Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exudative macular degeneration and intravitreal triamcinolone: 18 month follow up.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone after 18 months of follow up in patients with age-related macular degeneration and subfoveal or juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization considered unsuitable for laser photocoagulation. METHODS Thirty eyes of 28 patients, referred from general eye clinics as well as the private clinic of one of the authors to a hospital-based retinal out-patient clinic, were treated with an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone (4 mg). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of eyes with loss of six or more lines on a Bailey-Lovie Chart. The incidence of adverse events associated with treatment was also observed. RESULTS Of the 20 eyes with initial visual acuity (VA) of 6/60 or better, the vision was maintained (+/-1 Bailey-Lovie lines) in 11 eyes (55%), while six eyes (30%) suffered severe visual loss (six or more lines). The VA improved by five to six lines in three of 10 eyes with initial vision of 3/60 or worse. Three of four eyes receiving a second injection suffered either progressive cataract or elevated intra-ocular pressure (IOP) requiring cataract surgery and/or filtering surgery. One of 26 eyes (3%) receiving a single injection showed progression of cataract and elevation of IOP within 6 weeks of treatment and required anti-glaucoma medication for 6 weeks. Progression of nuclear sclerosis 8-12 months after treatment was observed in six of 26 eyes (23%) receiving a single injection. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that a single intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone is reasonably well tolerated by the human eye. The rate of development of severe visual loss was less than reported for historical controls. Because the results are preliminary and uncontrolled, the treatment should not be used routinely until its benefit to patients is established by a prospective, randomized controlled study.
Developing and validating opportunity creation as a construct: a preliminary study

In this research, we develop and validate the construct, opportunity creation. We outline the theoretical foundations of opportunity creation. A review of research on opportunity creation gave rise to 21 manifest variables and three potential dimensions: 1) action and reaction; 2) individual differences; 3) socially created. These variables were subjected to various validity tests using entrepreneurs from Nigeria. Initial data from 231 entrepreneurs from Nigeria was used to conduct exploratory factor analysis and identify the dimensions of opportunity creation and their items. In order to validate the construct and its dimensions, data was collected from 360 entrepreneurs from Nigeria and was subjected to confirmatory factor analysis. Based on the findings, we argue that opportunity creation is a reflective construct with three dimensions and 13 variables.
Improving sequence variant descriptions in mutation databases and literature using the Mutalyzer sequence variation nomenclature checker

Unambiguous and correct sequence variant descriptions are of utmost importance, not in the least since mistakes and uncertainties may lead to undesired errors in clinical diagnosis. We developed the Mutation Analyzer (Mutalyzer) sequence variation nomenclature checker (www.lovd.nl/mutalyzer; last accessed 13 September 2007) for automated analysis and correction of sequence variant descriptions using reference sequences from any organism. Mutalyzer handles most variation types: substitution, deletion, duplication, insertion, indel, and splice‐site changes following current recommendations of the Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS). Input is a GenBank accession number or an uploaded reference sequence file in GenBank format with user‐modified annotation, an HGNC gene symbol, and the variant (single or in a batch file). Mutalyzer generates variant descriptions at DNA level, the level of all annotated transcripts and the deduced outcome at protein level. To validate Mutalyzer's performance and to investigate the sequence variant description quality in locus‐specific mutation databases (LSDBs), more than 11,000 variants in the PAH, BIC BRCA2, and HbVar databases were analyzed, showing that 87%, 25%, and 38%, respectively, were error‐free and following the recommendations. Low recognition rates in BIC and HbVar (38% and 51%, respectively) were due to lack of a well‐annotated genomic reference sequence (HbVar) or noncompliance to the guidelines (BRCA2). Provided with well‐annotated genomic reference sequences, Mutalyzer is very effective for the curation of newly discovered sequence variation descriptions and existing LSDB data. Mutalyzer will be linked to the Leiden Open source Variation Database (LOVD) (www.LOVD.nl; last accessed 13 September 2007) and is the first module of a sequence variant effect prediction package. Hum Mutat 29(1), 6–13, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factor relationships of metabolic syndrome and echocardiographic phenotypes in the HyperGEN study

