Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kaempferol induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells through oxidative stress

Despite recent advances in understanding molecular mechanisms involved in glioblastoma progression, the prognosis of the most malignant brain tumor continues to be dismal. Because the flavonoid kaempferol is known to suppress growth of a number of human malignancies, we investigated the effect of kaempferol on human glioblastoma cells. Kaempferol induced apoptosis in glioma cells by elevating intracellular oxidative stress. Heightened oxidative stress was characterized by an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanied by a decrease in oxidant-scavenging agents such as superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and thioredoxin (TRX-1). Knockdown of SOD-1 and TRX-1 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased ROS generation and sensitivity of glioma cells to kaempferol-induced apoptosis. Signs of apoptosis included decreased expression of Bcl-2 and altered mitochondrial membrane potential with elevated active caspase-3 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase expression. Plasma membrane potential and membrane fluidity were altered in kaempferol-treated cells. Kaempferol suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and chemokines interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted. Kaempferol inhibited glioma cell migration in a ROS-dependent manner. Importantly, kaempferol potentiated the toxic effect of chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin by amplifying ROS toxicity and decreasing the efflux of doxorubicin. Because the toxic effect of both kaempferol and doxorubicin was amplified when used in combination, this study raises the possibility of combinatorial therapy whose basis constitutes enhancing redox perturbation as a strategy to kill glioma cells. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(9):2544–53]
The Role of Dams in Development

Growing population and rising levels of economic activities increase human demand for water and related services. In the past large dams have often been seen as an effective way of meeting water and energy needs. However, a global review recently carried out by the World Commission on Dams has emphasized the wide range of problems associated with dams, making it more difficult to finance large dams. This paper deals with the role of dams in development. The need for dams, the purpose of large-dam building, major benefits and social and environmental considerations are dealt with. As a case study, the contribution of dams to Turkey's economy is described.
Mechanisms of coxsackievirus B5 mediated β‐cell death depend on the multiplicity of infection

Coxsackievirus infections may trigger and accelerate pancreatic β‐cell death, leading to type I diabetes. Unrestricted coxsackievirus B5 replication in cultured β‐cells inoculated with high multiplicity leads to rapid lytic cell death. Evidence from other virus‐host cell systems indicates that host cell responses to infection may depend on the multiplicity of infection (MOI). Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the mechanisms of β‐cell death during high versus low multiplicity of coxsackievirus B5 infection. Cultures of highly differentiated mouse insulinoma cells and primary adult human islets were infected with coxsackievirus B5 at multiplicities of >1,000 or <0.5 TCID50 per cell. The results of nuclear morphology and viability stainings, TUNEL staining and electrophoretic DNA fragmentation analysis showed high multiplicity infection to predominantly induce necrosis and transient apoptosis. In low multiplicity culture, however, necrosis was only moderately induced and apoptosis increased steadily with time. This was best demonstrated by a tenfold higher apoptosis/necrosis ratio than after high multiplicity inoculation. Expression of γ‐glutamyl cysteine synthetase increased in both infective cultures but the level of intracellular glutathione permanently depleted only at high multiplicity and recovered fully at low multiplicity. Thus, apoptosis represents an important mechanism of β‐cell death after low multiplicity of coxsackievirus B5 infection. This process is associated with maintenance of a physiological intracellular glutathione profile differing dramatically from the high multiplicity infection during which necrosis dominates and intracellular thiol balance deteriorates. These data suggest that the pattern and mechanisms of coxsackievirus B5 infection induced β‐cell death depend on the MOI. J. Med. Virol. 72:586–596, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiopoietin-2 Promotes Disease Progression of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Purpose: Inhibition of angiogenesis represents a promising therapeutic strategy in neuroendocrine tumors. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), a ligand of the endothelial tyrosine kinase Tie-2, is emerging as a key regulator of vascular remodeling during tumorangiogenesis. We therefore addressed the expression and biological significance of Ang-2 in human neuroendocrine tumors. Experimental Design: Surgical specimens and serum from neuroendocrine tumor patients were used to determine Ang-2 expression by in situ hybridization or ELISA (circulating Ang-2). Ang-2 biological effects were evaluated following stable transfection into BON human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cells. BON clones were grown as orthotopic xenografts in nude mice to determine tumor growth and abdominal metastatic spread. Further analyses included microvessel density, lymphatic vessel density, and nodal invasion. Results: Specimens from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and nontransformed pancreatic tissue revealed uniform expression of Ang-2 mRNA in endothelial cells. In contrast, epithelial expression of Ang-2 mRNA occurred exclusively in neuroendocrine tumors. Overexpression of Ang-2 in BON orthotopic xenografts did not affect primary tumor growth, although successful Ang-2 induction was confirmed from elevated serum levels. However, increased microvessel density and enhanced lymphatic metastasis were evident in Ang-2–expressing tumors, indicating a functional role of Ang-2 in experimental neuroendocrine tumors. Consistent with this notion, circulating Ang-2 was significantly elevated in neuroendocrine tumor patients compared with healthy controls. Circulating Ang-2 furthermore correlated with metastatic versus localized disease. The highest Ang-2 concentrations occurred in patients with liver metastasis, and concentrations ≥75th percentile predicted shorter survival (P = 0.0003). Conclusion: Induction of Ang-2 in neuroendocrine tumors represents a clinically relevant pathomechanism of disease progression and constitutes an adverse prognostic marker. Clin Cancer Res; 16(2); 420–9.
Molecular Analysis of Clock Gene Expression in the Avian Brain

