Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of patients hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease diagnosed in acute upper endoscopy

Objectives The incidence and complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have declined, but mortality from bleeding ulcers has remained unchanged. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the significance of PUD among patients admitted for acute upper endoscopy and to evaluate the survival of PUD patients. Patients and methods In this prospective, observational cohort study, data on 1580 acute upper endoscopy cases during 2012–2014 were collected. A total of 649 patients were included with written informed consent. Data on patients’ characteristics, living habits, comorbidities, drug use, endoscopy and short-term and long-term survival were collected. Results Of all patients admitted for endoscopy, 147/649 (23%) had PUD with the main symptom of melena. Of these PUD patients, 35% had major stigmata of bleeding (Forrest Ia–IIb) in endoscopy. Patients with major stigmata had significantly more often renal insufficiency, lower level of blood pressure with tachycardia and lower level of haemoglobin, platelets and ratio of thromboplastin time. No differences in drug use, Charlson comorbidity class, BMI, smoking or alcohol use were found. Of the PUD patients, 31% were Helicobacter pylori positive. The 30-day mortality was 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.01–4.7), 1-year mortality was 12.9% (8.4–19.5) and the 2-year mortality was 19.4% (13.8–26.8), with no difference according to major or minor stigmata of bleeding. Comorbidity (Charlson>1) was associated with decreased survival (P=0.029) and obesity (BMI≥30) was associated with better survival (P=0.023). Conclusion PUD is still the most common cause for acute upper endoscopy with very low short-term mortality. Comorbidity, but not the stigmata of bleeding, was associated with decreased long-term survival.
Effects of Root Extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides on the In Vitro Growth and Stage Distribution of Plasmodium falciparum

ABSTRACT The development of resistance by Plasmodium falciparum to conventional drugs poses a threat to malaria control. There is therefore a need to find new, effective, and affordable remedies for malaria, including those derived from plants. This study demonstrates that crude, reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)-semipurified, and RP-HPLC-purified root extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides inhibit the growth of P. falciparum in vitro, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 4.90, 1.00, and 0.13 μg/ml, respectively. Roots of F. zanthoxyloides, known as chewing sticks, are widely used for tooth cleaning in West Africa. Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained slides showed a virtual absence of schizonts in ring-stage synchronized cultures treated with crude extracts at concentrations of 30 to 60 μg/ml during 36 to 48 h of incubation. These observations suggest that the active constituent in the extract may be cytotoxic for P. falciparum trophozoites, thereby inhibiting their development to the schizont stage. A pure bioreactive fraction was subsequently obtained from the chromatographic separations. When this fraction was mixed with pure fagaronine, the mixture coeluted as a single peak on the analytical RP-HPLC column, suggesting that fagaronine may be the active antimalarial constituent of Fagara root extracts. Additional experiments showed that fagaronine also inhibited P. falciparum growth, with an IC50 of 0.018 μg/ml. The results of this study suggest that the antimalarial activity of fagaronine deserves further investigation.
Quercetin Mediates &bgr;-Catenin in Pancreatic Cancer Stem-Like Cells

Objective The aim of this study is to explore how quercetin interacts with pancreatic cancer stem-like cells and the mechanism underlying the effective quercetin-mediated suppression. Methods A model of pancreatic cancer stem-like cells was generated by using a sphere formation culture system. A comparative analysis was performed between the parent cells and pancreatic cancer stem-like cells with a related treatment strategy focusing on cancer stem cell (CSC) properties and drug-resistance–related mechanisms in vitro. Results Our data show that pancreatic cancer stem-like cells have greater resistance to gemcitabine and stronger CSC properties compared with the parent cells. In contrast to the pancreatic cancer stem-like cells, overexpression of &bgr;-catenin was observed in the parent cells. Quercetin suppressed proliferation, invasion and self-renewal capacity, and CSC surface markers expression, with alterations of &bgr;-catenin in pancreatic cancer stem-like cells. The combination of quercetin and gemcitabine can reduce tumor growth and decrease drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Conclusions &bgr;-Catenin plays an important role in maintenance and progression of pancreatic cancer. Targeting &bgr;-catenin using quercetin combined with gemcitabine may be a treatment strategy to improve prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Analysis of randomized congestion control in DSDV routing

