Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interactive suppression of aberrant crypt foci induced by azoxymethane in rat colon by phytic acid and green tea.

Several epidemiological studies point to a strong correlation between nutrient composition of the diet and cancer of the colon. Phytic acid, present in grains, has been credited with reducing the risk of cancer of the colon. A number of reports are available indicating the benefits of green tea consumption in reducing the risk of stomach, lung and skin cancer, but little data are available on the effect of green tea in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Also, there are no studies on the combined effect of these compounds on colon tumorigenesis. Thus the primary objective of this investigation was to elucidate the combined effects of green tea and phytic acid on colonic preneoplastic lesions and the Phase II enzyme glutathione S-transferase. Fisher 344 male weanling rats were divided into nine groups of 15 rats each and fed the experimental diet for 13 weeks. Rats received two s.c. injections of azoxymethane in saline at 16 mg/kg body wt at 7 and 8 weeks of age. Rats received three levels (0, 1 and 2%) of phytic acid with three levels (0, 1 and 2%) of green tea within each phytic acid level in a 3 x 3 factorial experiment. Results indicate that while green tea had a marginal effect (P < 0.14), phytic acid significantly reduced the incidence of aberrant crypt foci (P < 0.008). The interaction between green tea and phytic acid was significant (P < 0.029 for distal and < 0.0168 for entire colon) and positive, pointing to a synergistic effect of green tea and phytic acid.
No significant effect of uridine or pravastatin treatment for HIV lipoatrophy in men who have ceased thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy: a randomized trial *

Lipoatrophy can complicate thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (tNRTI)‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lipoatrophy may be less likely with ART including ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir (LPV/r). Small, placebo‐controlled studies found that uridine (in tNRTI recipients) and pravastatin improved HIV lipoatrophy over 12 weeks. Today, most patients with lipoatrophy receive non‐tNRTI‐based ART; the effect of uridine in such patients is unknown.
Nitric Oxide in Chronic Liver Disease

The formation of nitric oxide (NO), a free radical, increases in liver disease, where the L-arginine-nitric oxide (L- arg-NO) pathway is activated by the increased levels of cytokines and endotoxins. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the L-arg-NO pathway and chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis, which are classified as chronic liver disease. We determined the serum levels of nitrite and nitrate, the end products of the L-arg-NO pathway, in patients with chronic liver disease and compared them with the control group levels. Total nitrite produced by the reduction of nitrate to nitrite in the presence of nitrate reductase was determined. The measurement of nitrite concentrations was based on the Griess reaction. The nitrate concentrations were obtained by subtracting the nitrite concentrations from the total nitrite+nitrate concentration.
Shorter CAG repeats in the androgen receptor gene may enhance hyperandrogenicity in polycystic ovary syndrome

Background. The main goal of the present study was to assess the influence of the androgen receptor gene CAG repeat polymorphism on hyperandrogenism and its phenotypical features in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods. CAG repeat lengths were analyzed in 97 oligo-anovulatory women with ultrasound features of PCOS. All individuals were assessed for endocrine parameters and their phenotypical features were recorded. These parameters were correlated with the CAG repeat lengths. Results. PCOS patients with a bi-allelic mean lower than 21 repeats had lower dihydrotestosterone levels (p = 0.007), lower androstenedione levels (p = 0.023), lower luteinizing hormone levels (p = 0.023), a lower luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (p = 0.021) and the highest percentage of patients with acne and/or hirsutism (p = 0.021). Conclusions. Our findings support the hypothesis that the PCOS phenotype may result from either elevated androgen levels or an enhanced sensitivity to androgens caused by a more active androgen receptor.
An Egg Apparatus-Specific Enhancer of Arabidopsis, Identified by Enhancer Detection1

Despite a central role in angiosperm reproduction, few gametophyte-specific genes and promoters have been isolated, particularly for the inaccessible female gametophyte (embryo sac). Using the Ds-based enhancer-detector line ET253, we have cloned an egg apparatus-specific enhancer (EASE) from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The genomic region flanking the Ds insertion site was further analyzed by examining its capability to control gusA and GFP reporter gene expression in the embryo sac in a transgenic context. Through analysis of a 5′ and 3′ deletion series in transgenic Arabidopsis, the sequence responsible for egg apparatus-specific expression was delineated to 77 bp. Our data showed that this enhancer is unique in the Arabidopsis genome, is conserved among different accessions, and shows an unusual pattern of sequence variation. This EASE works independently of position and orientation in Arabidopsis but is probably not associated with any nearby gene, suggesting either that it acts over a large distance or that a cryptic element was detected. Embryo-specific ablation in Arabidopsis was achieved by transactivation of a diphtheria toxin gene under the control of the EASE. The potential application of the EASE element and similar control elements as part of an open-source biotechnology toolkit for apomixis is discussed.
Management of necrotising enterocolitis

