Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Larvicidal activity of Magnolia denudata seed hydrodistillate constituents and related compounds and liquid formulations towards two susceptible and two wild mosquito species.

BACKGROUND Anopheles sinensis, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes transmit malaria, dengue fever and West Nile virus diseases respectively. This study was conducted to determine the toxicity of 17 constituents from Magnolia denudata seed hydrodistillate (MD-SHD) and four experimental MD-SHD liquid formulations (10-50 mg L(-1) liquid) to third-instar larvae from insecticide-susceptible Cx. p. pallens and Ae. aegypti as well as wild Ae. albopictus and An. sinensis. RESULTS 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol was the most toxic constituent (LC50 1.98-3.90 mg L(-1)), followed by linoleic acid (7.19-10.49 mg L(-1)), towards larvae of the four mosquito species. High toxicity was also produced by nerolidol, (±)-limonene, α-terpinene and γ-terpinene (LC50 9.84-36.42 mg L(-1)). The toxicity of these compounds was virtually identical towards larvae of the four mosquito species, even though An. sinensis larvae were resistant to deltamethrin and temephos. The MS-SHD 50 mg L(-1) liquid resulted in 92-100% control towards larvae of the four mosquito species, while commercial temephos 200 g L(-1) emulsifiable concentrate was almost ineffective towards An. sinensis larvae (30% mortality). CONCLUSION Reasonable mosquito control in the aquatic environment can be achieved by MD-SHD 50 mg L(-1) liquid as a potential larvicide.
Gene Dose–Dependent Maturation and Receptor Editing of B Cells Expressing Immunoglobulin (Ig)g1 or Igm/Igg1 Tail Antigen Receptors

Conserved differences between the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of membrane immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG may alter the function of antigen receptors on naive versus memory B cells. Here, we compare the ability of these domains to signal B cell allelic exclusion and maturation in transgenic mice. A lysozyme-binding antibody was expressed in parallel sets of mice as IgM, IgG1, or a chimeric receptor with IgM extracellular domains and transmembrane/cytoplasmic domains of IgG1. Like IgM, the IgG1 or chimeric IgM/G receptors triggered heavy chain allelic exclusion and supported development of mature CD21+ B cells. Many of the IgG or IgM/G B cells became CD21high and downregulated their IgG and IgM/G receptors spontaneously, resembling memory B cells and B cells with mutations that exaggerate B cell antigen receptor signaling. Unlike IgM-transgenic mice, “edited” B cells that carry non–hen egg lysozyme binding receptors preferentially accumulated in IgG and IgM/G mice. This was most extreme in lines with the highest transgene copy number and diminished in variant offspring with fewer copies. The sensitivity of B cell maturation to transgene copy number conferred by the IgG transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains may explain the diverse phenotypes found in other IgG-transgenic mouse strains and may reflect exaggerated signaling.
A Novel Method of Edge Detection using Cellular Automata

Edge detection is one of the most commonly used operations in image analysis. Several edge detectors have been proposed in literature for enhancing and detecting of edges. In this paper a new and optimal approach of edge detection based on Cellular Automata (CA) has been proposed. The idea is simple but effective technique for edge detection that greatly improves the performances of complicated images. The comparative analysis of various image edge detection methods is presented and shown that cellular automata based algorithm performs better than all these operators under almost all scenarios. General Terms: Edge Detection, Image Processing, Computation Time.
Glycemic Control for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Our Evolving Faith in the Face of Evidence

