Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CEA to peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) ratio is prognostic in patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis undergoing cytoreduction surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Serum tumor markers are prognostic in patients with colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis (CRPC) undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC). Assessment of the ratio of tumor marker to volume, as depicted by peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI), and how this may affect overall (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) has not been reported.
Antiplatelets and profibrinolytic activity of Citrullus colocynthis in control and high-fat diet-induced obese rats: mechanisms of action

Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the effect of Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) hydro-alcoholic extract on blood haemostasis in control and high-fat diet (HFD) induced obese rats. In control rats, the extract significantly enhanced bleeding time and plasma levels of tPA and significantly decreased plasma levels PAI-1 and serum levels of thromboxane B2 leading to inhibition of platelets aggregation. In HFD induced obese rats, similar effects were seen and the extract was also able to reverse HFD induced increases in fibrinogen and VWF. Searching for the mechanism, C. colocynthis acts by (1) inhibiting of food intake, (2) inhibiting the activity of pancreatic lipase, (3) decreasing levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and (4) decreasing circulatory levels of the prothrombotic adipokine, leptin and enhanced circulatory levels of the antithrombic adipokines and adiopnectin. In conclusion, C. colocynthis has antiplatelets and profibrinolytic activity in both control and HFD induced obese rats.
Sex Hormones and Processing of Facial Expressions of Emotion: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: We systematically reviewed the literature to determine the influence of sex hormones on facial emotion processing (FEP) in healthy women at different phases of life. Methods: Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, and SciELO. Twenty-seven articles were included in the review and allocated into five different categories according to their objectives and sample characteristics (menstrual cycle, oral contraceptives, pregnancy/postpartum, testosterone, and progesterone). Results: Despite the limited number of studies in some categories and the existence of inconsistencies in the results of interest, the findings of the review suggest that FEP may be enhanced during the follicular phase. Studies with women taking oral contraceptives showed reduced recognition accuracy and decreased responsiveness of different brain structures during FEP tasks. Studies with pregnant women and women in the postpartum showed that hormonal changes are associated with alterations in FEP and in brain functioning that could indicate the existence of a hypervigilant state in new and future mothers. Exogenous administration of testosterone enhanced the recognition of threatening facial expressions and the activation of brain structures involved in the processing of emotional stimuli. Conclusions: We conclude that sex hormones affect FEP in women, which may have an impact in adaptive processes of the species and in the onset of mood symptoms associated with the premenstrual syndrome.
The combined effect of MC4R and FTO risk alleles on childhood obesity in Greece

OBJECTIVE: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) risk alleles of obesogenic genes, such as the fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene, have been described in both paediatrics and adult populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of FTO and MC4R risk alleles on the obese phenotype and metabolic profile of young children and adolescents of Greek origin. DESIGN: One hundred and fifty-three overweight and obese Greek children (mean age 11.08±2.23 years) and 151 age-matched normal-weight controls were enrolled. Along with anthropometric and standard biochemical profile genetic analysis for the high-risk rs9939609 A allele of the FTO gene and the high-risk C allele of the rs17782313 polymorphism downstream of the MC4R gene were investigated in all participants. RESULTS: The combined presence of three or more high-risk alleles of both the FTO and MC4R genes confers a 4-fold higher risk for obesity in children and adolescents of Greek origin, although these risk alleles have no impact on the metabolic alterations observed in these obese children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: There is a synergistic effect of the high-risk alleles of the FTO and MC4R genes on the obese phenotype, while no impact on the metabolic abnormalities was observed in Greek obese children and adolescents.
The prevalence of autistic traits in a homeless population

Anecdotal evidence suggests that autistic people experience an elevated risk of homelessness, but systematic empirical research on this topic is lacking. As a step towards filling this gap in knowledge, we conducted a preliminary investigation of the prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) autism symptoms in a group of long-term homeless people. The entire caseload (N = 106) of a UK homeless outreach team was screened (excluding individuals born outside of the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland) using an in-depth, semi-structured interview with keyworkers, based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) diagnostic criteria. This showed adequate inter-rater reliability, as well as evidence of criterion and construct validity. Of the sample, 13 people (12.3%, 95% confidence interval (7.0, 20.4)) screened positive, meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) autism criteria by keyworker report. A further nine people (8.5%, 95% confidence interval (4.5, 15.3)) were ‘marginal’, having autistic traits that were not quite sufficient to meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.) criteria. Those with elevated autistic traits, compared to those without, tended to be more socially isolated and less likely to use substances. This study has provided initial evidence that autistic traits are over-represented among homeless people and that autistic homeless people may show a distinct pattern of characteristics and needs. Further investigation is required to build upon these provisional findings.
The apoptotic effects of Brucea javanica fruit extract against HT29 cells associated with p53 upregulation and inhibition of NF-κB translocation

