Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Interleukin-6 Gene Polymorphisms and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels on Risk Factors and Lesion Sites in Peripheral Artery Disease

This study investigated risk factors for atherosclerosis and their relationship with lesion sites. Patients (n = 160) with peripheral artery disease (PAD) completed a questionnaire regarding risk factors for PAD. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and interleukin (IL)-6 gene polymorphisms and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were measured. Patients with coronary artery disease had significantly higher ratios of eNOS T/C and C/C genotypes, which include the C allele, than the T/T genotype. The IL-6 gene polymorphism distribution ratios for patients with over four risk factors were significantly different compared with other patients, with a higher rate of the C/C genotype. ADMA levels did not show any significant relationship to risk factors or polymorphism. Levels were, however, slightly higher in femoral lesion sites. The results support a model in which the C/C genotype of eNOS and IL-6 gene polymorphisms promote PAD development. The eNOS C/C genotype may have an independent effect, whereas the effects of the IL-6 C/C genotype are seen in conjunction with other risk factors.
Immunization and children at risk for autism.

Possible connections between immunization and developmental disorders, most notably autistic disorders, have been the subject of a great deal of debate and have caused much concern for parents who want to make the safest choices for their children. Anxiety has risen steadily since the mid-1990s, when a medical investigative team led by A Wakefield postulated that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine may be a causative factor in the development of autism spectrum disorder. Since this initial publication, immunization remains controversial for some parents and the uptake of the MMR vaccine has fallen in some countries, despite much discussion regarding the safety of MMR, a lack of evidence for an association between MMR and autism, and the risks of insufficient protection against wild measles virus infection. The Canadian uptake of MMR in 1998 was 95%, but data do not exist to document any change in Canada since that time. Many clinicians are concerned that the uptake in younger siblings of children with autism is considerably lower.Further anxiety for parents has been caused by the suggested association between developmental disorders and mercury toxicity due to thimerosal, which is used as a preservative in some vaccines. Many Canadian parents, while continuing to seek chelation therapy in response to this suggestion, are not aware that, in Canada, thimerosal has never been added to MMR, and has not been present in diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus-poliomyelitis or pentavalent vaccines since 1992. It is found in only Hepatitis B vaccine in some provinces.The present article is intended to be a guide for physicians as they counsel parents.
Influence of urine pH on accurate urinary protein determination in Sprague-Dawley rats.

BACKGROUND Rat urinary protein concentration is commonly measured during safety assessment studies to evaluate potential drug-induced nephrotoxicity. It has been reported that impregnated reagent test strips (dipsticks) can yield false-positive urinary protein results for alkaline urine samples. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine if urinary dipsticks accurately assess protein concentrations, especially in alkaline rat urine. METHODS Ten male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 2% sodium bicarbonate and 2% ammonium chloride to alkalinize and acidify the urine, respectively. Urine pH was measured in treated and control rats using a pH meter and urinary dipsticks with the Clinitek 500. Quantitative urinary protein results were compared to urinary dipstick protein evaluations obtained with the Clinitek 500 and sulfosalicylic acid precipitation test methods. RESULTS The urinary dipstick pH measurement had a very high correlation (r = .98) with the pH meter technique. Samples with alkaline pH (>or=7.5) analyzed for protein by dipstick analysis were in complete agreement 34.7% of the time with the quantitative technique, which was very similar to the 39.3% agreement for samples with neutral and acidic pH (<or=7.0). Samples with alkaline pH analyzed by the sulfosalicylic acid method were in agreement 0% of the time with the quantitative technique, compared to 7.1% of the time with samples with neutral or acidic pH. CONCLUSION The urine dipstick method does not lead to gross overestimation of urinary protein concentration in alkaline urine and provides a rapid and reasonably accurate way of determining the presence or absence of urinary protein in rats.
Mechanism of the ABC transporter ATPase domains: catalytic models and the biochemical and biophysical record

ABC transporters comprise a large, diverse, and ubiquitous superfamily of membrane active transporters. Their core architecture is a dimer of dimers, comprising two transmembrane domains that bind substrate and form the channel, and two ATP-binding cassettes, which bind and hydrolyze ATP to energize the translocase function. The prevailing paradigm for the ABC transport mechanism is the Switch Model, in which the nucleotide binding domains are proposed to dimerise upon binding of two ATP molecules, and thence dissociate upon sequential hydrolysis of the ATP. This idea appears consistent with crystal structures of both isolated subunits and whole transporters, as well as with a significant body of biochemical data. Nonetheless, an alternative Constant Contact Model has been proposed, in which the nucleotide binding domains do not fully dissociate, and ATP hydrolysis occurs alternately at each of the two active sites. Here, we review the biochemical and biophysical data relating to the ABC catalytic mechanism, to show how they may be construed as consistent with a Constant Contact Model, and to assess to what extent they support the Switch Model.
Social capital, social class and tobacco smoking

