall distinguished participants in the three groups across both samples, no one set of cut-offs could be obtained with adequate sensitivity and specificity. However, when we created a combined score (the “RAVLT Memory Efficiency Index”: {[(delayed recall A/15)/(RAVLT Trials 1–5/75)] + [(delayed recognition hits/15) – (false positive/total number of distractors)]}), we were able to find cut-offs that differentiated the groups with good sensitivity and specificity across variations in RAVLT methodology, participant samples, and languages. This index will increase the usefulness of the RAVLT in differential diagnoses of early dementia.
Two‐dimensional J‐resolved LASER and semi‐LASER spectroscopy of human brain

Two‐dimensional J‐resolved localized and semi‐localized by adiabatic selective refocusing (LASER and semi‐LASER) spectroscopy, named “J‐resolved LASER” and “J‐resolved semi‐LASER”, were introduced to suppress chemical shift artifacts, additional J‐refocused artifactual peaks from spatially dependent J‐coupling evolution, and sensitivity to radiofrequency (RF) field inhomogeneity.
Bone Marrow Cell Transplantation Time-Dependently Abolishes Efficacy of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor After Stroke in Hypertensive Rats

Background and Purpose— We aimed to determine a possible synergistic effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and bone marrow–derived mononuclear cells (BM MNC) after stroke in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Methods— Male spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and randomly assigned to daily injection of 50 &mgr;g/kg G-CSF for 5 days starting 1 hour after stroke (groups 1, 2, and 3) with additional intravenous transplantation of 1.5×10E7 BM MNC per kilogram at 6 hours (group 2) or 48 hours (group 3) after stroke, or control treatment (group 4). Circulating leukocyte counts and functional deficits, infarct volume, and brain edema were repeatedly assessed in the first week and first month. Results— G-CSF treatment led to a significant neutrophilia, to a reversal of postischemic depression of circulating leukocytes, and to a significantly improved functional recovery without affecting the infarct volume or brain edema. BM MNC cotransplantation was neutral after 6 hours, but reversed the functional effect of G-CSF after 48 hours. Short-term investigation of combined G-CSF and BM MNC treatment at 48 hours indicated splenic accumulation of granulocytes and transplanted cells, accompanied by a significant rise of granulocytes in the circulation and the ischemic brain. Conclusions— G-CSF improved functional recovery in spontaneously hypertensive rats, but this effect was abolished by cotransplantation of BM MNC after 48 hours. In the spleen, transplanted cells may hinder the clearance of granulocytes that were massively increased by G-CSF. Increased circulation and infiltration of granulocytes into the ischemic brain may be detrimental for stroke outcome.
A near-infrared non-invasive imager using correlated double sampling

In this paper, a NIR non-invasive imager prototype using discrete components (all CMOS integrated circuits) was built which incorporates correlated double sampling (CDS) technique. Low frequency noise and offsets of amplifiers are removed by subtracting it from signal through CDS. The imager is comprised of a current-to-voltage preamp (I-V), post-gain amplifier and the CDS system, which consists of several sample & hold and subtracter circuits. The system is being used to quantify the change of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin. The circuit operates at 3 V. The I-V has achieved an output dynamic range of 58 dB. Later on, a transmitter will be included and the entire system will be integrated into an IC
Inhibition of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Activity by JTT-705 Increases Apolipoprotein E–Containing High-Density Lipoprotein and Favorably Affects the Function and Enzyme Composition of High-Density Lipoprotein in Rabbits