Background—We sought to determine the concordance between the accumulating evidence about the impact of tight versus less tight glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus since the publication of UKPDS (UK Prospective Diabetes Study) in 1998 until 2015 with the views about that evidence published in journal articles and practice guidelines. Methods and Results—We searched in top general medicine and specialty journals for articles referring to glycemic control appearing between 2006 and 2015 and identified the latest practice guidelines. To summarize the evidence, we included all published systematic reviews and meta-analyses of contemporary randomized trials of glycemic control measuring patient-important microvascular and macrovascular outcomes, and completed a meta-analysis of their follow-up extensions. We identified 16 guidelines and 328 statements. The body of evidence produced estimates warranting moderate confidence. This evidence reported no significant impact of tight glycemic control on the risk of dialysis/transplantation/renal death, blindness, or neuropathy. In the past decade, however, most published statements (77%–100%) and guidelines (95%) unequivocally endorsed benefit. There is also no significant effect on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, or stroke; however, there is a consistent 15% relative-risk reduction of nonfatal myocardial infarction. Between 2006 and 2008, most statements (47%–83%) endorsed the benefit; after 2008 (ACCORD), only a minority (21%–36%) did. Conclusions—Discordance exists between the research evidence and academic and clinical policy statements about the value of tight glycemic control to reduce micro- and macrovascular complications. This discordance may distort priorities in the research and practice agendas designed to improve the lives of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Evaluation of Optical Fiber Sensors in High Temperature and Nuclear Reactor Environments

ii Dedication . iv Acknowledgments. v Vita . vi Publications . vi List of Tables . xii Table of Figures . xiii Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Purpose . 1 1.2 Optical Fibers . 5 1.2. 1 Optical Fiber Theory . 5 1.2. 2 Silica Fiber . 9 1.2. 3 Sapphire Fiber . 12 1.2. 4 Manufacturing Processes. 14 1.2. 5 Optical Fiber Claddings and Coatings . 18 1.3 Objective . 21
Midterm Stability and Hemodynamic Performance of a Transfemorally Implantable Nonmetallic, Retrievable, and Repositionable Aortic Valve in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: Up to 2-Year Follow-Up of the Direct-Flow Medical Valve: A Pilot Study

Background— Misplacement during percutaneous aortic valve implantation can be associated with severe complications. The direct flow medical (DFM) valve is repositionable and retrievable; however, the nonmetallic inflatable and conformable design of the valve results in less radial force, which may have an impact on stability and valve function over time. We, therefore, analyzed the midterm stability of the position, shape, and hemodynamic performance of the DFM percutaneous aortic valve. Methods and Results— Sixteen symptomatic high-risk for surgery patients with aortic stenosis and a logistic EuroSCORE >20 underwent implantation and were the subject of this analysis. Clinical, echocardiographic, and dual-source multislice computed tomography data were obtained during 2-year follow-up. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 81% and 69%, respectively. The dual-source multislice computed tomography follow-up indicated no changes in position, diameter, and orifice area of the DFM valve over time. Echocardiography revealed a significant decrease of the mean gradient from baseline (50.1±11.3 mm Hg) to 30 days (19.6±5.7 mm Hg, P<0.001), which remained stable over 2 years. The aortic valve area increased from 0.57±0.15 cm2 at baseline to 1.47±0.35 cm2 at 30 days (P<0.001) and did not significantly change during 2-year follow-up. Of the patients, 73% had no aortic regurgitation (AR) and 27% had minimal AR. Conclusions— In this preliminary series, the 2-year follow-up data of patients, in whom the nonmetallic, repositionable, and retrievable DFM valve was successfully implanted, show stability of the position, shape, and hemodynamic performance, with no AR in most patients.
Healthy Hands: Use of Alcohol Gel as an Adjunct to Handwashing in Elementary School Children

Elementary school-age children are particularly vulnerable to infections. While handwashing is the best method of preventing infections, many elementary schools are housed in buildings that have barriers to effective hand hygiene. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an alcohol gel as an adjunct to handwashing in reducing absenteeism secondary to infectious illness. Two-hundred and fifty-three elementary school children were randomized by classroom into an experimental or control group. With a crossover design, all children participated in both groups, with a one-week washout period between phases. A 45-minute “Germ Unit” was taught to all children as they started the experimental phase and a standard unit on hand hygiene was taught as they started the control phase. Sixty-nine children were absent due to illness while in the control group. Thirty-nine children became ill while in the experimental group. Alcohol gel as an adjunct to handwashing was shown to be effective in reducing absenteeism due to infectious illness by 43%.
Autologous mobilized peripheral blood CD34(+) cell infusion in non-viral decompensated liver cirrhosis.