We consider a randomized version of the Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV) routing protocol for ad hoc networks, called R-DSDV. We are concerned with the capabilities of R-DSDV with respect to distributed congestion control. We present an analytical study based on a novel approach that uses Markov chains representing the distribution of routing information over the network. Our analysis indicates that: a probabilistic congestion control scheme based on local tuning of protocol parameters is feasible; and such a mechanism can be effective in reducing the amount of traffic routed through a node which is temporarily congested. The traffic reduction is almost linear with respect to the decrease in the R-DSDV routing table advertisement rate of the congested node. On the average, the convergence time is relatively small as compared to the transmission rates of protocol messages.
Biodegradation of commercial gasoline (24% ethanol added) in liquid medium by microorganisms isolated from a landfarming site

Isolation of soil microorganisms from a landfarming site with a 19-year history of petrochemical residues disposal was carried out. After isolation, the bacteria behavior in mineral medium with 1% commercial gasoline (24% ethanol) was evaluated. Parameters employed for microorganism evaluation and selection of those with the greatest degradation potential were: microbial growth; biosurfactant generation and compound reduction in commercial gasoline. Starting from bacteria that presented the best degradation results, consortiums formed by 4 distinct microorganisms were formed. A microbial growth in the presence of commercial gasoline was observed and, for most of the bacteria, degradations of compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX) as well as biosurfactant production was observed. Ethanol was partially degraded by the bacterial isolates although the data does not allow affirming that it was degraded preferentially to the aromatic hydrocarbons investigated. The analyzed consortiums present an efficiency of 95% to 98% for most of the commercial gasoline compounds and a preferential attack to ethanol under the essay condition was not observed within 72 h.
Healthy Eating Index in Patients With Cataract: A Case-Control Study

Background: Nutritional factors play an important role in cataract disease and the healthy eating index (HEI) is a unique approach to study the relationships between diet and diseases. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate and compare healthy eating index among the patients with cataract and healthy individuals. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 97 patients with cataract and 198 healthy people (as a control group) in Iran. Individuals were selected by the convenience sampling method and the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was completed for them. At first, HEI was calculated and then the HEI scores were compared in cataract patients and healthy individuals. Results: The analysis of FFQ showed that the scores of vegetables (7.81 v. 10), nutritional variation (5.5 v. 7) and sodium (2 v. 6) groups (P < 0.001) were significantly lower among the patients with cataract than the healthy individuals. Also this significant difference was observed in the scores of total HEI and fruits (respectively 73.26 v.79.30 and 7.1 v. 9.8) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the scores of saturated fatty acids (10 v. 9; P = 0.02), total fat (8 v. 7; P = 0.004) and cereals (10 v. 10; P < 0.001) were higher among the patients with cataract than the healthy individuals. The comparison of dietary intake among all types of cataract shows that the scores of the meat group were significantly higher in the patients with nuclear cataract and mixed cataract than the ones with posterior cataract (respectively 9.4 v. 6.5 and 9 v. 6.5) (P = 0.02). In addition, after adjusting the confounding factors the results showed that the HEI high score was associated with reducing the risk of coming down with cataract (OR = 0.18, CI: 95%, P < 0.001, 0.08 - 0.41). Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that increasing the quality of the diet calculated according to HEI can reduce the risk of coming down with cataract.
Control of p53 multimerization by Ubc13 is JNK-regulated

