Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer as a tissue: The significance of cancer‐stromal interactions in the development, morphogenesis and progression of human upper digestive tract cancer

We review the significance of cancer‐stromal interactions (CSIs) in the development, morphogenesis and progression of human gastric and esophageal cancer based on the data obtained from co‐culture experiments. Orthotopic fibroblasts in the gastric cancer stroma not only promoted their growth by cancer cells but were also responsible for the mobility, morphogenesis and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the cancer cells through CSI. Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells could be part of the origin of cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of the gastric cancer providing an advantageous microenvironment for the restoration of cancer stem cells with the induction of the EMT. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) may differentiate from bone marrow‐derived monocytes/macrophages within the tumor microenvironment of esophageal cancer and participate in the growth and the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). Macrophages infiltrated into the intraepithelial neoplastic lesions of the esophagus may function as a biological promoter by promoting the growth and motility of squamous epithelia. Tumor cells build up “cancer as a tissue” by taking advantage of the existing network of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines through the interactions of TAMs, CAFs and cancer cells themselves.
Volatile organic compound discrimination using nanostructured polythiophene sensors

New synthesis methods have allowed us to make many semiconducting polythiophenes polymers with different side and end groups. Also, co-polymers combining a polythiophene chain attached to another polymer chain were synthesized. This design freedom brings a new dimensionality to the sensing properties of the materials. Single chip micro sensor resistor arrays, utilizing multiple polymers, were fabricated and then tested in an automated system. The sensors demonstrated ppm level sensitivity to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including both polar and non-polar materials. Polymers with different chemical structures show strong selectivity to different VOCs. By applying pattern recognition algorithms, the sensor response clearly discriminates between the tested VOCs allowing us to conjecture as to the role molecular modification have in determining response to specific VOCs
The Role of Risk of Malignancy Index in the Preoperative Assessment of Patients with Adnexal Masses

Background: Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death from gynaecologic malignancies. Efficiency of care for ovarian cancer patients can be improved by standardizing preoperative evaluation. The Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) was developed for referral of relevant patients to gynaecologic oncologic centres. The main advantage of this method is that the RMI is a simple scoring system that can be applied directly into clinical practice without the introduction of expensive or complicated methods. The aim of is study is to determine the accuracy of the RMI to discriminate between benign lesions and malignant adnexal masses in gynaecologic practice. Methods: One hundred eighty cases 120 premenopausal and 60 postmenopausal presented by adnexal masses was included and assessed using RMI. All patients underwent exploration and histopathological results of the masses were correlated with RMI. Results: Comparing RMI to the results of histopathology, we found that there was statistical highly significant difference between types of adnexal masses concerning RMI in premenopausal and in postmenopausal women (p<0.001). Validating RMI as predictors in patients of adnexal masses using the standard cutoff point of the RCOG (250) at this study showed sensitivity of 70.5%, specificity of 93.5%, positive and negative predictive value was 91.2% and 76.8% respectively with an overall accuracy of 82.2%. Validating RMI using a cutoff point of 126.75 showed sensitivity and specificity to be 88.6% and 90.2% respectively, positive and negative predictive value was 89.7% and 89.2% respectively with an overall accuracy of 89.4%. Conclusion: Due to simplicity of its components RMI can be evaluated easily and it is mandatory to be applied in clinical practice by any gynecologist. [Hosam M.Hemeda, Khalid K.Ali and Khalid A. Onsil. The Role of Risk of Malignancy Index in the Preoperative Assessment of Patients with Adnexal Masses. Life Sci J 2014;11(1):241-246]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 36
Experiences of nursing home staff using the targeted interdisciplinary model for evaluation and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms (TIME) – a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background/Aims: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia pose great challenges for residents and staff in nursing homes. The Targeted Interdisciplinary Model for Evaluation and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (TIME) has recently in a randomized controlled trial demonstrated reductions in NPS. We explored the participating staff's experiences with the model and how it meets the challenges when dealing with the complexity of NPS. Methods: Three to six months after the end of the intervention, we interviewed 32 of the caregivers, leaders, and physicians participating in the trial, in five focus groups. We used thematic content analysis. Results: The analysis yielded two main themes: (1) a systematic reflection method enhanced learning at work; (2) the structure of the approach helped staff to cope with NPS in residents with dementia. Conclusion: TIME shifts the way of learning for the staff from a traditional to a more innovative and reflection-based learning through a process of learning how to learn at work. The staff's experienced increased coping in their approach to complex problems. Our results emphasise the importance of a structured and biopsychosocial approach to NPS in clinical practice. Future research should explore models for integrating situated learning in daily routines in nursing homes.
Control of input-output contact systems

