Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of dobutamine stress on myocardial blood flow, 99mTc sestamibi uptake, and systolic wall thickening in the presence of coronary artery stenoses: implications for dobutamine stress testing.

BACKGROUND Although dobutamine stress is used with both 99mTc sestamibi (sestamibi) myocardial perfusion imaging and echocardiography for detecting coronary artery stenoses, the impact of stenosis severity on test end points (myocardial sestamibi uptake and systolic thickening, respectively) has not been clearly defined. METHODS AND RESULTS In 15 open-chest dogs, dobutamine (2.5 to 30 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1)) was infused after placement of an LAD stenosis that reduced (n=8) or abolished (n=7) flow reserve. In dogs with reduced flow reserve, the stenotic-to-normal sestamibi activity ratio (0.86+/-0.03) significantly underestimated the approximately 2-to-1 dobutamine-induced flow disparity at the time of sestamibi injection (flow ratio, 0.53+/-0.04; P<.001). Stenotic-zone thickening increased at low but not at higher doses of dobutamine (2.9+/-0.4 versus 4.2+/-0.4 mm in normal zone at peak dobutamine; P=.055) but did not fall below baseline (2.7+/-0.3 mm). Similarly, in dogs with absent flow reserve, the sestamibi activity ratio (0.78+/-0.02) underestimated the approximately 2.5-to-1 dobutamine-induced flow disparity (flow ratio, 0.41+/-0.05; P<.001), and failure to increase systolic thickening was observed in the stenotic zone (2.7+/-0.4 versus 4.6+/-0.3 mm in the normal zone at peak stress, P<.01). In both groups of dogs, myocardial sestamibi uptake and image defect magnitudes were less than expected for the dobutamine-induced hyperemia, suggesting that dobutamine adversely affects myocardial sestamibi binding. Finally, a significant reduction in stenotic-zone thickening was seen during postdobutamine recovery, consistent with myocardial stunning. CONCLUSIONS In the presence of stenoses that reduced or abolished regional flow reserve, (1) myocardial sestamibi uptake significantly underestimated the dobutamine-induced flow heterogeneity, (2) a "failure to increase systolic thickening" rather than a reduction in thickening was observed during dobutamine stress, and (3) myocardial stunning was observed during postdobutamine recovery.
Predictors of cognitive improvement after reality orientation in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND there is increasing evidence to support the efficacy of reality orientation in cognitive deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The clinical characteristics of patients who respond to reality orientation are poorly understood; this knowledge could be important, given that the provision of reality orientation therapy is labour-intensive and may provoke emotional distress. AIM to evaluate retrospectively which demographic and clinical characteristics of Alzheimer's patients predict cognitive outcomes. METHOD we analysed 38 mild-to-moderately demented outpatients who regularly attended a one-month formal reality orientation programme. The mini mental state examination score changes from baseline-and immediately after-reality orientation were correlated with demographic and pre-treatment clinical characteristics by a linear regression analysis. RESULTS short-term responsiveness to reality orientation was significantly predicted by a lower level of cognitive functioning (as measured by the mini mental state examination) at baseline and by the absence of euphoria, accounting together for 57.6% of variance. CONCLUSION a lower mini mental state examination and the absence of euphoric behaviour in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease may predict a good cognitive outcome of reality orientation therapy.
Weight control and risk factor reduction in obese subjects treated for 2 years with orlistat: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT Orlistat, a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that reduces dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%, may promote weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk factors. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that orlistat combined with dietary intervention is more effective than placebo plus diet for weight loss and maintenance over 2 years. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted from October 1992 to October 1995. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Obese adults (body mass index [weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters], 30-43 kg/m2) evaluated at 18 US research centers. INTERVENTION Subjects received placebo plus a controlled-energy diet during a 4-week lead-in. On study day 1, the diet was continued and subjects were randomized to receive placebo 3 times a day or orlistat, 120 mg 3 times a day, for 52 weeks. After 52 weeks, subjects began a weight-maintenance diet, and the placebo group (n = 133) continued to receive placebo and orlistat-treated subjects were rerandomized to receive placebo 3 times a day (n = 138), orlistat, 60 mg (n = 152) or 120 mg (n = 153) 3 times a day, for an additional 52 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Body weight change and changes in blood pressure and serum lipid, glucose, and insulin levels. RESULTS A total of 1187 subjects entered the protocol, and 892 were randomly assigned on day 1 to double-blind treatment. For intent-to-treat analysis, 223 placebo-treated subjects and 657 orlistat-treated subjects were evaluated. During the first year orlistat-treated subjects lost more weight (mean +/- SEM, 8.76+/-0.37 kg) than placebo-treated subjects (5.81+/-0.67 kg) (P<.001). Subjects treated with orlistat, 120 mg 3 times a day, during year 1 and year 2 regained less weight during year 2 (3.2+/-0.45 kg; 35.2% regain) than those who received orlistat, 60 mg (4.26+/-0.57 kg; 51.3% regain), or placebo (5.63+/-0.42 kg; 63.4% regain) in year 2 (P<.001). Treatment with orlistat, 120 mg 3 times a day, was associated with improvements in fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin levels. CONCLUSIONS Two-year treatment with orlistat plus diet significantly promotes weight loss, lessens weight regain, and improves some obesity-related disease risk factors.
Collagenase and gelatinase messenger ribonucleic acid expression and activity during follicular development in the rat ovary.