Aim: To examine the association between childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) severity and family impact at baseline and after an intervention by a physician specialist, using validated measures of both severity and family impact. Methods: Cross sectional self administered survey of parent–caregivers of 49 randomly selected children with AD; 35 parents were available for follow up. Family impact was measured using a modified AD Family Impact Scale completed by the parent–caregiver. The child’s disease severity was measured using both the investigator’s assessment via the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and the caregiver’s assessment via the recently validated Self Assessment Eczema Area and Severity Index (SA-EASI). Results: The parent–caregiver’s assessment of severity of the child was the most significant correlate of the family impact of the child’s AD (p = 0.65 at baseline and p = 0.38 at follow up). In multivariate regression models, the parent–caregiver’s estimate of severity remained the single strongest predictor of family impact before and after receipt of dermatologist care, as well as the difference in impact between pre and post-dermatologist care. Conclusions: There is evidence to support the ability of parent–caregivers of children with AD to accurately determine severity of their child’s AD; perceived severity is the driver of the family impact of this condition. Treatment of a child by a physician specialist is associated with reductions in both perceived severity, as well as family impact of this condition.
Output-feedback control of uncertain nonlinear systems using adaptive fuzzy observer

In this paper, a robust adaptive controller based on fuzzy observer for a class of unknown nonlinear systems with bounded external disturbances is presented. Firstly, a fuzzy observer based on fuzzy-basis-functions is designed to estimate the system state variables, and the fuzzy observer can guarantee the uniform ultimate bounds of the observer errors by SPR theory. Secondly, the adaptive controller with a fuzzy observer which requires only the system output variable is showed to control a class of unknown nonlinear systems with external disturbances, and the adaptive controller can guarantee the uniform ultimate bounds of the tracking errors. Finally, this simulation results presented adaptive controller applied to a single link robot control system demonstrate and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Comparison of Applied and Theoretical Knowledge of Concepts Based on the Particulate Nature of Matter.

This study compares 183 high school chemistry students' applied and theoretical knowledge of selected concepts based on the particulate theory. The concepts are dissolution, diffusion, effusion, and states of matter. A two-form instrument called the Physical Changes Concepts Test (PCCT) was developed for this study. The application form measures students' knowlege using everyday language. The theoretical form measures students' knowledge using scientific language. Students' formal reasoning ability was measured using the Test Of Logical Thinking (TOLT). The overall results of the two forms of the PCCT indicate that more than 40% of the students displayed alternative conceptions (ACs) of the concepts covered in the PCCT. The study found that students' formal reasoning ability and their preexisting knowledge are associated with their conceptions and use of the particulate theory. The analysis of the nature of students' ACs and their use of the particulate theory revealed a significant difference between students' applied and theoretical knowledge.
Caring Communities as Tools for Learner-Centered Supervision.

Rose1 works as a "liaison" for a group of interns, i.e., student teachers placed with a single teacher for a full academic year at a large Midwestern university. As a liaison, Rose supervises all of the interns placed in a single school and leads a weekly discussion seminar, called a "guided practice seminar," for them. Providing an opportunity for interns to discuss problems, concerns, and issues Brian P. Yusko is an they face in their student teaching, the seminar is one assistant professor in the setting where liaisons act as what Rose calls a "go Department of between. " Liaisons must go between what interns see Curriculum and happening in their school placements and what they Foundations of the are being taught at the university, between what College of Education at interns believe and what their cooperating teachers Cleveland State tell them, between what interns want to learn and University, Cleveland, what liaisons believe they should learn, and between Ohio. differing concerns and perspectives of the interns
Physiological relevance of telomeric G‐quadruplex formation: a potential drug target

The concept of a G‐quartet, a unique structural arrangement intrinsic to guanine‐rich DNA, was first introduced by Gellert and colleagues 1 over 40 years ago. For decades, it has been uncertain whether the G‐quartet and the structure that it gives rise to, the G‐quadruplex, are purely in vitro phenomena. Nevertheless, the presence of signature G‐rich motifs in the eukaryotic genome, and the plethora of proteins that bind to, modify or resolve this nucleic acid structure in vitro have provided circumstantial evidence for its physiological relevance. More recently, direct visualisation of G‐quadruplex DNA at native telomeres was achieved, bolstering the evidence for its existence in the cell. Furthermore, G‐quadruplex folded telomeric DNA has been found to perturb telomere function and to impede the action of telomerase, an enzyme overexpressed in >85% of human cancers, hence opening up a novel avenue for cancer therapy in the form of G‐quadruplex stabilising agents. BioEssays 29: 155–165, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Send Orders of Reprints at Reprints@benthamscience.ae Relation between S1 -casein Content and Coagulation Properties of Milk from Swedish Dairy Goats