AIM To study the effect of mobilized peripheral blood autologous CD34 positive (CD34(+)) cell infusion in patients with non-viral decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS Cirrhotic patients of non-viral etiology were divided into 2 groups based on their willingness to be listed for deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) (control, n = 23) or to receive autologous CD34(+) cell infusion through the hepatic artery (study group, n = 22). Patients in the study group were admitted to hospital and received granulocyte colony stimulating factor injections 520 μg/d for 3 consecutive days to mobilize CD34(+) cells from the bone marrow. On day 4, leukapheresis was done and CD34(+) cells were isolated using CliniMAC magnetic cell sorter. The isolated CD34(+) cells were infused into the hepatic artery under radiological guidance. The patients were discharged within 48 h. The control group received standard of care treatment for liver cirrhosis and were worked up for DDLT as per protocol of the institute. Both groups were followed up every week for 4 wk and then every month for 3 mo. RESULTS In the control and the study group, the cause of cirrhosis was cryptogenic in 18 (78.2%) and 16 (72.72%) and alcohol related in 5 (21.7%) and 6 (27.27%), respectively. The mean day 3 cell count (cells/μL) was 27.00 ± 20.43 with a viability of 81.84 ± 11.99%. and purity of 80%-90%. Primary end point analysis revealed that at 4 wk, the mean serum albumin in the study group increased significantly (2.83 ± 0.36 vs 2.43 ± 0.42, P = 0.001) when compared with controls. This improvement in albumin was, however, not sustained at 3 mo. However, at the end of 3 mo there was a statistically significant improvement in serum creatinine in the study group (0.96 ± 0.33 vs 1.42 ± 0.70, P = 0.01) which translated into a significant improvement in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (15.75 ± 5.13 vs 19.94 ± 6.68, P = 0.04). On statistical analysis of secondary end points, the transplant free survival at the end of 1 mo and 3 mo did not show any significant difference (P = 0.60) when compared to the control group. There was no improvement in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and bilirubin at any point in the study population. There was no mortality benefit in the study group. The procedure was safe with no procedural or treatment related complications. CONCLUSION Autologous CD 34(+) cell infusion is safe and effectively improves liver function in the short term and may serve as a bridge to liver transplantation.
The effect of different platelet‐rich plasma concentrations on proliferation and differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells in vitro

Abstract. Objectives: The use of platelets and platelet products has become increasingly popular clinically as a means of accelerating endosseous wound healing. It is likely that growth factors released by activated platelets at the site of injury play a role in periodontal regeneration by regulating cellular activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biological effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in vitro. Materials and methods: Primary cultures of hPDLCs were obtained from healthy premolars. PRP was isolated by two‐step centrifugation. Two main growth factors present in the thrombin‐activated PRP (platelet‐derived growth factor [PDGF‐AB] and transforming growth factor‐β1 [TGF‐β1]) were evaluated using ELISA assay. Activated PRP or the combination of recombined human TGF‐β1 (rhTGF‐β1) and PDGF‐AB (rhPDGF‐AB) were added to hPDLCs in different concentrations to assess cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Results: PRP contained high levels of TGF‐β1 and PDGF‐AB. Cell attachment, proliferation and ALP activity were enhanced by addition of PRP or rhTGF‐β1 and rhPDGF‐AB combination to the cell cultures, while the stimulatory potency of PRP was much greater than the latter. These stimulatory effects presented in a dose‐dependant manner, it seemed that PRP with 50~100ng/ml TGF‐β1 was an ideal concentration. Conclusions: PRP can enhance hPDLC adhesion, proliferation and induce the differentiation of hPDLC into mineralized tissue formation cell; thereby contribute to the main processes of periodontal tissue regeneration. For economical and biological reasons, PRP has more clinical beneficial than analogous growth factors.
Cell cycle inhibitor p21/ WAF1/ CIP1 as a cofactor of MITF expression in melanoma cells