Background Metabolic syndrome and its risk factors are predictors of cardiovascular events. Metabolic syndrome is also directly associated with echocardiographic phenotypes. Methods The current study is the first to investigate the factors associated with both metabolic syndrome risk factors and echocardiographic phenotypes and assess their heritability. Multivariate factor analysis was performed on 15 traits in 1393 African–Americans and 1133 whites, as well as stratified by type 2 diabetes mellitus status. Results Factor analysis with varimax rotation established four to five latent factors across ethnicities and diabetes mellitus stratifications. Among metabolic syndrome risk factors, blood pressure was the most highly correlated with cardiac traits. The factor domains, in the order of the proportion of variance explained, were ‘left ventricle wall thickness’, ‘left ventricle geometry’, ‘blood pressure’, ‘BMI–insulin’, and ‘lipid–insulin’. Factor analysis without any rotation identified special (cross domain) metabolic syndrome–echocardiographic factors, ‘blood pressure–left ventricle geometry’ and ‘blood pressure–left ventricle dimension-wall thickness’ in whites. Fifty to 57% of the total original risk factor variance was explained by the latent factors. Heritability was highest for BMI–insulin (37–53%), lowest for ‘blood pressure’ factors (15–27%), and intermediate for metabolic syndrome–echocardiographic factors. Conclusion These latent factors identified can be utilized as summary phenotypes in epidemiological, linkage, and association studies.
Neuromuscular, biochemical and perceptual post-match fatigue in professional rugby league forwards and backs

Abstract In this study, we investigated changes in creatine kinase, perceptual and neuromuscular fatigue of professional rugby league players after match-play. Twenty-three male rugby league players (10 backs, 13 forwards) had their creatine kinase, perceptual ratings of fatigue, attitude to training, muscle soreness, and flight time in a countermovement jump measured before and 1 and 2 days after (day 1 and day 2 respectively) league matches. Total playing time, offensive and defensive contacts were also recorded for each player. Creatine kinase was higher both 1 and 2 days after than before matches (P < 0.05) in forwards and backs. Similarly, perceived fatigue and muscle soreness were higher than pre-match on both days 1 and 2 (P < 0.05), but did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Jump performance was lower on day 1 but not day 2 for both groups (P < 0.05). While total playing time was longer in backs (P < 0.05), relative frequencies for all contacts were greater in forwards (P < 0.05). Contacts for forwards were correlated with all markers of fatigue (P < 0.05), but only flight time was correlated with offensive contacts in backs (P < 0.05). Despite the mechanisms of fatigue being different between forwards and backs, our results highlight the multidimensional nature of fatigue after a rugby league match and that these markers do not differ between positions.
The APOA5 locus is a strong determinant of plasma triglyceride concentrations across ethnic groups in Singapore Published, JLR Papers in Press, September 1, 2003. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M300251-JLR200

Singapore comprises three ethnic groups: Chinese (76.7%), Malays (14%), and Asian-Indians (7.9%). Overall, Singaporeans experience coronary heart disease rates similar to those found in the United States. However, there is a dramatic interethnic gradient, with Asian-Indians having significantly higher risk than Chinese and Malays. These differences are associated with HDL cholesterol levels and cannot be solely explained by environmental exposure, and may be driven by genetic factors. The gene encoding apolipoprotein A-V (APOA5) has been located on chromosome 11, and it is emerging as an important candidate gene for lipoprotein metabolism. We investigated associations between APOA5 polymorphisms and plasma lipids in 3,971 Singaporeans to establish whether they accounted for some of the ethnic differences in plasma lipids. We found significant associations between the minor alleles at each of four common polymorphisms and higher plasma triglycerides (TGs) across ethnic groups. Haplotype analyses showed significant associations with TGs, explaining 6.9%, 5.2%, and 2.7% of the TG variance in Malays, Asian-Indians, and Chinese, respectively. Conversely, we observed significant inverse associations between the minor alleles and HDL cholesterol concentrations for Chinese and Malays. These data suggest that APOA5 plays a role in the ethnic differences observed for plasma TG and HDL cholesterol concentrations.
Cloning and sequence analysis of ornithine decarboxylase gene fragments from the Ascomycota

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC; EC 4.1.1.17) catalyzes the initial step in the biosynthesis of polyamines, the conversion of ornithine to putrescine. Based on the most conserved regions of fungal ODCs, we designed and synthesized oligonucleotides to amplify homologous fragments of three important plant pathogenic Pyrenomycete fungi (Ascomycota), Magnaporthe grisea, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and Fusarium solani, and one insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. Cloning and sequencing of the amplified fragments revealed homologies of between 37 to 88% with other fungal ODCs. The predicted peptide sequences were compared by Clustal analysis and conserved sequences corresponding to the substrate and cofactor binding sites were identified. Comparative analyses of the ODC fragments isolated in this study, revealed high homology between them (68.3–81.1%) and also with other Pyrenomycetes such as Neurospora crassa (order Sordariales; 68.6–72.9%) and Fusarium graminearum (order Hypocreales; 70.8–88.1%). Data obtained in this work revealed that these fungi constitute a compact group separated from other eukaryotic ODCs.
Antigenotoxic and antioxidant potential of aqueous fraction of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata (L.) against 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide–induced chromosome damage in mice