High frequency of Swedish Landrace goats are the carriers of a mutation, where the affected goats are not able to produce S1-casein (S1-CN) in the milk. As a consequence the lack of this protein is connected to lower cheese yield. The aim of this study was thus to determine the relationship between the S1-CN content and coagulation properties of milk from Swedish Landrace goats. Milk samples from 62 dairy goats from two herds were analysed. As many as 44% goats showed low or no production of S1-CN. Only 24% of the investigated goats showed high production of this protein. The coagulation properties of milk from the dairy goats were clearly influenced by the concentration of S1-CN. The milk from low level S1-CN animals resulted in 15% longer coagulation time and 60% weaker gels compared to the gel firmness of the high expressing group. The coagulation time was strongly associated with the pH of the milk (p<0.001), where the milk with low S1-CN content had higher pH. Further, goat milk with low levels of S1-CN was shown to have significantly lower total protein (p<0.05) compared to milk from high expressing S1-CN goats.
Unfractionated Heparin Activity Measured by Anti-Factor Xa Levels Is Associated With the Need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit/Membrane Oxygenator Change: A Retrospective Pediatric Study

Objective: Investigate whether anti-Factor Xa levels are associated with the need for change of circuit/membrane oxygenator secondary to thrombus formation in pediatric patients. Design and Settings: Retrospective single institution study. Patients: Retrospective record review of 62 pediatric patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation from 2009 to 2011. Interventions: Data on standard demographic characteristics, indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, activated clotting time measurements, anti-Factor Xa measurements, and heparin infusion rate were collected. Generalized linear models were used to associate anti-Factor Xa concentrations and need for change of either entire circuit/membrane oxygenator secondary to thrombus formation. Measurements and Main Results: Sixty-two patients met study inclusion criteria. No-circuit change was required in 45 of 62 patients. Of 62 patients, 17 required change of circuit/membrane oxygenator due to thrombus formation. Multivariate analysis of daily anti-Factor Xa measurements throughout duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support estimated a mean anti-Factor Xa concentration of 0.20 IU/mL (95% CI, 0.16, 0.24) in no-complete-circuit group that was significantly higher than the estimated concentration of 0.13 IU/mL (95% CI, 0.12, 0.14) in complete-circuit group (p = 0.001). A 0.01 IU/mL decrease in anti-Factor Xa increased odds of need for circuit/membrane oxygenator change by 5% (odds ratio = 1.105; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.10; p = 0.044). Based on the observed anti-Factor Xa concentrations, complete-circuit group had 41% increased odds for requiring circuit/membrane oxygenator change compared with no-complete-circuit group (odds ratio = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.96; p = 0.044). Mean daily activated clotting time measurement (p = 0.192) was not different between groups, but mean daily heparin infusion rate (p < 0.001) was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: Higher anti-Factor Xa concentrations were associated with freedom from circuit/membrane oxygenator change due to thrombus formation in pediatric patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Activated clotting time measurements did not differ significantly between groups with or without circuit/membrane oxygenator change. This is the first study to link anti-Factor Xa concentrations with a clinically relevant measure of thrombosis in pediatric patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Further prospective study is warranted.
Cognitive profiles in euthymic patients with bipolar disorders: results from the FACE‐BD cohort

OBJECTIVES Although cognitive deficits are a well-established feature of bipolar disorders (BD), even during periods of euthymia, little is known about cognitive phenotype heterogeneity among patients with BD. METHODS We investigated neuropsychological performance in 258 euthymic patients with BD recruited via the French network of expert centers for BD. We used a test battery assessing six domains of cognition. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the cross-sectional data was used to determine the optimal number of subgroups and to assign each patient to a specific cognitive cluster. Subsequently, subjects from each cluster were compared on demographic, clinical functioning, and pharmacological variables. RESULTS A four-cluster solution was identified. The global cognitive performance was above normal in one cluster and below normal in another. The other two clusters had a near-normal cognitive performance, with above and below average verbal memory, respectively. Among the four clusters, significant differences were observed in estimated intelligence quotient and social functioning, which were lower for the low cognitive performers compared to the high cognitive performers. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm the existence of several distinct cognitive profiles in BD. Identification of these profiles may help to develop profile-specific cognitive remediation programs, which might improve functioning in BD.
Acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses to combined strength and endurance loadings: the “order effect” in recreationally endurance trained runners