Metalloproteinases are members of a family of proteinases that remodel the extracellular matrix throughout the body. To test the hypothesis that metalloproteinases are regulated by gonadotropin-induced changes during follicular growth, rats were injected with eCG (20 IU, s.c.), and ovaries and serum were collected at the time of eCG administration (0 h) and at 6, 12, 24, 36, or 48 h later for analysis of metalloproteinase mRNA expression, metalloproteinase activity, and steroidogenesis. Serum estradiol levels increased from 18.9 pg/ml at 0 h to 503.8 pg/ml at 48 h. Analysis of mRNA expression was performed for collagenase-3, 72-kDa gelatinase, and 92-kDa gelatinase (n = 3-4). For collagenase-3, eCG stimulated a 32-fold increase in collagenase-3 mRNA at 48 h after eCG injection as compared to that in ovaries collected at the time of eCG administration (i.e., 0-h control). The mRNA levels for 72-kDa gelatinase were 2.8-fold compared to 0 h at 36 h after eCG treatment and returned to control levels by 48 h after gonadotropin treatment. Levels of the 92-kDa mRNA expression peaked at 24 h (4. 2-fold compared to 0 h) and returned to control levels by 36 h. Gel zymography revealed 3 gelatinolytic bands corresponding to the gelatinases of approximately 72 kDa, 92 kDa, and 105 kDa. Analysis of metalloproteinase activity as the degradation of collagen or gelatin per ovary showed an increase in gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activity between 12 and 48 h after eCG treatment. In summary, these findings demonstrate that the gonadotropin induction of folliculogenesis results in changes in the metalloproteinases that may be responsible for extracellular matrix remodeling associated with follicular growth.
A Comparison of Azelastine Nasal Spray and Cetirizine Tablets in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

