Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of telomerase activity in exfoliated human urothelial cells of transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder

Introduction: The present study was planned to evaluate the clinical utility of urinary telomerase activity in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of urinary bladder and provides a non-invasive diagnostic test for the detection and monitoring of urinary bladder cancer (UBC), especially low-grade tumors and recurrent bladder tumors. Methodology: Quantitative analysis of telomerase activity was evaluated using the SYBR Green real-time quantitative telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) in exfoliated cells of urine obtained from 148 patients with UBC, 37 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 30 healthy subjects. The quantitative levels of urinary telomerase activity were evaluated with comparison of standard curve obtained from serial dilutions of telomerase-positive telomerase substrate oligonucleotide (TSR) template. Results: Telomerase activity was found to be positive in 72.0% (67 of 93) of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and 83.6% (46 of 55) of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. Thus overall 76.3% (113 of 148) UBC patients were found to be positive for telomerase activity expression. Urinary telomerase activity was detected in 75.3% (52 of 69) patients with low grade and, 77.2% (61 of 79) with high grade TCC of bladder tumors respectively. Telomerase activity was detected in significantly higher number of primary UBC patients as compared to recurrent UBC patients (83.2% vs. 16.8%, p=0.004). Conclusions: Quantitative analysis of telomerase activity in exfoliated urothelial cells using SYBR Green real-time quantitative TRAP could be a minimally invasive and useful method for detecting UBC.
Antropometría y niveles de vida en el Madrid rural, 1837-1915

This article deals with the heights of cohorts born between 1837 and 1915 in the rural areas surrounding Madrid. Important differences across regions are found at the beginning of the period considered. Those differences started to fade from mid nineteenth century in coincidence with the building of the railways network. Available evidence shows that Madrid City did not suffer any urban penalty in the nutritional status of its population during 1837-1867. The Body Mass Index, calculated from the conscription of 1912, clearly reflects a recent correct nutrition for the modern standards, at least in terms of calories, what contrasts with the persistence of relatively low heights.
Argumentation, dialogue and conflicting moral economies in post-1989 Romania: an argument against the trade union movement

This article analyzes a representative newspaper article on transition to a market economy in Romania, in particular on the role of the trade union movement, by H. -R. Patapievici, a prominent public intellectual. The analytical framework combines critical discourse analysis (CDA), theories of argumentation, in particular pragma-dialectics, and a theory of modality in terms of distinct types of ‘conversational backgrounds’ of premises that arguers draw on in reasoning. I propose this integrated framework as an original contribution to the development of CDA as a method of textual analysis. I discuss a variety of argumentative fallacies and the way in which they prevent substantive dialogue with a range of relevant views. I relate the protagonist’s ‘strategic maneuvering’ to the pursuit of political strategies and to particular forms of recontextualization of liberal discourses in post-communism. I analyze the normative backgrounds that underlie argumentation in terms of conflicting moral economies and the way in which ‘strategic maneuvering’ functions to obscure ethical perspectives grounded in social justice and individual rights, and universalize and naturalize a particular ideological and moral perspective.
Promotion of peripheral nerve regeneration of a peptide compound hydrogel scaffold

Background Peripheral nerve injury is a common trauma, but presents a significant challenge to the clinic. Silk-based materials have recently become an important biomaterial for tissue engineering applications due to silk’s biocompatibility and impressive mechanical and degradative properties. In the present study, a silk fibroin peptide (SF16) was designed and used as a component of the hydrogel scaffold for the repair of peripheral nerve injury. Methods The SF16 peptide’s structure was characterized using spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy, and the SF16 hydrogel was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the SF16 hydrogel on the viability and growth of live cells was first assessed in vitro, on PC12 cells. The in vivo test model involved the repair of a nerve gap with tubular nerve guides, through which it was possible to identify if the SF16 hydrogel would have the potential to enhance nerve regeneration. In this model physiological saline was set as the negative control, and collagen as the positive control. Walking track analysis and electrophysiological methods were used to evaluate the functional recovery of the nerve at 4 and 8 weeks after surgery. Results Analysis of the SF16 peptide’s characteristics indicated that it consisted of a well-defined secondary structure and exhibited self-assembly. Results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the peptide based hydrogel may represent a porous scaffold that is viable for repair of peripheral nerve injury. Analysis of cell culture also supported that the hydrogel was an effective matrix to maintain the viability, morphology and proliferation of PC12 cells. Electrophysiology demonstrated that the use of the hydrogel scaffold (SF16 or collagen) resulted in a significant improvement in amplitude recovery in the in vivo model compared to physiological saline. Moreover, nerve cells in the SF16 hydrogel group displayed greater axon density, larger average axon diameter and thicker myelin compared to those of the group that received physiological saline. Conclusion The SF16 hydrogel scaffold may promote excellent axonal regeneration and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury, and the SF16 peptide may be a candidate for nerve tissue engineering applications.
Enhancing Electricity Audits in Residential Buildings with Nonintrusive Load Monitoring