The antigenotoxic potential of an aqueous fraction of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata was evaluated by measuring the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in mice bone marrow, using 4-nitroquinoline-1oxide (NQO) as the reference mutagen. In addition, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant levels were also quantified with liver tissue of the same mice to assess their antioxidant potential. Swiss albino mice of either sex (25–30 g) were orally pretreated with an aqueous fraction (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. NQO (7.5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally after 2 hours until the final day (day 5) of treatment with aqueous fraction. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours later by cervical dislocation and processed for micronuclei and bioassays. A significant reduction (about 67%) of NQO-induced MnPCE frequency was observed at the dose of 320 mg/kg. The LPO was also suppressed effectively, with concomitant changes in both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. The restoration level was dose dependent in LPO and glutathione-s-transferase, whereas it was dose independent in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. The results indicate that the aqueous fraction of M. spicata mediates their antigenotoxic effects by the modulation of LPO and antioxidant enzymes.
The syndemics of childhood diarrhoea: A biosocial perspective on efforts to combat global inequities in diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality

Diarrhoea remains the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years. Moreover, morbidity as a result of diarrhoea is high particularly in marginalised communities. Frequent bouts of diarrhoea have deleterious and irreversible effects on physical and cognitive development. Children are especially vulnerable given their inability to mount an active immune response to pathogen exposure. Biological limitations are exacerbated by the long-term effects of poverty, including reduced nutrition, poor hygiene and deprived home environments. Drawing from available literature, this paper uses syndemic theory to explore the role of adverse biosocial interactions in increasing the total disease burden of enteric infections in low-resources populations and assesses the limitations of recent global calls to action. The syndemic perspective describes situations in which adverse social conditions, including inequality, poverty and other forms of political and economic oppression, play a critical role in facilitating disease–disease interactions. Given the complex micro- and macro-nature of childhood diarrhoea, including interactions between pathogens, disease conditions and social environments, the syndemic perspective offers a way forward. While rarely the focus of health interventions, technologically advanced biomedical strategies are likely to be more effective if coupled with interventions that address the social conditions of disparity.
Choice of extraction procedure for estimation of anterior pituitary hormone content.

Searching for the best procedure for simultaneous estimation of the anterior pituitary hormones, extraction efficiencies of various media, additives such as urea and triton X-100, and physical treatments such as freezing-thawing (F-T) and sonication, were examined by measuring prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), lutropin (LH), follitropin (FSH), and thyrotropin (TSH) in the extracts. Ethanolic media (60% EtOH) gave high yields of PRL at neutral to alkaline pH, but poor extraction of GH accompanied by a marked loss of its immunoreactivity during storage. Ethanolic media also gave a poor yield of LH even at high pH. Aqueous media like PBS at various pH, 0.1 M acetic acid and distilled water were considerably effective in the extraction of GH, LH, FSH and TSH if they were coupled with F-T and sonication. However, high yields of PRL could not be obtained with these aqueous media even with F-T and sonication. Hartree's 40% EtOH-6% ammonium acetate, pH 5.1, solubilized considerable amounts of glycoprotein hormones, but yielded almost no GH and only a small amount of PRL. The addition of triton X-100 to PBS (pH 7) at 0.1% resulted in the maximum extraction of glycoprotein hormones with homogenization and F-T, but further sonication was necessary for GH and PRL. When the anterior pituitaries were homogenized and frozen-thawed in PBS (pH 7) containing 1 M urea, yields of PRL, GH, LH, FSH, and TSH were maximum, and sonication did not cause any additional extraction, indicating that this procedure, i.e. homogenization and F-T in 1 M urea-PBS, would be the best for the simultaneous estimation of these anterior pituitary hormones.
Beyond myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) symptom severity: stress management skills are related to lower illness burden

Background: The onset of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) typically involves reductions in activities of daily living and social interactions (jointly referred to as “illness burden”). Emotional distress has been linked to increased reported symptoms, and stress management skills have been related to lower fatigue severity in CFS patients. Symptom severity and illness burden are highly correlated. The ability to manage stress may attenuate this relationship, allowing individuals to feel less burdened by the illness independent of the severity of their symptoms. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate if perceived stress management skills affect illness burden via emotional distress, independent of ME/CFS symptom severity. Methods: A total of 117 adults with ME/CFS completed measures of perceived stress management skills, emotional distress, ME/CFS symptom severity, and illness burden. Results: Regression analyses revealed that greater perceived stress management skills related to less social and fatigue-related illness burden, via lower emotional distress. This relationship existed independent of the association of symptom severity on illness burden, and was stronger among those not currently employed. Conclusions: Ability to manage stress is associated with a lower illness burden for individuals with ME/CFS. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in lowering illness burden by targeting stress management skills.
Exploring views on satisfaction with life in young children with chronic illness: An innovative approach to the collection of self-report data from children under 11