A total of 40 patients with perennial allergic rhinitis were treated with either azelastine nasal spray 0.14 mg/nostril twice daily (0.56 mg/day) or cetirizine tablets 10 mg once daily. Treatment was for a period of eight weeks. The rhinitis symptoms were evaluated according to a four-point scale (0 = absent, 3 = severe). The Total Rhinitis Symptom Score (TRSS) was derived from the sum of the individual symptom scores. Symptoms were assessed at baseline prior to treatment and at weeks 2, 4 and 8. Compared to baseline, TRSS for both the azelastine and cetirizine groups were less at each assessment during treatment, a slight nonsignificant advantage was seen in the azelastine group. At the end of the study, physicians rated global efficacy as being ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in 73.7% of azelastine patients and 55.5% of cetirizine patients. Both treatments were well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported, however, two cetirizine patients withdrew from the study because of somnolence. In conclusion, azelastine has been shown to be at least as effective as cetirizine in the relief of the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis. Un campione clinico di 20 + 20 pazienti con rinite allergica è stato trattato con Azelastina spray nasale alla dose di 2 puff da 0.14 mg/narice/die (0.56 mg/die) o con 1 compressa/die di Cetirizina da 10 mg. La durata del trattamento è stata di 8 settimane. I sintomi di rinite sono stati valutati in base ad una scala a 4 punti (in cui 0 = assente o scomparso, 3 = sintomo grave). Il Punteggio Totale dei Sintomi di Rinite (PTSR) è stato ottenuto addizionando i punteggi dei singoli sintomi. I sintomi sono stati rilevati prima dei trattamenti (valore basale) e successivamente ad intervalli di 2, 4 e 8 settimane. Ad ogni rilevamento nel corso del trattamento si è riscontrata una diminuzione del PTSR rispetto al valore basale, in entrambi i gruppi di trattamento. Nel gruppo Azelastina si è manifestata una maggiore diminuzione del punteggio, non statisticamente significativa. Alla conclusione dello studio i ricercatori hanno definita “eccellente” o “buona” l'efficacia nel 73.7% del casi trattati con Azelastina Spray Nasale e nel 55.5% di quelli trattati con Cetirizina. Entrambi i trattamenti sono stati ben tollerati e non si sono rilevati effetti collaterali. In conclusione, Azelastina Spray Nasale, ha dimostrato efficacia comparabile a quella di Cetirizina compresse nell'alleviare i sintomi della rinite allergica.
From agenda‐setting to implementation: The role of multisectoral partnerships in addressing urban climate risks

Multisectoral partnerships (MSPs) form an increasingly popular and important part of the global climate and disaster risk governance landscape, but the literature offers little critical investigation of this phenomenon. In particular it remains unclear how MSPs can support the transition from agenda setting to implementation in response to multiple current and future pressures threatening the resilience of cities. Through the lens of the London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP) and drawing from other MSP examples, this paper investigates the scope for MSPs to enhance climate adaptation in an urban context. Our paper has two main aims: to expand understanding of the role of MSPs in the adaptation decision process in the context of the wider governance literature, and to shed some light on the complexities of transitioning through that process. To clarify the role of a MSP we propose a distinction between “first generation” and “second generation” MSPs, illustrating the progression from agenda‐setting to implementation: “first generation” MSPs are focused on agenda setting and knowledge sharing in order to support decision makers, while “second generation” MSPs are aimed at implementing solutions. We consider this distinction from the perspective of the individual members and their perceptions, motivations, and expectations. We find that the dynamic nature of urban adaptation with a shifting focus from initial agenda setting toward the implementation of actions presents challenges for existing MSPs, particularly such long‐established ones like the LCCP. Our investigation shows that “first generation” MSPs can play important roles in agenda setting, but finds little evidence of “second generation” MSPs achieving implementation.
Self-reported sitting time is associated with higher pressure from wave reflections independent of physical activity levels in healthy young adults.

BACKGROUND Time spent in sedentary pursuits such as sitting (SIT) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease independent of physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of PA and SIT with central hemodynamic burden in young adults. METHODS Aortic pressure waveforms were obtained using radial applanation tonometry and a generalized transfer function in 70 young healthy men (n = 41) and women (n = 29) (mean age = 23±1 years; body mass index = 24±1kg/m(2)). A wave separation technique that uses a physiologic pseudoaortic flow waveform was used to derive incident/forward wave pressure (Pf) and reflected/backward wave pressure (Pb). Levels of PA (metabolic equivalent, minutes per week) and SIT (sitting time per day) were obtained by self-report using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS A negative correlation existed between PA and Pf (r = -0.30; P < 0.05) and Pb (r = -0.36; P < 0.05). A positive correlation existed between SIT and Pf (r = 0.39; P < 0.05) and Pb (r = 0.44; P < 0.05). According to results from multiple regression, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, height, heart rate, mean pressure) and PA, associations between SIT and Pf (P < 0.05) and SIT and Pb (P < 0.05) remained. CONCLUSIONS SIT is associated with higher forward wave pressure and backward wave pressure, 2 novel hemodynamic correlates of cardiovascular disease risk and target organ damage, in young apparently healthy men and women. This association is independent of PA.
Capital-Market-Aware LDI: Actively Navigating the De-Risking Journey