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a key regulator of cellular proliferation and survival whose function is tightly regulated at the levels of transcription and protein stability. Here, we unveil the fine control of p53 on translationally active polysomes. We have previously reported that Ubc13, an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, directly regulates p53 localization and transcriptional activity. We now demonstrate that the association of p53 and Ubc13 on polysomes requires ongoing translation and results in p53 ubiquitination that interferes with its tetramerization. JNK phosphorylation of p53 at Threonine 81 occurring on polysomes is required for the dissociation of Ubc13 from p53, leading to p53 multimerization and transcriptional activation. Inhibition of JNK activity or expression of a nonphosphorylatable mutant of p53 maintains an Ubc13-p53 complex that inhibits p53 multimerization. Our findings reveal a layer in the regulation of p53 multimerization that requires the concerted action of JNK and Ubc13 on polysome-bound p53.
Nearby early-type galaxies with ionized gas. III. Analysis of line-strength indices with new stellar

Aims. The paper is devoted to the study of the underlying stellar population of a sample of 65 nearby early-type galaxies, predominantly located in low density environments, a large fraction of which show emission lines. Methods. Ages, metallicities, and [ α /Fe] ratios have been derived through the comparison of Lick indices measured at different galacto-centric distances (7 apertures and 4 gradients) with new simple stellar population (SSP) models that account for the presence of α /Fe-enhancement. The SSPs cover a wide range of ages ($10^{9}{-}16$ $\times$ 10 9 yr), metallicities (0.0004 ≤ Z ≤ 0.05), and [ α /Fe] ratios (0–0.8). To derive the stellar population parameters, we use an algorithm that provides, together with the most likely solution in the (age, Z , [ α /Fe] ) space, the probability density function along the age-metallicity degeneracy. Results. We derive a large spread in age, with SSP-equivalent ages ranging from a few to 15 Gyr. Age does not show any significant trend with central velocity dispersion $\sigma_{\rm c}$, but E galaxies appear on average older than lenticulars. On the contrary, a significant increasing trend of metallicity and [ α /Fe] with $\sigma_{\rm c}$ is observed, testifying that the chemical enrichment was more efficient and the duration of the star formation shorter in more massive galaxies. These latter two relations do not depend on galaxy morphological type. We have also sought possible correlations with the local galaxy density $\rho_{xyz}$, but neither metallicity nor α -enhancement show clear trends. However, we find that while low density environments (LDE) ($\rho_{xyz} \le 0.4$) contain very young objects (from 1 Gyr to 4 Gyr), none of the galaxies in the higher density environments (HDE) (40% of galaxies with a measured density) is younger than 5 Gyr. Considering the lack of environmental effect on the [ α /Fe] ratio and the high value of [ α /Fe] in some young massive objects, we argue that young galaxies in LDE are more likely due to recent rejuvenation episodes. By comparing the number of “rejuvenated” objects with the total number of galaxies in our sample, and by means of simple two-SSP component models, we estimate that, on average, the rejuvenation episodes do not involve more than 25% of the total galaxy mass. The good quality of the data also allow us to analyze the gradients of stellar populations. An average negative metallicity gradient $\Delta \log Z/\Delta \log (r/r_{\rm e}) \sim -0.21$ is firmly detected, while the age and α -enhancement spatial distributions within r e /2 appear quite flat. These observations suggest that, in a given galaxy, the star formation proceeded on similar timescales all across the central r e /2 region, but with an increasing efficiency toward the center.
Antiviral Protection via RdRP-Mediated Stable Activation of Innate Immunity

