Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites as novel lipidomic biomarkers for noninvasive diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis1

Lipotoxicity is a key mechanism thought to be responsible for the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Noninvasive diagnosis of NASH is a major unmet clinical need, and we hypothesized that PUFA metabolites, in particular arachidonic acid (AA)-derived eicosanoids, in plasma would differentiate patients with NAFL from those with NASH. Therefore, we aimed to assess the differences in the plasma eicosanoid lipidomic profile between patients with biopsy-proven NAFL versus NASH versus normal controls without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; based on MRI fat fraction <5%). We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective nested case-control study including 10 patients with biopsy-proven NAFL, 9 patients with biopsy-proven NASH, and 10 non-NAFLD MRI-phenotyped normal controls. We quantitatively compared plasma eicosanoid and other PUFA metabolite levels between NAFL versus NASH versus normal controls. Utilizing a uniquely well-characterized cohort, we demonstrated that plasma eicosanoid and other PUFA metabolite profiling can differentiate between NAFL and NASH. The top candidate as a single biomarker for differentiating NAFL from NASH was 11,12-dihydroxy-eicosatrienoic acid (11,12-diHETrE) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 1. In addition, we also found a panel including 13,14-dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin D2 (dhk PGD2) and 20-carboxy arachidonic acid (20-COOH AA) that demonstrated an AUROC of 1. This proof-of-concept study provides early evidence that 11,12-diHETrE, dhk PGD2, and 20-COOH AA are the leading eicosanoid candidate biomarkers for the noninvasive diagnosis of NASH.
Consumption‐Based Asset Pricing in Insurance Markets: Yet Another Puzzle?

Although insurance is the typical textbook example for an asset that negatively correlates with consumption, the suitability of the classical consumption-based asset pricing model with power utility to explain historical premiums and claims has not yet been tested. We fill this gap by fitting the model to property-casualty market data for Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, and the United States. In doing so, we find evidence of yet another asset pricing anomaly. More specifically, the consumption-based model implies even larger relative risk aversion coefficients in the insurance sectors than in the equity markets of the aforementioned countries. To solve this puzzle, we draw on the loss aversion and narrow framing approach by Barberis et al. (2001) as well as the second-degree expectation dependence framework by Dionne et al. (2015), with encouraging results.
Codeine-binding RNA aptamers and rapid determination of their binding constants using a direct coupling surface plasmon resonance assay

RNA aptamers that bind the opium alkaloid codeine were generated using an iterative in vitro selection process. The binding properties of these aptamers, including equilibrium and kinetic rate constants, were determined through a rapid, high-throughput approach using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis to measure real-time binding. The approach involves direct coupling of the target small molecule onto a sensor chip without utilization of a carrier protein. Two highest binding aptamer sequences, FC5 and FC45 with Kd values of 2.50 and 4.00 μM, respectively, were extensively studied. Corresponding mini-aptamers for FC5 and FC45 were subsequently identified through the described direct coupling Biacore assays. These assays were also employed to confirm the proposed secondary structures of the mini-aptamers. Both aptamers exhibit high specificity to codeine over morphine, which differs from codeine by a methyl group. Finally, the direct coupling method was demonstrated to eliminate potential non-specific interactions that may be associated with indirect coupling methods in which protein linkers are commonly employed. Therefore, in addition to presenting the first RNA aptamers to a subclass of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid molecules, this work highlights a method for characterizing small molecule aptamers that is more robust, precise, rapid and high-throughput than other commonly employed techniques.
Development and possible clinical use of antagonists for PDGF and TGF-β

