Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sympatric speciation as a consequence of male pregnancy in seahorses

The phenomenon of male pregnancy in the family Syngnathidae (seahorses, pipefishes, and sea dragons) undeniably has sculpted the course of behavioral evolution in these fishes. Here we explore another potentially important but previously unrecognized consequence of male pregnancy: a predisposition for sympatric speciation. We present microsatellite data on genetic parentage that show that seahorses mate size-assortatively in nature. We then develop a quantitative genetic model based on these empirical findings to demonstrate that sympatric speciation indeed can occur under this mating regime in response to weak disruptive selection on body size. We also evaluate phylogenetic evidence bearing on sympatric speciation by asking whether tiny seahorse species are sister taxa to large sympatric relatives. Overall, our results indicate that sympatric speciation is a plausible mechanism for the diversification of seahorses, and that assortative mating (in this case as a result of male parental care) may warrant broader attention in the speciation process for some other taxonomic groups as well.
Association Between 5-Lipoxygenase Expression and Plaque Instability in Humans

Objective—The participation of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in the development of atherosclerosis has been suggested by recent studies. However, a role for 5-LO as a modulator of atherosclerotic plaque instability has not been previously reported in humans. Thus, the aims of this study was to analyze the expression of 5-LO in human carotid plaques and to investigate the mechanism by which this enzyme could lead to plaque instability and rupture. Methods and Results—We obtained atherosclerotic plaques from 60 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. We divided the plaques into symptomatic and symptomatic according to clinical evidence of plaque instability. Clinical evidence of plaque instability was provided by the assessment of recent ischemic symptoms attributable to the stenosis and by the presence of ipsilateral cerebral lesion(s) determined by computed tomography. Plaques were analyzed for CD68+ macrophages, CD3+ T cells, α-actin+ smooth muscle cells, 5-LO, cyclooxygenase 2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 by immunohistochemical, immunoblotting, and densitometric analyses. MMP activity was assessed by zymography. Leukotriene (LT) B4 and collagen were quantified by ELISA and Sirius red polarization, respectively. The percentage of macrophage-rich and T-cell–rich areas was larger in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic patients (25±6% versus 8±4%, P<0.0001, and 74±17 versus 18±4 cell/mm2, P<0.003). 5-LO expression was higher in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic plaques (24±4% versus 6±3%, P<0.0001) and was associated with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression (27±4% versus 7±3%, P<0.0001, and 29±5% versus 8±2%, P<0.0001) and activity and with decreased collagen content (6.9±2.4% versus 17.8±3.1%, P<0.01). Immunofluorescence showed that 5-LO and MMPs colocalize in activated macrophages. Notably, higher 5-LO in symptomatic plaques correlated with increased LTB4 production (18.15±3.56 versus 11.27±3.04 ng/g tissue, P<0.0001). Conclusions—The expression of 5-LO is elevated in symptomatic compared with asymptomatic plaques and is associated with acute ischemic syndromes, possibly through the generation of LTB4, subsequent MMP biosynthesis, and plaque rupture.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Humans

Background and Purpose— A precise definition of genetic factors responsible for common forms of stroke is still lacking. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the contributory role of the genes encoding atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and type A natriuretic peptide receptor (NPRA) in humans’ susceptibility to develop ischemic stroke. Methods— Allele and genotype frequencies of ANP and NPRA were characterized in an Italian case-control study with patients affected by vascular disease or risk factors. Subjects were recruited from the island of Sardinia (206 cases, 236 controls). Results— A significant association between the ANP/TC2238 polymorphic site and stroke occurrence was found when a recessive model of inheritance was assumed. The risk conferred by this mutant genotype, when estimated by multivariate logistic regression analysis, was 3.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 10.9). A significantly increased risk of stroke recurrence was observed among cases carrying the ANP/CC2238 genotype compared with cases carrying the ANP/TT2238 genotype (P =0.04). No direct association of NPRA with stroke occurrence was detected. However, a significant epistatic interaction between the ANP/CC2238 genotype and an allelic variant of NPRA led to a 5.5-fold increased risk of stroke (95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 19.4). Conclusions— Our findings support a direct contributory role of ANP to stroke in humans. A significant interaction between ANP and NPRA on stroke occurrence was found.
Schwannomas in the Colon and Rectum: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Study of 20 Cases