Abstract Control input-output contact systems are the representation of open irreversible Thermodynamic systems whose geometric structure is defined by Gibbs' relation. These systems are called conservative if furthermore they leave invariant a particular Legendre submanifold defining their thermodynamic properties. In this paper we address the stabilization of controlled input-output contact systems. Firstly it is shown that it is not possible to achieve stability on the complete Thermodynamic Phase Space. As a consequence, the stabilization is addressed on some invariant Legendre submanifold of the closed-loop system. For structure preserving feedback of input-output contact systems, i.e., for the class of feedback that renders the closed-loop system again a contact system, the closed-loop invariant Legendre submanifolds have been characterized. The stability of the closed-loop system has then been proved using Lyapunov's second method. The results are illustrated on the classical thermodynamic process of heat transfer between two compartments and an exterior control.
Renal protective effect of Paeoniflorin by inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in diabetic mice.

Paeoniflorin is the main bioactive components of the root of P.lactiflora Pall. , and has been widely used as an anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory agent. However, the effect and mechanisms of Paeoniflorin in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains to be elucidated. In the present study, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice model was used to investigate the protective effect of Paeoniflorin and the role of the Janus kinase (JAK) 2/signal transducer (STAT) 3 signaling pathway on DN. After treatment with Paeoniflorin at a dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg once a day for 12 weeks, both the functional and histological damage to diabetic mice kidney had been attenuated significantly. Additionally, these reno-protective effects were associated with alleviating macrophage infiltration and inflammatory factors expression as well as suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. These data reveal that Paeoniflorin attenuates renal lesions in diabetic mice and these protective effects may be associated with the prevention of macrophage infiltration and inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN INDOOR AIR AND INDOOR DUST IN OTTAWA RESIDENCES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

Potentially-harmful chemicals could be released from many indoor materials, including consumer products and building materials, into indoor environments. Semi-volatile chemicals (SVOCs) due to their lower vapor pressure, are often present, either primarily in indoor dust or in both indoor air and indoor dust. Several types of SVOCs have been measured in indoor air and indoor dust of Ottawa residential homes. This paper reports the summary results with focuses on the relative levels among the several types of SVOCs, their concentration ratios in air and dust, and the potential for human exposure through inhalation of indoor air and ingestion of indoor dust for different age groups. The integrated data of indoor air and indoor dust provides a more complete picture of human non-dietary exposure to these SVOCs. The results showed several orders of magnitude difference in indoor levels among SVOCs with phthalates being the most predominant ones, and also showed correlation between the octanol-air partition coefficient and the distribution of contaminants in air and dust. The estimated daily intake of SVOCs also indicated the greater exposure of children to SVOCs in dust on per body weight basis.
Proximate composition, mineral content, and antioxidant properties of 14 Mexican weeds used as fodder

Many wild weeds are used in Mexico as fodder. Due to their economic value, this investigation was undertaken to determine the chemical composition of 14 species. The mineral, crude protein, fiber, and total phenolic content, as well as the antioxidant activity, was determined. There was a significant variation in the mineral content among the 14 weeds, which all had calcium and potassium as the predominant elements. According to the results, some of the weeds might represent possible mineral deficiency sources, making the supplementation of certain minerals advisable. Although five of the species contained a low concentration of magnesium, the overall mineral ratios of the forage weeds were at safe levels, preventing grazing animals suffering from grass tetany, in contrast to the excessive calcium : phosphorus ratios that can affect their normal growth and bone development. The crude fiber and protein content in most of the weeds fell into the recommended range for the maintenance of cattle. The phenolic content of the studied weed extracts was higher than that reported for several Mediterranean forage species. These phenolic profiles correlate well with the radical scavenging activities of the extracts.
The Predictive Value of the NICE “Red Traffic Lights” in Acutely Ill Children