Background Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. is a plant from the genus Brucea, which is used in local traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Recent studies revealed an impressive anticancer efficiency of B. javanica extract in different types of cancer cells. Purpose In this study, we have investigated the cytotoxic effects of the B. javanica hexane, ethanolic extracts against colon cancer cells. HT29 colon cells were selected as an in vitro cancer model to evaluate the anticancer activity of B. javanica ethanolic extract (BJEE) and the possible mechanisms of action that induced apoptosis. Methods 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5,-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase, acridine orange/propidium iodide, and annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate assays were performed to determine the antiproliferative and apoptosis validation of BJEE on cancer cells. Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, caspase activities, nucleus factor-κB activity, and gene expression experiments was done to investigate the potential mechanisms of action in the apoptotic process. Results The results obtained from this study illustrated the significant antiproliferative effect of BJEE on colorectal cancer cells, with a concentration value that inhibits 50% of the cell growth of 25±3.1 µg/mL after 72 h of treatment. MTT assay demonstrated that the BJEE is selectively toxic to cancer cells, and BJEE induced cell apoptosis via activation of caspase-8 along with modulation of apoptosis-related proteins such as Fas, CD40, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligands, and tumor necrosis factor receptors, which confirmed the contribution of extrinsic pathway. Meanwhile, increased ROS production in treated cells subsequently activated caspase-9 production, which triggered the intrinsic pathways. In addition, overexpression of cytochrome-c, Bax, and Bad proteins along with suppression of Bcl-2 illustrated that mitochondrial-dependent pathway also contributed to BJEE-induced cell death. Consistent with the findings from this study, BJEE-induced cancer cell death proceeds via extrinsic and intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent and -independent events. Conclusion From the evidence obtained from this study, it is concluded that the BJEE is a promising natural extract to combat colorectal cancer cells (HT29 cells) via induction of apoptosis through activation of extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.
On the Human Voice

hole in the shell. In whistling with expiration, a cavity is formed by the tongue, lips, and cheeks, proportionate to the pitch of the note to be emitted, and air enters this cavity between the tongue and the roof of the mouth. The aperture between the approximated lips allows the air to escape, but does not interfere with the production of the sound. In whistling with inspiration, the orifices are reversed in function, but the cavity is used in the same way precisely. In the laryngeal cavity above described, the rima glottidis corresponds to the entrance to the
Glutathione Conformations and Its Implications for in vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Glutathione (GSH) is a major antioxidant in humans that is involved in the detoxification of reactive radicals and peroxides. The molecular structural conformations of GSH depend on the surrounding micro-environment, and it has been experimentally evaluated using NMR and Raman spectroscopic techniques as well as by molecular dynamics simulation studies. The converging report indicates that GSH exists mainly in two major conformations, i.e., “extended” and “folded”. The NMR-derived information on the GSH conformers is essential to obtain optimal acquisition parameters in in vivo MRS experiments targeted for GSH detection. To further investigate the implications of GSH conformers in in vivo MRS studies and their relative proportions in healthy and pathological conditions, a multi-center clinical research study is necessary with a common protocol for GSH detection and quantification.
Assessment of Novel Antimicrobial Therapy against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Biofilm with Conventional Assays and a Microfluidic Platform

Assessment of Novel Antimicrobial Therapy against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Biofilm with Conventional Assays and a Microfluidic Platform Matthew DiCicco Advisor: University of Guelph, 2013 Professor S. Neethirajan This thesis is an investigation of methods to remediate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) biofilms through conventional and microfluidic-based in vitro assays. MRSP biofilm related infections are a major concern for veterinary clinicians as they may complicate remediation by the immune system or antimicrobials. Novel antimicrobials that have been found to reduce biofilm growth in other staphylococci were assessed in both monoand combination therapy against MRSP biofilm. Quantitative assay results (p < 0.05) suggest fosfomycin alone and in combination with clarithromycin can significantly reduce biofilm formation. Morphological examination using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy further demonstrated the effectiveness of fosfomycin alone on biofilm formation on orthopaedic screws and mica sheets. Fabricated microfluidic assays were utilized to assess multiple concentrations of antimicrobial therapy against pre-formed biofilm under physiologically relevant conditions in a quick and repeatable manner. Results demonstrated the usefulness of microfluidic platforms in determining minimum biofilm eradication concentrations.
Effect of CXCR3/HO-1 genes modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on small bowel transplant rejection