For many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, definitive solutions via sterilizing adaptive immunity may require years or decades to develop, if they are even possible. The innate immune system offers alternative mechanisms that do not require antigen-specific recognition or a priori knowledge of the causative agent. However, it is unclear whether effective stable innate immune system activation can be achieved without triggering harmful autoimmunity or other chronic inflammatory sequelae. Here, we show that transgenic expression of a picornavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), in the absence of other viral proteins, can profoundly reconfigure mammalian innate antiviral immunity by exposing the normally membrane-sequestered RdRP activity to sustained innate immune detection. RdRP-transgenic mice have life-long, quantitatively dramatic upregulation of 80 interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and show profound resistance to normally lethal viral challenge. Multiple crosses with defined knockout mice (Rag1, Mda5, Mavs, Ifnar1, Ifngr1, and Tlr3) established that the mechanism operates via MDA5 and MAVS and is fully independent of the adaptive immune system. Human cell models recapitulated the key features with striking fidelity, with the RdRP inducing an analogous ISG network and a strict block to HIV-1 infection. This RdRP-mediated antiviral mechanism does not depend on secondary structure within the RdRP mRNA but operates at the protein level and requires RdRP catalysis. Importantly, despite lifelong massive ISG elevations, RdRP mice are entirely healthy, with normal longevity. Our data reveal that a powerfully augmented MDA5-mediated activation state can be a well-tolerated mammalian innate immune system configuration. These results provide a foundation for augmenting innate immunity to achieve broad-spectrum antiviral protection.
Prey-Capture Strategies of Fish-Hunting Cone Snails : Behavior , Neurobiology and Evolution

The venomous fish-hunting cone snails (Conus) comprise eight distinct lineages evolved from ancestors that preyed on worms. In this article, we attempt to reconstruct events resulting in this shift in food resource by closely examining patterns of behavior, biochemical agents (toxins) that facilitate prey capture and the combinations of toxins present in extant species. The first sections introduce three different hunting behaviors associated with piscivory: ‘taser-and-tether’, ‘net-engulfment’ and ‘strike-and-stalk’. The first two fish-hunting behaviors are clearly associated with distinct groups of venom components, called cabals, which act in concert to modify the behavior of prey in a specific manner. Derived fish-hunting behavior clearly also correlates with physical features of the radular tooth, the device that injects these biochemical components. Mapping behavior, biochemical components and radular tooth features onto phylogenetic trees shows that fish-hunting behavior emerged at least twice during evolution. The system presented here may be one of the best examples where diversity in structure, physiology and molecular features were initially driven by particular pathways selected through behavior. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel Published online: September 24, 2015 Baldomero M. Olivera Department of Biology, University of Utah 257 South 1400 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112 (USA) E-Mail olivera @ biology.utah. edu © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel 0006–8977/15/0861–0058$39.50/0
The Relation Between Knowledge About Hypertension and Education in Hospitalized Patients With Stroke in Vienna

Background and Purpose— Knowledge about hypertension and its control influences blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. We assessed these parameters in a large cohort of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and analyzed their association with educational attainment. Methods— Five hundred ninety-one consecutive patients with stroke with a medical history of hypertension were interviewed about knowledge concerning hypertension within a multicenter hospital-based stroke registry. We analyzed answers in relation to educational level with multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age and sex. Results— Seventy-seven percent of the patients stated to have known about hypertension being a risk factor for stroke, but only 30% felt at increased risk of stroke. Less than half (47%) could identify 140 mm Hg or less as the maximum tolerated systolic blood pressure, and 53% had their blood pressure only controlled monthly or less often. Knowledge of possible consequences of myocardial infarction, nephropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and retinopathy was 64%, 20%, 11%, and 16%, respectively. Approximately half of patients were acquainted with the nonpharmacologic treatment options of physical activity (49%), reduction of salt intake (54%), and reduction of caloric intake (48%), whereas relaxation techniques were only known to 17%. Adherence to those treatment options ranged from 42% to 67%. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of increased risk, possible consequences of hypertension, and knowledge about nonmedication treatment options. Conclusion— Knowledge in our population was insufficient and partly associated with educational level, leaving much room for improvement by educational campaigns. Furthermore, we found a gap between knowledge of the increased risk for stroke in patients with hypertension and awareness of their own risk.
Gender, culture and determinants of behavioural intents to adopt mobile commerce among the Y Generation in transition economies: evidence from Kazakhstan