Nonintrusive load monitoring (NILM) is a technique for deducing the power consumption and operational schedule of individual loads in a building from measurements of the overall voltage and current feeding it, using information and communication technologies. In this article, we review the potential of this technology to enhance residential electricity audits. First, we review the currently commercially available whole‐house and plug‐level technology for residential electricity monitoring in the context of supporting audits. We then contrast this with NILM and show the advantages and disadvantages of the approach by discussing results from a prototype system installed in an apartment unit. Recommendations for improving the technology to allow detailed, continuous appliance‐level auditing of residential buildings are provided, along with ideas for possible future work in the field.
A Characterization of Factors Determining Postoperative Ileus After Laparoscopic Colectomy Enables the Generation of a Novel Predictive Score

Background/Objective:Postoperative ileus (POI) after colorectal surgery is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased costs. The aim of this study is to investigate pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors associated with the development of POI in patients undergoing laparoscopic partial colectomy. Methods:Patients operated between 2004 and 2008 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database, and clinical, metabolic, and pharmacologic data were obtained. Postoperative ileus was defined as the absence of bowel function for 5 or more days or the need for reinsertion of a nasogastric tube after starting oral diet in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Associations between likelihood of POI and study variables were assessed univariably by using &khgr;2 tests, Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression models. A scoring system for prediction of POI was constructed by using a multivariable logistic regression model based on forward stepwise selection of preoperative factors. Results:A total of 413 patients (mean age, 58 years; 53.5% women) were included, and 42 (10.2%) of them developed POI. Preoperative albumin, postoperative deep-vein thrombosis, and electrolyte levels were associated with POI. Age, previous abdominal surgery, and chronic preoperative use of narcotics were independently correlated with POI on multivariate analysis, which allowed the creation of a predictive score. Patients with a score of 2 or higher had an 18.3% risk of POI (P < 0.001). Conclusion:Postoperative ileus after laparoscopic partial colectomy is associated with specific preoperative and postoperative factors. The likelihood of POI can be predicted by using a preoperative scoring system. Addressing the postoperative factors may be expected to reduce the incidence of this common complication in high-risk patients.
Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) on In Vitro Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Oocyte Maturation, Cumulus Expansion, Hyaluronan Synthases, and Connexins 32 and 43 Expression, and GH Receptor Messenger RNA Expression in Equine and Porcine Species1

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the role of growth hormone (GH) on in vitro cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in equine and porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), and to approach its way of action. Equine COCs were cultured in a control medium (TCM199, 5 mg/ml BSA, 1 μg/ml estradiol, and antibiotics) supplemented with either 0.5 μg/ml equine GH or 5 μg/ml equine LH. Porcine COCs were cultured in a basal medium (TCM199 with 570 μM cysteamine) supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1 μg/ml porcine GH or in a control medium (basal medium with 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor and 400 ng/ml FSH) supplemented with 0 or 0.5 μg/ml porcine GH. After culture, cumulus expansion and nuclear stage were assessed. The cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes was evaluated by in vitro fertilization and development for 7 days. The modifications of the expression of proteins implicated in cumulus expansion were analyzed in equine COCs by SDS-PAGE with antibodies against connexins 32 and 43 and hyaluronan synthases (Has) 1, 2, and 3. The expression of GH receptor mRNA was studied in oocytes and cumulus cells of the two species using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with specific primers. The addition of GH in maturation medium increased cumulus expansion in equine but not porcine COCs. It improved nuclear maturation in equine and porcine, but had no effect on porcine fertilization and embryo development. The GH receptor mRNA was detected in equine and porcine oocytes and cumulus cells. GH did not influence the expression of Has 1, Has 3, and connexin 43 in equine cumulus cells.
Estimation of the cumulated exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans and standardized mortality ratio analysis of cancer mortality by dose in an occupationally exposed cohort.