Background—Inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is an efficient way to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in humans. We investigated the effects of the inhibition of CETP activity by a CETP inhibitor, JTT-705, on the function and composition of HDL particles. Methods and Results—Japanese white rabbits were fed either normal rabbit chow LRC-4 (n=10) or a food admixture of LRC-4 and 0.75% JTT-705 (n=10) for 7 months. JTT-705 significantly inhibited CETP activities, increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the ratio of HDL2-C/HDL3-C, and decreased the fractional esterification rate of cholesterol in HDL, indicating preferentially increased large HDL particles. Treatment with JTT-705 increased all of the 3 charge-based HDL subfractions as determined by capillary isotachophoresis: fast-migrating, intermediate-migrating, and slow-migrating HDL. The percentage of slow HDL, ie, apolipoprotein E (apoE)-containing HDL and levels of apoE in HDL fraction, was also increased. JTT-705 treatment increased serum paraoxonase activity and HDL-associated platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase activity, but decreased the plasma lysophosphatidylcholine concentration. Conclusion—Inhibition of CETP activity by JTT-705 not only increased the quantity of HDL, including HDL-C levels and charge-based HDL subfractions, but also favorably affected the size distribution of HDL subpopulations and the apolipoprotein and enzyme composition of HDL in rabbits.
REPUTATION AS A MECHANISM AllEVIATING OPPORTUNISTIC HOST GOVERNMENT BEHAVIOR AGAINST MNEs

The strategic options available to multinational enterprises and host governments, when the first contemplate investment in the latter's country, are marked by the possibility that no entry eventually will take place as a response to opportunistic behavior on the part of th e host government. This article examines under which circumstances and how, in a dynamic world with asymmetric information, reputation building by the host government can credibly alleviate this opportunistic behavior, leaving a safer climate for multinational enterprises investment. Copyright 1993 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Mortality, recovery, and community shifts of scleractinian corals in Puerto Rico one decade after the 2005 regional bleaching event

This work analyzes the mortality, recovery, and shifts in the composition of scleractinian corals from Puerto Rico one decade after the 2005 regional coral bleaching event. Temporal and spatial patterns of coral community structure were examined using a stratified, non-random sampling approach based on five permanent transects per reef at 16 reef stations. A negative correlation between percent coral cover loss and light attenuation coefficient (Kd490) was observed, suggesting that light attenuation, as influenced by water turbidity and depth, played a major role in coral protection during the bleaching event (“sunblock effect”). Responses of coral assemblages varied after the bleaching event, including shifts of cover from massive corals (Orbicella spp.) to opportunistic (Porites astreoides) and branching corals (Madracis auretenra, P. porites) and/or turf algae; partial recovery of reef substrate cover by O. annularis complex; and no measurable changes in coral assemblages before and after the event.
Stability of Variable-Number Tandem Repeats of Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Units from 12 Loci in Serial Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) of elements named mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRUs) have previously been identified in 12 minisatellite loci of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. These markers allow reliable high-throughput genotyping of M. tuberculosis and represent a portable approach to global molecular epidemiology of M. tuberculosis. To assess their temporal stability, we genotyped 123 serial isolates, separated by up to 6 years and belonging to a variety of distinct IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) families, from 56 patients who had positive sputum cultures. All 12 MIRU VNTR loci were completely identical within the groups of serial isolates in 55 out of 56 groups (98.2%), although 11 pairs of isolates from the same patients with conserved MIRU VNTRs displayed slightly different IS6110 RFLP profiles. In a single case, serial isolates with an unchanged IS6110 RFLP profile showed a change in 1 out of 12 MIRU VNTR loci. These results indicate that MIRU VNTRs are stable over time and therefore are suitable for reliable follow-up of patients chronically infected with tuberculosis over long periods. Moreover, they support MIRU VNTR genotyping as a powerful first-line method followed by subtyping by IS6110 RFLP to define ongoing transmission clusters.
Quantification and localization of galactose-specific binding sites in rat liver during postnatal development.