Birds are equipped with a complex circadian pacemaking system that regulates the rhythmicity of physiology and behavior. As with all organisms, transcriptional and translational feedback loops of clock genes represent the basic molecular mechanism of rhythm generation in birds. To investigate avian clock gene expression, partial cDNA sequences of six mammalian clock gene homologs (Bmal1, Clock, Per2, Per3, Cry1, and Cry2) and a novel avian cryptochrome gene (Cry4) were cloned from the house sparrow, a model system in circadian research. Expression patterns were analyzed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and RNase protection assays using total RNA extracted from adult male house sparrow brains. With the exception of Cry4, pronounced rhythmic mRNA expression of all the clock genes analyzed was encountered, with mRNA levels varying considerably between the various genes. Although some basic features of the molecular circadian feedback loop appear to be similar between mammals and birds, the precise phase relationships of the clock gene mRNA rhythms relative to each other and to the light zeitgeber differ significantly between the house sparrow and mammals. Our results point to the existence of differences in the organization of avian and mammalian circadian clock mechanisms.
Weed hosts ofFusarium oxysporum f. sp.cubense tropical race 4 in northern Australia

Roots from 18 plant species collected from two banana plantation sites infested withFusarium oxysporum f. sp.cubense (Foe) tropical race 4 in northern Australia were analysed for the presence of the banana pathogen. Foe tropical race 4 (VCG 01213/16) was isolated from one monocotyledenous speciesChloris inflata and three dicotolydenous species,Euphorbia heterophylla, Tridax procumbens and Cyanthilium cinereum. All four species are common in disturbed areas throughout northern Australia. Current management protocols for fusarium wilt of banana involve the immediate destruction of symptomatic banana plants to reduce fungal sporulation, but do not consider alternative weed hosts. If root colonisation of non-host species byFoc tropical race 4 enables the pathogen to persist, even in fallow fields, weed management must be considered when managing this disease.
“Choose Your Classmates, Your GPA Is at Stake!”

This article presents results from an investigation of the association between student academic performance and social ties. Based on social capital and networked learning research, we hypothesized that (a) students’ social capital accumulated through their course progression is positively associated with their academic performance and (b) students with more social capital have significantly higher academic performance (operationalized as grade point average). Both hypotheses were supported by results of an empirical study that analyzed 10 years of student course enrolment records (N = 505) in a master’s degree program offered through distance education at a Canadian university. These results are consistent with previous studies that looked at social networks built through student interaction in classrooms or computer-mediated communication environments. The significance of this research lies in the simplicity of the method used to establish student social networks from existing course registration records readily available through an institution’s student information system. Direct implications of this research are that (a) study plans for students should consider investment in building new social ties in each course during degree programs and (b) readily available data about cross-class networks can be used in software systems supporting study planning.
Single incision glove port laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.

INTRODUCTION The advantages of single port surgery remain controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of single incision glove port colon resections using a diathermy hook, reusable ports and standard laparoscopic straight instrumentation. METHODS Between June 2012 and February 2014, 70 consecutive patients (30 women) underwent a colonic resection using a wound retractor and glove port. Forty patients underwent a right hemicolectomy through the umbilicus and thirty underwent attempted single port resection via an incision in the right rectus sheath (14 high anterior resection, 13 low anterior resection, 3 abdominoperineal resection). RESULTS Sixty-two procedures (89%) were completed without conversion to open or multiport techniques. Four procedures had to be converted and additional ports were needed in four other patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 0%. Complications occurred in six patients (9%). Two cases were R1 while the remainder were R0 with a median nodal harvest of 20 (range: 9-48). The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range: 3-25 days) (right hemicolectomy: 5 days (range: 3-12 days), left sided resection: 6 days (range: 4-25 days). At a median follow-up of 14 months, no port site hernias were observed. CONCLUSIONS Single incision glove port surgery is an appropriate technique for different colorectal cancer resections and has the advantage of being less expensive than surgery with commercial single incision ports.
Optimization of Three Dimensional Culturing of the HepG2 Cell Line in Fibrin Scaffold