For a cohort of 1189 male German former herbicide and insecticide workers with exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDD/F), we report an extended standardized mortality ratio (SMR) analysis based on a new quantitative exposure index. This index characterizes the cumulative lifetime exposure by integrating the estimated concentration of PCDD/F at every point in time (area under the curve). Production department-specific dose rates were derived from blood levels and working histories of 275 workers by applying a first-order kinetic model. These dose rates were used to estimate exposure levels for all cohort members. Total mortality was elevated in the cohort; 413 deaths yielded an SMR of 1.15 (95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.05, 1.27) compared to the mortality of the population of Germany. Overall cancer mortality (n = 124) was significantly increased (SMR = 1.41, 95% Cl 1.17, 1.68). Various cancer sites showed significantly increased SMRs. The exposure index was used for an SMR analysis of total cancer mortality by dose. For 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) a significant trend (p = 0.01) for the SMRs with increasing cumulative PCDD/F exposure was observed. The SMR in the first exposure quartile (0-125.2 ng/kg x years) was 1.24 (95% Cl 0.82, 1.79), increasing to 1.73 (95% Cl 1.21, 2.40) in the last quartile (> or = 2503.0 ng/kg x years). For all congeners combined as toxic equivalencies (TEQ) using international toxic equivalency factors, a significant increase in cancer mortality was observed in the second quartile (360.9-1614.4 ng/kg x years, SMR 1.64; 95% Cl 1.13, 2.29) and the fourth quartile (> or = 5217.7 ng/kg x years TEQ, SMR 1.64, 95% Cl 1.13, 2.29). The trend test was not significant. The results justify the use of this cohort for a quantitative risk assessment for TCDD and to a lesser extent for TEQ. ImagesFigure 1
Characterization of bZip-Type Transcription Factor AtfA with Reference to Stress Responses of Conidia of Aspergillus nidulans

Microorganisms growing in natural habitats are permanently confronted with a wide variety of external stresses. In fungi, including Aspergillus nidulans, one of the general and ultimate strategies to survive in harsh habitats is the development of stress-tolerant conidia. In this study, we found that one of the basic-region leucine zipper transcription factors, named AtfA, plays a crucial role in the acquisition of tolerance against oxidative and heat stress on conidia, but not on mycelia, although this factor is not involved in asexual development per se.
Expression of LDL receptor, VLDL receptor, LDL receptor-related protein, and scavenger receptor in rabbit atherosclerotic lesions: marked induction of scavenger receptor and VLDL receptor expression during lesion development.

BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic lesions contain foam cells that arise from monocyte-macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by excessive uptake of lipoproteins. There are many candidate receptors for the lipid accumulation, such as LDL receptor (LDLR), VLDL receptor (VLDLR), LDL receptor-related protein (LRP), and scavenger receptors (SRs). However, little quantitative information exists on the expression of these receptors in normal and atherosclerotic arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS Competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization were used for the studies in New Zealand White (NZW) and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit aortic intima-medias. NZW rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 0 (control group), 3, 6, or 14 weeks. LDLR mRNA expression was low in aortic intima-medias of all groups. Of the analyzed receptors, LRP had the highest expression in the control group, and its mRNA was induced threefold in the 14-week group, the aortas of which had extensive lesions. SR expression was low and VLDLR expression moderate in the control group. Both receptors were highly induced during cholesterol feeding (SRs, 3-fold and 270-fold induction; VLDLR, 15-fold and 100-fold induction in the 3-week and 14-week groups, respectively). Comparable results were obtained from WHHL rabbits: high basal LRP mRNA in normal intima-medias; moderate induction of LRP and marked induction of SRs and VLDLR in fatty streaks and fatty plaques. In situ hybridization indicated that LRP and VLDLR were expressed in SMCs and macrophages. VLDLR expression was also observed in endothelial cells. SR expression was detected only in macrophages. CONCLUSIONS SR and VLDLR mRNAs were highly induced in atherosclerotic lesions. VLDLR and LRP may be involved in the formation of both SMC-and macrophage-derived foam cells, whereas SRs play an important role in lipid uptake in macrophages.
Some are more ‘equal’ than others: heteronormativity in the post-White era of financial remedies

This paper, through conducting an analysis of the decisions of White, Miller/McFarlane and Radmacher, argues that the courts have adopted a somewhat erratic approach as to what amounts to a fair division of assets. However, in consistently presenting heterosexual marriage as entailing the performance of different (and sometimes hierarchical) roles by husbands and wives, the courts have been relying upon stereotypes and bolstering heteronormativity. This article proposes that civil partnership dissolution matters appear to present an opportunity to pose new challenges relating to the traditional gender binary. Yet, the first case of its kind, Lawrence v Gallagher, indicates that aspects of the pre-existing normative framework are already being applied to same sex relationships. The paper argues that the normative function of family law must be considered when judgments are made about asset division, and that being supportive of individuals' pursuit of their preferred choices may ultimately prove more ‘egalitarian’.
Students’ educational level and their goal choices, self-efficacy, motivation, and writing performance

This study sought to survey the potential effect of Iranian EFL learners’ educational level on their motivation, self-efficacy, choice of goals, and writing achievement. To conduct such a research, a group of 93 university students (MA = 38, BA = 55) took part. The study was implemented in two levels. At level one, students’ goal choice was surveyed by presenting them three levels (A, B, and C) as their goals for writing in which they had the choice to select one of these levels as their choice and model. The second level was based on three questionnaires gathered from the same students prior to writing examination. The findings of the study revealed that MA learners exhibited higher level of English and General self-efficacy and motivation. In addition, MAs surpassed BAs in writing scores and selected the most challenging goal as compared to BAs who preferred to pick the easy goal.
Do Effects of Social-Emotional Learning Programs Vary by Level of Parent Participation? Evidence From the Randomized Trial of INSIGHTS