AIM To investigate whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) modified with the HO-1 and CXCR3 genes can augment the inhibitory effect of BMMSCs on small bowel transplant rejection. METHODS Lewis rat BMMSCs were cultured in vitro. Third-passage BMMSCs were transduced with the CXCR3/HO-1 genes or the HO-1 gene alone. The rats were divided into six groups and rats in the experimental group were pretreated with BMMSCs 7 d prior to small bowel transplant. Six time points (instant, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d, and 14 d) (n = 6) were chosen for each group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathologic rejection, while immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect protein expression. Flow cytometry was used to detect T lymphocytes and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect cytokines. RESULTS The median survival time of BMMSCs from the CXCR3/HO-1 modified group (53 d) was significantly longer than that of the HO-1 modified BMMSCs group (39 d), the BMMSCs group (26 d), and the NS group (control group) (16 d) (P < 0.05). Compared with BMMSCs from the HO-1 modified BMMSCs, BMMSCs, and NS groups, rejection of the small bowel in the CXCR3/HO-1 modified group was significantly reduced, while the weight of transplant recipients was also significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels were significantly decreased and the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β were significantly increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION BMMSCs modified with the CXCR3 and HO-1 genes can abrogate the rejection of transplanted small bowel more effectively and significantly increase the survival time of rats that receive a small bowel transplant.
A finite element model to investigate the effect of ulnar variance on distal radioulnar joint mechanics

Ulnocarpal impaction syndrome involves excessive loading of the ulnocarpal joint. Ulnar shortening osteotomies are an effective way to reduce ulnocarpal loading but alter contact mechanics at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). This study used a computational model to investigate the relationship between ulnar length and DRUJ mechanics. Detailed, finite element models of the radius and ulna bones were constructed from magnetic resonance imaging data. The length of the ulna bone model was increased and decreased up to 5 mm in 1 mm increments. A computational model was used to predict joint contact at the DRUJ for each ulnar length. Lengthening the ulna caused a slight decrease in DRUJ contact pressure, with a more substantial decrease in contact area. Shortening the ulna caused a substantial increase in contact area, with a smaller increase in DRUJ contact pressure. The location of contact on the radial sigmoid notch changed with 2 mm lengthening and 3 mm shortening. The results of this study demonstrate the sensitivity of DRUJ contact to ulnar length changes, which may explain the DRUJ cartilage degeneration that often follows ulnar osteotomies. The joint contact model implemented in this study allowed the relationship between ulnar length and DRUJ contact to be examined systematically, in a way that is difficult to achieve through cadaveric experimentation. The results confirmed published experimental data showing an increased DRUJ contact pressure with ulnar shortening. It is important that clinicians consider the influence of ulnar osteotomies, not only on ulnocarpal loading but also on DRUJ mechanics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role for Myc in Coordinating Glycolysis, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Glutaminolysis, and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Normal and Neoplastic Tissues

That cancer cells show patterns of metabolism different from normal cells has been known for over 50 years. Yet, it is only in the past decade or so that an appreciation of the benefits of these changes has begun to emerge. Altered cancer cell metabolism was initially attributed to defective mitochondria. However, we now realize that most cancers do not have mitochondrial mutations and that normal cells can transiently adopt cancer-like metabolism during periods of rapid proliferation. Indeed, an encompassing, albeit somewhat simplified, conceptual framework to explain both normal and cancer cell metabolism rests on several simple premises. First, the metabolic pathways used by cancer cells and their normal counterparts are the same. Second, normal quiescent cells use their metabolic pathways and the energy they generate largely to maintain cellular health and organelle turnover and, in some cases, to provide secreted products necessary for the survival of the intact organism. By contrast, undifferentiated cancer cells minimize the latter functions and devote their energy to producing the anabolic substrates necessary to maintain high rates of unremitting cellular proliferation. Third, as a result of the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells, a larger fraction of the metabolic intermediates normally used by quiescent cells purely as a source of energy are instead channeled into competing proliferation-focused and energy-consuming anabolic pathways. Fourth, cancer cell clones with the most plastic and rapidly adaptable metabolism will eventually outcompete their less well-adapted brethren during tumor progression and evolution. This attribute becomes increasingly important as tumors grow and as their individual cells compete in a constantly changing and inimical environment marked by nutrient, oxygen, and growth factor deficits. Here, we review some of the metabolic pathways whose importance has gained center stage for tumor growth, particularly those under the control of the c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein. We discuss how these pathways differ functionally between quiescent and proliferating normal cells, how they are kidnapped and corrupted during the course of transformation, and consider potential therapeutic strategies that take advantage of common features of neoplastic and metabolic disorders.
Association of sociodemographic and reproductive variables with menopause-specific quality of life using principal component analysis