In all developed and some developing countries there are socioeconomic status (SES) differences in tobacco smoking. People with a low of education, manual occupation, low income as well as the unemployed are daily smokers to a higher extent than those with high SES. People with low SES also stop smoking to a lesser extent in many developed countries. Several theories have been proposed to account for SES differences in health. Social capital concerns the relationships of trust, participation and reciprocity among individuals, groups and institutions in a society that may enhance health and health-related behaviors. The materialist standpoint concerns material conditions. Studies with ecological, individual and multilevel study design, mostly cross-sectional studies, suggest that both (individual level) social capital and material factors are related to tobacco smoking, although multilevel studies concerning contextual level social capital are few and mostly, at least in adult populations, fail to demonstrate associations. There is also a want of longitudinal studies to investigate the associations between social capital and material conditions, smoking initiation, smoking continuation as well as smoking cessation, since cross-sectional studies analyze only prevalence data. More sophisticated multilevel studies are needed to investigate the association between social capital and material conditions, and tobacco smoking in SES groups in different social contexts.
Induction of Rb-associated Protein (RbAp46) by Wilms’ Tumor Suppressor WT1 Mediates Growth Inhibition*

The Wilms’ tumor suppressor gene,wt1, encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor, WT1, that plays an important role in controlling urogenital development. Previously, WT1 has been shown to inhibit cell growth and to repress transcription initiated from the promoters of a number of growth-promoting genes. However, few physiological target genes that are transcriptionally activated by WT1 have been established. Using suppression subtractive hybridization polymerase chain reaction, we isolated a WT1 target gene that is up-regulated about 15-fold in cells expressing WT1. The gene was identified as retinoblastoma suppressor (Rb)-associated protein 46 (RbAp46), a nuclear protein that interacts physically with Rb and is a component of the human mSin3 co-repressor complex. Cells transfected with RbAp46 cDNA formed fewer colonies than the control cells, and RbAp46 suppressed the growth rate (by about 2-fold) of transfected cells. In the developing kidney and gonad, RbAp46 exhibits an expression pattern similar to that of WT1. We conclude that RbAp46 has strong growth inhibition activity and may function as an important mediator of WT1’s function.
Urban water pricing in Yemen: a comparison of increasing block tariffs to other pricing schemes

ABSTRACT This study examines the viability of increasing block tariffs (IBTs) to achieve the right balance between efficiency, financial requirements and equity, and compares them to alternative pricing schemes. Using numerical examples, it analyzes the IBT structure of two water utilities in Yemen. The main conclusion is that IBTs exhibit remnants of old thinking among policy makers to promote cheap water for people. In view of similar results from other regions, the current practice of IBTs in developing countries has significant deficiencies and could be replaced by simpler pricing schemes such as a uniform price with a rebate or a discount.
Orthographic Influences on Phoneme Deletion Response Times

The aim of this paper is to provide further evidence that orthography plays a central role in phonemic awareness, by demonstrating an orthographic congruency effect in phoneme deletion. In four initial phoneme deletion experiments, adult participants produced the correct response more slowly with orthographically mismatched stimulus–response pairs (e.g., worth–earth) than with matched pairs (e.g., wage–age). This orthographic effect occurred with or without specific instructions to ignore spelling and when stimuli were presented with or without the to-be-deleted sound. In a final experiment, participants made more errors on complex than simple onset items, but there was no interaction with orthographic mismatch. The repeated observation of this robust orthographic effect suggests that participants are at least aware of orthography during phonemic awareness tasks, and it supports the view that phonemic awareness is directly subserved by orthography.
Preadult life history variation determines adult transcriptome expression

Preadult determinants of adult fitness and behaviour have been documented in a variety of organisms with complex life cycles, but little is known about expression patterns of genes underlying these adult traits. We explored the effects of differences in egg‐to‐adult development time on adult transcriptome and cuticular hydrocarbon variation in order to understand the nature of the genetic correlation between preadult development time and premating isolation between populations of Drosophila mojavensis reared in different host cactus environments. Transcriptome variation was analysed separately in flies reared on each host and revealed that hundreds of genes in adults were differentially expressed (FDR P < 0.05) due to development time differences. For flies reared on pitaya agria cactus, longer preadult development times caused increased expression of genes in adults enriched for ribosome production, protein metabolism, chromatin remodelling and regulation of alternate splicing and transcription. Baja California flies reared on organ pipe cactus showed fewer differentially expressed genes in adults due to longer preadult development time, but these were enriched for ATP synthesis and the TCA cycle. Mainland flies reared on organ pipe cactus with shorter development times showed increased transcription of genes enriched for mitochondria and energy production, protein synthesis and glucose metabolism: adults with longer development times had increased expression of genes enriched for adult life span, cuticle proteins and ion binding, although most differentially expressed genes were unannotated. Differences due to population, sex, mating status and their interactions were also assessed. Adult cuticular hydrocarbon profiles also showed shifts due to egg‐to‐adult development time and were influenced by population and mating status. These results help to explain why preadult life history variation determines subsequent expression of the adult transcriptome along with traits involved with reproductive isolation and revealed previously undocumented connections between genetic and environmental influences over the entire life cycle in this desert insect.
Consumer Evaluation of Brand Extensions: An Assessment from Bangladesh