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are examples of signaling molecules which control the growth, survival motility and differentiation of cells. PDGF stimulates the growth mainly of connective tissue cells, whereas TGF-β inhibits the growth of most cell types. PDGF and TGF-β exert their cellular effects by vinding to receptors equipped with tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase activities, respectively. Both factors have important roles e.g. during the embryonal development and in wound healing. Overactivity of PDGF or PDGF receptors contributes to the development of certain diseases characterized by excessive cell growth including fibrotic disorders, atherosclerosis and malignancies. Overactivity of TGF-β also contributes to fibrotic conditions, since TGF-β promotes accumulation of extracellular matrix molecules. In cancer, TGF-β is initially a tumor suppressor due to its ability to inhibit cell growth, however, at later stages of tumor progression TGF-β has tumor promoting activity by enhancing the invasive properties of tumor cells and by suppressing the immune system and promoting angiogenesis. The involvement of PDGF in TGF-β in serious diseases makes clinically useful antagonists highly desirable. A low molecular weight receptor kinase inhibitor of the PDGF receptor kinase is now tested clinically, and TGF-β antagonists are under development. The present review discusses the development and possible clinical use of antagonsts for PDGF and TGF-β.
Too much light? How β-carotene protects the photosystem II reaction centre

The photosystem II reaction centre of all oxygenic organisms is subject to photodamage by high light i.e. photoinhibition. In this review I discuss the reasons for the inevitable and unpreventable oxidative damage that occurs in photosystem II and the way in which β-carotene bound to the reaction centre significantly mitigates this damage. Recent X-ray structures of the photosystem II core complex (reaction centre plus the inner antenna complexes) have revealed the binding sites of some of the carotenoids known to be bound to the complex. In the light of these X-ray structures and their known biophysical properties it is thus possible to identify the two β-carotenes present in the photosystem II reaction centre. The two carotenes are both bound to the D2 protein and this positioning is discussed in relation to their ability to act as quenchers of singlet oxygen, generated via the triplet state of the primary electron donor. It is proposed that their location on the D2 polypeptide means there is more oxidative damage to the D1 protein and that this underlies the fact that this latter protein is continuously re-synthesised, at a far greater rate than any other protein involved in photosynthesis. The relevance of a cycle of electrons around photosystem II, via cytochrome b _559, in order to re-reduce the β-carotenes when they are oxidised and hence restore their ability to quench singlet oxygen, is also discussed.
Lead and mercury mutagenesis: Role of H2O2, superoxide dismutase, and xanthine oxidase

It has been suggested that reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs) may have a role in the genotoxic effects of lead (Pb2+) and mercury (Hg2+), but there have not been any definitive studies demonstrating a causal relationship between the induction of ROIs by these metals and mutagenesis. We previously demonstrated, using the transgenic Chinese hamster ovary cell line AS52, that low concentrations (0.1–1 μM) of Pb2+ and Hg2+ are mutagenic. In the present study, using a novel histochemical computer‐enhanced image analysis technique, we demonstrate that Pb2+ and Hg2+ induce the formation of H2O2 in AS52 cells by at least two distinct mechanisms. One is characterized by the rapid induction of H2O2 following treatment of cells with concentrations of Pb2+ or Hg2+ below 0.8 and 1 μM, respectively, while the second occurs in AS52 cells treated with concentrations of Pb2+ or Hg2+ greater than 0.8 and 1 μM, respectively. Pb2+ and Hg2+ (0.1–1 μM) had no effect on the activities of partially purified catalase, glutathione peroxidase, or glutathione reductase, important enzymes involved with antioxidant defense, but these metals stimulated the activities of copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn‐SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO). Allopurinol (50 μM), a specific inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, inhibited the induction of H2O2 by Pb2+ (0.8–1 μM) and Hg2+ (1 μM) and also inhibited Pb2+‐ and Hg2+‐induced mutagenesis. These results demonstrate that Pb2+ and Hg2+ disrupt the redox status of AS52 cells by enhancing the activities of CuZn‐SOD and XO. Furthermore, the results of these studies also demonstrate that there is a causal relationship between the induction of H2O2 by these metals and mutagenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 31:352–361, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic divergence and phylogeographic relationships among European perch (Perca fluviatilis) populations reflect glacial refugia and postglacial colonization