Objective Early recognition and treatment of febrile children with serious infections (SI) improves prognosis, however, early detection can be difficult. We aimed to validate the predictive rule-in value of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) most severe alarming signs or symptoms to identify SI in children. Design, Setting and Participants The 16 most severe (“red”) features of the NICE traffic light system were validated in seven different primary care and emergency department settings, including 6,260 children presenting with acute illness. Main Outcome Measures We focussed on the individual predictive value of single red features for SI and their combinations. Results were presented as positive likelihood ratios, sensitivities and specificities. We categorised “general” and “disease-specific” red features. Changes in pre-test probability versus post-test probability for SI were visualised in Fagan nomograms. Results Almost all red features had rule-in value for SI, but only four individual red features substantially raised the probability of SI in more than one dataset: “does not wake/stay awake”, “reduced skin turgor”, “non-blanching rash”, and “focal neurological signs”. The presence of ≥3 red features improved prediction of SI but still lacked strong rule-in value as likelihood ratios were below 5. Conclusions The rule-in value of the most severe alarming signs or symptoms of the NICE traffic light system for identifying children with SI was limited, even when multiple red features were present. Our study highlights the importance of assessing the predictive value of alarming signs in clinical guidelines prior to widespread implementation in routine practice.
Association between 8q24 Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Though numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the associations between five 8q24 polymorphisms (rs6983267 T>G, rs1447295 C>A, rs16901979 C>A, rs6983561 A>C and rs10090154 C>T) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk, the available results remained contradictory. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to derive a precise estimation of such associations. We searched electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Wan Fang for the relevant available studies up to February 1st, 2017, and 39 articles were ultimately adopted in this meta-analysis. All data were extracted independently by two investigators and recorded in a unified form. The strength of association between 8q24 polymorphisms and PCa susceptibility was evaluated by the pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on ethnicity, source of controls and genotypic method. Overall, a total of 39 articles containing 80 studies were adopted in this meta-analysis. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that five 8q24 polymorphisms above were all related to PCa susceptibility. Besides, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, all selected 8q24 polymorphisms were significantly associated with PCa risk in Asian population. In addition, stratification analysis by source of controls showed that significant results were mostly concentrated in the studies' controls from general population. Moreover, when stratified by genotypic method, significant increased PCa risks were found by TaqMan method. Therefore, this meta-analysis demonstrated that 8q24 polymorphisms (rs6983267 T>G, rs1447295 C>A, rs16901979 C>A, rs6983561 A>C and rs10090154 C>T) were associated with the susceptibility to PCa, which held the potential biomarkers for PCa risk.
Symmetry-enhanced supertransfer of delocalized quantum states

Coherent hopping of excitation relies on quantum coherence over physically extended states. In this work, we consider simple models to examine the effect of symmetries of delocalized multi-excitation states on the dynamical timescales, including hopping rates, radiative decay and environmental interactions. While the decoherence (pure dephasing) rate of an extended state over N sites is comparable to that of a non-extended state, superradiance leads to a factor of N enhancement in decay and absorption rates. In addition to superradiance, we illustrate how the multi-excitonic states exhibit ‘supertransfer’ in the far-field regime—hopping from a symmetrized state over N sites to a symmetrized state over M sites at a rate proportional to MN. We argue that such symmetries could play an operational role in physical systems based on the competition between symmetry-enhanced interactions and localized inhomogeneities and environmental interactions that destroy symmetry. As an example, we propose that supertransfer and coherent hopping play a role in recent observations of anomalously long diffusion lengths in nano-engineered assembly of light-harvesting complexes.
Dispersal of viable row-crop seeds of commercial agriculture by farmland birds: implication for genetically modified crops.

To address some concerns about the expansion of genetically engineered pharmaceutical and industrial crops to outdoor plantings and potential impacts on the human food supply, we determined whether commercial agriculture seeds of maize or corn Zea mays L. , barley Hordeum vulgare L. , safflower Carthamus tinctorius L. and rice Oryza sativa L. are digested or pass viably through the digestive tract, or are transported externally, by captive mallard ducks Anas platyrhynchos L. , ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus L. , red-winged blackbirds Agelaius phoeniceus (L.) and rock pigeons Columba livia Gmelin (with the exception of whole maize seeds which were too large to feed to the blackbirds). These crop seeds, whether free-fed or force-fed, did not pass through the digestive tract of these bird species. The birds nonetheless did retain viable seeds in the esophagus/crop and gizzard for several hours. For example, after foraging for 6 h, mallards had retained an average of 228 +/- 112 barley seeds and pheasants 192 +/- 78 in the esophagus/crop, and their germination rates were 93 and 50%, respectively. Birds externally transported seeds away from the feeding location, but in only four instances were seeds found attached to their muddy feet or legs and in no case to feathers. Risk of such crop seeds germinating, establishing and reproducing off site after transport by a bird (externally or internally) or movement of a carcass by a predator, will depend greatly on the crop and bird species, location, environmental conditions (including soil characteristics), timing, and seed condition.
Harnessing mHealth technologies to increase physical activity and prevent cardiovascular disease

