Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postpolio syndrome in New Zealand: a survey of 700 polio survivors.

AIMS To examine the experience of postpolio syndrome amongst a group of survivors of polio currently resident in New Zealand. METHODS A sample of 700 responded to a request for volunteers to take part in a postal survey concerning their experience of polio and postpolio symptoms. RESULTS The mean age of respondents was 59 years. Two-thirds of them were women. The year of polio infection was between 1915 and 1962 with the majority (54%) being in the 1945-56 period. Most were under 16 years of age (73%) at the time. Paralysis and weakness in limbs and back were the most common symptoms in the acute phase of the infection. Symptoms of the postpolio syndrome were reported by significant numbers. Increasing weakness in muscle functioning in one or more area was evident amongst 38% of the sample. Generalised muscle weakness was reported by 47%, increasing muscle wastage by 17%, difficulty swallowing by 16% and shortness of breath on waking by 10%. Pain in joints was reported by 60% and excessive tiredness by 48%. After controlling for age there was little evidence that the symptoms increased with years since the acute polio infection. CONCLUSIONS The experience of postpolio symptoms was common amongst this group of polio survivors. It is estimated that there are between 3,000 and 5,000 polio survivors in New Zealand who may be suffering postpolio symptoms. The implications of this for primary and secondary health care provision are discussed.
Molecular Evaluation of the Prevalence of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Cervical Acetowhite Lesions

The actual prevalence of cancer-related human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in cervical acetowhite lesions has not been established. In this work, the presence of oncogenic types of HPV in cervical acetowhite tissue was evaluated by molecular means. The presence of HPV DNA was determined in a group of women with and without cervical acetowhite lesions by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the MY09/MY11 primers. The presence of 13 oncogenic HPV types was evaluated using the Hybrid Capture II test, and the prevalence of HPV type 16 (HPV16) was studied using an HPV16-specific PCR. HPV DNA was detected in 85.9% patients with acetowhite lesions; oncogenic HPV types were found in 83.7% of them; HPV16 was identified in 51.1% of the cases. HPV DNA was detected in 87.3% of the patients without acetowhite changes. Interestingly only 16.8% were infected by oncogenic genotypes and 2.5% were positive for the presence of HPV16. In conclusion, subclinical infection by oncogenic HPV genotypes is associated with the presence of acetowhite cervical tissue (p < 0.0005). Therefore, women showing acetowhite lesions might be at risk of developing cervical cancer.
The Effects of Hydrogen in Hermetically Sealed Packages on the Total Dose and Dose Rate Response of Bipolar Linear Circuits

It is demonstrated with test transistors and circuits that a small amount of hydrogen trapped in hermetically sealed packages can significantly degrade the total dose and dose rate response of bipolar linear microelectronics. In addition, we show that when exposed to an atmosphere of 100% molecular hydrogen dies with silicon nitride passivation are unaffected, whereas dies with silicon carbide or deposited oxides become very soft at high and low dose rate.
Tachyphylaxis to angiotensin II and [Phe4]-angiotensin II in the rat mesentery in vivo.

The existence of tachyphylaxis to angiotensin II (Ang II) in vivo is not unequivocally established, and the hydroxyl group of the Tyr4 residue of Ang II has been suggested as a determinant of tachyphylaxis. In view of these observations, we conducted a series of experiments to assess and compare the ability of Ang II and [Phe4]-Ang II to induce tachyphylaxis in vivo. All experiments were performed in the autoperfused rat mesenteric vascular bed. The tachyphylaxis to intramesenteric (IMA) infusions of Ang II was minimal, and after 120 min of continuous infusion (33 pmol/min), Ang II retained most of its vasoconstrictor activity (67.7 +/- 6.6% of the initial response). Also most of the agonist activity was retained even when Ang II was administered continuously in a dose-increasing manner (1-33 pmol/min). Continuous IMA infusions of single doses of [Phe4]-Ang II caused an initial full response that rapidly declined, and after 120 min retained only 18.2 +/- 9.2% of the initial response. Single continuous IMA infusion of [Phe4]-Ang II induced greater vasoconstrictor responses compared with vascular responses to the same doses delivered after the infusion of smaller doses. This difference was significant (P < .001, unpaired Student's t test) for all doses (10, 100, 330 and 1000 pmol/min) of [Phe4]-Ang II. In conclusion, although the development of tachyphylaxis to Ang II in vivo is minimal, tachyphylaxis to [Phe4]-Ang II does occur (at least in rat mesenteric vascular bed). Thus, omission of the hydroxyl group in position 4 dramatically increases the tachyphylactic potential, while preserving full agonist activity. These results suggest that the hydroxyl group of Tyr4 may protect the Ang II receptor from changes that induce tachyphylaxis.
DIET, CHOLESTEROL METABOLISM, AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: APOLIPOPROTEIN E AS A POSSIBLE LINK?