Abstract The study examined the acute neuromuscular and metabolic responses and recovery (24 and 48 h) to combined strength and endurance sessions (SEs). Recreationally endurance trained men (n = 12) and women (n = 10) performed: endurance running followed immediately by a strength loading (combined endurance and strength session (ES)) and the reverse order (SE). Maximal strength (MVC), countermovement jump height (CMJ), and creatine kinase activity were measured pre-, mid-, post-loading and at 24 and 48 h of recovery. MVC and CMJ were decreased (P < 0.05) at post-ES and SE sessions in men. Only MVC decreased in ES and SE women (P < 0.05). During recovery, no order differences in MVC were observed between sessions in men, but MVC and CMJ remained decreased. During recovery in women, a delayed decrease in CMJ was observed in ES but not in SE (P < 0.01), while MVC returned to baseline at 24 h. Creatine kinase increased (P < 0.05) during both ES and SE and peaked in all groups at 24 h. The present combined ES and SE sessions induced greater neuromuscular fatigue at post in men than in women. The delayed fatigue response in ES women may be an order effect related to muscle damage.
Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Heart Rate Variability at Rest and During Acute Stress in Adults With Moderate Hypertriglyceridemia

Objective This study examined the dose-dependent effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and during standard laboratory stress tasks. We also investigated whether EPA + DHA supplementation was associated with changes in mood state. Methods This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, three-period crossover trial (8-week treatment, 6-week washout) compared two doses of EPA + DHA supplementation (0.85 and 3.4 g/d) in 26 adults with elevated triglycerides. After each treatment period, HRV was assessed during an acute stress protocol that included a resting baseline, standard laboratory stress tasks (speech task and cold pressor), and recovery periods. In addition, mood state was assessed. Results Root mean square of successive differences in interbeat interval and total power increased 9.9% and 20.6%, respectively, after the high dose relative to placebo (Tukey p = .016 and .012, respectively). The low dose was not significantly different from the high dose or placebo dose. There was a trend for a treatment effect on high-frequency HRV (p = .058), with 21.0% greater power observed after the high dose compared with placebo (Tukey p = .052). Mood did not differ between treatments, and there was no association between mood state and HRV. Conclusions In healthy adults with elevated triglycerides, supplementation of 3.4 g/d EPA + DHA resulted in greater HRV, whereas 0.85 g/d EPA + DHA had no effect. These results indicate that EPA + DHA supplementation may improve autonomic tone in adults at increased risk for cardiovascular disease within 8 weeks. Trial Registration NCT00504309(ClinicalTrials.gov).
Cell Proliferation‐Associated Proteins in Endometrial Carcinomas, Including Papillary Serous and Endometrioid Subtypes

SummaryCyclin dependent kinases (cdks) and cyclins regulate the progression of cells through the cell cycle and can be overexpressed in human cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical profile of these proliferation-associated proteins and correlate the results with clinicopathologic parameters of endometrial carcinomas. Archival tissue sections from 91 endometrial carcinomas were immunostained using monoclonal antibodies against p34CDC2 cdk, cyclins A and B1, p120, Ki-67, and PCNA. Immunoreactivity was semiquantitatively assessed and the results correlated with pathologic features and survival. Of the 91 endometrial carcinomas, 74 were endometrioid (17 villoglandular, 57 of usual type) and 17 were papillary serous carcinomas. The positivity rates for the different proteins in papillary serous and endometrioid tumors, respectively, were as follows: p34CDC2 24% and 23%; cyclin A, 71% and 64%; cyclin B1, 24% and 26%; p 120, 47% and 9%; Ki-67, 82% and 64%; and PCNA, 47% and 47%. Only p120 correlated with histologic tumor type with significantly higher expression in both papillary serous and villoglandular endometrioid carcinomas compared to nonvilloglandular endometrioid carcinomas (p = 0.0001). p120 positivity also correlated with advanced tumor stage (p = 0.0001). Ki-67, cyclin A, and PCNA correlated with patient survival in endometrioid carcinomas on univariate analysis (p = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.003, respectively), but, on multi-variate analysis, only tumor grade (p = 0.02) and depth of invasion (p = 0.04) were independent predictors of outcome. In summary, although most of the cell proliferation-associated proteins studied did not appear to be associated with clinicopathologic features of endometrial carcinoma, there was significantly higher expression of pi20 in papillary serous and villoglandular endometrioid carcinomas compared to nonvilloglandular endometrioid carcinomas, suggesting a possible role of pi20 in tumor behavior. In addition, Ki-67, cyclin A, and PCNA expression correlated with survival in endometrioid carcinoma, but only in a univariate analysis.
Sleep Complaints Affecting School Performance at Different Educational Levels

The clear association between reports of sleep disturbance and poor school performance has been documented for sleepy adolescents. This study extends that research to students outside the adolescent age grouping in an associated school setting (98 middle school students, 67 high school students, and 64 college students). Reported restless legs and periodic limb movements are significantly associated with lower GPA's in junior high students. Consistent with previous studies, daytime sleepiness was the sleep variable most likely to negatively affects high school students. Sleep onset and maintenance insomnia were the reported sleep variables significantly correlated with poorer school performance in college students. This study indicates that different sleep disorder variables negatively affect performance at different age and educational levels.