The objective of this study was to explore young children’s views on the impact of chronic illness on their life in order to inform future development of a patient-based self-report health outcome measure. We describe an approach to facilitating self-report views from young children with chronic illness. A board game was designed in order to obtain qualitative data from 39 children with a range of chronic illness conditions and 38 healthy controls ranging in age from 3 to 11 years. The format was effective in engaging young children in a self-report process of determining satisfaction with life and identified nine domains. The board game enabled children aged 5–11 years with chronic illness to describe the effects of living with illness on home, family, friends, school and life in general. It generated direct, non-interpreted material from children who, because of their age, may have been considered unable or limited their ability to discuss and describe how they feel. Obtaining this information for children aged 4 and under continues to be a challenge.
Seasonal variation of depressive symptoms in Antarctica

Symptom characteristics and risk factors for seasonal variation in depressive symptoms were prospectively examined in 119 men and women who overwintered in Antarctica. Over a 12‐month period, this cohort reported significant increases in their global depressive symptom scores as well as several individual symptoms associated with winter depression. Summer depression and marital status were significant independent predictors of winter depression. Factor analyses of summer and winter symptoms revealed a set of symptoms traditionally associated with the winter‐over experience in a distinct factor not found in summer. These results indicate that even asymptomatic, clinically normal populations experience seasonal variation in mood in high‐latitude environments. However, this seasonal variation may be the result of social isolation during the winter months rather than the prolonged absence of sunlight.
Trafficking between glia and neurons of TCA cycle intermediates and related metabolites

Net synthesis of the neurotransmitter amino acids glutamate and GABA can take place either from glutamine or from α‐ketoglutarate or another tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate plus an amino acid as donor of the amino group. Since neurons lack the enzymes glutamine synthetase and pyruvate carboxylase that are expressed only in astrocytes, trafficking of these metabolites must take place between neurons and astrocytes. Moreover, it is likely that astrocytes play an important role in maintaining the energy status in neurons supplying energy substrates, e.g., in the form of lactate. The role of trafficking of glutamine, TCA cycle constituents as well as the role of lactate as an energy source in neurons is discussed. Using [U‐13C]lactate and NMR spectroscopy, it is shown that lactate that can be produced in astrocytes can be taken up into neurons and metabolized through the TCA‐cycle leading to labeling of TCA cycle intermediates plus amino acids derived from these. The labeling pattern of glutamate and GABA indicates that C atoms from lactate remain in the cycle for several turns and that GABA formation may involve more than one glutamate pool, i.e., that compartmentation may exist. Additionally, a possible role of citrate as a chelator of Zn++ with regard to neuronal excitation is discussed. Astrocytes produce large quantities of citrate which by chelation of Zn++ alters the excitable state of neurons via regulation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor activity. Thus, astrocytes may regulate neuronal activity at a number of different levels. GLIA 21:99–105, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exploration of tourism potential doing concepts of development and heritage preservation issues of Zonouz city

Zonouz city and its neighboring counties, including three counties and eleven areas, are located in the southern area of the Araz River in Azerbaijan and northwest of Iran. This city has many capabilities in terms of geography, civilization, and tourism, which can be considered as an advantage in urban development. The development in the city is a process occurs by relying on introversion and utilizing extroversion, among which urban regeneration can be highlighted. Thus, recognizing the components of empowerment is one of the main purposes. Applying the rules and observing the necessary principles reduce costs and increase productivity in development. The present study aims to study and compare the advantages of the city, which have more centrality and relative abilities than the peripheral cities, with those cities having the same geographical and cultural characteristics, and the least distance from the city, in an integrated and complementary collection in the tourism industry. Considering that different multi-city managers should similarly play a role, the appropriate reason for their participation can be balanced development and utilization from common interests. This benefit can be achieved based on the management and exploitation of natural and historical attractions, the results of which are synergy and improved performance and exploitation power from the interests. To this aim, the tourist abilities and natural and tourist attractions of the complex are identified and studied, and the results of the analysis are analyzed. The conclusion can be made based on using natural geography and cultural heritage advantages to protect historical buildings and textures better, along with a balanced development of a series of neighboring cities.