We used the widely distributed freshwater fish, perch (Perca fluviatilis), to investigate the postglacial colonization routes of freshwater fishes in Europe. Genetic variability within and among drainages was assessed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D‐loop sequencing and RAPD markers from 55 populations all over Europe as well as one Siberian population. High level of structuring for both markers was observed among drainages and regions, while little differentiation was seen within drainages and regions. Phylogeographic relationships among European perch were determined from the distribution of 35 mtDNA haplotypes detected in the samples. In addition to a distinct southern European group, which includes a Greek and a southern Danubian population, three major groups of perch are observed: the western European drainages, the eastern European drainages including the Siberian population, and Norwegian populations from northern Norway, and western side of Oslofjord. Our data suggest that present perch populations in western and northern Europe were colonized from three main refugia, located in southeastern, northeastern and western Europe. In support of this, nested cladistic analysis of mtDNA clade and nested clade distances suggested historical range expansion as the main factor determining geographical distribution of haplotypes. The Baltic Sea has been colonized from all three refugia, and northeastern Europe harbours descendants from both eastern European refugia. In the upper part of the Danube lineages from the western European and the southern European refugia meet. The southern European refugium probably did not contribute to the recolonization of other western and northern European drainages after the last glaciation. However, phylogenetic analyses suggest that the southern European mtDNA lineage is the most ancient, and therefore likely to be the founder of all present perch lineages. The colonization routes used by perch probably also apply to other freshwater species with similar distribution patterns.
PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND ADMITTED TAX EVASION

Deterioration in public confidence in the tax system is not associated with an increase in admitted income tax evasion. Analysis suggests that both satisfied and dissatisfied taxpayers remain honest because they are afraid of getting caught. A higher proportion of the dissatisfied honest, however, believes that people cheat because taxes are too high. Agreement with this belief is necessary for the amount of taxes to become a justification for taxpayer dishonesty. The effect of perceived unfairness of the tax system on compliance may not be a simple, direct one. The data suggest that compliance norms must be neutralized and sanction fear weakened before noncompliance occurs.
Immunosuppression follows systemic T lymphocyte activation in the burn patient

A general consensus that thermal injury affects T lymphocyte function adversely is supported particularly by the observation that burned patients’ lymphocytes secrete reduced levels of biologically active IL‐2 in vitro. In the same patients, however, high serum concentrations of the low‐affinity IL‐2 receptor (IL2Rα), a product of an IL‐2‐activated gene, have been observed. In this study a significant proportion of patients also demonstrated over‐physiological levels (from 2 to 500 U/ml) of serum IL‐2 ascertained by immunoassay. Increases in serum IL‐2 content correlated significantly (P < 002) with those of serum IL‐2Rα during the first week post‐burn. Later, serum IL‐2Rα levels continued to increase up to 30 days while IL‐2 eventually declined. Thus, augmented secretion of IL‐2Rα appears related to the high serum IL‐2 content. Therefore refractoriness to further immune stimulation may be due to early activation of the lymphoid system, rather than to an intrinsic incapacity of T lymphocytes for generating sequential responses.
Hospital Design and Face to Face Interaction among Clinicians: A Theoretical Model

A growing body of literature suggests that face-to-face interaction among clinicians in hospitals affects patient outcomes. How can face-to-face interaction among clinicians be influenced positively to improve patient outcomes in hospitals? So far, most strategies for improving face-to-face interaction in hospitals have focused on changing organizational culture. In contrast, this paper proposes a theoretical model that shows how spatial program and structure can help face-to-face interaction fulfill its purposes in hospitals by controlling the interfaces among different communities of clinicians.
Chaperone-mediated autophagy markers in Parkinson disease brains.