Background: A potential treatment for healing hepatic tissue is delivering isolated hepatic cells to the site of injury to promote hepatic cells formation. In this technology, providing an appropriate injectable system for delivery of hepatic cells is an important issue. In this regard, fibrin scaffolds were designed with many advantages over other scaffolds like cell delivery vehicles for biodegradation, biocompatibility and hemostasis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine suitable cell culture circumstances for HepG2 cell proliferation and differentiation in 3D fibrin scaffolds by evaluating Ca2+ concentrations, cell numbers, various ratios of plasma/RPMI 1640 and thickness of fibrin scaffold. Materials and Methods: In a one-stage experimental design, Box-Behnken design strategy was performed by Minitab 15 software (version 15, Minitab. State College, PA) with three factors at three levels (low, medium and high) and 27 runs for identification of the effects of ratio of plasma/RPMI 1640, Ca2+ concentration and thickness on the formation of fibrin gel scaffold and 3D HepG2 culture. Results: The optimal concentrations for fibrin scaffold fabrication were achieved by adding 0.15 mol CaCl2 (50 µL) and 1 × 105 cells to 1:4 of plasma/RPMI 1640 ratio (500 µL with 2.3 mm thickness per well). Conclusions: Our approach provided easy handle method using inexpensive materials like human plasma instead of purified fibrinogen to fabricate fibrin scaffold.
Systematic realization of low-frequency oscillators using composite passive-active resistors

A systematic method for realizing low-frequency oscillators is described. The method is applicable to any simple harmonic oscillator configuration and is based on replacing a selected passive resistor with a composite passive-active resistor. Two possible configurations for the composite resistor are discussed. The classical Wien-bridge oscillator is then modified using one of these configurations. PSPICE circuit simulations and experimental results are included.
Optical Receiver With Widely Tunable Sensitivity in BiCMOS Technology

A monolithically integrated optical receiver with voltage-controlled sensitivity in 0.6-m BiCMOS technology is presented. The transimpedance variations are achieved by varying the control voltage of the voltage-controlled resistor changing its equivalent resistance. The optical receiver design is based on a P-intrinsic-N photodiode and on a mixed current-mode and voltage-mode approach, by using a current conveyor and a voltage amplifier. Thanks to the current-mode signal processing, the bandwidth of the optical receiver is independent of the photodiode capacitance. A linearity error smaller than 2.92%, a sensitivity dynamic range of 83.2 (38.4 dB), an offset voltage smaller than 0.56 mV, a power consumption less than 4.7 mW, and a bandwidth up to 205.5 MHz are achieved.
History Teaching and Philosophy of History

It would probably be fair to say that most history teachers in Britain still regard philosophy of history (if they give it a thought) as an alien, even pretentious, activity, irrelevant to their practical concerns. This is partly explained by the attitude shown toward philosophy of history by many professional historians in the universities, which is characteristically a mixture of condescension and suspicion; and it partly derives from the fact that teachers in the under-resourced British school system have little time for reflection. In the circumstances it is not surprising that there is a long tradition that teaching history is self-evidently handing on to children in simplified form whatever account of the past (or of certain passages of it) has been given by professional historians. The assumptions upon which such a view rests are by no means necessarily naive and incoherent, but they are often unexamined by those who make them. The practices which this tradition has supported have included some intelligent and inspired teaching, but more often have led to children learning historical information rather as one might learn railway timetables or telephone numbers, or (marginally less futile) as one might learn the principal products of different nations. This tradition does not go unchallenged. For most of this century there has been a continuous current of opposition to the conception of history teaching as imparting "the facts," an opposition founded in the first instance on an awareness of the importance of evidence in history, and on an intuitive appeal to something like the "good grounds" criterion of knowledge. In recent years this kind of view has been strengthened by the arguments of Paul Hirst (which elucidate the notion of the development of mind in terms of the acquisition of "forms of knowledge") and by the claims of Bruner that the "central ideas," "concepts," or "fundamentals" of a subject may be taught in some honest form at school level. 1 Together these two strands of thought have led to increased interest in the nature of history as a discipline, and arguments as to what should or could be taught. Other influences working in the same direction have been a
Self-Rated Health and Sick Leave among Nurses and Physicians: The Role of Regret and Coping Strategies in Difficult Care-Related Situations