tients exhibited secondary hyperparathyroidism. Vieth et al. demonstrated that, in euthyroid subjects who were being treated as outpatients in a thyroid clinic, age diminished the suppression of PTH levels by serum 25OHD. Maggio et al. also showed that older subjects exhibit greater PTH levels for any given level of 25OHD. These data suggest that caution may need to be exercised in using PTH as an indicator of vitamin D status, because the PTH response to hypovitaminosis and possibly even frank vitamin D deficiency may vary. Do these data mean that PTH is not a useful indicator of vitamin D status? No. It is widely accepted that PTH levels are, in general, inversely correlated with 25OHD levels. Instead, it may be prudent to assess the suppression in PTH in response to vitamin D supplementation by measuring both the preand post treatment levels. However, controversy exists on the utility of measuring PTH to determine vitamin D repletion. Heaney strongly asserts that decreasing PTH levels will plateau when 25OHD levels begin to reach a physiologically optimal value, whereas Vieth argues that PTH levels continue to decline as 25OHD levels increase. Consequently, more research is required to make firm recommendations regarding the assessment of PTH levels in geriatric patients. Furthermore, additional research is required to assess whether vitamin D status influences the effectiveness of antiresorptive or anabolic agents for osteoporosis. Nevertheless, as stated in my commentary, it is likely that many (if not most) of our geriatric patients should receive vitamin D supplementation to achieve levels of 25OHD of 75 nmol/L or higher. I believe that this will require doses of 2,000 to 5,000 units per day of cholecalciferol, particularly in those with multiple comorbidities and who are also frail. Given the important and broad spectrum of action of vitamin D beyond the musculoskeletal system and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, there is great potential to improve the health and quality of life of our elderly patients.
Psychosocial interventions in dementia care research: The INTERDEM manifesto

Dementia is a biomedical, psychological and societal disability, which poses complex challenges that are different to those of many other disabilities. As a global health problem, it takes a heavy toll on people, society and the economy. Alzheimer’s Disease International, using detailed population-based studies of the prevalence of dementia in different world regions (http://www.alz.co.uk/adi/pdf/prevalence.pdf), estimates that there are currently 30 million people with dementia worldwide, with 4.6 million new cases annually and projections for over 100 million affected people by 2050. As the population ages, the full costs will also escalate, thus making dementia an international priority. In 2008, during his term of EU presidency, French President Nicolas Sarkozy called for prioritising dementia and the development of a European-wide Alzheimer’s plan and the EU Council of Ministers has also called for collaborative action on Alzheimer’s disease research. As a follow-up to the October 2008 conference ‘The fight against Alzheimer’s disease’ organised by the French EU Presidency, and in line with the 2009 Communication from the European Commission on ‘A European initiative on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias’, the Belgian Presidency of the EU has, from July 2010, initiated a forum to exchange best practices on societal responses to dementia. However, despite two decades of intensive research in Alzheimer’s disease and an active strategy for the recognition and monitoring of the pre-dementia stages (see Knopman et al., 2001, for the American Association of Neurology practice parameter), we are still some way away from a cure or a treatment which can prevent the disorder from worsening or significantly influence its course. Even if curative drug treatments were available, it is likely that the costs of these would be prohibitive, particularly for many developing countries at a time when the prevalence of dementia itself is set to increase in line with the escalating numbers of older people. There is a growing interest in psychosocial interventions in dementia care, but few have reached the stage of rigorous evaluation and even fewer have been widely implemented. In Europe, the diversity of languages and cultures act as an obstacle for developing, testing and implementing evidence-based psychosocial interventions. However, if psychosocial interventions have positive and costeffective outcomes on cognition and quality of life and on rates of institutionalisation, there is potential for dissemination and wider implementation through written materials or manuals detailing intervention protocols. This is particularly relevant for developing countries, where staff can be trained to deliver interventions in settings where access to the anti-dementia drugs is poor or non-existent. The need for a rapid and substantial increase in the quantity and quality of psychosocial research in dementia care has therefore never been more urgent.
Current situation of Panitumumab, Matuzumab, Nimotuzumab and Zalutumumab