ABSTRACT Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs aim to improve students' social-emotional competencies in order to enhance their achievement. Although SEL programs typically implement classroom curricula, some programs also include a component for parents. Yet, little is known about the types of parents likely to participate in services, and whether parent participation moderates program effects on student outcomes in low-income urban schools. This article aims to fill these gaps in the literature using data from the randomized trial of the SEL program INSIGHTS into Children's Temperament (N = 435 parent/child dyads), which was conducted in 22 low-income urban elementary schools during children's kindergarten and first-grade year. Descriptive findings revealed that children at lower risk for poor achievement had parents who were more likely to participate in program services. In addition, findings from inverse probability of treatment-weighting models demonstrated larger effects of INSIGHTS on academic, attentional, and behavioral outcomes for children whose parents participated at lower rates. Implications for prevention science and SEL program implementation and scale-up are discussed.
Assembléias de foraminíferos e tecamebas associadas a análises sedimentológicas e microbiológicas no delta do rio Paraíba do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Three environmental sectors were defined in Paraiba do Sul Delta located in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro State based on assemblaged of foraminifera and the camoebians associated with sediment and microbiological analysis. The DCA analysis showed that bacterial carbon and mud sediment were the most influent environmental analysis in assemblage's distribution. Sector I – composed by agglutinated foraminifera species, diversity index variable, aero and anaerobic bacteria metabolic activity and sandy-silt sediment; Sector II - composed by a mix of foraminifera and tecamoebians species, showing high values of diversity index, aerobic bacteria metabolic activity in some places and sand poorly selected sedimentation. Sector III - characterized by only tecamoebians assemblages, high bacterial carbon concentration and poorly selected sandy sediment. This sector accounted for the fresh water environment. These data reflect the hydrodynamics behavior of the area and can be used in diagnostic studies of environmental and ecosystem vulnerability, as well as basis for paleoenvironmental studies of the delta.
Why Bother with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

This paper argues that the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) matters on at least six interrelated levels. First, SoTL matters because learning matters, and SoTL can help students learn more effectively. Second, it offers professors the tools to more effectively share their disciplinary passions. Third, it offers faculty an avenue for continued intellectual growth. Fourth, SoTL can build strong crossdisciplinary communities that enliven the intellectual climate. Fifth, it can inform institutional policymaking. Finally, SoTL matters even when it does not directly transform institutional policy, because SoTL embodies a spirit of pedagogical innovation that enlivens the quest for learning and reminds us why it is worth pursuing.
Complementary clinical benefits of coronary-artery stenting and blockade of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors. Evaluation of Platelet IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Stenting Investigators.

BACKGROUND Inhibition of the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor with the monoclonal-antibody fragment abciximab reduces the acute ischemic complications associated with percutaneous coronary revascularization, whereas coronary-stent implantation reduces restenosis. We conducted a trial to determine the efficacy of abciximab and stent implantation in improving long-term outcome. METHODS A total of 2399 patients were randomly assigned to stent implantation and placebo, stent implantation and abciximab, or balloon angioplasty and abciximab. The patients were followed for six months. RESULTS At six months, the incidence of the composite end point of death or myocardial infarction was 11.4 percent in the group that received a stent and placebo, as compared with 5.6 percent in the group that received a stent and abciximab (hazard ratio, 0.47; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.33 to 0.68; P<0.001) and 7.8 percent in the group assigned to balloon angioplasty and abciximab (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.49 to 0.92; P=0.01). The hazard ratio for stenting plus abciximab as compared with angioplasty plus abciximab was 0.70 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.48 to 1.04; P=0.07). The rate of repeated revascularization of the target vessel was 10.6 percent in the stent-plus-placebo group, as compared with 8.7 percent in the stent-plus-abciximab group (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.59 to 1.13; P=0.22) and 15.4 percent in the angioplasty-plus-abciximab group (hazard ratio, 1.49; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.97; P=0.005). The hazard ratio for stenting plus abciximab as compared with angioplasty plus abciximab was 0.55 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.41 to 0.74; P<0.001). Among patients with diabetes, the combination of abciximab and stenting was associated with a lower rate of repeated target-vessel revascularization (8.1 percent) than was stenting and placebo (16.6 percent, P=0.02) or angioplasty and abciximab (18.4 percent, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS For coronary revascularization, abciximab and stent implantation confer complementary long-term clinical benefits.