Schwannomas of the colon and rectum are uncommon and incompletely characterized tumors, and only a small number of cases have been reported. This study was undertaken to determine the clinicopathologic profile of such tumors. A total of 20 colorectal schwannomas were identified and analyzed in a review of 600 mesenchymal tumors of the colon and rectum from the files of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. The schwannomas occurred equally in men (n = 9) and women (n = 11) in a wide age range (18–87 years; median age 65 years). The most common location was cecum (n = 7), followed by sigmoid and rectosigmoid (n = 6), transverse colon (n = 3), descending colon (n = 2), and rectum (n = 1); the location of one tumor had not been specified. The tumors commonly presented as polypoid intraluminal lesions, often with mucosal ulceration. Rectal bleeding, colonic obstruction, and abdominal pain were the most common presenting symptoms. The most common histologic variant (n = 15) was a spindle cell schwannoma with a trabecular pattern and vague or no Verocay bodies. These tumors ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 cm in diameter. A lymphoid cuff with germinal centers typically surrounded these tumors and focal nuclear atypia was often present, but mitotic activity never exceeded 5 per 50 HPF. All four epithelioid schwannomas occurred in the descending colon or sigmoid, three of them as small submucosal tumors. There was one plexiform schwannoma in the sigmoid composed of multiple nodules of prominently palisading schwann cells similar to those seen in conventional soft tissue schwannomas. All tumors studied were strongly positive for S-100 protein and also for low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75), collagen IV, and GFAP. Three tumors had CD34-positive cells, but all were negative for CD117 (KIT), neurofilament proteins, smooth muscle actin, and desmin. The percentage of MIB-1-positive cells was usually less than 1% and never higher than 3%. Colorectal schwannomas behaved in a benign fashion with no evidence of aggressive behavior or connection with neurofibromatosis 1 or 2, based on follow-up information on 18 patients.
On the diameter of finite groups

The diameter of a group G with respect to a set S of generators is the maximum over g in G of the length of the shortest word in S union S/sup -1/ representing g. This concept arises in the contexts of efficient communication networks and Rubik's-cube-type puzzles. 'Best' generators are pertinent to networks, whereas 'worst' and 'average' generators seem more adequate models for puzzles. A substantial body of recent work on these subjects by the authors is surveyed. Regarding the 'best' case, it is shown that, although the structure of the group is essentially irrelevant if mod S mod is allowed to exceed (log mod G mod )/sup 1+c/(c>0), it plays a strong role when mod S mod =O(1). <<ETX>>
Effect of complementary and alternative medicine on the survival and health-related quality of life among terminally ill cancer patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND We evaluated whether complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use influenced outcomes [survival and health-related quality of life (HRQOL)] of cancer patients whose condition had just been judged terminal. PATIENTS AND METHODS From July 2005 to October 2006, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 481 terminally ill cancer patients at 11 university hospitals and the National Cancer Center in Korea. We assessed how the use of CAM affected HRQOL and survival. RESULTS In a follow-up of 481 patients and 163.8 person-years, we identified 466 deceased cases. On multivariate analyses, CAM users did not have better survival compared with nonusers [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-1.10]. Among mind-body interventions, prayer showed significantly worse survival (aHR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.00-2.43). Clinically, CAM users reported significantly worse cognitive functioning (-11.6 versus -1.3; P < 0.05) and fatigue (9.9 versus -1.0; P < 0.05) than nonusers. Compared with nonusers in subgroup analysis, users of alternative medical treatments, prayer, vitamin supplements, mushrooms, or rice and cereal reported clinically significant worse changes in some HRQOL subscales. CONCLUSION While CAM did not provide any definite survival benefit, CAM users reported clinically significant worse HRQOLs.
B2 microglobulin: is it a reliable marker of activity in inflammatory bowel disease?

OBJECTIVES:The aims of this study were to investigate a possible positive correlation between B2-microglobulin (B2-M) serum levels and the severity and activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); and to examine whether B2-M levels reflect IBD extent.METHODS:We examined B2-M serum levels in 87 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, 74 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 68 control subjects, using an enzymatic method. The reliability of the measuring method was assessed by evaluating serum B2-M in 18 patients suffering from chronic renal failure (CRF). The severity and activity of IBD was estimated using the van Hees Activity Index and the Truelove-Witts criteria for CD and UC patients respectively. Endoscopic evaluation for UC patients was done according to Baron's et al. classification; Riley's et al. criteria were used for histological evaluation.RESULTS:B2-M serum levels were significantly increased in all CD patients except those in remission. After 6 months treatment a second blood sample taken from CD patients with initially elevated B2-M levels proved to be compatible with CD severity at that time. Such a positive correlation was not assessed in UC patients; therefore, a second blood sample was considered unnecessary. Furthermore, CD patients with pancolitis, ileal-caecal, or small intestinal disease had higher B2-M levels than those with left-sided, anal, or perianal disease.CONCLUSIONS:B2-M serum levels could prove to be a useful marker in assessing not only the activity, severity, and extent of CD but the treatment efficacy as well.
Dietary Supplementation of Fermented Rice Bran Effectively Alleviates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice

Rice bran (RB) is a major by-product of rice polishing and a rich source of bioactive compounds. Here, we investigated the anti-colitis effect of diet supplementation with fermented rice bran (FRB) in a murine model of ulcerative colitis. FRB was prepared by dual fermentation of RB using fungi and lactic acid bacteria. Colitis was induced in C57Bl/6N male mice (n = 8/group) by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Body weight change, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology score, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, cytokine and chemokine transcript levels, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and mucin in the colonic tissue were monitored. Based on histopathology scores, DSS induced severe mucosal inflammation, with an increased loss of crypts, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the control and RB groups, but not in the FRB group. MPO activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance levels, and pro-inflammatory cytokine transcript (Tnf-α, Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-17) levels were significantly higher in the control and RB groups than in the FRB group. Thus, dietary FRB attenuated intestinal inflammation owing to elevated SCFAs and tryptamine production, which might regulate tight junction barrier integrity and intestinal homeostasis. These results suggest that FRB could comprise an effective potential preventive agent for ulcerative colitis.
Self-Medication Problem in Al Gharbia Governorate: Prevalence, Determinants, Health and Economic Effects

: Background: Self-medication is defined as obtaining and consuming medication without professional supervision regarding indication, dosage, and duration of treatment to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. Aim of the study: to estimate self medication practice (SMP) among population attending primary health care (PHC) centers and to identify the risk factors for self-medication. The study has also identified types of drugs used in self-medication, and estimated the current knowledge of the studied subjects towards self medication.Also detected the health and direct economic effects of the problem. Methodology: The study was a descriptive study based on cross-sectional approach. The study analysed data from 1100 subjects attending primary health care centers (PHCs) in Mahala city, Gharbia governorate, Egypt. The study was also analysed data from 100 subjects attending Emergency department at Mahala district hospital. Two forms of questionnaires were used in this study; of the first form of questionnaire was for people attending the PHCs and it was included data related to self medication and its associated risk factors. Also, it included data about the level of knowledge and attitude of self medications. The second form of questionnaire was for hospital survey and included data related to self medication and its associated risk factors as well as the charges paid for it (economic impact) by measuring the cost of drugs, cost of laboratory investigation and cost of instruments. Results: Prevalence of self-medication among the studied subjects was 74%. Mean value of distance from the nearest health care facility, waiting time in the health care facility were significantly higher among SMP group than not SMP group. The risk of SMP was increased among female sex, widow and divorced women with a significant positive association was detected. The most important self medication used by studied sample was the analgesics. The results revealed a highly statistically significant difference between the two groups where the poor level of knowledge was higher among SMP group compared with not SMP group. The comparison of the studied subjects by their self medication practice and their attitudes towards self medication has also showed a highly statistically significant difference between the two groups as regarding attitudes towards self medication. Mean cost was significantly higher among SMP admitted subjects than not SMP admitted subjects. Conclusion and recommendations: A considerable high proportion of self medication among the studied population (74%) attending the primary health care centers in Mahla City. The most important self medication used by studied sample was the analgesics. The study findings address the crucial need to carry out the large national study to get national results about this significant public health problem. However, until executing the large study, it is of benefit to notify the health care authorities, this results.
Astragalus Polysaccharides Attenuate Postburn Sepsis via Inhibiting Negative Immunoregulation of CD4+CD25high T Cells