Research into prevention of cardiovascular disease has increasingly focused on mobile health (mHealth) technologies and their efficacy in helping individuals adhere to heart‐healthy recommendations, including daily physical activity levels. By including the use of mHealth technologies in the discussion of physical activity recommendations, clinicians empower patients to play an active daily role in modifying their cardiovascular risk‐factor profile. In this review, we critically evaluate the mHealth and physical activity literature to determine how these tools may lower cardiovascular risk while providing real‐time tracking, feedback, and motivation on physical activity levels. We analyze the various domains—including user knowledge, social support, behavioral change theory, and self‐motivation—that potentially influence the effectiveness of smartphone applications to impact individual physical activity levels. In doing so, we hope to provide a thorough overview of the mHealth landscape, in addition to highlighting many of the administrative, reimbursement, and patient‐privacy challenges of using these technologies in patient care. Finally, we propose a behavioral change model and checklist for clinicians to assist patients in utilizing mHealth technology to best achieve meaningful changes in daily physical activity levels.
Effect of water storage on bond strength of self-etching adhesives to dentin.

AIM The objective of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of self-etching adhesive systems one week and one year after storage in water. METHODS AND MATERIALS Fragments from the buccal surfaces of 45 bovine teeth were prepared (12 mm in length x 5 mm in width x 1.0 mm in thickness). Dentin surfaces were wet-abraded with 600-grit SiC paper to create a standardized smear layer. Samples were randomly assigned to 18 experimental groups (n=5), according to nine adhesive systems tested (Single Bond; Adper Prompt L-Pop; iBond; One-Up Bond F; Xeno III; Clearfil SE Bond; Optibond Solo Plus SE; Tyrian SPE/One-Step Plus; and UniFil Bond) and two water-storage times (one week and one year). Adhesives were applied according to the manufacturers' instructions. Z250 composite was applied into the molds to fill up the internal diameter volume of a Tygon tubing mold (1.0 mm high/0.7 mm internal diameter). Micro-shear bond strengths were determined using an apparatus attached to an Instron Universal Testing Machine (0.5 mm/min). Data were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS One year after water storage the dentin bond strength of all adhesive systems reduced significantly, except for One-Up Bond F. CONCLUSION Water-storage time decreased the bond strength for most dentin bonding agents tested.
Mitigation of Radar Interference in L-Band Radio Astronomy

The 1215-1400 MHz band is important for spectroscopy of H I at high redshift, pulsar work, and SETI. Observations at these frequencies are complicated by pulsed interference from ground-based aviation radars. In this paper, we characterize one such radar received at the Arecibo Observatory using coherently sampled data sets obtained during a recent observation. Using these data, we demonstrate some simple methods for detection and removal of the radar pulses. One of these uses a coherent subtraction technique that has not previously been applied to the radar problem. This new technique provides an alternative to blanking, which is undesirable in pulsar and SETI work. We demonstrate that the radar studied in this paper can be suppressed by at least 16 dB in integrated spectra using the coherent subtraction technique. The maximum single-pulse power observed at the output of the canceler is ∼15 dB less. The primary limitation appears to be the detector performance; as a result, the performance using blanking is about the same. Also, we demonstrate that the matched detector for pulses from this radar is relatively insensitive to astronomical transients (e.g., giant pulses), and we quantify the risk of such transients being falsely identified as radar pulses. The techniques described in this paper can easily be adapted to radar waveforms other than the one examined here.
Spectrotemporal dynamics of the EEG during working memory encoding and maintenance predicts individual behavioral capacity

We investigated the effect of memory load on encoding and maintenance of information in working memory. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded while participants performed a modified Sternberg visual memory task. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to factorise the EEG signals into distinct temporal activations to perform spectrotemporal analysis and localisation of source activities. We found ‘encoding’ and ‘maintenance’ operations were correlated with negative and positive changes in α‐band power, respectively. Transient activities were observed during encoding of information in the bilateral cuneus, precuneus, inferior parietal gyrus and fusiform gyrus, and a sustained activity in the inferior frontal gyrus. Strong correlations were also observed between changes in α‐power and behavioral performance during both encoding and maintenance. Furthermore, it was also found that individuals with higher working memory capacity experienced stronger neural oscillatory responses during the encoding of visual objects into working memory. Our results suggest an interplay between two distinct neural pathways and different spatiotemporal operations during the encoding and maintenance of information which predict individual differences in working memory capacity observed at the behavioral level.