p21/ WAF1/ Cip1 (p21), a cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, may act as an antioncogene, but may also behave as a tumor promoting factor by inhibiting apoptosis. p21 is also a transcriptional regulator, exerting this activity independently of cyclin‐dependent kinases. Increased p21 protein levels were found in a subset of melanomas. However, the mechanism(s) contributing to the tolerance of high p21 levels in melanoma cells remains unexplained. Here, we show that the p21 protein positively regulates the promoter of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), a transcription factor which plays a central role in the expression of melanocyte‐specific genes, lineage determination, and survival of melanoma cells. p21 activated the MITF promoter‐reporter, occupied the promoter in vivo and cooperated with cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in promoter activation. In addition, p21 knockdown by shRNA resulted in a decrease of MITF protein and promoter activity, and p21 protein levels correlated with MITF mRNA in most cell lines tested. As the p21 gene is a known transcriptional target of MITF, the reciprocal stimulation of transcription may constitute a positive‐feedback loop reinforcing MITF expression in melanoma cells. Our results might help explain the tolerance of increased p21 levels found in some melanomas.
Phase I Study of Pazopanib in Combination with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin Given Every 21 Days in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Several phase III trials have shown that the addition of an antiangiogenic agent to conventional chemotherapy can improve clinical benefit in patients with advanced solid tumors. This study examined the feasibility of combining pazopanib (Votrient), an oral antiangiogenic agent, with paclitaxel and carboplatin. This 3 + 3 dose-escalation phase I study evaluated the maximum-tolerated regimen (MTR) of daily pazopanib in combination with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin [dosed at area under the curve (AUC) 5 or 6] given every 21 days in patients with advanced solid tumors. Plasma samples were collected to evaluate the effect of pazopanib on the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel and carboplatin. Thirty-four patients were enrolled. The MTR was paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC5 with pazopanib 200 mg. The most common dose-limiting toxicities were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Two patients with esophageal cancer had a complete response and four patients, one each with breast, small-cell lung, pancreatic, and gastroesophageal junction cancer, had partial responses. Pazopanib at 200 mg increased paclitaxel maximal concentration (Cmax) by 43% and carboplatin (AUC5 or AUC6) Cmax by 54%. Paclitaxel and carboplatin given every 21 days at standard doses was not feasible in combination with the monotherapy pazopanib dose of 800 mg daily because of dose-limiting myelosuppression. Coadministration of pazopanib increased exposure to paclitaxel and carboplatin and likely contributed to this effect. Given the antitumor activity of this regimen, further studies are underway to determine a clinically tolerable schedule of pazopanib with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(8); 1820–8. ©2012 AACR.
Astroblastoma – a case report of a rare neuroepithelial tumor with complete remission after chemotherapy

Introduction: Astroblastoma is a rare glial tumor of uncertain origin affecting mostly children, adolescents and young adults. Given the rarity and the definitional problems concerning this tumor entity, the prognosis and appropriate treatment are at this point unclear. Case report: A 50-year-old Caucasian female presented with a seizure. Radiological findings showed a well-defined circumscribed tumor located in the right cerebral frontal lobe. The patient underwent primary surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy. After 6 months the tumor recurred with multiple small lesions not available for surgery. Chemotherapy was administered with complete radiological response. Seven years after surgery and more than 6 years after completed chemotherapy the patient is free of disease. Histopathology revealed a gliomatous tumor with gemistocyte-like tumor cells arranged in palisades or strings and areas with perivascular pseudorosettes, consistent with astroblastoma. Immunophenotype and ultrastructural findings confirmed the diagnosis and verified the neuroepithelial origin. Conclusion: Astroblastomas are rare brain tumors and pose a challenge in the diagnostic and clinical approach. In general, they have an unpredictable course with a tendency of recurrence. This and other case reports support a survival benefit of chemotherapy, suggesting this as an important treatment option for these patients.
The determinants of treatment duration for congenital muscular torticollis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although the success of conservative management of congenital muscular torticollis has been well documented, relatively little is known about the determinants of response to treatment, such as treatment duration. The purpose of this study was to determine how factors such as severity of restriction of range of motion, age at initiation of treatment, and presence of a palpable intramuscular fibrotic sternocleidomastoid muscle mass affect treatment duration. SUBJECTS One hundred one children (mean age = 4 months, SD = 2.87, range = 0.5-15.5) who were diagnosed with congenital muscular torticollis and referred to physical therapy at British Columbia's Children's Hospital (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) prior to 2 years of age were included in the study. METHODS Following a standardized initial assessment, parents were taught the home treatment program, which included passive stretches of the affected sternocleidomastoid muscle and strengthening exercises for the contralateral side, and positioning and handling skills. Evaluation at 2-week intervals included measurement of passive neck rotation and lateral flexion using an adapted standard goniometer. Treatment duration was defined as the time between initiation of treatment and achievement of full passive neck range of motion. RESULTS Complete recovery (full passive range of motion) was achieved in all but one of the children in this sample. The mean treatment duration was 4.7 months (SD = 5.06, range = 1-36). Correlations were noted between severity of restriction and treatment duration (r = .31) as well as between presence of a mass and treatment duration (r = .26). Multiple regression analysis revealed that severity of restriction was the strongest predictor of treatment duration. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION The results of this study will make it possible for therapists to better predict treatment duration at the time of the initial assessment. By providing parents with more precise information about the length of treatment, parents may be more willing to adhere to the exercise program. [Emery C. The determinants of treatment duration for congenital muscular torticollis.
Illness Perceptions and Quality of Life in Japanese and Dutch Women with Breast Cancer