In corporate pension portfolios, de-risking from stocks to bonds is often driven by funded status, with the bond allocation increasing as funded status improves. A question naturally arises out of the practice of de-risking: If de-risking based on funded-status improvement is an effective way for plans to preserve gains, does re-risking a plan’s portfolio as funded status deteriorates prove to be an effective way to recover from losses? To answer this question, the authors compare funded-status-driven re-risking to an active re-risking strategy driven by market factors. They find that re-risking driven solely by funded status adds marginal value at the cost of potentially significant additional risk, whereas an active approach to re-risking may assist in both generating alpha versus the liability as well as mitigating downside risk.
Nano-Sized Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes: Potential Protein Carriers and Diagnostic Tools

By using a novel method of thermo-controlled emulsion polymerization, we prepared biocompatible nano-sized spherical polyelectrolyte brushes which consist of a solid polymer core and a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) shell covalently attached on the core surface densely by one end. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was employed to determine the size of the brushes and to monitor the brush growing during the preparation. The size of the brush is tunable by controlling pH and salt concentration in the solution while the pH and salt concentration inside the brush keep constant due to the polyelectrolyte Donnan effect. These nano-sized spherical polyelectrolyte brushes should be ideal candidates for protein carriers and diagnostic tools after attaching diagnostic groups inside the brushes.
How the Budget Process Works in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and Its Implications for the Korean Government

The recent recession and subsequent rescue efforts along with snowballing annual deficits and national debts in the United States have made it urgent for scholars to examine national budget processes across countries. The House Appropriations Committee is a key cog in the annual appropriations process in the United States and understanding how it behaves offers a clue for what to do with central government deficits. I offer a comprehensive review of scholarly contributions on the behavior of House Appropriation Committee since Fenno’s seminal works in 1962 and 1966. Then, I note potential lessons that these studies and U.S experiences can offer for the Korean government.
Facilitators and Barriers to the Implementation of Patient Flow Improvement Strategies

Patient flow improvement strategies have been effective in reducing emergency department (ED) crowding, but little guidance is available on the implementation process. By using a qualitative research design, our objective was to identify common facilitators and barriers to the implementation of patient flow improvement strategies and successful approaches for mitigating barriers. Six hospitals participated in an 18-month Urgent Matters learning network launched in October 2008. The hospitals selected strategies to improve patient flow that could be implemented within 3 months with measurable impact. Across 6 hospitals, 8 strategies were implemented. We conducted 2 rounds of key informant interviews with improvement teams, for a total of 129 interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by using a grounded theory approach to identify common themes. Factors facilitating implementation included participation in the learning network and strategic selection of team members. Common challenges included staff resistance and entrenched organizational culture. Some of the challenges were mitigated through approaches such as staff education and department leaders' constant reinforcement. Our findings indicate that several facilitators and barriers are common to the implementation of different strategies. Leveraging facilitators and developing a strategy to address common barriers may leave hospital and ED leaders better prepared to implement patient flow improvement strategies.
Estimating the economic impact of a political conflict on tourism: The case of the Catalan separatist challenge

As an industry, tourism tends to be extremely responsive and vulnerable to political instabilities. Recently, a political conflict occurred in Spain, a leader in international tourism. In October 2017, the regional parliament of Catalonia asserted its independence from Spain, engendering a negative impact on the tourism sector of Catalonia. The main goal of our study is to assess the economic impact of the Catalan separatist challenge on the region’s tourism sector during the last quarter of 2017. To this end, we conducted a counterfactual analysis, based on forecasts generated by a seasonal autoregressive moving average model and an artificial neural network. The forecasts allowed us to calculate the projected number of international and domestic tourist visitors that would have travelled to Catalonia, had the separatist challenge not occurred. According to our results, the Catalan tourist sector effectively forfeited close to €200 million in revenue from the international tourism market, and around €27 million in revenue from the domestic market. These amounts differ from the economic gains attained by the other Spanish Mediterranean regions that compete with Catalonia to attract tourists.
Concentration and time dependence of amphotericin B-induced permeability changes across plasma membrane vesicles from Leishmania sp.