This paper tests Aaker and Keller’s (1990) brand extension model that has been designed and tested in a series of developed economies to see if it applies to Bangladesh, a developing country. A questionnaire was developed using similar rating scales to those used b Aaker and Keller. The dependent variable, the overall attitude toward the extension, was an average of two dimensions: the overall perceived quality of the extension and the purchase probability of buying the extension. ‘Residual Centering’ regression approach was used for analyzing the data. Results suggest that there is some international heterogeneity in the way that consumers evaluate brand extension. Major findings of this study, limitations, and directions for future research have been suggested.
Telaprevir for previously untreated chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND In phase 2 trials, telaprevir, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 protease inhibitor, in combination with peginterferon-ribavirin, as compared with peginterferon-ribavirin alone, has shown improved efficacy, with potential for shortening the duration of treatment in a majority of patients. METHODS In this international, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned 1088 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who had not received previous treatment for the infection to one of three groups: a group receiving telaprevir combined with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 12 weeks (T12PR group), followed by peginterferon-ribavirin alone for 12 weeks if HCV RNA was undetectable at weeks 4 and 12 or for 36 weeks if HCV RNA was detectable at either time point; a group receiving telaprevir with peginterferon-ribavirin for 8 weeks and placebo with peginterferon-ribavirin for 4 weeks (T8PR group), followed by 12 or 36 weeks of peginterferon-ribavirin on the basis of the same HCV RNA criteria; or a group receiving placebo with peginterferon-ribavirin for 12 weeks, followed by 36 weeks of peginterferon-ribavirin (PR group). The primary end point was the proportion of patients who had undetectable plasma HCV RNA 24 weeks after the last planned dose of study treatment (sustained virologic response). RESULTS Significantly more patients in the T12PR or T8PR group than in the PR group had a sustained virologic response (75% and 69%, respectively, vs. 44%; P<0.001 for the comparison of the T12PR or T8PR group with the PR group). A total of 58% of the patients treated with telaprevir were eligible to receive 24 weeks of total treatment. Anemia, gastrointestinal side effects, and skin rashes occurred at a higher incidence among patients receiving telaprevir than among those receiving peginterferon-ribavirin alone. The overall rate of discontinuation of the treatment regimen owing to adverse events was 10% in the T12PR and T8PR groups and 7% in the PR group. CONCLUSIONS Telaprevir with peginterferon-ribavirin, as compared with peginterferon-ribavirin alone, was associated with significantly improved rates of sustained virologic response in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection who had not received previous treatment, with only 24 weeks of therapy administered in the majority of patients. (Funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Tibotec; ADVANCE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00627926.).
Injectable collagenase clostridium histolyticum for Dupuytren's contracture.

BACKGROUND Dupuytren's disease limits hand function, diminishes the quality of life, and may ultimately disable the hand. Surgery followed by hand therapy is standard treatment, but it is associated with serious potential complications. Injection of collagenase clostridium histolyticum, an office-based, nonsurgical option, may reduce joint contractures caused by Dupuytren's disease. METHODS We enrolled 308 patients with joint contractures of 20 degrees or more in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. The primary metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joints of these patients were randomly assigned to receive up to three injections of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (at a dose of 0.58 mg per injection) or placebo in the contracted collagen cord at 30-day intervals. One day after injection, the joints were manipulated. The primary end point was a reduction in contracture to 0 to 5 degrees of full extension 30 days after the last injection. Twenty-six secondary end points were evaluated, and data on adverse events were collected. RESULTS Collagenase treatment significantly improved outcomes. More cords that were injected with collagenase than cords injected with placebo met the primary end point (64.0% vs. 6.8%, P < 0.001), as well as all secondary end points (P < or = 0.002). Overall, the range of motion in the joints was significantly improved after injection with collagenase as compared with placebo (from 43.9 to 80.7 degrees vs. from 45.3 to 49.5 degrees, P < 0.001). The most commonly reported adverse events were localized swelling, pain, bruising, pruritus, and transient regional lymph-node enlargement and tenderness. Three treatment-related serious adverse events were reported: two tendon ruptures and one case of complex regional pain syndrome. No significant changes in flexion or grip strength, no systemic allergic reactions, and no nerve injuries were observed. CONCLUSIONS Collagenase clostridium histolyticum significantly reduced contractures and improved the range of motion in joints affected by advanced Dupuytren's disease. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00528606.)
Estimating the Magnitude of STD Cofactor Effects on HIV Transmission: How Well Can it Be Done?