EGFR overexpression usually correlates with a more advanced disease stage, a poorer prognosis and a worse chemotherapy response. EGFR expression increase has been observed in many tumours. For all the aforementioned reasons, EGFR inhibition can be considered an attractive approach in cancer treatment. One strategy has been receptor inhibition of extracellular domain using monoclonal antibodies. Cetuximab is the most developped one and there is plenty information on the literature about its current status. In this review we focus on other EGFR monoclonal antibodies under clinical development. The more developed one is Panitumumab. Its clinical development is taking place very quickly and it has mainly been studied in colorectal cancer showing pomising results. There are also other interesting drugs such as Matuzumab, Nimotuzumab and Zalutumumab.
Hexose transport and mucosal morphology in the small intestine of the zinc-deficient rat

1. Immature male Wistar rats were given a zinc-depleted semi-synthetic diet (2 mg Zn/kg diet) for 4 weeks. Control groups received a similar diet containing 60 mg Zn/kg diet, either ad lib. or in amounts matched to the consumption of the Zn-deficient group. Rates of growth and food conversion efficiency were markedly lower in the Zn-deficient group compared to controls. 2. The phloridzin-sensitive uptake of galactose and 3-0-methyl glucose by everted jejunal rings from each group was measured over a range of concentrations. Kinetic analysis revealed that the maximum transport rate (Vmax)for the uptake of both sugars was significantly higher in the Zn-deficient group than in the control groups. 3. The villi, microdissected from samples of proximal jejunum, were significantly shorter and narrower across the base in the Zn-deficient group than those of the control groups, but were present in greater numbers per unit serosal area. 4. The present study shows that Zn deficiency leads to significant morphological changes in rat small intestine, which are accompanied by an increase in the capacity of the tissue to take up sugars across the mucosal membrane.
Application of population genetic theory and simulation models to efficiently pyramid multiple genes via marker-assisted selection

Breeders face many complex choices in the design of effi cient crossing and selection strategies aimed at combining desired alleles into a single target genotype. Both population genetic theory and a breeding simulation tool were used to study the effects of different strategies on population size and number of marker assays required to recover a target genotype in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Enriching the frequency of desirable alleles in the F 2 of single-cross and in the F 1 of backcross and topcross populations greatly reduced the minimum required population size, but the gain from another enrichment selection is minor. General equations were developed to determine appropriate crossing strategies, and sequential culling was proposed to minimize total marker screening costs. For a topcross of three adapted lines from an existing breeding program, simulation of changes in allele frequencies at nine target genes (seven unlinked) showed that population size was minimized with a three-stage selection strategy in the F 1 generation of the topcross (TCF 1 ), the F 2 generation of the topcross (TCF 2 ), and doubled haploid lines (DHs). Enrichment of allelic frequencies in TCF 2 reduced the total number of lines screened from >3500 to 0.97 after selection, while the tin reduced-tillering allele was only at 0.77 in the fi nal selected population due to its strong repulsion-phase linkage to the grain quality gene Glu-A3 in this cross and the incomplete linkage of the tin marker. Therefore, the presence of the tin gene needs to be further confi rmed by other methods.
Caspase-3 and survivin expression in pediatric neuroblastoma and their roles in apoptosis.

BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma, one of the common tumors in children, possesses the feature of natural regression that might be related to apoptosis caspase-3 and survivin are believed to respectively induce and inhibit apoptosis. We investigated the expression of caspase-3 and survivin in pediatric neuroblastoma and the role that these genes played in apoptosis. METHODS The expression of caspase-3 and survivin in pediatric neuroblastoma tissue samples was detected using in situ hybridization, ter mintuesal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and immunohistochemical staining. The role that these genes played in apoptosis was then evaluated. RESULTS A converse correlation was observed between the expression of survivin and caspase-3. When survivin was expressed at high levels in neuroblastoma samples, caspase-3 expression was downregulated, and the apoptotic index decreased simultaneously. CONCLUSION There is a converse correlation between the expression of caspase-3 and the expression of survivin in neuroblastoma cells, indicating that caspase-3 might induce apoptosis, and survivin may inhibit this process.
Quantitative light microscopic study on the distribution of Kupffer cells during chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat.

The quantitative distribution of Kupffer cells was measured in the liver of Fischer-344 male rats during the course of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis according to the Solt-Farber model, i.e. an initiating agent, a selective mitogenic inhibitor and a strong proliferation stimulus were applied subsequently. Pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions were followed up to 17 months. Kupffer cells were detected by the phagocyted carrageenan stained with toluidine blue and were counted using the ocular square in the light microscope. In the non-transformed areas of the liver of treated rats the number of Kupffer cells was generally different from the values of untreated controls. The altered cell foci contained fewer Kupffer cells than the normal untreated rats and the non-transformed liver areas, while in hepatocellular carcinomas there was a high reduction in the number of detectable Kupffer cells. The number of Kupffer cells was variable around and within neoplastic nodules. While Kupffer cells do not follow the neoplastic proliferation of hepatocytes during hepatocarcinogenesis, it is possible that humoral factors are produced by transformed hepatocytes against Kupffer cells.
Computed Tomography of Herniated and Extruded Nucleus Pulposus

Computed tomography (CT) is an accurate method of diagnosing herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) in patients with hack pain and radiculopathy. We evaluated 188 patients with 244 disk space explorations for the treatment of hack pain and radiculopathy. In predicting HNP. CT was 92% accurate and myelography was 88% accurate. The only significant difference between the two modalities is at 1.5-SI. Mere CT was 92% accurate in predicting HNP and myelography was 70% accurate, a difference that is statistically significant (P 0.01). The dural sac separation reduces the myelogram accuracy at 1.5-SI. In detailed evaluation of 188 patients with both CT-diagnosed and surgically confirmed HNPs. these HNPs were classified by location, calcification. size. and extrusion. If the maximum anteroposterior diameter of the MNP was less than one-half the anticipated normal sagittal diameter of the dural sac. the incidence of extrusion was less than 10%. If it occupied one-half or more of the anticipated normal sagittal diameter of the dural sac. the incidence of extrusion was greater than 90% This difference is highly statistically significant (P 0.001). Thirty-five percent of the HNPs exhibited some degree of migration with the cephalic direction more common than the caudal direction. Computed tomography and myelography are both satisfactory methods of diagnosing HNP. The noninvasive CT gives direct anatomical information and is more accurate at 1.5-SI. If the physical examination correlates with the CT examination, then myelography may be bypassed and the patient treated with a high degree of confidence.
Low Drop-Out Voltage Regulators: Capacitor-less Architecture Comparison

Demand for system-on-chip solutions has increased the interest in low drop-out (LDO) voltage regulators which do not require a bulky off-chip capacitor to achieve stability, also called capacitor-less LDO (CL-LDO) regulators. Several architectures have been proposed; however comparing these reported architectures proves difficult, as each has a distinct process technology and specifications. This paper compares CL-LDOs in a unified matter. We designed, fabricated, and tested five illustrative CL-LDO regulator topologies under common design conditions using 0.6? m CMOS technology. We compare the architectures in terms of (1) line/load regulation, (2) power supply rejection, (3) line/load transient, (4) total on-chip compensation capacitance, (5) noise, and (6) quiescent power consumption. Insights on what optimal topology to choose to meet particular LDO specifications are provided.
Evolutionary studies : a centenary celebration of the life of Julian Huxley