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine whether sociodemographic and reproductive variables jointly or independently were associated with menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL). A total of 250 Bengali-speaking Hindu women (peri- and postmenopausal) were recruited from West Bengal, India. Data on MENQOL (vasomotor, physical, psychosocial, sexual, and quality-of-life domains), sociodemographic, and reproductive variables were collected. Principal component (PC) analysis was used to identify PCs for sociodemographic and/or reproductive variables: PC1 (sociodemographic), PC2 (sociodemographic and reproductive), PC3, and PC4 (reproductive). PC scores were used in multiple regression analyses to determine associations with MENQOL. For perimenopausal women, PC1 and PC3 were inversely associated with the sexual domain; PC2 was positively associated with vasomotor, sexual domain, and quality of life; and PC3 was positively associated with the physical domain. For postmenopausal women, PC1 and PC3 were inversely associated with the sexual and psychosocial domains, respectively; PC2 was positively associated with the sexual domain and quality of life; and PC4 was positively associated with the psychosocial domain. The factors associated with MENQOL PCs were similar for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Health planners should consider early and midlife factors associated with MENQOL to improve women’s midlife health.
Towards the Prediction of Global Solution State Properties for Hydrogen Bonded, Self‐Associating Amphiphiles

Abstract Through this extensive structure–property study we show that critical micelle concentration correlates with self‐associative hydrogen bond complex formation constant, when combined with outputs from low level, widely accessible, computational models. Herein, we bring together a series of 39 structurally related molecules related by stepwise variation of a hydrogen bond donor–acceptor amphiphilic salt. The self‐associative and corresponding global properties for this family of compounds have been studied in the gas, solid and solution states. Within the solution state, we have shown the type of self‐associated structure present to be solvent dependent. In DMSO, this class of compound show a preference for hydrogen bonded dimer formation, however moving into aqueous solutions the same compounds are found to form larger self‐associated aggregates. This observation has allowed us the unique opportunity to investigate and begin to predict self‐association events at both the molecular and extended aggregate level.
Monotonic models for real-time dynamic malware detection

In dynamic malware analysis, programs are classified as malware or benign based on their execution logs. We propose a concept of applying monotonic classification models to the analysis process, to make the trained model's predictions consistent over execution time and provably stable to the injection of any noise or `benign-looking' activity into the program's behavior. The predictions of such models change monotonically through the log in the sense that the addition of new lines into the log may only increase the probability of the file being found malicious, which make them suitable for real-time classification on a user's machine. We evaluate monotonic neural network models based on the work by Chistyakovet al. (2017) and demonstrate that they provide stable and interpretable results.
Reliability of Hypernasality Rating

Objective: To compare reliability in auditory-perceptual assessment of hypernasality for 3 different methods and to explore the influence of language background. Design: Comparative methodological study. Participants and Materials: Audio recordings of 5-year-old Swedish-speaking children with repaired cleft lip and palate consisting of 73 stimuli of 9 nonnasal single-word strings in 3 different randomized orders. Four experienced speech-language pathologists (2 native speakers of Brazilian–Portuguese and 2 native speakers of Swedish) participated as listeners. After individual training, each listener performed the hypernasality rating task. Each order of stimuli was analyzed individually using the 2-step, VISOR and Borg centiMax scale methods. Main Outcome Measures: Comparison of intra- and inter-rater reliability, and consistency for each method within language of the listener and between listener languages (Swedish and Brazilian–Portuguese). Results: Good to excellent intra-rater reliability was found within each listener for all methods, 2-step: κ = 0.59-0.93; VISOR: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.80-0.99; Borg centiMax (cM) scale: ICC = 0.80-1.00. The highest inter-rater reliability was demonstrated for VISOR (ICC = 0.60-0.90) and Borg cM-scale (ICC = 0.40-0.80). High consistency within each method was found with the highest for the Borg cM scale (ICC = 0.89-0.91). There was a significant difference in the ratings between the Swedish and the Brazilian listeners for all methods. Conclusions: The category-ratio scale Borg cM was considered most reliable in the assessment of hypernasality. Language background of Brazilian–Portuguese listeners influenced the perceptual ratings of hypernasality in Swedish speech samples, despite their experience in perceptual assessment of cleft palate speech disorders.