We investigated the number and distribution of galactose-specific binding sites in developing livers from suckling rats of various ages using Lac-BSA-Au5 (lactosylated bovine serum albumin adsorbed onto colloidal gold particles 5 nm in diameter) as electron-dense ligand, and performing transmission electron microscopy of the specimen. It has been reported that the number of galactose-specific binding sites increases rapidly during organ development post partum (p.p.) and this was ascribed to hepatocyte receptor increase only. We now have investigated in in situ and in vitro experiments whether the binding sites of identical sugar specificity but located on sinusoidal cells show the same increase in expression or are independently regulated. We therefore quantified the number of particles bound by isolated hepatocytes and liver macrophages and found a gradual increase of both binding activities with age, the binding levels of adult liver cells being reached at day 15 p.p. This was confirmed with experiments using in situ prefixed organs thus proving the validity of this finding also for the intact organ. In both sets of experiments--in vitro as well as in vivo--ligand was found binding statistically distributed as single particles on hepatocytes of all ages, whereas on liver macrophages the binding pattern changed during development. On liver macrophages from rats 15 days of age ligand binding occurs in the preclustered pattern described for macrophages from adult rat livers whereas liver macrophages of newborn rats express a different binding pattern: they bind the ligands mostly as single particles with only few and small microaggregates. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
BUYING POWER IN UK RETAIL CHAINS: A RESIDUAL SUPPLY APPROACH

The growth of large supermarket chains has raised concerns that these companies can exploit oligopsony power. In this article, we specify a residual supply schedule to investigate the degree of oligopsony power in seafood retailing. Based on the residual supply elasticity, one can also derive a Lerner-type index to measure the degree of market power. Our empirical analysis of the largest supermarket chains in the United Kingdom provide no evidence of oligopsony power for three key seafood products, cod, salmon and shrimp.
Development of quantitative model to investigate the strategic relationship between information quality and e-government benefits

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between improvements in information quality and the benefits and performance of e-government organizations. As information quality is multi-dimensional measure, it is very crucial to determine what aspects of it are critical to organizations to help them to devise effective information quality improvement strategies. These strategies are potentially capable of changing government organizational structures and business processes. It examines the nature, direction and strength of the connections between information quality and the success of e-government initiatives. A conceptual model by means of which organizations performance and information quality research can be viewed is proposed and validated in Kuwait. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a quantitative methodology to investigate the causal paths. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 268 employees positioned in the Kuwait Government ministries. Each of the main effect hypotheses.
Effect of energy intake on performance and carcass composition of broiler chickens from two different genetic groups

In order to evaluate the effect of energy intake and broiler genotype on performance, carcass yield, and fat deposition, 600 one-day-old male chicks from two different genetic groups (AgRoss 308 - commercial line and PCLC - Embrapa non-improved line) were fed diets with different metabolizable energy level (2950, 3200 and 3450 kcal/kg). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2X3 factorial arrangement with four replications of 25 birds per treatment was applied. In order to ensure different energy intake among treatments within each strain, feed intake was daily adjusted by pair-feeding schemes. AgRoss 308 broilers had better performance and carcass yield, and presented lower abdominal fat deposition rate. In both genetic groups, the highest dietary energy level increased weight gain, heart relative weight, and fat deposition. However, it reduced the difference between AgRoss 308 and PCLC for feed conversion ratio and carcass protein deposition. These findings allow concluding that genetic improvement had a significant effect on broiler energy metabolism, and that the highest performance differences between genetic groups are found when low-energy intake is imposed.
APC-targeted immunization for the treatment of HIV-1

Therapeutic immunization may be thought of as an adjunct to highly active antiretroviral therapy to prime the immune system and possibly correct for immunological defects. Most therapeutic vaccine strategies currently under investigation aim to increase HIV-specific cellular responses. This may be most successfully accomplished by utilizing professional antigen-presenting cells. Autologous dendritic cells may be isolated, cultured, loaded with antigen and re-injected into the subject (ex vivo) or antigen may be directly delivered in situ to Langerhans cells or dermal dendritic cells, which are located respectively at the epidermal and dermal layer of the skin. Once Langerhans cells or dermal dendritic cells have incorporated the antigen, they are expected to mature and migrate to the lymph node to present antigen and stimulate naive T-cells. Exciting results have been obtained in nonhuman primates with both ex vivo and topical antigen-presenting cell-based therapeutic immunization.
Preparation for Careers in International Marketing: An Empirical Investigation of Students' Attitudes and Perceptions.