The Galton Lecture for 1985 - Julian Huxley, a family view, Sir Andrew Huxley, OM FRS Julian Huxley and the development of evolutionary studies, John R.Durant scientific work of Sir Julian Huxley FRS, E.B. Ford, FRS evolution since Julian Huxley, Bryan C,Clarke FRS the problem of the palaeontological evidence, T.S. Kemp Julian Huxley and the rise of modern ethology, R.I. M.Dunbar size, shape and evolution, Robert D.Martin the ascent of man, M.H. Day human geographical variation, G.Ainsworth Harrison evolution and ethics, Patrick Bateson FRS the first Director-General of UNESCO, W.H. G.Armytage Julian Huxley and eugenics, David Hubback the Galton Lecture for 1962 - eugenics in evolutionary perspective, Sir Julian Huxley FRS.
Vessel tracking: prospective adjustment of section-selective MR angiographic locations for improved coronary artery visualization over the cardiac cycle.

To follow the motion of the coronary artery in magnetic resonance angiography, the authors evaluated vessel tracking, a method for prospective adjustment of the section location as a function of the delay from the cardiac trigger. In 10 volunteers and four patients, this method allowed the vessel to be maintained in the plane of acquisition throughout the cardiac cycle. With a single-phase multisection sequence, vessel-tracking acquisitions had an efficiency of 0.68 +/- 0.04 for both the right and left coronary arteries compared with 0.19 +/- 0.03 for a non-vessel-tracking acquisition (P < .001).
Rise of the Corporation Nation

National Bureau of Economic Research Volume Title: Founding Choices: American Economic Policy in the 1790s Volume Author/Editor: Douglas Irwin and Richard Sylla, editors Volume Publisher: University of Chicago Press Volume ISBN: 0-226-38474-8 (cloth); 0-226-38475-6 (paper) ISBN13: 978-0-226-38474-0 (cloth); 978-0-226-38475-7 (paper) Volume URL: http://www.nber. org/books/irwi09-1 Conference Date: May 8-9, 2009 Publication Date: December 2010
Diffusion of innovation: Telehealth for care at home

The 'care at home' study focused on a Scottish telehealth service, which was designed to support children with palliative and complex care needs. Using the diffusion of innovation theory, this poster highlights the differences between the way telehealth is used in the public sector and in a third sector or a voluntary organization. Analysis of the data, taken from interviews with key stakeholders, illuminate barriers and solutions as noted by clinicians who see the clear benefits and potential risks of telehealth use at home. In conclusion, it is argued that a strategic steer towards a culture of innovation is needed to support effective use of telehealth in clinical practice. Senior managers in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom need to 'unleash' the goodwill of staff who are eager to exploit innovation in clinical practice.
A molecular comparison of T lymphocyte populations infiltrating the liver and circulating in the blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B: Evidence for antigen‐driven selection of a public complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) motif

Despite a large number of T cells infiltrating the liver of patients with chronic hepatitis B, little is known about their complexity or specificity. To characterize the composition of these T cells involved with the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), we have studied the clonality of VβT cell receptor (TCR)‐bearing populations in liver tissue by size spectratyping the complementarity‐determining region (CDR3) lengths of TCR transcripts. We have also compared the CDR3 profiles of the lymphocytes infiltrating the liver with those circulating in the blood to see whether identical clonotypes may be detected that would indicate a virus‐induced expansion in both compartments. Our studies show that in most of the patients examined, the T cell composition of liver infiltrating lymphocytes is highly restricted, with evidence of clonotypic expansions in 4 to 9 TCR Vβ subfamilies. In contrast, the blood compartment contains an average of 1 to 3 expansions. This pattern is seen irrespective of the patient's viral load or degree of liver pathology. Although the TCR repertoire profiles between the 2 compartments are generally distinct, there is evidence of some T cell subsets being equally distributed between the blood and the liver. Finally, we provide evidence for a putative public binding motif within the CDR3 region with the sequence G‐X‐S, which may be involved with hepatitis B virus recognition. (HEPATOLOGY 2001;33:1288‐1298.)