Moral distress – such as feeling strong regret over difficult patient situations – is common among nurses and physicians. Regret intensity, as well as the coping strategies used to manage regrets, may also influence the health and sickness absence of healthcare professionals. The objective of this study was to determine if the experience of regret related to difficult care-related situations is associated with poor health and sick leave and if coping strategies mediate these associations. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Switzerland (Geneva, 2011 and Zurich, 2014). Outcomes were self-rated health (SRH) and sick leave in the last 6 months. We examined the associations of regret intensity with the most important care-related regret, number of recent care-related regrets, and coping strategies, using regressions models. Among 775 respondents, most reported very good SRH and 9.7% indicated absence from work during four working days or more. Intensity of the most important regret was associated with poor SRH among nurses and physicians, and with higher sick leave among nurses. Maladaptive emotion-focused strategies were associated with poor SRH among nurses, whereas adaptive emotion-focused strategies were positively associated with higher SRH and lower sick leave among physicians. Because care-related regret is an integral part of clinical practice in acute care hospitals, helping physicians and, especially, nurses to learn how to deal with negative events may yield beneficial consequences at the individual, patient care, and institutional level.
A 3D musculoskeletal model of the western lowland gorilla hind limb: moment arms and torque of the hip, knee and ankle

Three‐dimensional musculoskeletal models have become increasingly common for investigating muscle moment arms in studies of vertebrate locomotion. In this study we present the first musculoskeletal model of a western lowland gorilla hind limb. Moment arms of individual muscles around the hip, knee and ankle were compared with previously published data derived from the experimental tendon travel method. Considerable differences were found which we attribute to the different methodologies in this specific case. In this instance, we argue that our 3D model provides more accurate and reliable moment arm data than previously published data on the gorilla because our model incorporates more detailed consideration of the 3D geometry of muscles and the geometric constraints that exist on their lines‐of‐action about limb joints. Our new data have led us to revaluate the previous conclusion that muscle moment arms in the gorilla hind limb are optimised for locomotion with crouched or flexed limb postures. Furthermore, we found that bipedalism and terrestrial quadrupedalism coincided more regularly with higher moment arms and torque around the hip, knee and ankle than did vertical climbing. This indicates that the ability of a gorilla to walk bipedally is not restricted by musculoskeletal adaptations for quadrupedalism and vertical climbing, at least in terms of moment arms and torque about hind limb joints.
Worker Capitalism: The New Industrial Relations

" Worker Capitalism" makes the case for a pragmatic, government-assisted program of worker and worker-community ownership of businesses as a means of economic redevelopment, particularly in older industrial countries. Worker ownership, the authors contend, is a potentially superior alternative to industrial policies such as subsidies or protection. They seek to isolate the factors necessary for successful employee ownership and develop a general takeover strategy. Case studies of successful conversions to employee ownership - and one failure - from the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom conclude the book.
A survey on the treatment of atrial fibrillation in South Africa.

BACKGROUND The burden of cardiovascular disease is expected to escalate in developing countries. However, studies and guidelines concerning atrial fibrillation (AF) are restricted to the developed world. OBJECTIVES To assess the treatment modalities of AF in South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational, multicentre, national registry of the treatment of 302 patients with AF was conducted from February 2010 to March 2011. Specific drug use for rate or rhythm control, as well as drug use for stroke prevention, was surveyed. Events during the 12 months prior to the survey were also characterised, including non-drug treatments, resource utilisation and complications. RESULTS The single most prevalent clinical characteristic was hypertension (65.9%). Rhythm control was being pursued in 109 patients (36.1%) with class Ic and class III antiarrhythmic agents, while rate control, mainly with beta-blockers, was pursued in the remainder of the patients. Concomitant use of other cardiovascular drugs was high, and 75.2% of patients were on warfarin for stroke prevention. There was a high burden of AF-related morbidity during the preceding year, with 32.5% reporting a history of heart failure, 8.3% a stroke and 5.3% a transient ischaemic attack. Therapeutic success, as defined by either the presence of sinus rhythm or rate-controlled AF, was achieved in 86.8% as judged clinically by the treating physician, but in only 70.2% according to the electrocardiogram criterion of heart rate ≤80 bpm. CONCLUSION There were no striking differences from previously reported registries worldwide. The lack of application of strict rate control criteria is highlighted.