The main purpose of this paper is to show that the polyene antibiotic amphotericin B may form two types of channels in plasma membrane vesicles from Leishmania sp. : ionic and aqueous. The experimental design was to follow the light scattering changes of a suspension of membrane vesicles under an osmotic shock. The results show that a low concentration of amphotericin B(0.2 to 0.8 microM) led to an enhancement of urea and salt permeability without affecting the total osmotic response of Leishmania vesicles. Such an increment of solute permeability induced by low concentrations of amphotericin B was 100% blocked by tetraethylammonium. Low concentrations of amphotericin B were also able to induce an enhancement of glucose permeability but only after Leishmania membrane vesicles were incubated for 15 min with the antibiotic, previous to mixing. On the other hand, high amphotericin B concentrations (greater than 0.8 microM) induced a decrease in the total extent of shrinkage of membrane vesicles immediately after its mixing with urea solutions. At this high concentration of amphotericin B the blocking of tetraethylammonium was reduced by 50%. These results support the authors' previous conclusion (1) that in ergosterol-containing membranes, amphotericin B may form two different types of channels differing in internal diameter.
The Strategy of Improvement of the Primary School Children’s Creativity based on the Ukrainian Question Research

In this article the main goal was to analyze modern approaches to the theoretical study and practical study of creativity, find out the main factors influencing the increase of the level of creativity of primary school children based on the Ukrainian question research, to visualize this qualitative analysis of the data collected and processed in the process of practical survey, testing, analysis works on the basis of the test of John Renzulli. This paper presents the results of the interpretation study of two primary schools in Ukraine. Research question that are supporting and enhancing creativity of elementary school students.
Sp7 and Runx2 molecular complex synergistically regulate expression of target genes

Abstract Runx2 and Sp7 transcription factors are essential for skeletogenesis. Targeted deletion of either gene results in failure of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Loss of bone-matrix gene expression is surprisingly similar in Sp7 and Runx2 null mice. The molecular mechanisms responsible for similar transcriptional regulation of target genes remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Runx2 and Sp7 interact physically and functionally. Both proteins are co-expressed in osteoblastic cells. We first characterized a panel of Sp7 antibodies and demonstrate that majority of the published antibodies do not recognize Sp7 protein. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that endogenous Runx2 protein physically interacts with Sp7 protein. We identified that runt homology domain (RHD) of Runx2 protein is involved in physical association with Sp7. Functional consequences of Runx2-Sp7 physical interaction was then assessed by promoter-reporter assays. We selected promoters of osteocalcin (OC), a marker of mature osteoblast and fibroblast growth factor 3 (FGF3), a signaling molecule that determine the fate of embryonic ecto-mesenchyme. Runx2 and Sp7 stimulate OC-promoter activity by 3-folds in epithelial cells. However, when both proteins were co-expressed, a dose-dependent synergistic activation of 22-folds was noted. Similar pattern of synergistic activation of OC-promoter was noted in mesenchymal cell. FGF3 promoter was activated by 25 - and 30-folds with Runx2 and Sp7 respectively. Again a dose-dependent synergistic activation of 130-folds was evident when Runx2 and Sp7 were co-expressed in epithelial cells. Synergistic activation of FGF3 promoter was also noted in mesenchymal cells. Together, our data demonstrated that Runx2–Sp7 molecular complex functionally cooperate for maximal induction of cell-phenotype-restricted genes.
Development of post‐tetanic potentiation at identified inhibitory and excitatory synapses in Aplysia

1. The development of post‐tetanic potentiation (p.t.p.) was studied at three identified synapses in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica. They are (1) the excitatory synapse made onto R15 by an axon in the right connective (RC1—R15), (2) the inhibitory synapse made by L10 onto one of its follower cells in the rostral quadrant of the left abdominal ganglion (L10—LUQC), and (3) the excitatory synapse made by L10 onto RB cells (L10—RB). Animals examined ranged from stage 11 juveniles weighing 2 mg to stage 13 adults weighing 300 g.