ABSTRACT As the importance of international marketing increases, a variety of constituents are urging business schools to internationalize their offerings. Although this issue has attracted the attention of a variety of writers, few have explored students' perceptions of international marketing, the marketing curriculum, and their preparation for careers in the international arena. The authors generated a national sample of 1135 college students and tested four hypotheses which explore differences in attitudes between marketing and non-marketing majors toward international marketing and business. The most important, and even alarming, finding was that marketing majors believe they are less adequately prepared for a career in international marketing than do non-majors.
The Impact of Smoking Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes on Alcohol Use.

BACKGROUND Reducing the nicotine content in cigarettes could improve public health by reducing smoking and toxicant exposure, but may also have unintended consequences on alcohol use. The primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of reducing the nicotine content in cigarettes on alcohol outcomes. The secondary aim was to examine whether the effects of these cigarettes on alcohol outcomes were mediated by changes in nicotine exposure, smoking behavior, or withdrawal. METHODS Between June 2013 and July 2014, we conducted a 7-arm, double-blind, randomized clinical trial at 10 U.S.-based sites. Daily smokers not currently interested in quitting (n = 839) were assigned to equally sized groups to smoke for 6 weeks cigarettes containing either normal nicotine content (NNC; 15.8 mg/g, 9 mg tar), moderate nicotine content (5.2 mg/g nicotine, 9 mg tar), or very low nicotine content (VLNC; 0.4 to 2.4 mg/g, 9 to 13 mg tar). This investigation focused on a subsample of current drinkers (n = 403). Each reduced nicotine content cigarette condition was compared to the NNC control condition with respect to trajectories over the 6-week period of average daily alcohol use and occurrence of binge drinking. Moderating variables were considered. Mediation analyses tested potential explanatory processes including changes in nicotine exposure, cigarettes per day, and withdrawal. RESULTS Over time, reduced nicotine exposure and smoking rate mediated effects of VLNC cigarette use on reduced alcohol use. There was no evidence of compensatory drinking in response to nicotine reduction or nicotine withdrawal, even among subgroups expected to be at greater risk (e.g., relatively heavier drinkers, highly nicotine-dependent individuals). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that compensatory drinking is unlikely to occur in response to switching to VLNC cigarettes. In contrast, reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes may reduce alcohol use (clinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01681875).
Impaired Expression of Noncollagenous Bone Matrix Protein mRNAs During Fracture Healing in Ascorbic Acid–Deficient Rats

In scorbutic patients, fractures are slow to heal because of impaired collagen synthesis. To investigate the influence of impaired collagen synthesis on the differentiation and proliferation of osteogenic and chondrogenic cells, we examined the expression of genes encoding bone matrix proteins, including osteonectin (ON), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC), and matrix Gla protein (MGP), as differentiation markers for osteogenic and chondrogenic cells during fracture healing in Osteogenic Disorder Shionogi (ODS) rats, which have a hereditary defect in the ability to synthesize ascorbic acid (Asc). In ODS rats without Asc supplementation, intramembranous ossification was completely inhibited. Although a few fibroblast‐like cells expressing ON mRNA were observed, no OPN mRNA‐expressing cells were detected. During endochondral ossification, a small amount of metachromatic staining cartilage appeared at the fracture site, but there was no provisional calcification zone in the cartilage. Chondrocytes expressed ON and MGP mRNAs, but not OPN mRNA. When Asc was given to these rats, callus formation was soon detected around the fracture site, while OPN mRNA was expressed by differentiated osteoblasts and hypertrophic chondrocytes. Our data indicate that impaired collagen synthesis due to Asc deficiency inhibited the increase of ON and MGP mRNA‐expressing cells as well as the appearance of OPN mRNA‐expressing cells. Since OPN is considered to play an important role in normal and pathological mineralization, lack of OPN mRNA expression accompanying impaired collagen synthesis may have a role in defective mineralization and delayed fracture healing in scurvy.