This study investigates perceived risk and trust in relationship to the Diffusion of Innovation Theory [Rogers, E.M. , 1962. Diffusion of innovations. Glencoe, IL: The Free Press; 1983. Diffusion of innovations. 3rd ed. New York: The Free Press] from a cultural perspective to understand the determinants of behavioural intent to adopt mobile commerce among the Y Generation in Kazakhstan. Surveys from 345 university-level students and subsequent structural equation modelling revealed perceived risk, trustworthiness and Rogers’ five innovation characteristics are important determinants. Perceived risk and trustworthiness are important determinants because of the high uncertainty avoidance characteristics of the Kazakh society. This study advances theory regarding culture- and generation-based characteristics to transition economies by verifying theoretical proposition regarding the behavioural intent towards mobile commerce adoption, resulting in a greater understanding of mobile commerce adoption among the Y Generation in transition economies. Marketing implications are discussed.
Automated Functional Imaging for Assessment of Left Ventricular Mechanics in the Presence of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Increased left ventricular (LV) mass is a well‐known independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Even though these patients have an increased risk of LV diastolic dysfunction; recent data have suggested the presence of subtle LV systolic abnormalities. This study sought to demonstrate if a novel speckle tracking automated functional imaging (AFI) tool would be useful in identifying differences in strain generation between patients with normal and increased LV wall mass.
Interferon, double-stranded RNA, and protein phosphorylation.

We reported earlier that the addition of double-stranded RNA and ATP increases the endonuclease activity more in an extract of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells which have been treated with an interferon preparation than in a comparable extract from control cells. We report here that the addition of double-stranded RNA to an extract from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells which have been treated with an interferon preparation [or with the interferon inducer poly(I)-poly(C)] promotes the phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]ATP of at least two proteins: P1 (molecular weight of 64,000) and P2 (molecular weight of 37,000). Double-stranded RNA also promotes the phosphorylation of at least one (i.e., P1) of these two proteins in an extract from cells which have not been treated with interferon, but the extent of phosphorylation is much smaller. Double-stranded RNA which has been degraded by RNase III, or DNA, does not promote the phosphorylation.
Large eccentric strength increase using the Copenhagen Adduction exercise in football: A randomized controlled trial

Hip adductor injuries are frequent in football, and players with low adductor strength appear to be at increased risk of injury. High adductor muscle activity has been shown in the Copenhagen Adduction exercise (CA); however, an associated strength gain has not been investigated. This study aims to examine the eccentric hip adduction strength (EHAD) gain using the CA in‐season. Two U‐19 sub‐elite football teams, including 24 football players, were randomized to either an 8‐week supervised progressive training program in addition to the usual training (intervention) or to continue training as usual (control). EHAD, eccentric hip abduction strength (EHAB), and side‐bridge endurance were measured using reliable test procedures at baseline and follow‐up by a blinded tester. There was a significant interaction between group and time on EHAD, EHAB, and EHAD/EHAB ratio (P < 0.025). The intervention group demonstrated a 35.7% increase in EHAD (P < 0.001); a 20.3% increase in EHAB (P = 0.003), and 12.3% increase in EHAD/EHAB ratio (P = 0.019). No significant within‐group differences were found in the control group (P > 0.335). Compliance was 91.25%, and median muscle soreness ranged from 0 to 2. The CA implemented in‐season with an 8‐week progressive training program elicited a large significant increase in EHAD, EHAB, and EHAD/EHAB ratio.
Precipitation Response to the Gulf Stream in an Atmospheric GCM

Abstract The precipitation response to sea surface temperature (SST) gradients associated with the Gulf Stream is investigated using an atmospheric general circulation model. Forced by observed SST, the model simulates a narrow band of precipitation, surface convergence, and evaporation that closely follows the Gulf Stream, much like satellite observations. Such a Gulf Stream rainband disappears in the model when the SST front is removed by horizontally smoothing SST. The analysis herein shows that it is convective precipitation that is sensitive to SST gradients. The Gulf Stream anchors a convective rainband by creating surface wind convergence and intensifying surface evaporation on the warmer flank. Deep convection develops near the Gulf Stream in summer when the atmosphere is conditionally unstable. As a result, a narrow band of upward velocity develops above the Gulf Stream throughout the troposphere in summer, while it is limited to the lower troposphere in other seasons.