OBJECTIVE To investigate chaperone-mediated autophagy in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). DESIGN Postmortem observational study. SETTING University Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London. SUBJECTS Postmortem samples from 7 PD, 6 Alzheimer disease (AD), and 8 control brains. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP2A) and heat shock cognate 70 (hsc70) protein levels were compared in the substantia nigra pars compacta and amygdala of PD, AD, and control brain samples. To provide insight into the turnover of α-synuclein, degradation pathways for this protein were studied in a dopaminergic cell line. RESULTS The expression levels of the chaperone-mediated autophagy proteins LAMP2A and hsc70 were significantly reduced in the substantia nigra pars compacta and amygdala of PD brains compared with age-matched AD and control brain samples. Lewy bodies in these regions contained autophagy-related proteins. We demonstrated that decreased LAMP2A levels in dopaminergic cell lines reduced chaperone-mediated autophagy activity and increased the half-life of α-synuclein. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that there is reduced chaperone-mediated autophagy activity in the PD brain, provide evidence for the role of autophagy in PD pathogenesis and Lewy body formation, and suggest that this pathway may be a suitable therapeutic target in PD.
The reliability of the Motor Development Checklist.

A study was conducted to determine the interrater and test-retest reliability of the Motor Development Checklist (Doudlah, 1976). Thirty-six subjects with diagnosed multiple disabilities and severe and profound mental retardation were evaluated by two experienced occupational therapists. Reliability was established by means of the intraclass correlation approach, and results indicated that coefficients ranged from . 93 to . 99. The study results suggest that the Motor Development Checklist, when administered by experienced raters, can provide consistent information regarding the spontaneous motor performance of persons with multiple disabilities. Implications for practice and future research are briefly discussed.
HOST‐TUMOR ANTAGONISM. XVII. TRAUMA AND CANCER *

The subject of post-traumatic cancer has incited impassioned discussion, rather than careful scientific thought. Unfortunately many cases have medico-legal overtones, which tend to becloud the issue. Stewart (1) calls post-traumatic cancer a problem in sociology propagated by a system of compensation medicine, by patients who have been conditioned to regard any lump as traumatic, and by physicians who will not receive a fee unless the condition is proved to be traumatic in origin. It must be granted that post-traumatic cancer is rare, but rarity must not be used as an argument for non-existence. There are many bona fide rare diseases that some practitioners may never see, but that nevertheless exist. Fat embolism is rare after major bone operations or severe fractures, but one does not deny its existence because of its rarity. There is a defect in simple logic in relegating something that is rare to non-existence. As an example of the diversity of opinions on the subject, contrast the first quotation by Cowdry (2) and the second by Wainwright (3). Cowdry: “Some reported instances of single trauma cancers in man fulfill all of the necessary criteria for a positive diagnosis, but these are of rare occurrence. ” Wainwright: “If we admit that the relationship has been a true one, even in one case, we must consequently admit that it may likewise be a possibility in any other case in which this relationship comes up for serious consideration. ” The battle lines are drawn exceedingly fine. Moritz (4), an authority on the pathology of trauma, stated that it may be inferred from the results of animal experimentation that neither a mechanical injury, its complications, nor its sequelae are likely to cause tumor formation. He further stated that even though experimental results fail to provide positive evidence that a mechanical injury may cause a tumor, the possibility that tumors may be produced in this manner has not been disproved. In Moritz’ opinion, the case reports relating trauma to tumor formation do not substantiate the cause-and-effect relationship. He noted that there has often been no careful investigation of the authenticity of the injury, no bridging symptoms, and no evidence of tumor development at the site of injury. However, he stated that although many of the published reports are valueless, there are others in which the history of injury is authentic and in which a tumor developed subsequent to, and at the site of the injury. This form of ambivalence has been found
Member states’ pact and industry co-movements in the BRICS markets

ABSTRACT Through the existence of supply chain relationships among BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), we explore the industry return co-movements of the BRICS markets and the impacts of BRICS-related events on the time-varying conditional correlation and volatility. We find that BRICS-related events have increased industry co-movements and substantially reduced volatility. An asymmetry in industry return co-movements shows a strong response to good news. The first formal BRICS summit in 2009 is the most dominant event influencing BRICS industry co-movements, while there is a significant decline in correlations during the 2013 BRICS event. The financial industries of BRICS have the highest co-movements among sampled industries.
Transdisciplinary Research and Evaluation for Community Health Initiatives