Knowledge on cross-cultural quality of life (QOL) and illness perceptions may help women with breast cancer cope more effectively. The self regulation model (SRM) guided the current exploratory longitudinal pilot-study. Central to SRM is the perception of health threats and their effects on QOL. Illness perceptions and QOL were assessed in 22 Dutch and 21 Japanese patients with breast cancer who filled out questionnaires before, 1 week, and 8 weeks after the first chemotherapy course. The questionnaires assessed QOL and illness perceptions. Patients’ scores were compared with groups of patients with other chronic somatic illnesses (asthma, diabetes). Patients in both samples reported major impact of chemotherapy on global health status, physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, constipation and diarrhea. Differences between Japanese and Dutch patients were limited to social functioning and financial problems. Japanese patients expressed stronger concerns about their illness than Dutch patients. Results of the Japanese and Dutch patients with breast cancer differed from data in patients with asthma on consequences, timeline, concern and emotional response. Results of Japanese patients differed from patients with type 2 diabetes on timeline and concern, whereas Dutch patients differed on timeline and consequences. Japanese and Dutch breast cancer patients have—overall—similar illness perceptions and QOL responses and are aware of the typical characteristics of their disease. The results support the feasibility of cross-cultural psychosocial research in oncology and offer implications for clinical interventions which impact on self-efficacy to empower patients with breast cancer.
Biogenesis of apolipoprotein A-V and its impact on VLDL triglyceride secretion[S]

Apolipoprotein A-V (apoA-V) is a potent regulator of intravascular triglyceride (TG) metabolism, yet its plasma concentration is very low compared with that of other apolipoproteins. To examine the basis for its low plasma concentration, the secretion efficiency of apoA-V was measured in stably transfected McA-RH7777 rat hepatoma cells. Pulse-chase experiments revealed that only ∼20% of newly synthesized apoA-V is secreted into culture medium within 3 h postsynthesis and that ∼65% undergoes presecretory turnover; similar results were obtained with transfected nonhepatic Chinese hamster ovary cells. ApoA-V secreted by McA-RH7777 cells was not associated with cell surface heparin-competable binding sites. When stably transfected McA-RH7777 cells were treated with oleic acid, the resulting increase in TG synthesis caused a reduction in apoA-V secretion, a reciprocal increase in cell-associated apoA-V, and movement of apoA-V onto cytosolic lipid droplets. In a stably transfected doxycycline-inducible McA-RH7777 cell line, apoA-V expression inhibited TG secretion by ∼50%, increased cellular TG, and reduced Z-average VLDL1 particle diameter from 81 to 67 nm; however, no impact on apoB secretion was observed. These data demonstrate that apoA-V inefficiently traffics within the secretory pathway, that its intracellular itinerary can be regulated by changes in cellular TG accumulation, and that apoA-V synthesis can modulate VLDL TG mobilization and secretion.