Backgroud Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) isolated from one of the Chinese herbs, Astragalus mongholicus, are known to have a variety of immunomodulatory activities. However, it is not yet clear whether APS can exert an effect on the immune functions of regulatory T cells (Tregs). This study was carried out to investigate the effect of APS on the immune function of peripheral blood Tregs in postburn sepsis. Methodology/Principal Findings BalB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups as follows: sham burn group, burn control(burn without infection animals) group, burn plus P. aeruginosa group, burn plus P. aeruginosa with APS (50 mg/kg) treatment group, burn plus P. aeruginosa with APS (100 mg/kg) treatment group, and burn plus P. aeruginosa with APS (200 mg/kg) treatment group, and they were sacrificed on postburn day 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively, with seven animals at each time point. Magnetic microbeads were used to isolate peripheral blood Tregs and CD4+ T cells. Phenotypes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytokine levels were determined with ELISA. In the burn plus P. aeruginosa group, forkhead/winged helix transcription factor p3 (Foxp3) expression on CD4+CD25+Tregs were strongly enhanced in comparison to the sham group, and the capacity of CD4+CD25+Tregs to produce interleukin (IL)-10 was markedly increased. Administration of APS to inhibit CD4+CD25+Tregs could significantly decrease expression of Foxp3 on CD4+CD25+Tregs, and IL-10 production in burned mice with P. aeruginosa infection. At the same time, proliferative activity and expression of IL-2 and IL-2Rα on CD4+ T cells were restored. In contrast, anti-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antibody could block the effect of APS on Tregs immune function. Conclusion APS might suppress CD4+CD25+Treg activity, at least in part, via binding TLR4 on Tregs and trigger a shift of Th2 to Th1 with activation of CD4+ T cells in burned mice with P. aeruginosa infection.
A framework for large scale use of scanner data in the Dutch CPI

Statistics Netherlands is planning to use scanner data on a large scale for the compilation of the CPI, covering supermarkets, department stores, do-it-yourself stores, etc. Ideally, to make the production process as efficient as possible, a limited number of fully or semi-automated methods would be used. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework supporting these plans. Our basic aggregation formula is what we refer to as a “quality-adjusted unit value index”, which is equal to the value index divided by a quantity index that is defined as the ratio of quality-adjusted or standardized quantities. Time dummy regression models play an important role in the estimation of the quality-adjustment (standardization) factors. There are two extreme cases. If information on all relevant item characteristics is available, then the use of time dummy hedonic models is preferred. When characteristics information is lacking, the use of time-product dummy (fixed effects) models is proposed. We also discuss a number of issues that need to be resolved before our ideas can be implemented in CPI production, such as the definition of homogeneity, treatment of revisions and choice of estimation window.
Taking Care in Academia: The Critical Thinker, Ethics and Cuts

This article raises philosophical and political questions we can ask about how we care for each other in a pernicious academic environment. The article draws upon a personal account of job loss in order to foreground a more theoretical and political discussion of care within an academic context. It is concerned also with ways in which Gender Studies in particular, and critical thinkers in the broader liberal arts context, are supported. Beyond relying on the assertion of market rationale, it may not always be clear how the axing of liberal arts programmes takes place in ethics-related ways. Thus the article addresses care parameters within which the critical practices of scholars takes place.
Education and Work

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the incentives to work and to invest in human capital through education in a lifecycle optimizing model. These incentives are shown to be mutually reinforcing in a simple stylized model. This theoretical prediction is investigated empirically using three large micro datasets covering a broad range of countries. As one might expect, education and work are strongly positively correlated. This correlation has important implications for models of fiscal policy and economic growth. It also has important implications for the estimation of labor supply and the rate of return to education.
A Review on Medical Image Registration as an Optimization Problem

Objective: In the course of clinical treatment, several medical media are required by a phy-sician in order to provide accurate and complete information about a patient. Medical image registra-tion techniques can provide a richer diagnosis and treatment information to doctors and to provide a comprehensive reference source for the researchers involved in image registration as an optimization problem. Methods: The essence of image registration is associating two or more different images spatial asso-ciation, and getting the translation of their spatial relationship. For medical image registration, its pro-cess is not absolute. Its core purpose is finding the conversion relationship between different images. Result: The major step of image registration includes the change of geometrical dimensions, and change of the image of the combination, image similarity measure, iterative optimization and interpo-lation process. Conclusion: The contribution of this review is sort of related image registration research methods, can provide a brief reference for researchers about image registration.
Hepatic arterial infusion in hepatocellular carcinoma: a single center experience.

AIM The aim of the present study was to evaluate a single center experience with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 20 patients treated for hepatocellular carcinoma between 1994 and 2007. RESULTS Most patients were treated with an HAI of doxorubicin and cisplatin combined with 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid. The response was not evaluable in the majority of patients, predominantly because of associated surgical procedure or because only one cycle of HAI was administered. The median progression-free survival was 7.7 months. The median survival of all patients was 12.2 months (5-year survival 5%). Serious adverse events were observed in 5 patients, and one patient died of liver failure in association with the administration of HAI. CONCLUSION The data show the limited efficacy of HAI in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.