Background If sexually transmitted disease (STD) cofactor effects are strong and STDs are highly prevalent, STD control can be a strategy for HIV prevention. Objective To review possibilities for estimating cofactor effects of STDs on HIV transmission based on observational studies. Study Design This study consisted of an analysis of factors influencing associations between HIV and STDs, which can bias STD cofactor studies, from a sexual network perspective. Study designs that reduce distortions and methods to improve estimates in the presence of confounding are discussed. Results Standard statistical adjustments of cofactor estimates are insufficient because they ignore clustering between HIV and STDs in partners of study subjects, resulting from population heterogeneity in risk factors and assortative mixing. Reverse causation due to HIV-related immunosuppression may further inflate cofactor estimates. Misclassification of STDs and clustering between STDs can bias estimates in either direction. This study demonstrates quantitatively that ignorance of sexual network effects may result in considerable overestimation of cofactor magnitudes. Conclusion: The limitations of observational studies complicate quantitative inferences on the role of STDs in HIV transmission.
Influence of impact velocity on the severity of nonpenetrating hepatic injury.

The effect on nonpenetrating hepatic injury of varying impact velocity was investigated in a series of abdominal impact experiments with rabbits. In these tests, a constant level of 16% anterposterior compression was produced by a flat aluminum disc driven by a pneumatic impactor at velocities of 5 to 20 m/s to investigate an impulsive as opposed to a crushing mechanism of injury. Laceration of the liver regularly occurred for impact velocity and available energy greater than 12 m/s and 9.1 joules, respectively (p less than 0.01). In addition, a gradation of hepatic injury, probably caused by local strain energy density in the soft tissue, was observed through the range of impact velocity, i.e., minor subcapsular contusion at low velocity to extensive deep laceration and hemoperitoneum at high velocity. With impact applied only to the abdomen, there were associated thoracic and renal injuries at impact velocities greater than 14 m/s. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (1) was extended for classification and quantification of injury. The peak reactive force, peak esophageal pressure, and impulse transfer increased with impact velocity. It appears that there may be two regions of biomechanical response, one at 12 m/s or below, and one at greater than 12 m/s.
Transmission of viral respiratory infections in the home

Respiratory viruses in the home exploit multiple modes of transmission. RSV is transmitted primarily by contact with ill children and contaminated objects in the environment. Influenza appears to be spread mainly by airborne droplet nuclei. Despite many years of study, from the plains of Salisbury, to the hills of Virginia, to the collegiate environment of Madison, WI, the precise routes rhinovirus takes to inflict the misery of the common cold on a susceptible population remain controversial.
Pacemaker endocarditis: an important clinical entity

Pacemaker endocarditis remains a rare but potentially life threatening complication of pacemaker implantation. This case illustrates a rare cause of pacemaker endocarditis, Serratia marcescens, the management difficulties that can be faced with such organisms, and the potential indolent nature of pacemaker lead associated endocarditis. A review of the current data for pacemaker endocarditis management suggests that treatment with antimicrobials alone is unlikely to be curative and explantation of the device is recommended in all cases of confirmed pacemaker endocarditis (by echocardiography, in correlation with the patient’s clinical condition and inflammatory markers).
Measuring Plant Level Energy Efficiency and Technical Change in the U.S. Metal-Based Durable Manufacturing Sector Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis

This study analyzes the electric and thermal energy efficiency for five different metal-based durable manufacturing industries in the United States from 1987-2012 at the 3 digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) level. Using confidential plant-level data on energy use and production from the quinquennial U.S. Economic Census, a stochastic frontier regression analysis (SFA) is applied in six repeated cross sections for each five year census. The SFA controls for energy prices and climate-driven energy demand (heating degree days - HDD - and cooling degree days - CDD) due to differences in plant level locations, as well as 6-digit NAICS industry effects. A Malmquist index is used to decompose aggregate plant technical change in energy use into indices of efficiency and frontier (best practice) change. Own energy price elasticities range from -. 7 to -1.0, with electricity tending to have slightly higher elasticity than fuel. Mean efficiency estimates (100 percent equals best practice level) range from a low of 32 percent (thermal 334 - Computer and Electronic Products) to a high of 86 percent (electricity 332 - Fabricated Metal Products). Electric efficiency is consistently better than thermal efficiency for all NAICS. There is no clear pattern to the decomposition of aggregate technical Thermal change. In some years efficiency improvement dominates; in other years aggregate technical change is driven by improvement in best practice.