Transdisciplinary research and evaluation projects provide valuable opportunities to collaborate on interventions to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Given team members' diverse backgrounds and roles or responsibilities in such projects, members' perspectives are significant in strengthening a project's infrastructure and improving its organizational functioning. This article presents an evaluation mechanism that allows team members to express the successes and challenges incurred throughout their involvement in a multisite transdisciplinary research project. Furthermore, their feedback is used to promote future sustainability and growth. Guided by a framework known as organizational development, the evaluative process was conducted by a neutral entity, the Quality Assurance Team. A mixed-methods approach was utilized to garner feedback and clarify how the research project goals could be achieved more effectively and efficiently. The multiple benefits gained by those involved in this evaluation and implications for utilizing transdisciplinary research and evaluation teams for health initiatives are detailed.
Physics-based RTD current-voltage equation

An analytic expression for the current-voltage characteristics of resonant tunneling diodes is derived from basic principles. The form is ideal for insertion into circuit simulation models. It is demonstrated for a conventional InGaAs-AlAs RTD and for an InAs-AlSb-GaSb RIT diode. The expression is based on the quantum tunneling formalism and contains parameters that originate from physical quantities, but which can also be treated as empirical. Empirical fitting is straightforward and results in an excellent match to the data. Additional levels of physical realism can be incorporated in a natural way.
Asymbiotic germination of Odontoglossum gloriosum RCHB.F (Orchidaceae) under in vitro conditions

SummaryAn efficient seed germination system was developed for an endemic and endangered orchid of the prairies of Bogotá, Colombia. The effects of three culture media [Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts (1962); Knudson C (KC) salts (1946); and Hydro-Coljap® salts], activated charcoal [0 and 0.5% (w/v)], α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.0, 2.68 and 5.37 μM), and four light regimes (white light, darkness, red light, and far-red light) on asymbiotic germination of Odontoglossum gloriosum, were studied. The best germination percentage and germination time was obtained on agar-solidified medium supplemented with Hydro-Coljap® salts and 2.68 μM NAA under red light with a 16-h photoperiod. The addition of activated charoal did not stimulate either germination or the development of O. gloriosum seedlings. This study describes a single medium-based protocol able to achieve more than 330 000 seedlings within 40wk, starting from a single capsule. This protocol is sufficient for both large-scale propagation and in vitro conservation of this threatened orchid.
[Spatial analysis of gestational anemia in Peru, 2015].

Objectives To establish regional prevalences of anemia in pregnant women receiving care at public clinics in Peru in 2015 and identify high-prevalence district conglomerates. Materials and Methods An ecological study was carried out on data from pregnant women with anemia registered on the Nutritional Status Information System (SIEN) who received care in 7703 public clinics in 2015. Regional and district prevalences of gestational anemia were calculated. District conglomerates with a high prevalence of gestational anemia were identified using the Moran Index. Results Information was gathered from 311,521 pregnant women distributed in 1638 districts in Peru. The national prevalence of anemia was 24.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 24.0-24.3%), the rural prevalence was 30.5%, and the urban prevalence was 22.0%. The regions of Huancavelica (45.5%; 95% CI: 44.2-46.7%), Puno (42.8%; 95% CI: 41.9-43.7%), Pasco (38.5%; 95% CI: 36.9-40.0%), Cusco (36.0%; 95% CI: 35.3-36.8%), and Apurímac (32.0%; 95% CI: 30.8-33.1%) had the highest prevalences of anemia. The local Moran Index identified 202 high-priority districts (hot spots) (12.3% of total; 44 urban and 158 rural) located in Ancash, Apurímac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, Junín, La Libertad, Lima, Pasco, and Puno containing high-prevalence district conglomerates. Conclusions Gestational anemia in Peru has its highest prevalence rates in rural and southern mountainous areas. The district conglomerates with high prevalence rates of gestational anemia coincide with the areas of high regional prevalence.